Volume 8, Chapter 11 – Under the Moon and the Vampire Princess

After dinner, Fia sent the dead-drunk Nola back to her room and then stepped outside the Hunting Grounds.

Everyone in the room had drunk at least some alcohol. Even Milu was so drunk she was loudly spouting nonsense about marrying her master when she grew up. The whole hall was in chaos, with fruit platters and wine glasses scattered everywhere—it reminded one of a birthday party where everyone ends up smearing cake all over the place.

Also, the drunk Ying had declared she would start preparing Nola’s wedding soon. For some reason, Fia didn’t think she was joking. Beastman culture was quite rough; often, two beastmen would just take a liking to each other and get married immediately. From meeting to having a baby took less than a year. So in their eyes, her saying “start by getting to know each other” was essentially endorsing a marital relationship.

So reckless.

Walking through the dim corridor, Fia sighed.

And Nola, too—once drunk, she’d gone crazy, hugging her and licking her nonstop. Tonight, she definitely had to go back to Blossom, take a bath, and then return. Only now did Fia realize that Nola’s tongue really was like a kitten’s. When it licked her face, it made a scraping sound—meaning it had barbs. The only difference was that the barbs on Nola’s tongue were softer and didn’t hurt.

“Whew.”

Stepping out of the Hunting Grounds corridor, Fia took a deep breath of the sultry summer night air. Even here in Cold Night, where temperatures were generally low, summers were still muggy and hot. Fortunately, the buildings around the Hunting Grounds were relatively low, and the open view was refreshing. Coupled with the gently blowing evening breeze, the evaporating sweat brought at least a bit of coolness.

If the beastmen here moved into Blossom, they’d definitely find it strange, Fia thought, gazing at the star-filled sky. Most of the time in Blossom, the starlight was obscured by the golden glow of the Holy Tree, so not many stars were visible at night.

She swept her gaze around and quickly found her target. Deliberately softening her footsteps, she crept closer to Estelle, who stood still gazing at the starry expanse. When she was just one step away, she suddenly pounced and hugged Estelle’s neck from behind.

“Hey!”

“Gyaah?!”

Estelle was, of course, no match for Fia. The moment Fia applied force, Estelle was pulled backward. But Fia had carefully controlled her strength; the falling Estelle was laid gently on the grass. Fia, looking down from above, smiled and waved lightly at her.

“Relax, it’s me.”

“You idiot.”

Seeing the attacker was Fia, the alertness and panic in Estelle’s eyes lessened somewhat. With a huff, she tried to sit up and punch Fia. But Fia, imitating Estelle’s posture, lay down on the grass beside her, barely a few inches away, hands clasped behind her head. Estelle found it baffling.

“What’s with you? Looking so dejected. You just narrowly escaped death at your main family’s place, and instead of going back to your room to rest, you’re standing outside looking at the stars? Not afraid some beastman here might snatch you away? Cold Night’s public safety isn’t as good as Silvar’s.”

Probably because the main family was so pathetic and disappointing. Fia can guess what Estelle’s thinking. When the main family you’ve always longed for turns out to be the complete opposite of your ideals—like someone who aspires to be a police officer discovering their parents are doing illegal things—no one would feel good about that.

“You think every beastman is like you? I’m still a vampire, you know. Not many people can sneak up on me unnoticed.”

Estelle shot back, not answering Fia’s question.

“Oh?”

Fia turned her head slightly to look at Estelle’s profile. Though it was night, the light of the moon and stars allowed her to glimpse Estelle’s flushed cheeks.

She’s drunk too.

Come to think of it, Estelle had just been silently drinking the whole time, not really participating in the conversation. It’d be stranger if she weren’t drunk.

Sensing Fia’s gaze, Estelle pouted.

“What are you staring at me for? Am I that good-looking?”

“You are.”

“Tch.”

Estelle’s breath hitched, but the displeasure on her face became more pronounced. Perhaps because she was drunk, her words were also more blunt.

“Shouldn’t you be checking on Anastasia and the fire cat? You just declared in front of everyone that you accept their feelings, and now you come to me. Won’t people misunderstand? You should hurry off and spend the night with them. Perfect timing, too—Anastasia and Nola are both dead drunk. Good opportunity to make your move.”

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“What’s gotten into you today? You’ve been so prickly. Anastasia and Nola have Claire and Ying helping them back to their rooms. Liti and Tilulu can play around a bit longer—it’s fine. There are guards at the doors.”

“What about Erin Slate, then? Instead of going to see her, you come to see me?”

“Of course I’m worried about you. Erin Slate holds her liquor well; she’s already gone back to her room to sleep.”

“Worried about me…”

As if savoring the words, Estelle clicked her tongue softly. Then, as if unconvinced, her tone filled with reluctant dissatisfaction.

