Blink.
A place shrouded in deep darkness came into view. It should have been a time when the sun was up and shining, yet there was no denying this place was anything but normal. Hans let out a deep sigh.
He never imagined that the vampires were active underground. Literally, they had created a space underground and were functioning there, creating their own sky and stars.
And the one who made all this possible was the Vampire Lord, Lucy. The more he looked, the less he understood. How did a race with such power end up as slaves to demons?
Hans couldn’t comprehend it with common sense. But thinking differently, it could be possible because the demons had managed to strike a deal with such a vampire lord. Surprisingly it might be doable.
“Has the wound improved a bit?”
“Vampire Lord.”
“Call me Lucy.”
“… Were we that close?”
Hans coldly retorted as he looked at Lucy, who was approaching quietly from behind. He knew it in his head, but still, he couldn’t believe that every human could live rationally.
“How disappointing. After all, I’m your benefactor.”
“Your tone has changed a bit.”
“When you regain leisure, you become like this. It’s the most comfortable way to be.”
“…….”
“Well, I imagine you have many questions. For now, let’s walk slowly and talk.”
Lucy walked ahead without waiting for a response. Hans felt dissatisfied, but there was nothing he could do, so he reluctantly followed her. A smile graced Lucy’s lips.
“What do you think about vampires?”
“Vampires. Bloodsuckers, parasites that drink human blood.”
“There’s a bone in your words.”
“That’s no surprise.”
“I understand. After being forced apart for three years.”
“…….”
“But please understand my situation. At that time, it was the best choice to save you and me.”
Hans let out a sigh as he finally relaxed his expression, unable to deny her appeal. She wasn’t wrong. He had to face three blood demons after all; what could he do?
“Was that demon Zaiha really that strong?”
“Hmm, last I checked, he was ranked second among the blood demons.”
“Ranked second… I see, that explains your reaction…”
Zaiha was the second-ranked blood demon. Hans gulped dryly. The Blood Demon he had fought before was only third-ranked, and even that was just a clone. He had nearly died.
If I hadn’t fought, I would have definitely been dead. And despite doing my best, what was left behind…? Hans suddenly held his throbbing head.
“By the way, what did you mean by your last words?”
“Could it be about correcting the twisted things?”
“Yes, that.”
“I’m referring to your twisted relationship with them.”
“A twisted relationship?”
“Of course.”
Hans silently raised his head. In this place, where only darkness persisted, the stars shone beautifully. But gazing at the light of those stars, Hans felt an inexplicable loneliness.
“They desire much from you. That longing has led them down the wrong path.”
“They desired many things?”
“Yes, to receive love. Some seek domination; others merely wish for you to be there forever. Isn’t that enough to be considered a lot?”
“…….”
“But perhaps because they’ve already lost so much? They have ultimately chosen the wrong path, disregarding your choice.”
Hans could say nothing because Lucy’s words were true. She didn’t defend them. Instead, she merely explained each foolish act they’d committed.
“Did you know? If you continue to move forward while twisted, in the end, only destruction remains.”
“……Destruction?”
“Yes. Currently, they are refraining, but as time passes, they will undoubtedly cross the line.”
“If they cross the line…”
“That’s something I cannot say. But if, in the meantime, you regain your understanding, what will happen then?”
Hans briefly shut his mouth and pondered. If more time passed, if they committed irreversible acts—what if he regained his understanding then?
Even now, he was so confused that he couldn’t act. Back then, it would certainly have been worse. Hans let out a deep sigh. Ironically, he couldn’t refute Lucy’s words…
“If that had happened, it would be irreparable. The balance would be shattered, and ultimately, the demons would swallow everything.”
“Is it really that serious?”
“Don’t deny it. If they were right in front of you, you would naturally be angry, wouldn’t you?”
“…….”
“Ah, of course. That’s not a bad thing. It’s only natural. Having your mind taken by others.”
There was power in Lucy’s words. Words that he couldn’t dare to deny. At the same time, she understood Hans. Dismissing words meant with good intention was a very difficult thing to do.
And right now, Hans’s mind was filled with confusion. Why did they commit such deeds? No, why did that child do that? Had the others sided with her?
The turmoil in his mind made it hard to reach a proper conclusion. Lucy merely looked at Hans with a blank expression. Hans opened his mouth.
“So, what are you?”
“What do you mean?”
“What are you to be correcting such twists?”
“You’re asking that now?”
While saying this, Lucy was slowly sorting out her own definition of existence in her mind. How should she explain this? Damn that dragon for making it a bother.
“If dragons are the loving sun that embraces everyone, the guardians of benevolence, then we vampires are the moonlight shining through the darkness.”
“What?”
“There are things you must calmly cut away to preserve balance. However, cutting those things away is a cruel and painful task.”
“So, the ones who kindly preserve balance are the dragons, while the ones who coldly cut away the excess are the vampires. Am I right?”
“Exactly.”
If dragons are the shield that protects and embraces all, then vampires are the cold blades that cut away the rotten flesh. Hans accepted it like that. He spoke.
“Then why did such guardians intervene?”
“Because we must correct the twisted causality.”
“So, what does that mean?”
“When you broke free from hypnosis, it was our duty to observe what choice you would make.”
Hans could utter no words in response to Lucy’s statement.
What choice would I make?
Should I hate and despise them?
Or should I simply forgive them?
I don’t know. At the very least, I didn’t want to think about it right now.
“You seem troubled. For now, just take it easy.”
Time is a splendid resting place.
Though it would be a punishment for them.
*
At Lionheart Fortress, where the members of the Royal Knights resided, the sound of loud cheers and training were no longer heard. Perhaps it was representative of their hearts? The sky was dark.
A thick black cloud even obstructed the sun, rendering the sky gloomier. Heliya, who had been standing blankly, turned her head. The teacher, who always stood firm like a giant tree, was nowhere to be found.
What had I been doing all this time? Heliya struggled to remember, but her empty mind could recall nothing.
“…It’s cold.”
Winter was approaching. Just like that day when she had lost everything. Heliya looked up. Sure enough, she could see snow gently falling from the sky.
The coldness enveloped her body. To find warmth, Heliya entered inside. The fairies who cleaned and maintained the Lionheart Fortress were nowhere to be seen. Where did everyone go?
She didn’t even have the luxury to think about such things. Heliya simply walked silently. Like a desert with no end in sight. The sound of wood crackling in the fire caught her attention.
“…Heliya?”
“Well, you came at a good time. Just trying to warm up here.”
“…Thanks.”
She saw people gathered around the fireplace set up in the dining hall of Lionheart Fortress. They had already brought out wood for the winter preparations. Heliya quietly sat beside them.
Surprisingly, no one spoke. They simply stared blankly into the rising flames. Now that she thought of it, someone had said that one needed firewood to prepare for winter.
Who was that again? She couldn’t remember now. Or more precisely… it was closer to not wanting to remember. Ruby, who had been silent for a moment, carefully opened her mouth.
“Let’s at least eat something.”
“Ruby, your tone is…”
“Sorry… I really… can’t bear it any longer.”
Ruby’s tone shattered like glass. Perhaps it was to hide her melancholic voice. Ruby quickly vanished into the kitchen. At that moment, Heliya noticed.
Unlike the cold air.
The tears streaming down her face were hot.
An unbearably cold winter had arrived.
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