บท 29: 31st Of Black Sun (2)
"S-sakker… this is the place, right?"
Joshua, the young guard, as per their master's specific orders, to the West of Wilsden and stopped in front of the mentioned spot. However, upon seeing what awaited them, the two young men were surprised and confused.
Sakker looked around but there were only them in this ghastly place. Instead of answering his friend, he put down the clean letter on the ground and shrugged his shoulders.
"Whatever this is, it does not concern us. Come, let's leave this place and never ever talk about this."
"A-are you sure?"
Joshua nervously looked at the letter, not sure if this was the right course of action. However, he soon remembered Leonis' strict voice and how he repeatedly warned them to keep this a secret till their dying day.
Once their simple task was completed, the young guards left the area and returned to the town just as the sun was setting…
****
Like all the rest of Wilsden's aristocracy, Arthur was invited to the party. He was in the midst of picking the fanciest outfit while Evelyn, the only servant left in his estate, was standing by the door.
After rummaging through his closet, which was filled with all kinds of expensive clothes, Arthur picked an elegant and simple attire composed of a dark red leather jacket that matched his hair, black shirt and pants, and a pair of deep brown boots.
"Do you remember, Evelyn?"
As he was checking his appearance in the mirror, Arthur broke the silence and asked the quiet maid.
Evelyn furrowed her brows, clearly confused by his words, so he added,
"It wasn't long ago, actually. I told you that you were my first friend… it was the truth. Alas, you bluntly rejected my proposal. Do you remember what I said after?"
"That you'll be giving me only one more chance?"
"Indeed."
Once he properly fixed the jacket and brushed his relatively long hair, Arthur walked toward the maid. He stopped right in front of her while giving her a meaningful and unreadable gaze.
"We stand at a crossroads. What will your decision be? A friend… or a stranger?"
"I am Master's maid, now and forever."
"A maid can also be a friend."
"..."
"Thus do I get rejected for a second time. So be it."
He chuckled and was about to walk away but was only afforded a couple of steps before she spoke again,
"If it means I can stand by your side then… I will become your friend."
"That is not how it works, my dear Evenlyn. Still, for now, it's better than nothing. Come, the party is about to begin…"
*****
"The Holy Knight has been led outside of the town."
Feylord, out of habit, tapped his index on the table while looking at the silver-haired demon. She was calmly sitting near the chimney and dazedly staring at the fire.
"Did you hear me? I fulfilled my end of the bargain. It's time for you to complete yours!"
"I heard you, no need to shout."
She glared at him and harrumphed, her eyes momentarily glowing as they basked in the moonlight piercing through the half-open windows.
"The timing could not be worse, honestly!"
The young blonde-haired noble clenched his fists and grunted in annoyance.
"Nevertheless, I'd rather place my bets on the safest option. The governance will eventually fall to me."
He jumped to his feet and approached the window, only smiling when he saw an inconspicuous carriage parked behind the manor.
"I'm leaving now." He threw a hand-sized pouch filled with Gold at the Demon before continuing,
"100 Blakin Golds. Let it not be said that Feylord Lernon is a liar. I pray we do not meet again, Lucy."
"You had better hope not. Your kind disgusts me."
"Hah! You accept my help then you say that? How hypocritical!"
Once she checked the Gold, the Demon Lady left the room as silently as she had entered. However, with her task not yet done, she did not escape but hid in a corner prepared by Feylord.
Before he left his home, Feylord headed to the basement for a final meeting with his sister. He stopped in front of the iron bars and looked at the chained Julie, who was trembling from the cold.
Her eyes were starting to glow crimson due to the rising full moon.
"My dear sister, it's truly a shame that your end will be as such."
