"A what!?" Questioned the still surprised Aqua.

When Kazuma appeared seemingly out of no where, all three girls lit up in both shock and relief.

"A blood double. Like a body double. I can only make one, and it can't really do much other than chill, but to be honest that's all I was gonna do anyways so…"

"That still doesn't change the fact that you're gonna be tried! You know how medieval justice works don't you? That rich guy you pissed off is gonna say one word and your case is moot!"

"Calm down won't ya? You didn't seem to care this much when you running your mouth about 'oh I could have stooooopped hiiiim'"

"I was just putting on an act! What did you want me to do? Go to jail with you? As if!"

"Tch, yeah I guess that is too much to expect. Too much for me to deal with too."

"What is that supposed to mean?!"

"Goodnight girls, I'll see ya in the morning."

"If you were actually in jail you'd be begging for me to join you!"

'Maybe that cell wasn't so bad after all'


Despite her directions, an order for some high quality meats made it to the mansion, ordered by Darkness for an unforgettable luncheon she planned in celebration of the destroyer battle.

While she went to work in the kitchen, Kazuma and Megumin sat across from one another, locked in a tense standoff, eyeing their game pieces carefully. Finally, Kazuma made a move.

"W-what!? You can't do that Kazuma! Rmmm, my plan is ruined. But what if."

The archwizard smiled in a delightfully devilish way as she moved one of her pieces into position, able to turn the tables thanks to her growing experience facing her crusader friend.

"Heeheehee." she giggled with glee when his face turned sour.

"And here I thought I'd have a fast game. Guess I'll have to miss my isometric exercise for the day."

"When do you ever exercise?"

"I know I know, was thinking of starting today. Care to join me?"

A smell coming in the direction of the kitchen made the two pairs of eyes widen in unison, agreeing without words to check it out. What awaited them was-

"Why is there smoke coming out of the cooking pot Darkness?"

"Huh!? Oh, my friends, this is not smoke at all you see! It is uhmmm, steam! You see we will be partaking in some steamed clams my father sent us. Such delicious steamed clams!"

'Why is she talking like that?'

"Just don't burn the mansion down alright? Just cause you might find it…hot, to burn alive, I know I sure as hell don't."

"Mmmph! Leave me to cook thank you!" Darkness cried out before kicking them out.

"She's probably gonna burn the mansion down."

"Yep."

"I don't really need that stress on me right now, wanna help me pick out a new set of clothes?"

"Tired of your uniform already?"

"It's nice, and it blocks out the sun well, but it's kinda bulky. Besides, I've been practicing hard on a new trick, check it out!"

Megumin waited patiently as he kept his eyes closed for a moment and breathed in, when he exhaled, a very thin glow, with the smallest hint of red appeared all over his body in an aura.

"So? Watcha think?"

"You can slightly change the color of the air around you?"

"No smart one, this is my new veil technique. Like an actual veil, it dampens the effect of the sun on my skin. As long as I take occasional breaks in the shade, I can be in direct sunlight for over an hour!"

"What happens if we have to cross a desert?"

"Hah! As if I'm ever going to willfully cross a desert, that sounds ass! Or ya know, there's night."


When noon passed, and the vampire-crimson demon pair finished their shopping, the disguised duo came back home to the smell of anything but seafood.

"I can't wait for this damn trial to be over so I don't have to sneak around town like a creep!"

"I don't see why you have to in the first place, it's not like anyone from the guild cares if you're wandering free."

"Yeah? And what if someone that doesn't like me see's me around town? I'd rather not deal with the headache."

"Lunch is almost readyyyy!" Called a voice from the kitchen.

"And there's my cue to get dressed. Oh I can't wait to try this stuff on!"

Shortly after retreating to his room, Aqua burst through the mansion doors, arms crossed and a scowl planted on her face.

"Lousy no good…"

"You ok?" Megumin asked.

"My go to wine seller won't sell to me for 'possibly being in league with a terrorist'! He has stuff the guild doesn't, so where am I supposed to get my top shelf drinks now!? I swear after this is all over I'm gonna rip him a new one!"

"Yo guys, how do I look?"

