She covered her eyes with her forearm. She knew nothing about this Igor, and Penemue's suggestion meant he wasn't entirely under Grigori's control. His independence and rarity meant many things relied on his mood. If she couldn't win him over, her father would. If that ever happened, freedom would be forever out of reach.
"Come on, Valerie..."
She whispered as she sat up. She could only rely on her body to sway that trainer to her side. As long as he made her strong, she was willing to give up anything.
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|DxD|- Chapter 129- A Power Play
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Vampires considered themselves a race of nobility. Their eternal life cultivated them into true aristocrats who had no unmet needs. Shamefully, such privilege extended only to their kind. For humans, life was very poor in comparison.
Igor sat on the roof of the tallest building in the palace. The Tepes Palace was worthy of the majesty of a king. Every brick and tile was worth their weight in gold. Each shrub was carefully trimmed and cared for, and ornamental windows spiralled with carved patterns.
The city did not fall far behind. Mansions and modest homes were beautifully cared for. Roads were clean, neat, well-maintained, and infrastructure was perfect. Far across the horizon, he saw majestic noble homes with carefully tended fields on plentiful land.
The appearance was beautiful, and that was where it ended.
The city was nothing more than a cesspit of filth and decay. Vampires were proud of calling it theirs, knowing full well it was built on the backs of human slaves.
He saw far too many humans in rags over the past hour. Some were naked and sweeping the streets. They were not people. They were livestock who worked in their youth and slaughtered in their old age.
It wasn't oppression to the vampires. It was natural order in place. They were far below on the hierarchy at the level of beasts. Their sentience meant they were easier to train. It did not mean a chance at communication.
Igor wished to say he was numb to such sights. Just as humans kept oxen to work the fields, so too did vampires keep humans to work their lands. It was normal as it was logical. He understood, but couldn't accept it. He was human too.
Igor swept his eyes across the city and saw a father with his son. They were in the backyard of a family home tending to dark red flowers. The man was in his twenties, yet looked twice as old. Grey hair had sprouted in patches, and Igor knew the grim truth. In a decade at best, that man will be slaughtered. His blood will feed the vampires, and his soul will feed the barrier.
Igor didn't divert his eyes. The battle within himself was crushed beneath the heel of truth. The vampires weren't unique. It was normal for many long-lived races to view humans as nothing more than talking cattle. Intelligence meant nothing in a world where power mattered.
"Not even fit to be slaves…"
He muttered tiredly. He retrieved a pale mask from the time chamber and put it on. He learned enough about the vampires to know that even with his status as Baraquiel's disciple, he wouldn't be afforded the appropriate respect, not unless he showed some power.
He vanished, and the vast horizon was replaced by long double doors made of thick, dark oak. Igor ascended the stairs and met two guards who stood by the door with spears in hand. A fallen angel was next to them and smiled happily when she saw Igor.
"You must be the doctor. We've been waiting for you."
Igor eyed the guards as they warily lowered their spears. Perhaps they never thought a human could appear so silently.
"Yes. Please take me to see the king."
"Yes, yes. Please come. His Majesty has been informed of your impending arrival and is waiting for you in the courtroom with many other nobles. If you could follow me."
[Ah. A power play.]
Igor nodded and followed after her. Her words were both a warning and a reminder for him to be cautious and prepared.
"Thank you."
He whispered once they walked past the guards. She turned with the same happy smile of a youthful flower.
"Anytime."
She whispered back coyly and led the way. The interior was lavishly decorated with red carpets and royal banners hanging from the ceiling. Portrait paintings hung on the walls, and some were framed by crowns of flowers.
Even without her words, he'd long since sensed the vampires. Most were weak. Some were decent. It wouldn't be surprising if some hid their power or had special means. That was fine. He wasn't here to kill them. But he wouldn't play their games.
"The courtroom's just up ahead. Do you want me to accompany you?"
Igor paused for a moment as he considered his words.
"It might turn violent."
The woman's eyes lit up like christmas lights.
"Let me rephrase. I'll be accompanying you."
Igor smiled beneath his mask. He walked ahead without providing an answer, and she stayed true to her words. She fell in behind him, and he felt her energy prime her body in preparation. He didn't know where she got the nerve. She was low-class at best and was about to walk into a room of High-Class beings.
[I hope my hand won't be forced.]
Chapter 129
END