Upon hearing his voice, Julie slowly raised her head and gave him a dangerous look, one which he didn't mind. He smirked and continued,
"Our father adamantly refuses to listen to reason and I'd rather not be here when the end is so close. I pity you… I truly do. But I would not risk my own skin to save you, even if you're my sister. I hope that you die painlessly. Farewell…"
Not even five minutes later, Feylord was inside the carriage and already making his way out of Wilden. He was directly heading to the capital, where- as James had said- people will be welcoming him with open arms.
As he looked at the disappearing town of Wilden, shining brightly amidst the Greenbell Forest, Feylord quietly mumbled,
"If only your wisdom matched your age, O'father. May you rot in the deepest of Hells."
****
"There's literally nothing. Nothing here."
Rein Goldstar looked at the unresponsive artifact in his hand and frowned. The information he was given by the son of the Baron turned out to be false. Nevertheless, he kept following the awfully conspicuous trail which led him farther and farther away from Wilsden.
Only when the sun had set down and the moon shone brilliantly did he give up.
"Could it have been a lie all along?"
The Holy Knight sighed and put down the artifact, his eyes traveling across a large crystalline lake South-East of Wilsden. The trail stopped here and he couldn't sense any ominous demonic energy.
"I better head back to town…"
*****
"It's quite lively."
Arthur was welcomed and escorted to the main hall by one of the butlers. Unlike Lord Lerandal's celebratory party, this one was much more grandiose. Almost all the nobles of Wilden were present, be they old or young.
Instead of going around and chatting with the guests, Arthur walked to the wide table filled with food and sat down. Evelyn remained by his side, still wondering what was going to happen.
"Is there a reason you chose to come to this party too, Master?"
Leonis Sanguis - or rather- Arthur, did not deign to respond. He looked at the table and frowning, the thoughts of filling his empty stomach vanished instantly upon seeing the silver plates, forks, and knives. In the end, he drank some water and looked at the joyful nobles.
Many were trying to curry favor with Inspector James of Donkrig, the main spotlight of this event and a highly-esteemed guest of the Baron.
"Master, it's creepy to stare at people so intensely."
Evelyn quickly noticed that he was silently looking at the chatting nobles with a huge grin on his face.
Even after hearing her remark, Arthur did not respond. He enjoyed the atmosphere and patiently waited as the nobles were getting more active and rejuvenating their throats with the finest wine of the town.
There were some that preferred to remain sober, therefore staying away from the wine or any other kind of alcohol. Nevertheless, the number of people who fell into the trap were within Arthur's expectations.
"Evelyn, as a capable maid, could you tour the garden and make sure there are no assassins and whatnot?"
His sudden order surprised the maid. She was suspicious of his motives but did not refuse.
Once he made sure the maid was gone, Arthur stood up and was about to leave the main hall only to be interrupted.
"Lord Sanguis."
Unexpectedly, Inspector James went out of his way to greet him, though he still had that solemn expression.
"Inspector. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Really? You definitely were not amongst the noble who came to greet me."
"I came to the party with an empty stomach, you see. Now, I need to relieve myself, if you don't mind."
"..."
Arthur hastily left the hall, leaving James utterly speechless.
Unlike the rest of the main hall, the rest of the manor was barely attended by any servants. However, the black-armored knights that accompanied the Inspector could be seen wandering the corridors.
Arthur first visited the luxurious bathroom and looked out of the window, right at the shining full moon.
"It shouldn't be long now."
He stood there, his gaze jumping from the star-filled night sky to the pocket watch. The silence, however, was soon broken as he heard rapid footsteps and the annoyed grumbling of Xander Lernon.
A bit surprised, Arthur soundlessly opened the door and looked at the hallway only to see the Baron gesturing to one of his butlers and questioning him about what had happened.
"We can't have her make a ruckus now of all times!"
"My lord, I…"
The butler was restless as he avoided his master's furious eyes and slowed his steps. The two were slowly getting farther away from Arthur, but just as they made a turn, a soft cry echoed throughout the hallway.
Arthur followed the source of the cry but he did not make the turn. Instead, he peeked his head and saw an unexpected sight.