Aqua and Megumin traced their eyes over to Kazuma, who was all fitted out with his new getup. This one was far more light, similar to his original outfit but with key differences. A pair of long black boots and thick black pants for bottoms. And a black, long sleeve blouse with illustrious dark red designs, over which, was a pitch black collared cape, similar to Megumin's, that went down to his waist. The edges in the same dark red color as his shirt.

"The cape really seals the deal Drakuneet."

"Didn't I say to stop calling me that already!?"

"I think it looks pretty cool. Kind of similar to how guys in my village dress, all things considered. Although a lot more expensive looking that's for sure."

'A village of people who all dress in cloaks and stuff eh?'

"Alright everybody! I hope you're hungry for some delicious eggs I cooked up!" Darkness said, carrying onto the main table several plates of meals having to do with eggs.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"I-is everyone okay?"

"Uh, Darkness, these are all just eggs."

"Is that a problem?" She asked, nervously.

"I thought we were having steamed clams." Kazuma questioned with sincerity.

"You must be mistaken Kazuma, I said steamed…scrams. That is how I refer to scrambled eggs."

"Since when have you ever called scrambled eggs steamed scrams?"

"Just recently! It's a, dialect spoken by some at the guild!"

"Uh huh, who?"

"It must have been one of the guys I adventured with before."

"Really? Well I talk to Dust and Keith like all the time and they've never said the phrase steamed scrams before."

Aqua and Megumin stared at the back and forth conversation with judging faces. Every half assed excuse only solidified their glares.

"Not Dust and Keith no, I am sure it was someone else, you probably don't know them."

"I see…well what are we waiting for? Let's dig in!"

Deciding not to press the matter further, they all began to eat away at their meals, perhaps with a slight disappointment at the simplicity of the "unforgettable lunch" they were promised, but no one wanted to hurt Darkness' feelings if she actually cooked for them.

Halfway through, Kazuma picked up on something familiar.

"You know, these scrambled eggs kinda taste like the ones down at the guild. Remember when we used to eat breakfast there?"

"Impossible, this is a recipe passed down from my family."

"...for steamed scrams?"

"Yes."

Kazuma picked up some with his fork and showed the bottom to her, obviously browned from the heat of whatever receptacle it was cooked in.

"And you call it steamed scrams even though it's been pan fried?"

"I, uh…well one thing I should. Excuse me you three, I must attend to something."

Darkness very quickly backwards walked into the kitchen. When the doors opened, a glob of black smoke escaped. Kazuma got up and counted up to four seconds before Darkness came out coughing and wheezing.

"What the hell is going on in there?"

"Uh…a rare form of magic!?"

"Get the hell out of the way! Aquaaaa! Get your ass over here and help me put this damn fire out!"


"Alright guys. I'll be heading back to the jail I'm supposed to be at before anyone wakes up. Fingers crossed the interrogation goes smooth."

"You better get back in one piece."

"Yeah yeah, don't worry so much. And Darkness will you stop moping around? It's not like there's permanent damage or anything. I'll be back soon."

With the sun only an hour from rising, Kazuma made the long walk back to the old prison he was being held at. Looking at it again, it seemed like a rather pathetic place to be holding a powerful vampire. Then again, they actually thought garlic would do anything.

Taking the form of a group of bats, he slowly gathered himself as quiet as possible within the cell before fully taking shape. It was then that he ran into his first issue.

'Shit! I was still wearing my hunter garb when I first got here! I could go get it but ugh…I'll just wing it'

Laying down on the makeshift bedding, he did his best to get even an hour of sleep before he was rustled awake by the sound of the cell bars opening.

"Oy, vampire, get up."

Rising as ordered by the guard, he was led through the halls of the other cells. Each prisoner eyeing him carefully, and some with confusion, followed by the guard.

"Hey, you look different. What happened to your long coat?"

"Oh, that. I used some of my vampire magic to change my clothes."

"What unholy abilities! Well your days of causing minor spectacles with your demon powers are numbered, because there's no way you're getting past the interrogation. Now sit in the chair and wait."

