This always troupe of high ranked thugs thinking Rank is unilaterally an equal measure of ones strength. You would think it would be understood that there can be talent in the lower ranks that have just not had enough time or opportunity to yet raise their rank to better reflect their ability.
I like that this story is not just a bunch of unrelated subplots, but a chronicle of a kingdom's struggle against vampires.
@Doomer - when your friend is the king, you have to obey his laws.
Besides, while vampires can't be safely contained, humans can. So they can be killed by king's daughters to get a few levels, or utilized in some other manner.
And most importantly, these guys can be tortured to find out where they got the cursed ham from, and whom they planned to give it to.
@siiddheshwgh - the glasses girl wasn't introduced before.
She is an alchemist vampires kidnapped to make them stuff, and she is here to stay.