#Episode 89
“So what I’m saying is, for a moderate vampire like you, catching up to that lunatic is impossible. Setting an unattainable goal will only make you suffer. That’s why I said it.”
Todd kept adding to his words, unsure if it was an excuse or not. The longer he spoke, the quieter his voice became, almost to a whisper. It was because he felt embarrassed.
‘Damn it, how much more do I have to spell it out?’
The idea of kindly explaining his intent to a vampire was something the old Todd wouldn’t have even considered.
If she misunderstood, he would have just let her. If that upset the vampire, he would have found it amusing.
‘But seeing her so dejected is just pathetic… Still, since I went this far, she should feel better now, right?’
Since Todd had made an effort to consider Vasha’s feelings, he secretly hoped Vasha would appreciate his sincerity. Sneaking a glance at Vasha, he was surprised to see her expression had become even more somber than before.
Despite his efforts, Vasha still looked as downcast as a pickle soaked in vinegar. Irritated, Todd suddenly snapped.
“What the hell? Why are you still sulking? Are you really that upset just because you can’t beat Menorah?”
“It’s not just that…”
“Compared to making Van Drake your familiar, this is nothing!”
Todd had just finished explaining how terrifying Strigon were, yet now he was annoyed that Vasha seemed intimidated by them.
“Don’t tell me you doubt how strong I’ll become? Once I pass my fifteenth birthday and reach adulthood, Strigon will be—”
“Of course I know! I know you’ll become strong. But…”
She had seen Todd as an adult in her dream, tearing apart vampires with his own hands. There was no way she could be unaware of his potential.
Moreover, Hudel, a homunculus created by Van Drake, had already defeated two other Menorah. Since Todd was a direct descendant of Van Drake, it was only natural that he could do the same.
‘Of course, it was strange that Hudel, who had just turned fifteen, managed to defeat a Menorah when Van Drakes had struggled against them for centuries… but still.’
One thing was certain: when a Van Drake faced off against a Menorah, they were not easily overpowered.
So, Vasha’s concern was about something else entirely.
“If you run into a Menorah before you’re fully grown… that would be a problem.”
Vasha was quite confident in her ability to escape. Menorah, after all, wouldn’t pay much attention to a low-ranking vampire like her. She could always run away if necessary.
But Todd was a different story.
“You said Strigon have exceptional magical abilities. That means he’d quickly see through any disguise. If Strigon realizes you’re a Van Drake…”
He would do everything in his power to kill him.
Just thinking about that possibility made Vasha feel suffocated. With a shadowed expression, she let out a sigh and muttered,
“I was just wondering how I’d escape with you… and the thought alone is overwhelming.”
After saying that, Vasha cautiously glanced at Todd.
Normally, Todd would have been furious at the mere idea of running from a vampire, taking it as an insult.
But contrary to Vasha’s expectations, Todd remained silent, blinking slowly as if he had lost his words.
In fact, he truly was at a loss.
He had assumed Vasha was simply afraid of Strigon. It never occurred to him that Vasha was actually worried about him.
‘A weak, low-ranking vampire… talking about running away with me? Unlike familiars who die the moment their contractor is killed, a contractor doesn’t die when their familiar does. She could just run away alone, so why—’
A whirlwind of words swirled in Todd’s mind, but they all melted away like sugar dissolving in water.
He didn’t know what to say. A tingling sensation spread through his fingers like fire, unsettling him.
Startled by the unfamiliar emotion, Todd clenched his hands tightly. Instead of confronting his own discomfort, he masked it with an abrupt, gruff remark.
“W-What a useless thing to worry about!”
He turned his head away sharply, trying to act unaffected. But the redness creeping up his ears and neck completely betrayed him.
Unaware of how obvious he was being, Todd continued to snap at Vasha, forcing himself to sound cold and rational.
“You think Strigon just appear that easily? The last sighting of one was three hundred years ago. He has been silent ever since.”
Even as he spoke, his heart pounded wildly. For some reason, being in front of Vasha made him want to run away.
At that moment, a servant’s urgent voice came from outside.
“Young master, time’s up! You must depart now.”
Clearly hesitant to disturb Todd, the servant had waited until the last possible moment before speaking up. But now, the tone was urgent, as if delaying any longer would be disastrous.
Todd saw the perfect opportunity to leave and quickly rushed out of the room. However, even as he did, he made sure to leave Vasha with one last remark.
“If you’re going to worry, save it for our next chess game when I get back! This time, you’re definitely going to lose to me!”
Though his face was flushed red, Todd kept up his act, pretending to be completely unfazed. His bravado was so intense it almost seemed desperate.
Vasha found the situation strangely amusing. Without realizing it, a smile formed on her lips. The mountain of worries she had been carrying just moments ago seemed to melt away.
“…Alright.”
Todd, caught off guard by Vasha’s direct smile, momentarily froze. As he stared in a daze, he stumbled backward and lost his footing.
“Ah—!”
“Todd, are you okay?”
Vasha, startled, instinctively moved toward him.
“Damn it!”
Just before falling, Todd managed to regain his balance, cursing at himself for his clumsiness.
‘Get a grip, Todd! That woman is at least a few decades older than you…! Damn it. Even for a moment, getting distracted by that lanky vampire and making a fool of myself—what a disgrace to Van Drakes!’
Todd’s ears burned with embarrassment. The thought of Vasha possibly laughing at his ridiculous display made his stomach churn.
Unable to face Vasha’s reaction, Todd bolted out of the room as if fleeing for his life.
Vasha, completely unaware of Todd’s internal turmoil, simply worried that he might trip again. She called out toward Todd’s retreating figure.
“Come back safely!”
She wanted to follow, but the sun had not yet set. Unable to step outside, she could only watch from the room.
For a moment, there was no reply. Just as Vasha started to wonder if Todd had ignored her out of irritation, a faint voice echoed from the end of the hallway.
“…Alright!”
By then, Todd had already reached the far end of the corridor, and soon after, the sound of his hurried footsteps faded away.
Vasha shook her head with a small chuckle before turning toward the window. The sunlight streaming in was as bothersome as ever.
Hiding in the shadow behind the curtain, Vasha peered outside.
Down below, Todd had reached the first floor, where he was being assisted by Oliver as he boarded the carriage alongside Laurus.
“I hope nothing happens…”
Clicking her tongue, Vasha let out a sigh. It felt as if she had just sent a child off near a dangerous riverbank.
Just when Vasha thought her worries had subsided, the moment Todd left the room, they came rushing back like an unstoppable wave, as if a dam had broken.
As if mocking Vasha’s unsettled heart, the carriage departed precisely on time. The long shadow it cast on the road remained like a gravestone, further amplifying her sense of foreboding.
‘Still… I have one last trick up my sleeve.’
Vasha tried to reassure herself.
No matter how uneasy she felt, there was nothing she could do. The carriage was already gone, and if she wanted to obtain what she needed from the auction, turning it back was not an option.
And so, Vasha stood by the window, as if nailed to the spot, gazing toward the distant auction house until night fell.
***
“Brother, the Holy Nation keeps urging for your return. With the Lantern Festival approaching, things are already chaotic, and the bishop is growing more and more frustrated with the constant pressure from them. When do you plan to depart?”
A young deacon from the Noctiluca Diocese cautiously inquired as he entered the room where Bernardo and Matteus were staying. His face bore the exhaustion of someone who had been enduring relentless demands from the bishop.
