Reincarnated As a Vampire [English Version]

Volume 4 Chapter 8

The Lost Footsteps of the Demon King

After turning the barren deserts of the Farka Kingdom into fertile green lands, my name suddenly echoed throughout the realm. The people began calling me the “Goddess of Fertility.”
…Seriously? That title doesn’t sound cool at all.

“Onii-sama, hurry! We can’t just stand around here forever!” I called out, tugging on Leon’s sleeve.

Leon gave a faint smile. “Very well, Avrora. Let’s go.”

We left the Farka Kingdom and once again sailed through the currents between worlds. Our next destination: the world of Angelise.

When we arrived, a peaceful atmosphere wrapped around us. The sky was clear, villages were thriving… and there was no sign of darkness anywhere.
I narrowed my eyes. Strange. Why couldn’t I sense the Demon King’s presence at all?

“What’s wrong, Avrora?” Leon asked.

“I can’t feel the Demon King’s aura here. It’s as if… there was never one to begin with.”

Leon gave a slow nod. “So, this world doesn’t have a Demon King?”

Suddenly, an image flashed through my mind. “Wait… to the west, I see the ruins of a castle. Its shape… it looks exactly like the Demon King’s Castle.”

“Then let’s check it out!”

“…Fine.”

Using a portal, we transported directly to the location. The moment my feet touched the ground, a damp, heavy air greeted me.

I gazed at the ruins. “There’s no mistake. This really is the Demon King’s Castle.”

Leon scanned the area, his brows furrowed. “What happened here?”

“There’s only one possibility,” I replied coldly. “The Demon King of this world has been defeated.”

Suddenly, I sensed someone’s presence. “You there—come out.”

From the shadows emerged a black-haired woman wielding two daggers, curved horns adorning her head. An Ogre, I thought.

“Who are you? What business do you have in these ruins?” Her voice was sharp, yet cautious.

Leon answered, “We’re simply looking for the Demon King. But it seems… he’s no longer here.”

The woman snorted. “Then leave. There’s nothing for you here.”

I stepped forward, locking eyes with her. “Wait. Can we talk for a moment?”

Her gaze tightened. This aura… so terrifying, she thought.

“W-what do you want to ask?”

“Why did the Demon King disappear? Tell me everything.”

She drew in a deep breath before speaking.

“Two hundred years ago, we went to war with the Western Empire. Their hero, Lazarus—a holy knight blessed with a long life by the Gods—defeated our Demon King, Lord Lucius. This castle was destroyed, but our people managed to escape underground. For two years we lived in hiding, starving, and hunted. If we were found… we’d be slaughtered.”

Hearing that, a slow heat of anger stirred in my chest. “Then take me to your hiding place.”

“No! Who are you really? I’m not going to—”

“We are of the Vampire race,” I cut in.

Her eyes widened. “Vampires…? But I thought your kind went extinct hundreds of years ago?”

“So now you believe me?”

She hesitated, then gave a reluctant nod. “…Fine. Follow me.”

---

The underground tunnels were cramped and dim, the air thick with dampness and hunger. Children of various races crouched weakly, their eyes dull and lifeless.

A small child tugged at my sleeve. “Onee-chan… I’m hungry…”

The Ogre woman—who I now knew was named Zion—quickly took the child away.

I turned to Leon. “Onii-sama… I can’t let this go.”

Leon stayed silent for a moment before giving a faint smile. “You’ve always been like that, Avrora. No matter who it is, you want to help them.”

Zion then led us to a large, pink-skinned man with thick horns.

“Lord Gafriel, these are Avrora and Leon. They… are Vampires.”

Gafriel’s sharp gaze swept over us. “Vampires? What’s your purpose here?”

Leon replied directly, “At first, we came to find the Demon King. But if he’s gone, then we’ll help you instead.”

Gafriel let out a heavy sigh. “Lord Lucius is dead. Without him, we can’t possibly stand against the Empire.”

I met his gaze. “Are you truly certain he’s dead?”

“…What do you mean?”

“When we arrived, I didn’t sense his presence. But there’s a faint trace of dark energy in the Empire—strong, yet sealed away by something. It might… be Lucius.”

Gafriel’s eyes widened. “If that’s true…”

Leon leaned forward. “So? Will you work with us?”

Finally, Gafriel nodded. “Very well. From this moment, we’re on the same side.”

Leon immediately began forming a plan. “First, we’ll feed the people. Then, we rebuild the castle.”

“And if the Empire attacks?” Gafriel asked.

I smirked. “Leave that to me.”

The sound of my quiet laughter made Gafriel shiver.

---

A few hours later, I returned from the hunt carrying fresh meat and fruit. Cheers erupted in the underground chamber.

“Lady Avrora, you’re amazing!” Zion praised.

“By the way, Zion… can you cook?”

She shook her head quickly. “No, and… only five of Lord Lucius’s subordinates remain. None of them are skilled cooks.”

I sighed deeply. Looks like… I’ll have to summon Rose. Though once she’s here, she’ll cling to me nonstop.

To be continued…