Epilogue: The Doppelgänger of Graveyard City
Epilogue:
The Doppelgänger of
Graveyard City
Glenn immediately wrote a reply to Dione.
In his letter, he mentioned the fake heart, the shoggoth/doppelgänger and the fact that she—yes, she—was now the manager of the graveyard city. He gave Dione a detailed account of her many faces and forms, and how she became a member of the town.
They’d been able to find the fake Lulala—the nucleus—all thanks to Dione’s letter. Dione was the one who’d given them the details of shoggoth biology. Glenn thought the kind-hearted Giant Goddess would be glad to learn that the doppelgänger had been assigned to manage the graveyard city, and that she’d been given a form appropriate to the role.
He also wrote about the celebration.
After the incident, Sapphee had, of course, interrogated him. He’d also ended up listening to Tisalia ramble on about her match. Lulala seemed to be in high spirits. She sang many more songs once they’d returned to the party.
Dione would probably have wanted to come. But she would also probably say that it was enough for her just to read Glenn’s letter. Glenn wanted to visit her and see how she was doing, but without wings, the peak of the Vivre Mountains was a bit too far away. At least corresponding by letter would make Dione smile.
“Doctor, are you ready?”
Just as he finished writing the letter, he heard Sapphee’s voice, as if she had timed it that way on purpose.
“Yeah, I’m coming.”
“Okay.”
He’d leave visiting Dione to people who could easily make it up the mountain. Glenn had enough on his plate simply taking care of those he was able to visit. The Vivre Mountains may be too far, but he could at least make it to the outskirts of Lindworm.
Well.
It was hard to tell what the true face of the person he was going to see that day might be.
***
“Well, I never.”
A few days had passed since Tisalia’s celebration. Glenn was on his way to Deadlich Graveyard City with Sapphee. The road up the hill that led to the graveyard city was somber as always.
They were going to the graveyard city because the new manager, the doppelgänger, had invited them. Apparently, she’d heard that Glenn was a doctor.
“I think the manager should have come to the city,” complained Sapphee, holding a parasol as she walked.
“I’m sure it’s awkward for her. She caused quite a fuss. Her divided parts really behaved violently. A lot happened.”
“Yes, it does seem that a lot happened, Dr. Glenn. Of course, I only heard about everything after the fact.”
Sapphee’s words stung. She was still mad that he had kept her out of the loop during the ordeal.
“I said I was sorry. The doppelgänger was causing nothing but problems, and I knew it was going to be dangerous, so I couldn’t get you involved. I discussed it with Kunai beforehand.”
“I’m not saying you should have taken me with you. But if I’d known what was going on, then I could have instructed Lulala better at the celebration. She went looking for you.”
“Hmm…” That had definitely been Glenn’s biggest mistake in this ordeal.
He’d put Lulala in danger. In the end, she was unscathed, but that was only because the doppelgänger had shielded her from the part of it that had become violent. Glenn deeply regretted letting Lulala get involved.
“If I hadn’t complained to Lulala about how you were gone…”
“No, that’s not right, Sapphee.”
“I’d been drinking…” If there was alcohol available, then Sapphee would drink, but that wasn’t the issue.
Glenn was at a loss for what to say to her.
His own thoughtlessness had made even Sapphee, whom he hadn’t wanted to involve, feel bad. It was easy to tell Sapphee that it wasn’t her fault, but would she accept that fact with just his words?
“Saphentite Neikes, I declare that you were 0% at fault for what transpired.”
They heard a mechanical-sounding voice.
“99% of the fault in this issue lies with us, the parties involved. The attempted predation of Lulala Heine was also our doing. The biggest factor was that we were unable to control ourselves as a unified being. Therefore, the fault of Saphentite Neikes is nil.”
“You…” When had the doppelgänger shown up?
It seemed they’d reached the graveyard city. They hadn’t been paying attention while they were walking, then suddenly, they came upon her, the doppelgänger, polishing the gate to the entrance and speaking to Sapphee so matter-of-factly. Though, perhaps she was also saying that the whole ordeal was 1% Glenn’s fault.
The doppelgänger stared at them with her goggling eyes.
“N-nice to meet you, Miss Doppelgänger. I am Saphentite…”
“Verification, recognition complete. Information matches data from time of doppelgänger activities. Previously, I was only observing you, but now that we are conversing, I place Saphentite Neikes in the category of ‘town resident.’ Nice to meet you.”
“Wh-what…?” Sapphee cocked her head to one side.