With only a few minutes of sitting around, that same lady from before, dressed in all blue, sat across from him and carefully placed a strange bell on the table. Her harsh eyes never left his, it almost made him squirm, almost.

"I hope you realize what this does. It's a magical lie detector. If it detects even the smallest lie, it will go off. Now that you understand, I will ask a set of questions."

Remember, they have created an image of a heartless monster in their heads, use your subversive nature, and uninteresting past to destroy that image

"Now then, where are you from, and what did you do before becoming an adventurer?"

'Subversive. Aw man this is gonna be lame but…'

"I'm from Japan. And I uh, well I stayed home and played games all day." Kazuma attempted to keep a stoic voice as he answered, but with each word his obvious shame came out.

"I've never heard of a place called Japan before. Was it part of the eastern kingdoms before the invasion?"

"Invasion? And no, Japan is an island, trust me, I wouldn't be able to find it here even if I tried."

No ring.

"Hmm, why would a vampire become an adventurer?"

"I wasn't always a vampire! I got turned into one by some bum on the street!"

"Then why did you join the guild in the first place?"

Kazuma sighed. "I thought it would make me cool and that it would be an easy way to get female attention…"

"I see. Do you hate Lord Alderp?"

"Alright I'm starting to get a bit bored of this. Lord Alderp? I barely even know who that is! Sure. I'm a vampire, but guess what? I didn't have a choice. So now because of something I had no control over, all my accomplishments don't matter? Do you realize just how many quest I've completed for the guild? I'm not out to destroy Axel, or to hurt whatever noble families run it, or any of that! I just wanna live my luxurious life, and have some fun along the way!"

No bell.

Wait a minute, you do not even want to hunt down the new regime?

'I wouldn't say I particularly WANT to. Not when I'm stinking rich and have a good thing going on'

"I, I think I owe you an Apology Kazuma. Until now, all I heard were the reports of the 'attack' on the mansion, and the controversial nature of your…situation. I thought you were manipulating the towns people. I can see now that I'm wrong."

'I mean, if that were true, what would be stopping me from manipulating her right now?'

"She's acting kinda cute now though now that I think about it."

"...You think I'm, c-cute?"

'CRAP I SAID THAT OUT LOUD!'

"My name is Sena by the way."

'Is she blushing!? She has to be like twice my age! What the!?'

"Well, just two more questions and we'll be done here Kazuma. Are you involved with any of the regime's forces?"

"No, and can we talk about that for a moment? I've heard that name before, new regime. A while back, the devil king was officially dead right? So what's this new regime and why haven't I heard about it?"

Sena waited for the lack of the ring before answering. "The fact of the matter is that the information we have is lacking. The devil king was killed roughly four or five years ago. That power vacuum caused many to claim the title for themselves. Each one silenced not long after. The barrier to the castle itself was reported as standing, but aside from a supposed attack on the crimson demon village two years ago, we've seen virtually no activity."

"What about the former generals?"

"They all seem to work independently of this regime. So for now, it's waiting and watching."

"And what about the east, what did you say again?"

"The eastern invasion? You seriously never heard? As you should know, the kingdom of Belzerg covers the western portion of the continent. There were three other kingdoms to the east. All three destroyed in what? A few months at most? There was a massive surge in refugees. We were originally under the belief that this was the work of the devil king himself, although there are some theories that it was the work of something else entirely."

'What the hell? Heard about this?'

Yes, there were refugees that came to Frattitia as well. However I always assumed it was the devil king taking advantage of the lack of crimson demons out east

'Fra tit ia? What the hell is that?'

My kingdom you worm, do not mock its name

'You have a kingdom? Doesn't that mean I have a kingdom?'

I'll tell you more about it when I feel it is necessary to do so

"Alright Kazuma, last question and you're free to go. Are you a threat to the lives of the people in Axel?"

"Of course not."

"Ding!"

'...WHAT!?'

"Why you…"

You do not even realize it do you? You do feel that you are a threat to others. You fear losing control. You fear giving into the thirst

'Enough with the darth sidious bullshit!'