“If only you were a bit smarter.”

“Smarter?”

Fia’s ruby-like eyes widened. Propping her head on one hand, she looked at Estelle, surprise evident in her gaze.

“Why do you suddenly say that?”

“Haah. Think about what you just said. You just acknowledged relationships with other beautiful girls, and now, while everyone’s drunk, you come out to show care to a depressed noble eldest princess, saying things like ‘I’m worried about you.’ How many people could ignore that kind of attention? If it were me, I’d be so moved I’d offer myself to you.”

“It’s just a little care. It’s not that serious…”

Fia thought about it for a moment. If someone cared about her when she was feeling down, she’d indeed feel grateful toward that person. But it definitely wouldn’t reach the point of offering herself. Gratitude wasn’t the same as liking.

Estelle pouted again, displeased.

“That’s why I said, if only you were a bit smarter.”

The care was just the trigger. What really mattered was how many times in the past she had helped Estelle through difficulties. This wasn’t simply a matter of favors owed or a desire to thank someone. It was a slow accumulation of favorable impressions through long acquaintance. It was like being a bullied weakling, with Fia as the hero who repeatedly chased away the bullies. Under those circumstances, not developing admiration would be unthinkable.

“Meaning unclear…”

Not understanding why Estelle was saying this, Fia looked back at the star-filled sky.

“So, Estelle, aren’t you going back to your room to rest? I’m planning to visit the Netherworld soon, to consult with that queen in the Kingdom of Death named Venex about future matters. Then Noreen’s remnant soul should be resolved as well. If Estelle wants to come with me, she needs to take good care of herself.”

“We can talk about it during the day. You should focus on your own affairs. If you don’t go find Anastasia and Nola now, you’ll miss your chance. Wasting time on me isn’t worth it.”

“No, no, I’m not the type to take advantage of someone. And Estelle hasn’t answered my question. Why are you so hung up on this tonight? I’m starting to suspect—no, could it be that you like me too?”

The latter half was said as a joke. Estelle was her best friend—that much was beyond doubt. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have made such a joke.

But contrary to Fia’s expectations, Estelle fell silent. Only the soft sound of breathing remained in the air.

No way…?

The smile on Fia’s face stiffened. She quickly turned her head to look at Estelle again, only to catch Estelle lying on her side, staring directly at her with a lovely face. Though those blood-red eyes held the tipsiness of drunkenness, the seriousness within them was clearly visible. Her smooth golden hair spilled onto the grass beside her face, and the faint scent of alcohol in her breath gave Estelle a charm unbefitting a maiden.

Fia couldn’t help but be stunned for a moment. The Estelle before her suddenly made her realize that Estelle was also a full-fledged beautiful girl. No, that wasn’t quite right. It was more that, at this moment, Fia realized she had taken Estelle too much for granted as a friend, becoming unrestrained. In reality, Estelle was still a captivating woman, someone who could be an object of admiration.

“Uh…”

Starlight all around and a vampire princess—the sight before her made Fia avert her gaze slightly. She worried she might fall into Estelle’s eyes and never escape.

But Estelle still didn’t look away. She kept staring directly at Fia’s profile, her tone gaining a touch of maturity.

“So, if I said ‘yes,’ how would you answer me?”

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“Well…” Fia hesitated, her gaze growing even more evasive. “We’re friends, right?”

“So I was just saying ‘if.’ You never realize just how attractive you are in other people’s eyes. No normal person can refuse someone who cares for them so attentively. Besides, no one surpasses you in status or strength. If you keep caring about me like this, I can’t guarantee I won’t fall for you someday.”

As she spoke, Estelle also slightly looked away, a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

But contrary to her expectations, Fia answered without hesitation.

“Caring for my close friend is only natural. There’s no way I could know Estelle is feeling down and not come ask her what happened.”

“Tch,” Irritation rising in her heart, Estelle clicked her tongue impatiently. “On one hand, you do things that show care for me, making me gradually rely on you. On the other hand, you act all hesitant, as if accepting one more person would bring immense suffering and guilt. Do you think that kind of absurd behavior is right?”

“Ugh.”

Seeing Fia at a loss for words, Estelle realized she had gone too far. Her expression froze. She touched her nose, her gaze dropping apologetically.

“Never mind. I’m drunk. Talking nonsense.”

It’s the truth, though, isn’t it?

Nervousness made Fia’s legs, under her skirt, rub together slightly.

Estelle’s words just now had come very close to a confession.

In the past, she would have pretended not to notice, deflected with other topics, and awkwardly sidestepped the issue. But now, she was different. Repeated procrastination was torture for both parties. Since she couldn’t possibly ignore Estelle, she should face the other’s feelings head-on.