The butler was nowhere to be seen; There were only Baron Lernon and the Demon Lady.
"W-what are yo-"
The poor man could not even finish his sentence as Lucy pointed her finger at him and fired a small ball of fire that pierced his head and killed him on the spot.
"My my… what a pleasant surprise."
Arthur was planning for the Baron to die by the end of the night, but to have him die so soon and not by his hand, it was truly a much-welcomed outcome.
Arthur did not confront the demon nor did he make a sound, he just returned to the bathroom and pondered for a bit. He soon heard loud and fearful cries originate from the main hall.
The Black Knights serving the Inspector had also heard Xander's cry and soon found his dead body laying on the ground. Although they have yet to spot the perpetrator, they gave chase and started checking every room.
Arthur's daydreaming was interrupted again when the bathroom's door opened and the demon entered. She was startled to see another person inside, but before she could attack, the footsteps of the Black Knights got closer.
"You have a knack for choosing inopportune times for our meeting, Demon Lady."
Leonis Sanguis grinned at Lucy, but he did not cry outloud to inform the Black Knight. He crossed his arms and waited for whatever she was going to do.
As the knights were getting closer, Lucy hastily entered one of the 'private toilets' and hid inside just as the door burst open.
The first thing the Black Knights saw was Leonis Sanguis, leaning next to the window.
"M-my lord."
"It's quite rude to enter like this. What has happened?"
"My lord! The Baron has been assassinated. Have you se-"
"Oh, that's a shocker! I think I heard someone running toward that direction."
"T-thank you, my lord!"
The Black Knight, with Arthur's help, followed the direction he had pointed at without wasting any time. Perhaps because he was a noble, they did not think he would lie, but that only worked in his favor.
Right after they left, as fast as they appeared, Lucy came out and looked at him.
"You're not going to kill me after I helped you, right?"
"..."
"Still, I think you owe me one. Till we meet again, Demon Lady."
Before she could say anything, he passed by her while cackling loudly, though his laugh was drowned by the cries and growls coming from the main hall. All hell broke loose as the majority of the nobles transformed into bloodthirsty beasts and lunged at their family and friends.
Even though the Baron's Knights and guard, as well as the Black Knights, the place soon turned into a literal blood bath.
People were killing each other, servants were fearfully scurrying away, and whoever was lucky not to transform desperately fled from the main hall…
****
"Argh!! Ahhhhh!"
The chains holding down Julie were doing a good job at restraining her. She was slowly transforming but due to the havoc wreaking within the manor, there were no guards to calm the girl down.
The ground a few paces away from her broke down and the talking zombie appeared for the second time today.
"Errrrr a vvaaammmppyyr!"
He looked at the enraged Julie then at thick chains. Eventually, after scratching his bald head for a good three minutes, he approached her while avoiding her grown teeth that aimed for his neck.
Although he struggled a lot, the zombie managed to pull the chains from the wall and free the girl but that only made her pounce at him like a rabid dog.
She bit his neck and tried to suck his blood only to stop after a couple of breaths. She lifted her body and coughed multiple times, no longer interested in the zombie.
With the cell still tightly closed, Julie tried to jump into the hole dug by the zombie only for the latter to grab her ankle and pull her away.
"Muuust taake youu ouuutside."
The two struggled on the ground but the zombie was victorious. He fished out a small bottle filled with blood and poured it on her face.
After drinking that special blood, Julie's violent thrashing ceased and the zombie had enough time to tie her up with the ripped chains. Once his job was done, he carried the girl on his back and jumped in the hole…
…
"This is…"
Evelyn had her twin blades in hand as she looked at the fleeing nobles in shock. Any monster that lunged at her was cut down without hesitation.
The maid kept looking around and killing any half-transformed noble but, despite her impressive prowess, she could not fend off all of them.