Kazuma was placed in silver hand cuffs and brought to some sort of outside courtroom, where, in the matter of only an hour or so, all of Kazuma's acquaintances from Axel gathered together in a large group. He wasn't necessarily afraid, as regardless of what happened he wasn't going to let himself actually die. However, if push comes to shove and he did have to get out of this situation by force, he would make an enemy out of the kingdom.

"You told me you would handle everything. If that's true then why are you having a trial?"

"Megumin it's fine, the worst possible outcome is living the life of a fugitive."

"I wouldn't call that fine. No matter, whatever the prosecutor tries to throw at us, I'll turn it all to dust!"

"That's right Kazuma, we won't let you down."

"If all else fails, you have an archpriest on your side! So they'll do whatever I say."

'Do whatever I say…'

I was beginning to think I would have to spell it out for you

'Are you talking about- ? No. Hell no! I don't think that's cool. I can't just, mess with their heads like that! From what I can tell, that ability would totally fry their brains after a while!'

"Hey, psst, Kazuma. Who's that guy staring at us?"

"Hell if I should know, but."

'There's something off about the way he feels isn't there?'

"That is Lord Alderp, the plaintiff."

"His smug face is already annoying me." Megumin caught a glimpse of his creepy grin, and returned a scowl of her own.

"You got that right, which is why we're definitely going to win this."

Kazuma took a few breaths, and from seemingly nowhere, pulled out an umbrella.

Some of the guards armed themselves and pointed their spear in his direction.

"The prisoner has a weapon!"

"More vampire demon powers!"

In reaction, the crowd bustled with noise as the girls hesitantly stood their ground near the accused.

"A weapon!? Does this thing look like a freaking weapon!? I can't be out here in the sun all day ya know!?"

'Thank god for my pocket dimension, my veil wasn't gonna protect me for much longer'

"Silence! The defendant will be allowed his umbrella in light of circumstance. Madam prosecutor, you may begin when ready."

"Endangering the life of a lord is a threat to the land, and its people. The accused, Kazuma Satou, has been charged with sedition. I call upon my first witness!"

To everyone's surprise, it was the well known thief, Chris, who made her way to the stand.

"Ah, sorry guys, you know how it is with subpoenas haha….."

"Now, Chris, is it true that Kazuma had used the steal technique to remove your underwear in public? Without your permission?"

'What? That was months ago! I stopped doing that crap already!'

"Well, yeah that happened. But I was teaching him how to use the skill in the first place."

"So by that logic, did he return them to you in a dignified manner?"

"ah..haha ..well about that-"

"No further questions!"

'Is this a real trial? What the hell does panty stealing have to do with a TERRORIST PLOT TO KILL A LORD!?'

"Second witness, I call Kyouya Mitsurugi!"

"Oh crap." Kazuma said under his breath. He just knew this was going to come back to bite him in the ass. He never made up with this jerk, and how could he?

The angry looks he was getting from the former town hero gave him all the info he needed on how this was going to go.

"Is it true that Kazuma stole, and sealed away your magic sword?"

"That's right. I called for an honorable duel for the lives of those three girls he obviously must have under his manipulation. And without so much as a warning, he used his demon magic to put me under."

"I see, thank you Mitsurugi, no further questions!"

See how this is beginning to go? The system is rigged against you

'So what? Even if we have to escape, it doesn't matter. We can find a place to live somewhere else'

And what do the girls think of that? What does Megumin think of that?

'What are you talking about?'

You might have come to terms with this, but what about them?

'They're loyal, they'd follow me wherever I go'

Because they care about you, but do you care about them? About how they feel? Do you honestly think stripping them of their current lives, their home and their reputation is worth it? All because you were too afraid to use the tools you were blessed with

'I…shut up. You're messing with my head, just shut up already'

How will they react, I wonder, when it sets in that they will never see their town friends again. That Darkness, a crusader so loving towards others, will be reduced to a criminal

'Shut up I said, I don't want to debate this!'

"So, when you made to retrieve Mitsurugi's magic sword, did he threaten to suck your blood in broad daylight?"

"That's right! He totally threatened us! He was probably gonna turn us into ghouls! He's a demon!"

"Yeah! He said that to him, all blood was the same, and that he had no problem sucking ours as much as a guys! What a weirdo!"

