Episode 61

The overall direction of the operation remained the same: use Kyle Mason. The only change was in the method—rather than disrupting the target’s relationship with him, they would now wait for their intimacy to ripen and then exploit the target’s vulnerability.

Breeder had seen through the fact that Raymond had failed to sow discord between Rosanna and Kyle—and that he hadn’t tried very hard, either. Breeder, more than anyone, would have known that Raymond was the type to question such methods.

“If we use him, things could get dangerous. It would be better to remove him first and use another plan.”

Breeder, seated on an unclaimed stone coffin as if it were a chair, brought a hip flask to his lips. Amber liquid dripped down his beard. He shook out the last few drops and tossed the flask aside. A dull thud echoed through the underground chamber.

“You’ve changed, Raymond. You used to be a warrior devoted solely to the mission, and now you voice opinions.”

“…My apologies.”

“I’m not scolding you. I’m just concerned. A weapon that thinks too much loses its edge. I don’t want the hunter I raised to be dethroned from the top.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Thought is poison. Raymond rebuilt the wall in his mind to keep the doubts from spilling out.

“The target’s man will stay where he is. If he vanishes suddenly, she’ll go berserk like a child whose toy was snatched away. You’ll just keep watch nearby. If danger arises, it still won’t be too late to extract him.”

“Understood.”

Noel, who had been glaring sideways, cut in.

“The failure of this operation has made the Senate more cautious. The next plan must proceed quietly.”

“I know.”

Just as tensions were about to rise, Nina blurted out, unable to hold back.

“This time, we have to capture her!”

“You’re just excited about experimenting.”

Raymond sighed lightly. Truth be told, Nina didn’t seem particularly interested in exterminating vampires. She was probably with the Order just to satisfy her research obsession.

“It’s not just for me, you know. I made an amazing discovery this time!”

Nina looked at Breeder with shining eyes. He gave a slight nod—that was his signal of approval.

“If you mix Lycan-β with several other materials and the spinal fluid of a high-ranking vampire, you get a new drug. It doesn’t make them go wild—it makes them kill themselves. We can wipe out the vampires completely! It’s the Holy Cross Order’s dream come true. Isn’t it amazing?”

“How did you…?”

“Remember the high-ranking vampire we killed after he outlived his usefulness? The one who treated me like livestock? I harvested research materials from him before he died. Used it all up developing this drug.”

“……”

“So make sure the operation succeeds, ‘brother’!”

“Don’t call me that.”

“We’re siblings in our undercover roles, aren’t we?”

Nina beamed innocently. Raymond averted his gaze from her smile and turned to Breeder.

“I’ll do as instructed. I’ll keep watch near the hospital and approach after he’s discharged. At least until we’ve established the full plan.”

“Noel will brief you on the detailed strategy.”

Raymond bowed to leave, but Breeder raised a hand as if to stop him.

“One last thing, just because I’m worried.”

“…Yes, sir.”

“Vampires are deceitful by nature. Worse than the loudmouths in the Assembly. I trust you, but when you get too close, they can ensnare you. A dhampir always wants to be acknowledged… and the target will use that to pretend she cares for you. Just to keep you underfoot and in her control.”

Breeder spoke as if he understood the confused identity of a half-blood, the loneliness of a man on the boundary. He had seen Raymond waver.

“I don’t crave recognition. And even if I did, your faith in me when you pulled me out of the gutter is more than enough.”

“That’s a good attitude. You may go.”

Breeder wore a satisfied smile. Raymond bowed once more and led Nina outside.

By the time he had dropped Nina off at her lodging and was heading toward Ruby’s, it was past midnight. It was one of those nights when he wanted to be alone, but he sensed someone following him. As if the presence wanted to be noticed, it was deliberately emanating energy.

Raymond turned around in front of the shop. There was a silhouette. With no light around, he focused his vision and saw a hat bearing the insignia of the Crow Unit. Unsure whether his observer realized they’d been discovered, Raymond decided to feign ignorance for now.

“What brings you here? I doubt you’re here for dessert at this hour.”

“……”

“You’re a dhampir, aren’t you? What business do you have?”

“Let’s just say I’m happy to see a fellow kind.”

“You don’t sound very friendly.”

The one with the androgynous voice pointed at Raymond.

“Did you know? The official who reported their investigation on you to the Senate has gone missing. That official was a spy. Probably found out by your side and disposed of by the Holy Cross Order.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I know what you are. That merchant cover story is a lie. You’ve left no trace of a real past. Judging by your accent, you’re from the Far East, aren’t you?”