Inspector James was swiftly and safely escorted by his Black Knights, which focused on their superior's wellbeing rather than aiding the nobles. It fell on the Baron's knights to take care of the mess, but there were too few of them and, soon enough, they began to fall too.
The main hall was filled with blood and corpses, the ferocious roars of the transformed nobles reverberated across the spacious room. No one had the time to figure out the cause behind all of this, but Evelyn, as someone who knew more than the rest, reached a conclusion rather quickly.
Before selling his Wine Farm to Lord Lerandal, her master distributed the stored Wine to specific nobles. As it was the finest wine in Wilsden, and a popular one, at that, it wasn't a surprise to see it served to all guests of this party.
That day, when Leonis entered the storage room, he must have done something to the wine. What she didn't know was that Arthur used his own blood, which was as potent as a vampire's.
Not only would he create unprecedented chaos, but the results of the transformation… Those 'half-vampires' would increase his Stats, just like what happened to the last living rabbit.
It was the perfect opportunity and he wasn't foolish enough to miss it. However, Evelyn could still not complete the puzzle, and the fact that her master was missing confused her even more.
When she saw the bloodbath, she understood why he instructed her to go outside. Though, previously, she did not expect things to spiral out of control this fast.
While the nobles were escaping the manor, terrified and desperate to save their lives, Arthur easily exited through the back entrance, which was used only by the servants as it was close to the main kitchen.
With slow and calm steps, he walked across the big yet empty backyard, still hearing the unfolding disaster on the other side.
Although he wasn't particularly in a hurry, Arthur did not linger there for more than necessary. He made his way back to his manor and headed directly to the basement.
"Mmhmmhmhm! Mghmm!"
The bound and gagged noble, Brandon, looked at Arthur with fear.
"Don't you worry, I will not hurt you."
Arthur reassuringly patted the young man before looking at the calm rabbit lying inside the cage. It was finally time to release, and release it he did.
As the cage was opened, the rabbit gingerly probed around before it looked at Arthur with its glowing crimson eyes.
It sniffed the air then focused its attention on the helpless Brandon.
"He's not your meal."
Said Arthur while chuckling, then he beckoned to the rabbit, which responded with absolute obedience. It jumped on his shoulder and laid there, as docile as a house cat.
..
"Your moaning is really obnoxious."
Arthur tightened the rope around the noble's wrists and ankles and made sure he was bound to the chair. Once he was satisfied with the victim's position, he took out a potion filled with a magical glowing white liquid.
"To think a single one costs 500 Gold. What a total rip-off!"
He snorted and pulled a thin strand of his hair then mixed it with the liquid. Once its color changed to red, he removed the gag around Brandon's mouth and forcefully fed him the potion.
"Heeeeeeelp! Someone help!"
Brandon shouted atop his lungs but there was no response. Arthur scoffed at the young man's poor attempt and said,
"No one will hear you. We're alone."
"Why are you doing this?! I-I never offended you! Please let me go! Please!"
"Begging will get you nowhere. Also, did I not say that I will never hurt you?"
Arthur grinned and pointed at his face then at the young man's, which slowly transformed.
"From now on, you are Leonis Sanguis."
"W-what? What did you do to me?! I beg you! Please let me go!"
"Believe me…" Arthur sighed and shook his head, disappointed by Brandon's expected words, "I'm not a sadist. However, you are a necessary sacrifice."
"No! Don't do it! I ppp-ppromise you I will no-"
Brandon was gagged again, thus all he could do was thrash around and try to break free.
"I contemplated many targets but you were the most suitable. We are the same height… and you are one twisted kid, so I thought to myself: 'Who would mourn a degenerate fool like Brandon? Not me!'"
Arthur winked at the now-crying Brandon then walked away only to come back a couple of minutes later. By then, Brandon's face looked exactly like Leonis Sanguis, though that effect will last for only half a day.
To begin with, this procedure was only a precaution. It was meant for anyone who might find Brandon before he actually dies… at least that way, they would see a bound Leonis instead.