Suddenly a voice rang from within the crowd, already stirred up as these testimonies were brought to light.

"It's true! I was there! He brandished his fangs in a smile only a vampire could have! It made my skin crawl!"

"What a demon!"

"A deviant!"

"Kazutrash."

"Freak!"

"Hang the vampire!"

'...what?' He had no apparent emotion as he walked back to the stand. To Kazuma, it was as if time had slowed down, perhaps only for a moment, as he dealt with these new emotions he felt welling up inside.

'But I, I spent every day, for months and months on end doing everything I could for them' He envisioned the turbulent time after his defeat of Verdia. The town was beside itself with conflict, even if he did his best to ignore it. He spent hours of toil and work, to gain the trust of the town. Because of his obligations to Sanguine, he rose every morning for a new quest. He began to build a positive reputation. Or so he thought. With just a few angry words, and the mentality of a mob, it was as if his good will was ripped asunder, left as threads in the wind.

"I believe we have heard enough, the people call for an execution, so get on with it."

"Shut up."

In the midst of calling for an objection, Megumin nearly shuddered when Kazuma let out a very simple command. To the lord of all people. Just what is he thinking?

"I beg your pardon!? You have some mouth to be talking to me like that! Now hurry up with the hanging already!"

"No. We're not going to do that. In fact? Here's how we're going to run things."

Kazuma left the stand, and walked a bit too close to Sena for comfort. And yet the guards made no move.

"You, and judge over there are going to reveal to everyone how you've been lying this whole time."

"W-what? I-" Sena felt reality go numb for a moment. Her head went cloudy, and she began to act without thinking.

"On your knees. You too old man, don't make me wait."

To everyone, and especially lord Alderp's surprise, both the prosecutor, and the judge kneeled in his presence. Then in unison began spouting off some monologue about how they had set him up on Alderp's orders.

"Huh? It was a setup this whole time?"

"But what about the testimonies? Were they fake too?"

"Man you all had no faith, I never lost faith of the hero who destroyed the destroyer!"

Kazuma only felt this strange sensation burn stronger at their sudden changes to admiration. And turned to glare at them as a whole.

"Aw no, don't think you're getting away scott free. I save your town and this is the thanks I get? I wanna see some faces on the floor."

Aqua, Darkness, and Megumin gave each other concerned looks at what was going on. But neither one made to stop what began to transpire.

With only a second of silence, the entire crowd of those gathered to watch the trial, all fell onto their knees. Lord Alderp's face contorted to something horrified, before settling into a burning anger on Kazuma's smug smile. Replicating the way the lord had been staring at him prior.

Within the halls of his psyche, Kazuma heard a deep, victorious laugh.

'It's a thing of beauty, isn't it. The power you can wield over your once fellow man. You have done your blood proud'

Dominate mind. A nasty ability only the most gifted of vampire's ever hope to learn. The user imposes their unbridled will as a magical energy towards his targets. Piercing their skull and rewriting their brain waves for a short period of time to become as docile as a trained puppy. In essence, it was a way to create a temporary, less versatile thrall. The target's short term memories can be completely rewritten, however, the more the ability is used, the more the victim's mental health begins to erode. Truly, a power of those fit to be called demons.

Kazuma looked around at his handy work, and the smile never fell from his face. In his mind, at least for right now, he felt like he finally got some of the respect he needed. Until a soft hand nearly made him jump from his skin.

"Darkness? You scared the crap out of me, what do you want? Can't you see I'm-"

"That's enough Kazuma. I believe you have already won." She said with only a saddened look, not an ounce of anger or roughness. Just a genuine plea.

"I- I already won." He stated to himself. A glance one way, a glance the other. His pupils began to shake, followed by his hands.

"What, what did I do? Did I really just?" As the ability began to wear off, and everyone rose up as if nothing had happened, he could already see many in the crowd cradling their head, most of the normal villagers even bleeding from the nose. The judge banged his gavel, announcing his innocence with a smile. And the crowd, all looking at him with their newly gained blood shot eyes, cheered his name.

'I'm…I'm a monster'