But saying something so lacking in moral fortitude so seriously felt wrong. Or rather, it felt like her conscience was being condemned. Fia’s fingers unconsciously twirled the hair in front of her as her gaze darted left and right.

“…If Estelle wants, it’s okay to rely on me a bit more.”

“Haah? Have you lost your mind? This isn’t something you can just decide casually.”

Estelle’s wing trembled. She felt like she’d grasped something, her heartbeat growing faster and faster. Her cheeks, already flushed from drink, grew even redder. But out of maidenly reserve, she didn’t show this on her face. Instead, she forcibly tensed her body.

“I’m serious.”

The prerequisite was that Estelle properly conveyed her feelings to her, not with vague, ambiguous emotions.

“If Estelle gradually relies on me to the point where she can’t do without me, I’ll seriously consider accepting her feelings.”

Not being so dense as to miss the meaning, Estelle was momentarily stunned. Then her single wing fluttered lightly and rapidly. But her expression and tone remained frivolous, as if she hadn’t taken it to heart.

“Oh? Is that an early confession? When that day comes, don’t you go regretting it.”

“Hmm…”

This time, it was Fia’s turn to be puzzled.

Normally, Estelle would have expressed her feelings directly. Her pushing the timing off into the future like this left Fia with a sense of bewilderment.

Fia pondered Estelle’s thoughts, finally concluding that she must be overthinking it. In reality, even Estelle herself probably hadn’t figured out her own feelings, and couldn’t determine if she truly liked Fia or not.

What she didn’t guess was that Estelle’s hesitation wasn’t because she was unclear about her feelings for Fia, but because the timing was terrible. How could she confess just hours after Fia had accepted Anastasia and Nola? If word got out, Fia would definitely become a laughingstock.

Of course, that was Estelle’s personal view. In reality, the more crucial reason was a certain tsundere aspect of her personality. She lacked the courage to simply accept at a moment like this. It went against the dignity of a noble princess. Vampires had long lifespans; she didn’t want to leave the crude impression of being impatient, unable to wait a single moment.

Going deeper, Estelle’s experience in love was, in the truest sense of the word, that of a sheltered princess. She thought that if she accepted Fia here, tonight would inevitably lead to romantic moments under the moon. She… she wasn’t mentally prepared for that.

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Compared to my other companions, Estelle is truly hard to understand.

Fia thought this to herself. Then, as her gaze fell upon her own fingers, her expression stiffened slightly. Coming back to herself, she realized that the hair her index finger had been twirling was actually Estelle’s golden hair, with only a few strands of her own black mixed in. Their hair had become intertwined.

This has gone beyond mere suggestion, hasn’t it?

What am I even doing?

Fia tried to quietly withdraw her hand, but Estelle noticed the movement. Her expression froze. She gave a polite cough, pushed herself up from the grass with her hands, and brushed the grass clippings from her red and white dress.

“Ahem. If you like it that much, I’ll cut off a lock for you.”

“N-no, that’s alright…”

Fia also got up, refusing awkwardly.

Estelle’s expression shifted. She interpreted it another way—didn’t need the hair, needed the person herself. She crossed one arm over her moderately developed chest, adopting a posture of avoidance towards Fia.

“Let me be clear first, though. We… We’re still close friends. We can’t do anything so shameless.”

“What are you even thinking?”

Perhaps due to the drink, or maybe because her stamina had been running on empty, Estelle’s steps were unsteady. She couldn’t stand firmly.

“Want me to help you back to your room? I originally came to see why you seemed so preoccupied, and also to ask you about Noreen’s situation. But it looks like it’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

“If you’re not afraid of what people will say, go ahead.”

Even as she said this, Estelle actually extended her hand. She could already feel the drowsiness and fatigue, mixed with the alcohol, surging into her brain. Her tongue felt like it was tied in knots.

Fia smiled helplessly and took Estelle’s fair, slender hand.

“Then I’m the one taking advantage here. A beautiful pure-blood vampire princess like you—I wonder how many people have you as their dream girl?”

“You too.”

With those words, Fia at the same time supported Estelle. Compared to Anastasia and Claire, Estelle was only half a head taller than her, practically the same age.

“Don’t push yourself. Let’s go back.”

“Hmph.”

Letting out a light snort, impossible to tell if she was pleased or displeased, Estelle hesitated for a moment. Finally, like a maiden from a storybook, she gently rested her tipsy head on Fia’s shoulder and, with unsteady steps, entered the silent Hunting Grounds with Fia.

◇

Southern Silvar, City of Deris.

Like many cities on the World Tree Continent, the City of Deris was named after the local noble. As it was the largest city within Earl Deris’s territory and the one where the Earl himself resided, the City of Deris was on an unprecedented scale, boasting a huge population of around four hundred thousand.