Raymond immediately shifted into a combat stance.

“Judging by your reaction—you’re a hunter, huh? Trained since childhood?”

The tone was almost pitiful. Raymond clenched his teeth.

“I don’t need pity from someone who scavenges crumbs under a vampire who despises half-bloods.”

The other raised both hands, showing no intention of fighting.

“I’m being used, yes. But my true allegiance is to an organization made up solely of half-bloods. Neither vampires nor humans are truly on our side. We should band together.”

Raymond remained silent, unable to tell whether they were being truthful.

“You’re being used by the Holy Cross Order under the title of ‘hunter.’ Do you think a group that kills vampires would ever truly favor a dhampir? One day, you’ll be on the list too.”

“And so?”

“Join us. Continue working as a hunter and feed us the intel you gather for the benefit of dhampirs.”

“You want me to be a spy.”

“It’s called strategy—entering the enemy’s den to bring it down from the inside.”

Raymond didn’t lower his guard.

“Why should I trust you?”

“I’ll leak you some information. We’ll talk again then.”

With a powerful leap, the dhampir disappeared into the night. Raymond could have chased them, but he didn’t. It had been a long, troubling day. Instead, he went into the shop.

Meanwhile, the fleeing dhampir, constantly checking behind, stopped at a certain location—near Rosanna’s townhouse.

“I threw the bait, just as you ordered.”

“Well done.”

The one standing across from the dhampir was Rosanna’s butler.

“Lord Pepita, do you think this will work? He did seem caught off guard by the bluff, just as you predicted… but I’m not sure if he’ll become a spy.”

“He doesn’t seem fond of the Holy Cross Order’s ways. While watching over his mistress, he even appears concerned about the human man. Even if this Raymond doesn’t betray them, it’s fine. A mere crack in his trust toward the Order is enough.”

“I’ll keep observing his reactions.”

The Crow Unit dhampir gave a parting bow and vanished.

Pepita Elgon, hands clasped behind his back, turned toward where he needed to be. He wondered if perhaps, just perhaps, they had found the dagger to pierce the Holy Cross Order.

* * *

It was the day of discharge.

Kyle changed into the clothes Rosanna had brought him and stood in front of the mirror. The luxurious silk garments fit him perfectly, as though they had been tailored for his body. As he was just beginning to feel the reality of “These fine clothes are really mine,” a nurse entered to see him off.

“Mr. Patient. Are you all packed and ready to go?”

“Yes. Thank you for everything.”

The hospital room was empty except for the furniture. Just a while ago, a servant had come up and moved all of his belongings. He had told Kyle that a carriage was waiting below, and that he just needed to come down and get in. When Kyle, surprised, asked what carriage he was talking about, the man had simply said that the lady of the house was waiting for him at home.

‘That must mean Rosanna.’

Rosanna Enache. The only name that had come back to him in his regained memories.

“Now that I think of it, I don’t see the red-haired nurse. She was very kind to me.”

“Oh… she’s taking a few days off for personal reasons. I’ll let her know you were discharged safely.”

“I see.”

Kyle was escorted out of the hospital. Right at the entrance stood a carriage. The ride to the destination became a time of reflection. Trying to recover the past didn’t help much, but he tried anyway.

As luxurious residential houses passed by the window, the carriage came to a stop. Kyle hesitated, then opened the door. From the carriage parked by the roadside, he stepped down and saw a beautifully landscaped townhouse. Vines of blooming roses coiled around the iron railings of the stairs leading to the front door, creating a fairytale-like scene.

‘So this is home…’

Feeling slightly dazed, Kyle reached the front door and knocked. An elderly-looking butler answered and welcomed him.

“Welcome, Mr. Mason. We’ve been expecting you.”

The butler gave him a polite nod and immediately turned to lead the way. As Kyle followed him inside, a completely unfamiliar sight spread out before him. A spacious and pleasant interior, courteous servants, expensive-looking paintings and ornaments. He didn’t know where to rest his eyes, and then the butler stopped.

“Please go in. The mistress is waiting in the living room.”

As soon as he stepped in the direction the butler indicated, he saw a woman’s back. She was standing in the center of the living room. At the sound of his presence, she turned around.

“Kyle!”
Tl/N: “Dhampir” is a term commonly used in fantasy and vampire fiction to describe a being born from the union of a vampire and a human. They typically possess traits from both lineages—such as enhanced strength, agility, and senses like vampires, but without full weaknesses like sunlight or bloodlust. In many stories, dhampirs are caught between worlds and often face prejudice from both humans and vampires.