The Great Vampire General is a Girl! - Chapter 101

Raphael tried to digest the information he just received. More than half of their meeting in General Alexei’s office was about criticism and disappointment. They say Raphael too side with his wife. They doubted that his decision was too easily influenced by Valerie.

Raphael felt he had to be more careful in the future. He turned out not to be professional enough. He had to remember that outside of his marriage, Valerie was his colleague. In the military or the business and government industries — usually couples didn’t work in the same unit.

Florentia’s military made an exception for knights who had blood partners. They could take care of each other and have a blood supply to heal wounds faster and increase strength. However, it was only useful on the front lines of warfare. It was a bond that shouldn’t actually be done. Unless they faced incredibly strong enemies.

Had Raphael not been Valerie’s blood partner, he might have agreed to abolish that rule. But, right now he already had Valerie. His promise to Duke Dubois also often weighed on his mind. Was Valerie strong and independent enough to escape his control?

“Sir Raphael?”

Lady Katrina called out to him. Raphael was once again lost in his own thoughts. He immediately straightened his back and resumed listening.

“I’m sorry, I’ve only been in command for two years, I won’t question the generals’ decision. But, regarding me being General Alexei’s deputy, is that—”

“We discussed this long before you were here. Since you won Ithadurna, your name has been on the list of candidates for the new lieutenant general. That’s why for the past few months there has been a special team that monitors and assesses you. You passed, with just a few notes. You’re almost perfect, apart from how easily you get distracted and turn into a civilian when it comes to your wife,” Alexei continued.

“Well, about that,”

“It’s okay, you just got married. It’s natural for someone to be attracted to their partner when they’re newlywed. It will decrease the longer you are married and eventually you will get your logic back,” replied Alexei.

Raphael smiled awkwardly. He was not convinced by the claim. Because the longer he knew Valerie, the more he thought about her. He is often restless, misses her and gets emotional easily if there was any problem regarding her. Was he really such an idiot lately? He realized that he had even matched his schedule with Valerie.

Was Raphael too much? He had thought it was because he wanted to take care of Valerie, as well as about his promise to Duke Dubois. But, did he really not need to do that? What if it turns out to be all just an excuse to make sure Valerie stays by his side?

Raphael lowered his head. He felt his chest being squeezed by something unseen. It was warm and painful at the same time. He was happy and scared at the same time. He felt cursed as well as getting a blessing. This was bewildering, but, although it was too late, the man realized it. And Raphael accepted it. A little strange, because Raphael only realized his own feelings after being criticized by General Alexei.

“Then does that mean I won’t be leading the jaguar team anymore?”

“Team jaguar will not be disbanded, a new commander will replace you. You will work as my representative to manage tens of thousands of knights in the Ground Troop and Cavalry divisions. We have a new problem now. Even though it’s a truce period, it turns out that we still have to face the Shadows. Avalon calls them Shadows type C and they insist that they are not Avalon’s orders. You and your troops have faced them. We need your experience and prepare them to face those creatures,” said Alexei again.

Raphael pondered. The ground and cavalry divisions were indeed the divisions with the most knights. In addition to acting during war, they were also tasked with guarding human cities and villages. They made sure the civilian vampires of Avalon didn’t hunt in their territory and quelled the rebellion that ensued. They also maintain the security of each state. It was not an easy thing. Even for Raphael.

“I’m ready to get to work, sir,” Raphael nodded and stood up. He then bowed to the generals and gave a respectful gesture. The generals did the same and shook hands with him. Perhaps officially, Raphael’s new position and rank will be announced at the inauguration. Usually new knights would be inducted at the main headquarters once every three months.

***

Raphael has started to pack his things. As a commander whose missions were mostly on the front lines of battle— he didn’t stay behind his desk long enough to deal with paperwork.

His room at Florentia headquarters was hardly ever renovated. White interiors and stilted décor was everywhere the eye looks. Not much stuff or documents there— Apart from some change of clothes and shoes that he prepared as a spare but never wore. There were also some paperweights and pens. He will be actively assisting General Alexei next week. He said Raphael had to move his things to a new room within that time.

Raphael seemed to be able to move in less than a day since he didn’t have much stuff. Being the deputy head of the Division meant he would be more serious and less likely to go to the field. He had to use his brain more than his sword. Raphael looked at his Demetria sword which was now in the form of a small dagger. Last time, he used it to kill a giant snake monster.

He certainly hopes the world will continue to be peaceful. However, there was another side of him who also likes challenges and adventures. Raphael shrugged his shoulders and sighed.

“Raph?” Valerie called after knocking on the door. She opened the door even though she wasn’t allowed in yet.

“First Sergeant Chastain, didn’t anyone teach you to wait for someone to answer before being allowed into the room?” Raphael said a little sternly to her. He propped his hands on the table and intertwined his fingers to show his seriousness.

Valerie was confused at first, but soon came to her senses. It was still working hours and they were at headquarters.

“I’m sorry sir! I just wanted to ask you to drink blood together,” Valerie straightened her back and saluted him.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m friends with several human knights, they are willing to be donors and a female knight also said yes if you want to drink blood from her,” said Valerie a little doubtfully.

“Lady Chastain, I appreciate your hospitality. However, I will drink the donor blood that has been provided in the general’s special lounge. I can’t drink with you,” Raphael shook his head.

“Wait, what do you mean drinking with the general?” Valerie widened her eyes excitedly.

“I was promoted to lieutenant general today, and will begin to adapt to my new rank,” Raphael said flatly.

“Oh my gosh!” Valerie covered her mouth with sparkling eyes. She tiptoed slightly trying to dampen her enthusiasm.

“Can I hug you?” Valerie begged. She wanted to celebrate.

“No, it’s still working time,” Raphael refused and went back to packing his things.

Valerie slightly bent her mouth and swallowed her disappointment. Become a lieutenant general? He was only twenty-six years old! Raphael was probably one of the youngest lieutenant generals that the Florentian military has. He did have extraordinary achievements and never disappoints in any of his missions.

“Would you like to move it to your new room?”

“Yes,”

“Can I help you?”

“I guess that’s fine,” Raphael nodded while still busy tidying up the pile of documents that weren’t really that important. It was either a manual or a catalog of weapons he had never used.

Raphael glanced at Valerie who was humming while folding the scattered papers. She tied her hair like a ponytail and exposed her long neck. Raphael noticed that the kiss marks were still visible on the nape of her neck. The watchful eye will notice it immediately. Raphael must remember to avoid that place if he wants to give her a bite when they make love next time.

“Oh damn!” Raphael hit the table and ruffled his hair in annoyance. Then he put his face on the table face down.

How could he be so weak? Just thinking about it, Raphael even considered kissing her and laying her on his desk right now. No wonder the generals said that Valerie was his weakness.

“Sir, is there a problem?” Valerie looked worried.

“You’re my problem now, Val,” he said weakly.

“Excuse me! I didn’t do anything, sir!” Valerie looked offended.

“That’s wrong, Valerie Chastain. You’re driving me insane,” Raphael said weakly, still hiding his face on the table.

“Why?” Valerie was astonished and waited for an answer.

“Leave my room, Val, I’ll take care of the rest alone. You go with your friends, drink some blood or whatever,” Raphael ordered.

“Oh, okay, sir. I just wanted to help you,” Valerie looked disappointed. She put the folded paper down on the table before slowly walking towards the door.

Raphael was now convinced that what he felt for Valerie wasn’t just a physical attraction. Nor is it because he had demonic DNA in his body that makes him thirsty for women. He liked Valerie, it was a romantic feeling he thought he would never experience.. The problem was, the feeling didn’t seem to be going away any time soon.