Arthur was holding another vial, this one- fortunately- was less expensive but more practical. He poured the magical oil on the wooden floor and unhesitantly threw a lighten match to start a fire.
…
"What in the hells is going on?"
An stalwart elderly man in a silver armor sat inside a fancy carriage and looked at the distraught nobles running away from the Baron's manor.
Lexander, Leonis' friend and protector, had just returned to Wilsden but he was welcomed by chaos and monsters running amok.
The carriage driver stopped for a couple of breaths and worriedly said,
"I fear we have a situation, Sir."
"I can see that! Continue to Leonis'! And be quick!"
The horses neighed and galloped at full speed but it wasn't long before the crowded road forced them to a halt.
Left with no choice, Lexander disembarked, surveyed the area before unsheathing his glistening sword and rushing at a nearby half-vampire.
"Vampires? Here?!"
The old man clicked his tongue and shot toward Leonis' manor. However, yet again, he was stopped as he crossed paths with a speeding Evelyn.
"Evelyn!"
"S-sir!"
The maid was shocked to see Lexander, she composed herself and provided a brief recounting of the ongoing mess in the Baron's estate.
"You say he disappeared? He must've fled back hom-"
Lexander abruptly stopped talking as he saw blazing flames rise from a manor a distance away. He recognized it as his friend's home, which urged him rush ahead with Evelyn right behind him.
"Leonis!"
The two soon reached the entrance of the manor but all they could see was a sea of flames that engulfed the entirety of the building. Even with his commendable and renowned strength, Lexander could not use Water Magic to quell the fire and enter.
Still, the old man did not falter or give up. His sword and armor shone with an orange light, which enveloped him in the form of a protective sphere. He unhesitantly charged at the main door, blasting it open.
"Leonis!"
But a couple of meters away from the entrance, he saw a human figure tied to a chair, gagged, and burnt beyond recognition. Evelyn, who stopped a distance away, also saw this but that only made her frown in confusion. It did not make sense, and from her perspective, whoever the tied person was could not be her Master… of that, she was certain.
"Didn't you say we were friends? So… you lied to me…"
She clenched the blades in her hands and narrowed her eyes. Instead of joining Lexander, she disappeared amidst the small crowd that formed in front of Leonis Sanguis' burning manor.
****
"Who goes there?!"
Rein Goldstar was stopped before he entered the town. He heard strange sounds coming from a quiet and inconspicuous spot. As he approached the origin of the sound, he saw the chained Julie convulse and grab onto the dirt as she resisted the urge to feast on blood.
It seemed not even Arthur's blood was able to forestall the transformation.
"Isn't this the Baron's daughter?"
The young and handsome Holy Knight approached Julie, his attention so focused on her that he failed to notice the zombie hiding a distance away.
For a bit, Rein was conflicted and didn't know what to do. Eventually, he unsheathed his sword and clasped it near his chest as he knelt on one knee and closed his eyes.
He began chanting a Holy incantation, causing golden and white light to form around him then gently drift toward the writing Julie. Slowly but surely, her convulsing ceased and her glowing eyes returned to normal.
As he was about to check on her, the zombie revealed himself and mumbled incomprehensible words before turning around and springing to a surprisingly rapid run.
Shocked by this strange sequence of events, Rein worriedly looked at Julie then chased after the zombie.
"Umm…"
Julie let out a soft moan, her eyes fluttering and body shaking once before she regained consciousness. From within a hole a couple of meters away, Arthur appeared, his expression a bit serious.
"There's always unexpected variables, I guess…"
He glanced at the direction Rein ran towards before crouching next to Julie and checking on her.
"Can you hear me, Julie?"
He called out to her a couple of times before she fully opened her eyes and sat up.
"Lord Sanguis?"
"In the flesh. How are you feeling?"
"I… don't know."
The young girl inspected her body, getting startled by her bloodied finger nails and unusually pale skin.