It was a bit strange. Her words were extremely unique and hard to understand. Sapphee thought the doppelgänger might behave according to a different logic than humans or monsters. There were even parts of what she said that Glenn didn’t understand. But Sapphee could at least understand that the doppelgänger was telling her not to fret.
“I will also provide important supplemental information.”
“Huh?”
“We have acquired a new name as town resident. We borrowed the previous manager’s name. Our name is Second-Generation Molly Vanitas. Approved by City Council. This is our official name in Lindworm. Utmost importance, requires recognition.”
“O-okay… I understand. Miss Molly. Nice to meet you again.”
“Dr. Glenn. Dr. Saphentite. Thank you for coming to the graveyard city.” The doppelgänger—no, Molly—held out her hand.
The hand had five gelatin-like fingers, but the bones were still visible, as if she hadn’t finished her imitation. But Sapphee grabbed the hand without reserve.
The goggling eyes seemed to smile, just a little.
***
Molly Vanitas.
As far as Glenn could tell, she had changed. She looked more complete than when she’d first attached herself to the skeleton and reproduced its body. The biggest change was that she was now wearing a monk’s robe, though the fabric was part of Molly’s flesh. Around her chest, abdomen, and waist, the robe had blended with Molly’s gelatin body tissue, making it look like there were holes in her clothing.
From Glenn’s observations, there were only two pieces of Molly that weren’t part of her flesh. First was the band she wore on her upper arm. She’d gotten it for her role on the Lindworm City Council. Kunai wore the same kind of band when she served as a guard in the Waterways, while Molly’s arm band bore the seal of the manager of the graveyard city. The City Council had probably presented it to her in recognition of her succeeding the former manager.
The second item was the shovel she held in her right hand. It had clearly been used for many years, and it was no ordinary shovel. If you looked closely, you could see that the tip was sharp, and the blade had been tempered to resemble the end of a spear—something only a swordsmith would have the skills to forge. It was more like a weapon that also happened to serve as a shovel.
“I don’t remember you having that shovel before.”
“It belonged to the previous manager. They say she used it to punish ghosts who didn’t follow orders. It has been consecrated to use on spirits. I plan to utilize it as well.”
“O-oh.” It seemed the graveyard city manager had to be somewhat adept in martial arts.
“I haven’t really been to the graveyard city. Is it lively?”
“Well… Yes.” Glenn vaguely nodded in response to Sapphee.
This was Glenn’s second visit to Deadlich Graveyard City, but it had changed since the first. It was still as dark as night, even in the daytime. But the ruins had been cleaned, the ivy and moss had been removed, and the dirt had been wiped away. There was no unpleasant feeling of something lurking, trying to possess visitors.
And throughout the ruins, zombies were installing several lanterns. These were made from hollowed-out radishes and pumpkins, and they brightened up the atmosphere significantly.
“Why lanterns?”
“To revamp the graveyard city’s image. As the second-generation manager, I plan to fix our frightening reputation. If there are jobs available, if we can make this place a friendly part of Lindworm, then it won’t get out of control again. Everyone wants Deadlich to be a nice place to live. The first task is to address the low level of light.”
“It seems like it would be hard to manage so many lights.”
Lamps meant candles. Even with so many zombies and skeletons pitching in, it would still take a lot of work to light each and every one.
“No problem. The lamps are empty inside. No candles.”
“What?”
“We’re still testing it, but we’ve established a candle-less light source. We will request opinions for further development. Operation Will o’ the Wisp!”
With a series of popping sounds, the numerous lamps lining the ruins lit up, one after another the instant Molly gave the command. They also illuminated the path where Glenn was standing. The light was weaker than that of candles, but the orange glow that lit the gloomy graveyard city nevertheless had a warmth to it. Collectively, the lights were even brighter than that of a parade.
“This…”
“We’ve increased the amount of light in the graveyard city by 80% using will o’ the wisps created by ghosts. We hope to change the image of the district and create a unique attraction. We anticipate improved rate of customer interest, tourist income, and perceived image. The concept is ‘a bright and fun haunted house.’”
“Hahaha.”
“Furthermore, the light is not natural, so it is the perfect solution for vampires and other species who can’t handle sunlight. As of now, there are zero residents objecting to this plan.” Molly’s expression never changed in the slightest.
Looking at the lit-up sign in front of him—which read Deadlich Hotel—Glenn had to admit it was a pretty good strategy. The evidence of this was Sapphee, a true romantic, speechlessly gazing at the illumination. Using light from will o’ the wisps was an unusual idea, but one of the advantages was that all of the lamps could be lit at once.
“Add correction to expected village value. Also consider further appeal to couples and honeymoons.”
“M-Miss Molly!”
