Reincarnated As a Vampire [English Version]

Volume 4 Chapter 9

The Blaze Beneath the Overcast Sky

Today, I returned to my own world—a land I had left behind for a month and a half.
My goal was simple: to fetch Rose.

The moment my feet touched the courtyard of the castle, the place burst into noise.

“Master! Welcome back!” Cleve greeted me with a broad smile.

“Avrora-sama!” the servants and soldiers cried out, their faces beaming with joy.

Azazil stepped forward, brows raised. “Where is Prince Leon, Avrora-sama?”

I let out a light sigh. “Leon stayed behind. There are still many matters he must take care of.”

“I see…” Azazil murmured, as though swallowing words he wished to speak.

My eyes turned to Rose, who stood among the servants, her gaze curious. “Rose, come with me. There’s something I need you to do there.”

Her eyes widened, and a radiant smile bloomed on her face. “Yes, Avrora-sama!”

That smile—brimming with hope and excitement—was exactly what I had expected.

But Cleve did not share her joy. He frowned deeply. “Master! Why only Rose? I want to go too! Please, take me with you!”

I scratched my cheek, forcing a small, awkward smile. “Ah… well, you see, I need Rose to cook for the people there. Meanwhile, this kingdom still needs a strong guardian like you. If an attack happens, I want you at the front line.”

Cleve was silent for a moment, then nodded reluctantly, still looking displeased. “Understood, Master…”

Unable to hold back, Rose teased, “What’s wrong, Cleve? Jealous that Avrora-sama chose me instead of you?”

A vein pulsed on Cleve’s temple. “Why, you…!”

I shot Rose a glare sharp enough to cut. “Rose. If you say one more word, I won’t take you.”

Her smile vanished instantly. Her body stiffened, and a bead of cold sweat ran down her cheek. “F-Forgive me, Avrora-sama!”

I snorted, turning away. “Good. Then let’s go.”

---

We stepped through the portal and emerged once more in the world of Angelise. I introduced Rose to everyone there, and she was greeted with warm smiles all around.

That night, we all shared a meal together. Rose had cooked over a dozen dishes—the table overflowing with fragrant aromas that made anyone’s stomach growl. The townsfolk’s faces shone with joy; it felt like a festival.

The next day, I ordered the people to leave their hiding places and begin rebuilding the long-ruined Demon Castle. With my power, the broken stones rose into the air, assembling themselves piece by piece. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the castle once again stood tall and proud, and the hearts of the people swelled with renewed spirit.

The days passed quickly. But word of the Demon Castle’s revival spread—not only among the people, but also to the Empire.

---

Inside the Empire’s war chamber, pale-faced nobles stared at the war map with unease. They knew that if we rose again, a new war was inevitable. Orders were given: Lazarus would lead the army to destroy us.

What they didn’t know… was that I had been waiting for this.

Training began at once. The people—once mere farmers and merchants—now gripped weapons in their hands. The fire in their eyes blazed; they were ready to die for their homeland.

---

The day of the assault.

The morning air was heavy with tension. At the border, our troops stood in neat formation. Leon and I stood at the front lines.

“Onii-sama,” I said quietly, “just as planned—when the Empire begins their attack, I’ll head straight to their capital. There’s a dark aura there that intrigues me. With your strength now, you can face Lazarus.”

Leon’s gaze was steady. “Leave it to me.”

The distant sound of galloping hooves grew louder, rumbling through the ground.

“They’re coming,” I muttered. “I’ll go ahead, Onii-sama.”

A portal opened, and my body vanished into it, leaving the battlefield behind.

---

“Forward, all troops!” Leon commanded.

“Hooooo!!!” roared the demon soldiers as they clashed with the enemy.

Rose cut down foes without hesitation, her eyes blazing like a wild beast. Zion and Gafriel tore through the enemy ranks, crimson spraying through the air.

Suddenly, four knights clad in white armor appeared—and in their midst, a man in shining gold.

Zion called out, “Leon-sama! The one in gold… that’s Lazarus!”

Leon nodded. “He’s mine. The rest are yours.”

He lunged forward. Swords clashed, the ringing of steel echoing.

“Who are you?” Lazarus asked, narrowing his eyes.

“I am Leon. And I will defeat you, Lazarus!”

Lazarus smirked. “Tch… I’ll crush that confidence of yours.”

Leon drew a massive sword from a portal—a sight that made Lazarus falter for a brief second. Blow after blow shook the ground beneath them.

A golden aura flared around Lazarus, while crimson energy and black lightning surged from Leon. When Leon’s blade struck the ground, the earth split apart—making Lazarus realize that one clean hit could kill him.

Their movements grew faster, like flickers of light and shadow.

---

Meanwhile, I hovered over the Empire’s capital.

“Ai-chan, do you feel it?” I asked.

“Fufufu… I do. The source of the dark energy is beneath that large building in the center.”

“In that case… let’s destroy it.”

A deafening explosion ripped through the city, smoke billowing into the sky. Panic spread among soldiers and citizens alike.

I descended, my scythe glinting in my hand. One swing, and fresh blood stained its blade. I licked it slowly.

“Monster…” a soldier whispered before collapsing, lifeless.

---

Back at the border, a soldier shouted, “Our capital is under attack!”

Lazarus’s eyes widened. He tried to retreat with his troops, but Leon blocked his path.

“You’re not going anywhere!”

Irritated and cornered, Lazarus unleashed his full power. The light around him burned the air.

“Prepare yourself, Leon… this time, I’ll end you!”

To be continued…