"The transformation was halted, but never mind you that. Take this…"
He stuffed a relatively large bag in her hand and continued, "This contains special blood that could sustain you for a while. I also added a couple of books you might like."
"W-what's happening? Are you leaving?"
Julie was slowly sobering up and realizing that she was in the forest.
"I haven't got the time to explain everything. The gist of it is; Your father died- my condolences- and you're free to do whatever you want but only if you know what to do. There has been an unfortunate massacre so only return to the town at dawn… by then, I suspect 'they' would have been dealt with."
"W-what? Why are you telling me this, Lord Sanguis?"
"So you can survive, of course. How else are we going to have another entertaining tea party if you die on me? You didn't forget our promise, yes?"
"..."
She looked at him with teary eyes, confused and shocked by what she was hearing.
"You will be alone from now on but I'm confident you will adapt. You're a grown girl now."
Once he said his piece, Arthur stood up and readied himself to leave.
"Don't stay here for too long. Perhaps wait at the entrance of the town…"
"W-wait! You… you're really going?"
The girl jumped to her feet and spoke with a stuttering voice, one that contained a hint of sadness.
"We will meet again, hopefully."
"Must you really go? We… we…"
"I dislike emotional farewells, Julie." He turned to look at her, a faint smile on his face. "Let this be a new beginning for both of us. If the opportunity presents itself, we shall meet again under happier circumstances."
He took a couple of steps before abruptly stopping and adding, "I am called Arthur, by the way."
Julie stayed silent, her head hanging low as she saw him vanish into the darkness of the forest.
*****
"Where's the girl? Bring the girl to me!"
Inspector James was infuriated by the mess ongoing. After rushing outside, he remembered Julie, therefore, he brought his Black Knights to the basement only to find it empty.
He looked around and spotted the hole, but after instructing his knights to jump inside and chase after her, he was surprised to see a muscular old man appear.
"And who are you?"
"I could ask you the same damn question!" Angrily snarled Lexander as he rubbed his sweaty forehead.
Before waiting for the Inspector to speak again, Lexander returned to hole and followed the other path of the cramped tunnel. Once he resurfaced, he was surprised to see himself in a graveyard. Most shocking, however, was the clean tomb with Leonis' name and a letter resting right next to it.
The elderly knight grabbed the letter and hastily ripped apart. He swiftly read it, his serious expression soon turning sad as his hands shook and legs lost strength.
It was an elaborate scheme, one which, in the succession of intense and shocking events, could not grasp. The tied burnt person wore his friend's clothes and this handwriting perfectly matched Leonis', so even if Lexander wanted to deny it, the evidence said otherwise.
"It.. it wasn't a suicide!"
It took the old man a bit of time to collect his thoughts. He clenched the letter with monstrous strength and gritted his teeth.
"Whoever dug those holes and planned this… I'll find him! I promise you, Leonis!"
After one last look at the grave, he returned to the tunnel and checked all the last path, which surprisingly led to the South of Wilsden, where he found traces of blood on the ground and nothing else…
****
"How could this be happening…"
Chef Holms looked at the flame-engulfed manor of Lord Leonis from the entrance of the Residential District. Unlike the nobles, the commoners were spared the onslaught of the half-vampires. All they could see was the undiscriminating flames burning every corner of the fancy building, soon turning it into nothing but ash and dust.
Joshua and Sakker, who were also present, looked at each other but did not talk. They knew more than the rest of the servants, but, as he ordered them, they were to remain silent.
…
Before the manor collapsed and was turned into rubble, Evelyn entered it one last time and when she got out, she ignored the gazes of the spectators. Her outfit was half-burnt and she barely got out alive.
"Evelyn!"
Lexander also reappeared, his armor unscathed but his face flushed red from grief and rage.
"We will need to re-"
The old man could not even continue as the maid dashed away, zigzagging through the crowd and soon disappearing…
*****
Time passed and the blanket of night was getting replaced by an orange hue, signaling the rising of the blinding sun.
