Reincarnated As a Vampire [English Version]

Volume 2 Chapter 19

The Rise of the Arcrion Empire

After Ryugo’s death, his followers were gripped by fear.

Pale-faced and trembling, they all knelt before me, begging to be accepted as my subordinates.

I looked at them in silence. Without a leader, this kingdom would collapse. The poisonous dust that filled the skies and the relentless acid rain would not stop, and if left alone, everyone here would eventually perish.

It was better for me to take control.

“…Very well. I’ll lead this kingdom.”

Their faces lit up with hope.

Zera, a female demon with violet hair and small horns on her head, stepped forward and bowed deeply.

“Thank you, Avrora-sama. I’m Zera, speaking on behalf of all the demons here. We pledge our loyalty to you.”

The demon generals also bowed their heads in unison.

I nodded, offering a faint smile. “Raise your heads. I will save this kingdom… and rebuild it from the ground up.”

Cheers erupted all around us.

“Long live Avrora-sama!!”

I walked over to where Liza lay unconscious. As her eyes slowly opened and caught sight of me, they widened in disbelief.

“…Avrora?”

I turned my face away.

“There’s something I’ve wanted to ask,” she said quietly but firmly. “Why did you kill so many people? Why did you become like this, Avrora?”

I took a deep breath.

“…I’m sorry. I’m not asking for your forgiveness. I understand if you hate me. I accept that. But I had no choice. If I hadn’t done what I did… this war would’ve never ended. I just want peace.”

I met her gaze.

“You don’t know the truth of this world yet, Liza. We need to work together. The real enemy hasn’t even revealed itself. This world… is far bigger than we ever imagined.”

Alden stepped forward and spoke up.

“Zen and I realized it too... Our kingdom was wrong all along. The monsters we fought... they’re just like us. They have families, dreams... and fears.”

Zen added, “Avrora has already borne the weight of our hatred for too long. Maybe… it’s time we finally set things right.”

Liza looked at me, her eyes shimmering with tears.

“I suffered too, you know… I lost my brother in all of this… but even so, for some reason, I just can’t bring myself to hate you, Avrora.”

I gave her a gentle smile. “I’m glad to hear that… Liza.”

Without warning, Liza hugged me tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“You idiot… Yuu, you big idiot!”

I hugged her back, just as tightly.

“I’m sorry, Kaede… I’m sorry I killed your brother…”

And just like that… we were friends again.

Afterward, I turned to address everyone present.

“There’s something I need to do. I want to put an end to this dust storm and the acid rain.”

Rose looked up at me, puzzled.

“Avrora-sama… Is that even possible?”

I smiled quietly and floated up into the sky, rising above them all.