“Saphentite has the heart of a young girl. She loves this sort of thing. The information I acquired from Lulala was correct. I am grateful for the provision of such valuable information.”
“Hey! Stop it! That’s not why we came here today!” Sapphee was angry at Molly’s lack of reserve.
Glenn was more than merely moved. When he’d visited with Kunai, it had looked like the residents of the graveyard city had no cohesion or unity. But maybe that wasn’t the case. Now, the undead were making efforts to decorate, and the ghosts were providing perfectly coordinated light.
This was all thanks to the skill of Second-Generation Molly Vanitas.
Only a few days had passed since the new manager was appointed, but it was as if a veteran general was commanding the entire graveyard city.
“It’s amazing that the ghosts are obeying so well.”
“The biggest reason they ran amuck was boredom. They just needed a clear policy and an occupation. Ghosts, phantoms, zombies, skeletons—everyone likes commotion. If there’s a lively festival every night, they don’t even consider going outside the fence.”
The lamps all went out at once. Only the ones around Glenn, Sapphee, and Molly remained lit. That was plenty of light, and they had no trouble walking.
“The lights went out?”
“Operation Will o’ the Wisp requires general mobilization of the ghosts, so it only runs for a few minutes. From here on, normal light is used.”
The flashy performance was probably reserved mainly for tourists.
Molly led them into the graveyard city. As Glenn and Sapphee followed her, the lamps behind them went out and the ones ahead lit up. The ghosts were probably turning them on and off. Glenn was grateful for the guide lights in the dark graveyard city.
“We’ve arrived.”
Molly had led them to the church. She held the door open, and all three of them went inside.
“Okay then…” Glenn nodded to Sapphee.
They hadn’t come to the graveyard city to see its new source of illumination, though they were pleasantly surprised, of course, by the lights created by the endless ghost lamps.
“I will begin the health exam now.”
“Affirmative. I entrust Dr. Glenn with checking my vitals.” Second-Generation Molly Vanitas nodded her head deeply.
Today’s task was to check the status of Molly’s transformed flesh and whether there were any health concerns. Glenn was a bit nervous, as he would have to report the results to the City Council.
“I will start by declaring if there are any abnormalities in the various functions.”
He wasn’t completely convinced that a health examination was necessary for a living being that defied all common sense.
***
Glenn began by observing Molly’s monk robe.
There were several holes in it, mainly on the right side. Not just holes—Molly probably had insufficient constitutive substance, so she was unable to reproduce clothing in those places. A semi-transparent purple gel filled the space under her clothes. The previous manager’s skeleton was visible inside the substance.
While there was some gel in the chest area, the surfaces of a few of Molly’s ribs were exposed—specifically the eighth through tenth ribs on the left side—as if she didn’t have enough body tissue there, either.
Glenn moved on to her face and head. It looked like each strand of hair had been meticulously reproduced. The hood of her robe had probably been similarly reproduced from her flesh.
“Hmm. Excuse me.”
“Mm.”
Glenn touched one of the exposed ribs. Given how old the skeleton was, he wanted to make sure it wouldn’t deteriorate. However, the rib felt slimy, as if the surface was coated with gel as well.
“Argh!”
“I’m sorry! Did that hurt?”
“No problem. I am capable of controlling my sense of pain.”
It’s not really a problem, but…
Glenn couldn’t overlook the fact that Molly had winced, just for a moment, and her face had gone as slack as slime. Her hood had also changed form, losing its color, and she’d grown something like horns. Perhaps she was unable to keep her form when she was taken off-guard.
However, it was only for a moment. Her hood and eyeballs went right back to how they’d been before. There were also popping noises, as if the reaction had created air bubbles in the gel.
Glenn looked up and saw that Sapphee was arranging items in the corner of the room. She’d brought a stock of preservatives and deodorants that Molly had requested for the zombies who needed them.
He looked at Molly’s face. Other than how pale it was, it looked the same as a human’s.
“Almost everything looks pretty good.”
“I dislike this vague expression. What is ‘almost’? If 70% is good, then 30% is not?”
“Umm…” Glenn wasn’t ready to be questioned like that. He wasn’t sure how to answer with those big goggling eyes staring at him, unmoving. “As a doctor, I see no problems. You are 100% healthy. But…I have some questions.”
“Dr. Glenn is here as mandated by the City Council. You are permitted to ask questions.”
“Are you experiencing any inconveniences in your life? What I mean is, do you have any problems living in a town? You were previously living somewhere else…right?”
“Intent of question is unclear. More details.”
“I’m concerned that you feel trapped here.”