North of Wilsden, at a peaceful bushy cliff that surveyed the Greenbell Forest and the nearby town, Arthur sat down and enjoyed the breath-taking view.
"Maaaster…"
The talking zombie was standing behind him, his body riddled with scars inflicted by the Holy Knight. The Holy Knight had chased the zombie for a couple of hours but wasn't able to finish him off, fortunately.
"Ah, right! I still haven't given you a name, right?"
"A naaame?"
"Henceforth, you will be 'Mort'."
"Wheen will wee have fuun, masterr?"
"Now, in fact. Let's just wait a little bit, okay?"
Arthur chuckled and no longer looked at the dumb-looking zombie, who kept wobbling left and right. The white rabbit, after it was fed blood, was sound asleep in its master's lap…
More time passed yet Arthur did not budge, he kept sitting on the edge of the cliff and enjoying the marvelous view.
The peaceful silence was broken when rapid footsteps came from behind. Without even needing to turn, Arthur knew who it was.
"My dear Evelyn, you came."
The maid first looked at the unresponsive zombie then walked closer to the edge.
"..."
Arthur turned his head and looked at her, "What's with the sour look?"
"You lied to me, Master."
"I did? I'm sorry but I don't remember. Mayhap it was Leonis Sanguis?"
"Your humor is not funny, Master."
She gave him a begrudging stare, one which he laughed at. He stood up and faced the maid, his hand stretched forward and patting her shoulder.
"Since you tracked me this far, I trust you will not regret this, Evelyn. Though I don't know why you were insisting on coming with me, I will not shun your company. After all, you are my first friend."
Arthur backed away and stood dangerously closer to the edge, a bright smile plastered on his face. If he were to see his own eyes at that moment, he would notice the excitement and unrestrained joy, not unlike those of his past life, those he asked 'that' question.
"Many things lie ahead of us, my dear Evelyn! We will seek discovery and mysteries! Things unlike anyone has ever seen! We will ride the wind and learn about the world! Hahahaha!"
Totally unbefitting of the real Leonis, Arthur laughed out loud as he spread his arms toward the sky and basked in the gentle and warm breeze!
"You are crazy, Master."
Evelyn's remark made him stop and look at her, a shit-eating grin on his beaming face.
"Your smile suggests otherwise." He winked at her and looked at her pocket, in which you could see a beautiful green light.
The maid washed the smile off her face and acted oblivious. She took out the Sky Bloom, surprised to see it in full bloom and emit a mesmerizing light.
"Thus a connection is born. See? Happiness comes at unexpected times, does it not?"
He laughed again and walked away, the zombie Mort followed after him. As for Evelyn, she looked at the Sky Bloom for a couple of breaths before putting it back in her pocket.
For the last time, she gazed at Wilsden Town and mumbled "Let's see where this road leads us."
*****
The tragedy of Wilsden Town spread far and wide in only a couple of days. Soon, people started calling it the 'Blood Purge'. Inspector James of Donkrig had to stay and manage things, he also officially declared Julie Lernon as the new Baron.
Despite her young age, she was the only one remaining. Still, despite the firm opposition of the remaining Aristocracy, the girl inherited the statue and authority of Xander Lernon.
Furthermore, she was temporarily assisted by a Holy Knight, who visited her almost everyday.
Amongst the casualties of the Blood Purge, the most famous was Leonis Sanguis'. It was said that he committed suicide and burned down his whole manor, leaving nothing behind.
His servants were questioned by the local Militant Guards but none knew the reason behind their late master's sudden suicidal actions.
There were also ongoing investigations regarding Brandon Samron, eldest son of Lord Samron. The young noble had disappeared without trace and despite his family's efforts, no traces of him were found. His death would have been attributed to the unleashed half-vampires, but witnesses claimed that he had not attended the party.
End of volume 1 : The Blood Purge
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