However, for such a vast border city, its defensive forces were pitifully weak—less than one-twentieth of the standing garrison within Baron Yarua’s territory. The city walls were a mere ten meters high, hardly enough to repel even bandits. Furthermore, the discipline of the garrison within the city was extremely lax. Guards could be seen napping while clutching their weapons all along the walls, and soldiers ostensibly on duty were gathered around wooden boxes playing cards. Only a few young recruits, nervous from being newly stationed, stood rigidly atop the walls, gazing seriously at the distant mountains.

As a border city adjoining the Netherworld, why was its defense so feeble? There was only one reason: this was not a conflict zone. Not a single undead had appeared here for over a century.

The border between Silvar and the Netherworld was quite long, stretching over a thousand kilometers. On paper, that number was terrifying. But in reality, this thousand-kilometer border was either blocked by steep mountains and high plateaus or divided by rushing rivers over a kilometer wide. Coupled with the elves’ practice of not only leaving these areas undeveloped but also dispatching nature magic chanters year-round to maintain the vegetation, it was astronomically difficult for the undead to attack Silvar from these directions.

Forget crossing the natural barriers; just facing the primeval forest with its vigorous vitality was an enormous problem undead creatures couldn’t ignore. They’d likely be consumed by the forest’s thriving vitality before even emerging from it.

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This situation naturally led to the current state of the City of Deris: though located on the border, its defenses were showing little enthusiasm and effort. As long as the garrison went out on regular patrols to clear monsters and bandits lurking outside the city, they had nothing else to do. The entire pressure Silvar faced from the undead was concentrated on Baron Yarua’s territory and its surroundings. Only there was an endless plain, where both undead and elves, almost in unison, focused their attention.

Moreover, this was summer, the time of year when vitality was at its peak. Even if the undead were foolish enough to start a war, the heat and the natural aura would help them come to their senses.

The scorching sun baked people until they could barely open their eyes. The peaceful, languid atmosphere of the afternoon made one want to yawn.

“Ah~ ah~”

A new recruit standing atop the wall yawned. His lax conduct made the lanky soldier beside him click his tongue.

“Hey, stay alert.”

“What’s there to be afraid of? I just stayed up late playing cards yesterday… How about you stand in for me for a while? I’ll treat you to a drink tonight? I need to find some shade and rest.”

“Like hell I’ll stand in for you. If undead or monsters sneak up, we’ll both lose our heads.”

“Have you lost your mind? What undead or monster would sneak up at noon? Even mountain bandits wouldn’t come down in this heat. Come on, just cover me a bit.”

Saying this, the yawning soldier tried to hand his spear to his new recruit companion. But the latter had no intention of taking it. Without even looking at him, he remained standing straight, staring fixedly at the distant mountain peaks.

“I’m not taking that responsibility. Even if no monsters show up, if an inspector catches us, we’ll be in deep trouble.”

“Why are you so rigid? Look at those veterans. If an inspector comes, they’ll be the first to react. Just give me a shout then, and it’ll be fine.”

The yawning soldier was already getting impatient. He pointed at the veterans lounging in the shade, playing cards around a wooden box. Not only had these men tossed their weapons aside, they’d even removed their armor, bare-chested, just trying to stay cool.

The lanky recruit still didn’t relent.

“If you want to go, go. Don’t drag me into it.”

“Tch. You just want to look good so the captain praises you. Don’t worry, even if you perform perfectly, no one’s going to notice you.”

As if that wasn’t enough, the yawning soldier began muttering curses while removing his armor.

“Smartass.”

“Hey.”

Suddenly, the lanky soldier’s eyeballs trembled violently. His body shook as he hurriedly called out to his companion who was about to leave.

The yawning recruit’s face showed impatience.

“What? Changed your mind?”

“No, come here quick. What is that?”

Terror had already crept into his voice. The lanky soldier pulled the yawning one, who frowned but still followed his companion’s pointed finger. Then, the previously completely lazy soldier tensed up instantly, to the point where his legs began to tremble.

“Im… impossible, right? Skeletons? In summer? And cutting down trees? No, wait, there’s a giant whale helping clear the land? How is that possible! Hey! Hey! Everyone, come here!!!”

The sudden shouting drew everyone’s attention. Some soldiers stood up, squinting towards the distant mountain range. Then, fear and panic appeared on their faces as well. The walls erupted into activity. In mere moments, the entire city echoed with the urgent, high-pitched blare of war horns.

This was the highest-level alert signal—one that had never been used before.

In the height of summer, an undead army had crossed the steep mountains and primeval forest, launching an attack on the Silvar interior.