There were no problems with Molly’s body. Actually, he thought Molly probably knew more about the state of her body than he did. It looked like she had the ability to analyze as well as repair herself. She may be different from other living beings, but there didn’t seem to be any abnormalities. Glenn was more concerned with her emotional adaptability.
“Infestation of Skadi Dragenfelt was for the purpose of acquiring nutrients only. However, there was no consideration for the body of the host. It was an immature way to live. We have learned. The optimum way to acquire nutrients is to live as a town member and fulfill duties. Incorrect?”
“I think that’s correct.”
“So long as we can fulfill the role of manager and earn compensation, we are Molly Vanitas, manager of the graveyard city.” The doppelgänger spoke these words without any eye movement.
Glenn had no response to this. Even though Molly had only been appointed days earlier, she’d already shown tremendous results in restructuring the graveyard city.
“Originally, we served an existence higher than us. The state of working under the order of a dragon fulfills the purpose of our creation.”
“Were you created by someone?”
“Details are unclear. Due to a long dormant state, that information is lost. It is possible to search for a relationship to the scylla species.”
“No, that won’t be necessary.”
It seemed Molly didn’t even know herself.
Perhaps it was the ancient species called the malevolent gods, ancestors of the Scylla, who had used Molly, but the only one who knew about that was Dione. There was no reason to force Molly to recall the past when she was alive now.
“Oh, one more thing. Your bones are exposed in one area. I think it would be better to cover them entirely.”
“Body tissue gross volume is currently insufficient. Chromocytes are also insufficient, so body and clothing mimicry are incomplete. This result is the most natural mimicry possible.”
“Gross volume…is insufficient?”
“Some pieces that ran away after division are still unaccounted for. I am currently performing search, collection, and assimilation duties parallel to manager duties. Even after collection, there is a possibility of lost or damaged cells when diverted to mimic use. Complete mimicry will take time. It is possible to calculate an estimate, but results may be inaccurate due to insufficient information.”
“What if you reduce the amount used in your chest?” Glenn asked as he looked at her bust.
Molly’s chest was obviously large. Excessively. With her intellectual way of thinking, she must have already noticed.
“That would render building a relationship with Glenn Litbeit impossible.”
“Excuse me?” Glenn was dumbfounded at Molly’s matter-of-factness.
“After observing the everyday lives of the residents of Lindworm, we have confirmed that most female monsters have an intimate relationship with Dr. Glenn. We have analyzed that friendly relations with Dr. Glenn are beneficial to a pleasant life in this town.”
“Wh-what?”
“Also, there is an apparent increase in excitement and heartrate when Dr. Glenn is near the breasts of women. To maintain future friendship with Dr. Glenn, feminine physique with abundant flesh is essential.” Molly’s face was expressionless as she spoke, but she was basically saying that Dr. Glenn was only excited by looking at breasts.
Could Molly measure heartrate just by looking at someone? If so, and if it were accurate, then that was an extraordinary ability. Glenn wanted to put it to use at the clinic.
“D-Doctor! What is this all about?!” Until now, Sapphee had been unconcerned with the exam, but, for some reason, she was suddenly irate. “You’re drooling over Miss Molly’s chest?!”
“N-no. Wait a second. We’ve gotten off-topic. That’s not true. Molly, you’ve misunderstood.” Glenn was flustered and spoke without thinking. He got the feeling Molly’s goggling eyes were gleaming.
“Misunderstood? That means my analysis is mistaken?”
“Uh.”
“Understood. We will verify accuracy of analysis.”
Had Glenn angered her? It had seemed like Molly possessed almost no emotions, but—
She suddenly opened her robe, exposing her chest.
“Ah?!”
The monk robe wasn’t even made to be opened in the front. But if you considered that the robe was part of Molly, it was probably easy to change the composition of it in an instant. From the exposed chest, Glenn could see Molly’s purple, semi-transparent, unique cleavage very well. The ribs were also faintly visible. He could see everything from her sternum, episternum, and costicartilage to her xiphoid. It wasn’t just a normal naked body. Glenn’s eyes were drawn to both its anatomical and sexual appeal.
“Increased heartrate. Slight increase in body temperature. Perspiration confirmed. Results of analysis: slight state of excitement.”
“You took off your clothes to confirm that?”
“Er… This…”
Molly didn’t seem to be listening at all. When he tried looking away, she reached out and grabbed Glenn’s face. She was frighteningly strong. It was hard to believe she was nothing but bones and gelatin. She forced Glenn to look at her chest, seemingly unwilling to let him look away.
“I have increased transparency so it is easier to observe the bones. This has increased Dr. Glenn’s excitement, which means that excitement increases when non-human elements are present in the woman.”
