Things about the female knight in black stockings

"That time we encountered a high-level mist demon with a human form, didn't we? At the time, neither Tia nor I could see through her disguise, and we thought she was really a fisher girl who had survived the disaster. It was Cao Cao who saw through her true form at a glance and reminded me in time, which prevented a disaster."

Otherwise, once that fog demon successfully infiltrates the capital, who knows what trouble it might cause... It could very well result in many casualties.

Not only that, I remember you also told us... most high-level fog demons in human form are very powerful, especially in water, where it almost always takes a Radiant-level expert to defeat them.

The three of us were all complete novices back then, yet we managed to defeat that high-level Mist Demon with a human form… The biggest credit clearly went to you, Cao Cao, for that sneak attack. Your Chiba family, as the strongest anti-demon ninja clan, must have quite a few weapons that Mist Demons fear, right?

"Indeed."

Thousand-Leaf Grass nodded, a hint of pride flashing across her little face:

"I know that you are incredibly strong now, and you are no match for ordinary Lighthouse-level opponents... Even if you are a Radiant-level opponent, you must have some trump cards to fight back, right?"

But when it comes to fighting the Mist Demon, I'm confident I can be even more effective than you, Big Sister! If I were to encounter that high-level humanoid Mist Demon from last year again, a sneak attack would be enough to kill her in one hit! I wouldn't give her a chance to struggle!"

"Yeah, Cao Cao, you're actually really good."

Valensa didn't tease Thousand-Leaf Grass. Instead, she tickled the soles of Thousand-Leaf Grass's feet until it made a gurgling sound, then continued with a smile:

"It's precisely because you're so amazing, Cao Cao, that the Fog Demons, who are lurking in America and plotting to cause trouble, see you as a thorn in their side and have devised this conspiracy to frame you."

Many books have recorded that many years ago, high-ranking humanoid fog demons disguised themselves as humans and infiltrated the cities of your Four Islands Alliance to cause chaos and destruction. Even your Demon Queen didn't have a good solution at first.

The situation only improved significantly with the emergence of the Demon Ninja profession… much like the fortified defenses of our northern border. Before those fortified defenses, we suffered greatly every autumn from the raids and plundering of wild beasts.

I've heard that high-ranking humanoid fog demons rarely infiltrate the Four Islands Alliance anymore... It seems that this type of fog demon is quite valuable among fog demons, and they're reluctant to give you anti-demon ninjas any more kills.

The specific reasons are still unclear, but judging from what the high-ranking humanoid mist demon we encountered last year said before it died, the mist demon seemed to be planning to stop its strong attack on the Four Islands Alliance, which was protected by anti-demon ninjas, and instead wanted to cause trouble on the mainland.

They would disguise themselves as shipwrecked fisherwomen to infiltrate the capital of Fran, and would most likely use a similar method to infiltrate America. However, America might not have the anti-demon ninja currently studying abroad who could see through their disguise at a glance.

"I see."

After thinking for a moment, Thousand-Leaf Grass said:

"So, my dear sister, you believe that a Mist Demon has already infiltrated America, risen to a considerable position, and is preparing to cause trouble soon, and that I might expose him beforehand?"

"This is the most reasonable speculation...assuming that you were indeed framed."

Valensa nodded and said:

"So our next plan is quite obvious... Cao Cao, think about it yourself, what activities have you been participating in these past few days that would make the Mist Demon see you as a thorn in his side?"

"I've been eating, drinking, and having fun at the princess's matchmaking dinner these past few days... Ah!"

Thousand-leaf grass suddenly realized:

"Big sister, are you saying... that mist demon who's planning to cause trouble might be posing as the princess's blind date, but it's not his turn yet?"

"That's it!"

Snapped.

Valensa snapped her fingers, put down her fishnet stockings that she had been playing with for half the day, and stood up from the chair with great enthusiasm:

"If we focus our investigation on the princess's unseen suitors, we're sure to get results. Unfortunately, the business alliance says they don't want to reveal the specific list of suitors in order to keep the princess in suspense."

If we forcefully ask the Business Alliance for it now, they will definitely give it to us, but there is also a high probability that we will alert the real culprit... At that time, whether it causes trouble in advance or hides completely, it will make this matter more troublesome.

So the first task now is to find a way to get my hands on the list of blind dates that the Merchant Alliance has arranged for Her Highness the Princess without alerting anyone!

Chapters 70-72: Bizarre Events within the Blood God Society

Just as Valensa and her companions were about to take action, there was a knock at the door. After receiving permission, a priestess from Arant entered the room.

"Here is your letter, Lady Valensa."

