But how did a vampire manage to get to such a high position?
Did he only get turned into a vampire later?
Either way, it was pretty damn impressive.
"I looked into you two while you were in here. Amon Everness and Clentine Noir, is it?"
Clentine and I exchanged a glance, then nodded.
"We are."
Is he interested in our bounties?
"I see... If that’s all, then you may leave. Knowing your identities is enough to be considered extra paynt."
With that, he moved aside and gestured toward the exit.
But for so reason, knowing all that, I beca interested in his past.
Was there a world where soone like this becos my ally?
Almost like Clentine perfectly understood my intentions, she spoke up.
"Obel, how do you feel about demons?"
"Hmm? I love demons. My wife’s a demon."
"..."
Welp.
"You love all demons? Even the ones that ravage and do obscene things to humans?" Clentine pushed.
Obel didn’t show much of a reaction.
"Who do you think started this whole war between demons and humans? It was the humans. And now, just because you humans see so much bloodshed, doesn’t an you haven’t done the sa to demons in the past."
He turned his head.
"I understand where you’re coming from and what you’re trying to get from . I’m not interested in joining you two in whatever journey you’ve started."
Although the way he said it was brutal, it was definitely the truth.
And honestly? I didn’t expect it to work.
He was a Sun Vampire.
A being tied to the demons and the rest of the Demonic Races.
Heck, his life’s already sweet since he’s on the winning side. Of course he has no reason to move out.
But the world will change soon.
Therefore...
"I hope we can have another chat after the descent of the demons."
He paused for a mont.
Then, without saying a word, he pointed toward the exit.
Neither Clentine nor I stuck around as both of us finally left. As we stared at the giant mountain range, we ultimately flew away into the distance.
We were pretty close to Rain’s city.
But I wasn’t really interested in visiting him, especially since not that much ti had passed since we separated.
Instead...
"It’s ti, isn’t it?"
Clentine’s body stiffened.
"It is... Do you know where they live?"
"Of course I do."
The Vermillions.
It’s about ti Clentine fulfilled Cassie’s final wish of delivering their bodies back to their family.
They were on the southern side of the Western continent.
So since our journey would take around a day, we began flying imdiately.
As I stared at the rising sun from atop a giant cliff, I couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy.
Below , there was a vast estate spanning several dozen kiloters. There were so many training grounds that I couldn’t even count them all.
And obviously, this was none other than the Vermillion estate.
In the very front of the estate was Clentine, who slowly walked toward the main door.
...I insisted on coming along with Clentine.
But she told that she’ll handle it, and that Cassie’s request was very dear to her.
So I respected it and just watched it all from a distance.
***
[Clentine’s POV]
When was the last ti I felt so nervous?
All I have to do is walk up there, give their bodies back, and leave.
...That’s all.
Yet, as I began walking up the staircase leading to the big front door, I abruptly stopped.
Just then, I felt a blade resting on my neck.
And as I turned to my side, I saw a young boy who looked just like Cassie. Even his soul was just as pure as hers.
His black hair was innocently curled up, and even if I didn’t know much about swordsmanship, I knew his stance sucked.
Even so, I swallowed the hesitation down and spoke softly.
"Hello. I’ve co here to deliver..."
No...
That’s not what I wanted to say.
"I have a few items that I..."
Not that either.
I practiced this.
In the mirror and even while flying here with Amon.
But now that I actually had to talk to soone... my mind went blank.
"I don’t know what you’re trying to say, lady. But if you don’t want to get in trouble, get away from the main entrance. Only we of the Vermillion blood can walk this path."
"Haha..."
"I’m sorry."
I stepped back and smiled.
The boy finally lowered his rapier and sighed.
"I’ve never seen you before. You ntioned delivery? Did my parents order sothing?"
Ah.
"Where are your parents?"
"Out back. Grilling so food, I bet. They sent to get so lettuce, since I was being naughty."
I let out a giggle.
"I see. It sounds like you have loving parents."
The boy nodded confidently.
"Heh. No need to flatter , lady. I’ve already forgiven you. If you have a delivery, give it to . I’ll pass it over to my parents. If not, then leave."
I felt like my heart was squeezed for a mont.
But talking with the boy who reminded of Cassie... I felt like I had enough courage now.
So without another ounce of hesitation, I entered my dinsional ring and carefully took out three wooden coffins, then placed them down in front of the boy.
It looked like he didn’t know what he was staring at.
But after just a few seconds, realization kicked in as he abruptly raised his rapier and pointed it at .
"Y-You... Why are you bringing corpses here?"
"..."
"I didn’t kill them."
I lowered my head slightly.
"It was Kai... an Angel. He turned them into demons. H-He turned them into grotesque monsters..."
I felt like my vision was turning blurry. Without aning to, tears began streaming down my cheeks, and despite how hard I tried, I couldn’t keep them from falling.
"Cassie... She was my friend. The others too. I would never hurt them, nor would Amon... unless he had to."
Hatred flashed in my eyes.
And once again, with my sheer presence, I accidentally scared off the boy, causing his hand, which held the rapier, to falter. It didn’t take long for his knees to give out as he soon fell onto his butt.
Even so, I slowly approached the boy and then entered my dinsional ring before pulling out six rapiers, which belonged to the three Vermillions.
Every single one of the rapiers had their nas etched into the handles.
I...
Why is this world so cruel?
Will this tragedy ever end?
...Can Amon and I really save this world?
"L-Lady... Are you Evangeline?"
...What?
"Yes? My nickna is Evangeline. My real na is Clentine."
The boy stood up and wobbled toward .
And to my genuine surprise, the boy suddenly hugged .
"S-Sister Cassie has a habit of sending us secret letters every week. She told us about you and Mikael. She also told us about your plan."
He looked up at .
But now, hatred flashed in his eyes, and for once, it wasn’t directed at .
"The Holy Order is responsible. They’re mingling with the demons, and..."
A single tear fell from his eyes.
"Sister Cassie said if things go south, her friend Evangeline will deliver her body back to us."
He backed off, then bowed deeply.
"Thank you..."
I was left speechless at the sight.
No amount of practicing in front of the mirror could’ve prepared for this, so now, I just stood there like a puppet.
All the while, the boy finally straightened his back and placed his trembling hands on the three coffins.
"Evangeline... or Clentine. I’ll tell mother and father about this, so you should leave. We Vermillions support you, but the Holy Order is too powerful. We must show hate toward you on the outside, and if anyone sees you here, we’d be screwed."
Hearing that, I took a few steps back, still unable to utter a word.
Finally, I focused on the silvery energy in my heart and covered my whole body before abruptly phasing through the earth.
For a mont, I just sat there underground, staring at the boy who began dragging the coffins one by one through the main entrance.
And once the last coffin was inside, more tears began to fall as I turned away and headed back toward the cliff where Amon sat.
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