Read Online The Amphisbaena by Gakuto Mikumo - Free Book Online

nodes… Or rather, her very spiritual being… Rather fascinating, isn’t it?”
    “Oh, it’s you, Dimitrie Vattler…”
    The bearer of the voice poked his head in from the corridor as Natsuki shot him a glare, an open scowl on her face.
    “What’s a bat like you from outside doing here?”
    “You’re so cold. And after your country went through all the trouble of asking me to pay you a visit…”
    The aristocrat from the Warlord’s Empire that Natsuki had called an outsider smiled cheerfully in the face of Natsuki’s hate-filled stare.
    But he was a noble, an Old Guard vampire of the First Primogenitor’s line possessing vast destructive power.
    He’d been granted his own autonomous territory within the Warlord’s Empire with vast military might. And currently, he was ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Itogami Island.
    “Well, that’s very big of you, you snake charmer. When did you get used to being the pet of the Lion King Agency’s vixen?”
    Natsuki spoke in a taunting tone. Yaze clutched his head at the threatening atmosphere both were giving off.
    “I’ll let that pass without comment. Diplomatic secrecy, you see.”
    “A diplomatic secret of the Warlord’s Empire? So your Primogenitor cooked this incident up? Now that’s interesting.”
    “I wonder. It could be completely unrelated to
him
.”
    “What…?” Natsuki was in shock for a while at Vattler’s half-joking remark. Yaze watched Natsuki’s agitated reaction with a dubious look on his face. Apparently he hadn’t been told the details that would have given Vattler’s declaration meaning to him.
    Natsuki glared at Vattler, a thin haze of bloodlust rising from her doll-like visage.
    “‘Snake charmer…’ What do you know?”
    “Do you recall hearing the name
Ragnvald
, Witch of the Void?”
    “…An armored airship belonging to Aldegia in Northern Europe. The flagship of the Knights of the Blessed Ring.”
    “This isn’t public knowledge yet, but last night it vanished without a trace. It last transmitted its location some one hundred and sixty kilometers west of Itogami Island.”
    Natsuki’s expression turned grave at Vattler’s report, which seemed unrelated to him at first glance.
    “So you’re saying this incident is related to the Aldegian royal family?”
    “Well, there’s no actual proof. Don’t you think the timing’s a little too convenient, though? Well, either way, I’m going to just stand back and watch this time. Don’t worry, I’m not inclined to lift a finger.”
    “That’s quite a bold statement coming from a combat maniac like you.” Natsuki glared at Vattler, her eyes showing no hint of trust whatsoever.
    To an unaging, undying, long-lived, and very bored Old Guard vampire, fighting a powerful enemy was the best way to kill time and give meaning to one’s life. Surely Vattler couldn’t ask for a better playmate than an unknown monster capable of flying at supersonic speeds and wrecking buildings left and right.
    But the aristocrat from the Warlord’s Empire curled up the edges of his lips in a pleasant smile.
    “
They
are not your enemies. It might be unexpectedly interesting to simply let them be and watch.”
    “…And you expect me to believe one word you say?”
    “It’s friendly advice. Whether you heed it or not is up to you.” Vattler recited in an indifferent tone. Then, as if suddenly remembering something…
    “This isn’t to get payback for that information, but I have a request to make of you.”
    “I’ll hear you out at least. What is it?” Natsuki asked bluntly. For a single instant, Vattler’s blue eyes were dyed red in genuine bloodlust.
    This was no doubt meant for Natsuki’s benefit. Even the stout building that was Keystone Gate creaked from the surge of thick magical energy he gave off.
    “Do not involve the Fourth Primogenitor in this.”
    “…Kojou Akatsuki? Why?”
    Natsuki raised her eyebrows at the unexpected request. Vattler slumped his