The priestess smiled kindly at Valensa, handed her an envelope, and pointed to the moonlight-colored arrow-shaped sealing wax on the envelope's seal:

"It's a letter from that esteemed person."

"Understood, thank you, my sister."

Valensa accepted the letter and, following the standard greetings exchanged among clergy of the Church of the Sun, expressed her gratitude to the priestess.

“It’s what I should do, my sister.”

The priestess smiled again in a friendly manner, greeted Tia and Chiba in turn, and then turned and left the room.

Valensa then opened the envelope and took out the letter to read it.

"Whose letter is this, dear sister? It feels so mysterious..."

Chiba was unaware of America's inner palace knights, [Moon Cluster], and curiously sidled up to Valensa for a peek.

The letter was short, and Valensa made no attempt to conceal it. Chiba Grass read it almost instantly, and couldn't help but gasp softly in surprise:

"The Blood God Society? That idiot who died last night was a member of the Blood God Society? This organization sounds like a cult... Could it be that the one targeting Cao Cao is a cult? Or is the Fog Demon behind this cult?"

"No, the name Blood God Society sounds intimidating, but they are actually a very bizarre and special cult."

Valensa smiled, briefly explained the Blood God Society to Thousand Leaf Grass, and then said:

"It's still unclear what the Blood God Society's connection is to this matter, but for the victim from last night, the Blood God Society should be a little-known source of connections. If he's up to something shady, the Blood God Society might have some clues... Hmm, the plan has changed."

"How to do it?"

"Thousand-leaf grass asked curiously."

"They should split up and act separately."

Tia immediately saw through Valensa's plan and smiled:

"She'll have me try to find out about the princess's matchmaking plans, while she herself will try her luck with the Blood God Society. As for you, Cao Cao... she'll probably have you put on a show."

"Tia, you really are amazing. You guessed everything. Hehe."

Valensa kissed Tia right in front of Chiba without a care, then added, despite Chiba's pouting expression:

"I've heard that quite a few of the young men from the America family who weren't chosen by Her Highness have gotten involved with the noble ladies in the delegation? Some of those noble ladies must have had a fairly good relationship with you, Tia, or their families must have had good ties, right?"

"Ah."

Tia chuckled and nodded:

"You want me to gather information through them?"

"Yes."

Valensa made no attempt to hide anything:

"Among the unsuccessful blind dates of Her Highness, some of them should know about the blind date plan. Let those noble ladies give it a try... Whether it's getting them drunk first and then seducing them, or pressing them at the last minute during a rendezvous, it doesn't matter... I don't care about their methods, I only care about the results."

"Okay, I can give it a try."

Tia nodded, then thought for a moment and said:

"However, those noble ladies aren't truly naive and innocent. On the contrary, most of them are socialites who use their bodies and beauty to secure their family's interests. Friendship alone won't motivate them to work hard. I'll definitely have to promise them some benefits after the deed is done, and perhaps some of them will require Her Majesty's favor..."

“As long as it’s within my authority, it’s fine to discuss, but we’ll have to wait until we get back to Fran… Although our church is very harmonious, America is ultimately not my territory,” Valensa said decisively.

“Okay, I understand. It’s settled then,” Tia agreed.

Valensa then looked at the thousand-leaf clover:

"Since the enemy is so wary of you, Cao Cao, as an excellent anti-demon ninja, as long as you are still by the princess's side, they may plan to bring forward or abandon the plan, which is not what we want to see."

So I need you to put on a good show and make people think you've left Arant, then sneak back in and go to the princess's side.

You can find the vice-captain of the Wave Knights named Lasha and tell her our guesses and analysis. After that, you can hide in the shadows and be on guard.

If any high-ranking mist demon disguised as a human approaches Her Highness, do not hesitate to expose its identity and join the Wave Knights to eliminate it!

"Understood, my dear sister! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"

Chiba nodded obediently, and then immediately set off separately with Tia.

Valensa quickly found the paladins of Arant Cathedral and asked them about the way to enter the local Blood God Society.

The Blood God Society can be considered bait used by the Church of the Sun. It has long been heavily infiltrated, and several of its core members are actually vampire paladins of the Church of the Sun in disguise.

Valensa easily found out how to infiltrate the Blood God Society, and who to contact to obtain information after infiltrating.

The paladins of Arant also gave Valensa a cult mark they had obtained during a previous campaign against a cult. The mark still retained considerable evil magical power and could be used to disguise herself as a cult member seeking cooperation with the Blood God Society. These paladins themselves had used a similar method to infiltrate the Blood God Society when gathering intelligence.

Valensa thanked the paladins of Arant but refused to accept the cult mark, claiming she had other ways to disguise herself.

Since many paladins and priests within the Church of the Sun have the blood of dark creatures, the paladins of Arant were not surprised at all, and even expressed their gratitude to Valensa... saying that such cult marks are becoming increasingly rare, and it would be best to leave them for those who need them more.

After leaving the cathedral in Arante, Valensa did not go directly to the Blood God Society's stronghold, but instead went to a shopping mall that mainly sold high-end clothing.

She bought a dark gothic-style black lace dress, put it on, paired it with a purple parasol, and even got a pair of red contact lenses that looked a bit like the Sharingan.

The moment the transformation was complete, Valensa instantly transformed from a noble and upright paladin into a seductive and dark creature who hunts humans with sweet traps at night.

After looking in the mirror again and confirming that she couldn't see any obvious flaws, Valensa left the mall and went to the Blood God Society's stronghold in Arant.

This is a café that only opens at night. It looks very proper, like the British style from Valensa's previous life.

Valensa ignored the "Closed" sign on the cafe's door and kept knocking until a very sleepy female voice came from behind it:

"Who is it? Can't you see this store is closed right now?"

Despite complaining about the lack of business, the owner of the voice didn't wait for Valensa's reply before rushing over and opening the door.

Behind the door was a very cute girl, or rather, a loli.

She looks to be only fourteen or fifteen years old, but the fact that she can run the coffee shop by herself means that she is already an adult.

She was wearing a cute blue and white cafe employee uniform, with black and white striped over-the-knee socks and round-toed leather shoes.

“…Who are you?”

Upon discovering a beautiful but unfamiliar woman standing outside the door, the girl hesitated for a moment. Instead of closing the door immediately, she put one hand on her hip, made a scissor-like gesture with the other in front of her eyes, and said in a very childish tone:

"Sorry, beautiful lady... This shop only serves those who are favored by the night. For someone like you who walks in the sunlight, you can go to another shop 130 meters to the west. Their iced coffee is quite good."

"hehe."

Valensa chuckled softly, gently turning the parasol in her hand, her eyes meeting the girl's through her contact lenses that resembled the Mangekyou Sharingan:

"Darker than dusk, redder than blood. The world says I have fallen into depravity, but I laugh at their ignorance... I am the one who cares for the night, here to listen, here to call out."

"……Why?"

The girl in the coffee shop was dumbfounded, seemingly not expecting that this seemingly beautiful and noble older sister was even more abnormal than her.

So the girl lowered the peace sign from beside her eyes, put both hands on her hips, and even puffed out her almost flat chest:

"You say it's you, so you're right? Where's the proof?"

"...Look at me, and you'll understand."

Valensa still stared into the girl's eyes with an air of both childish eccentricity and profound mystery.

"Fine, I'll watch then, who's afraid of you... Hey?"

The girl puffed out her cheeks and stared back, but suddenly her eyes widened, her body trembled, and one knee buckled involuntarily, causing her to kneel down and gasp for breath.

【Evil Eye. Intimidation】

To prove she wasn't a good person, Valensa chose to scare the girl a little and deliberately revealed some of her evil aura.

Of course, unlike the time when she scared Yashiro to death on the ship, Valensa is now able to control the power of her eye technique. This time she only used a small amount of effort, so even an ordinary person should only be slightly frightened and not suffer any harm.

But after the girl knelt down, her breathing became more and more rapid, which worried Valensa. In the end, she couldn't help but reach out a hand to help the girl up.

Unexpectedly, Valensa had only stretched out halfway when the girl raised her head on her own. Her face was flushed and her eyes were watery and very hazy. Her heavy breathing did not look like she was frightened at all.

"So you really are a noble of the night!"

The girl quickly ushered Valensa into the café and closed the door behind her. Then, she excitedly knelt down at Valensa's feet, seemingly wanting to kiss Valensa's boots.

Valensa quickly used her folded parasol to shield the girl, then used the tip of the parasol to lift the girl's chin, making her raise her face.

"What do you mean by this? And why do you judge me to be a true noble of the night?"

"Of course it's the aura you just released at me!"

The girl's face was filled with infatuation; as she answered, she knelt on the ground and gently rubbed her legs.

"That domineering aura of treating humans as mere food is something only true Dark Nobles possess, something those weak and kind fake vampires from the Church of the Sun can't compare to... Hehehe, it's so great that I'm on duty outside today, I never expected to encounter a true Dark Noble!"

The girl seemed quite confident in her judgment; after failing to kiss Valensa's boots, she unhesitatingly unbuttoned her blue and white uniform and pulled down the collar.