“What did you say? Miss Molly, I need more details!” Sapphee latched onto this information.
“I hypothesize that monster women have an advantage in increasing friendliness with Dr. Glenn. Sapphee, what is your opinion of this hypothesis?”
“Yes! Yes! I think it is a very good hypothesis.”
The two women spoke enthusiastically. Glenn couldn’t get a word in.
“Does Dr. Glenn like lamia the best?!” Sapphee asked.
“Information is insufficient to analyze Dr. Glenn’s inclinations.”
“I see. Miss Molly, please make sure you collect all necessary data regarding this issue.”
“Understood. Add task ‘Dr. Glenn’s preferred monster inclinations’ to duties as new project.”
Glenn was at his wit’s end listening to Molly play dumb with such a straight face. Why did anyone have to analyze his inclinations? He looked for an opportunity to jump in.
“Hey, Sapphee, I think that’s enough…”
“What do you mean, Doctor? This is an important topic. Do you know how much I worry because you have your hands full with so many different monster women? If you would just tell me you like lamia best, then we wouldn’t have to discuss it anymore.”
“I like lamia… I like all monsters!” Glenn only meant to protest, but Sapphee came back with words that stung hundreds of times over.
“You pervert! You’re just a failure who can’t find a human wife!”
If he said anything else, she might wrap the snake half of her body around him and constrict him.
With all the commotion in the church, the nearby lanterns flickered as if joining in. Maybe ghosts liked this kind of slapstick dispute.
“That’s enough joking around.”
“Who was joking?!”
“Our analysis of Dr. Glenn is correct. We don’t lie. However, we also recognize that humor is a necessity when managing the graveyard city.”
Molly happily fixed her clothing. Since her clothing was part of her body, she could have returned to her original state in an instant, without going through the motions of undressing or fixing her clothes. But this was part of Molly’s mimicry process.
Even if she and Glenn didn’t see eye to eye, Molly made every effort possible to learn about humans and monsters so she could assimilate. Glenn understood that, so long as she had that will, there would be no major problems. She was intelligent, she took others into consideration, and she knew it wasn’t okay to cause harm. She was no longer the chunk of flesh that had lost its reasoning and attacked Lulala.
“If you are returning to the city, I have a request.”
“Yes?”
“Because of our duties as manager, there is almost no opportunity to visit downtown Lindworm. Please tell the mermaid, Lulala, that I am living in the graveyard city.” She went out of her way to name Lulala, proof that the mermaid was special to her.
“Why don’t you go to town yourself? Lulala is always singing in the canal and the central plaza.”
“That is not possible. We did the unthinkable. We threatened the Draconess Skadi’s life and nearly ate Lulala. Even if the former was due to lack of knowledge and the latter was due to malnutrition, we should not be permitted in the city.”
“But that…”
“Negative. This is not based on permission from others. We have drawn a line. Everyone in the graveyard city is the same. We are in the graveyard city because we can’t go to the town. We made a decision, and we will stand by it.” Molly seemed intent. “But the fact remains that we are all residents of the same town. Please tell Lulala that I am here.”
“I understand. I’ll make sure to tell her.”
Molly put her hand to her chest—the chest she had just exposed. Perhaps she was feeling a heart that didn’t have a flutter.
Or perhaps she put her hand on her chest because she was feeling the skeleton of the previous manager that she took into her shapeless body, thought Glenn.
“I am a fake.”
“…”
“But I can read the previous Molly Vanitas’s thoughts from her bones. It’s not logical, but I have become Molly through her bones.”
“Yes, I think I understand.”
“I’ll become an even better manager. I ask for your help in the future.”
Glenn smiled. So long as she was around, the graveyard city would become a lively place. He waved back at Molly. Even if the she never came downtown, at least she would always be here.
This was the ending Dione and Skadi had hoped for. Glenn was sure of it.
“You look like you’re enjoying yourself, Doctor.”
“Well, I’m glad to be able to help Molly. I’ll have more to do though.”
“I’ll make sure to keep a stock of preservatives. Ahh, we’re so busy. We’re so busy we don’t even have time to go on a date.”
“Uh…”
Sapphee was being passive-aggressive.
They could hear someone humming from the church; it was probably Molly. It sounded like a requiem. Maybe she’d learned it from Lulala. It was comforting, knowing they could come back and hear the doppelgänger singing at any time.
“Hey, Sapphee?”
“Yes?”
“How about we look at the lanterns just a bit longer before we go? We haven’t been able to go out together much.”
Sapphee looked surprised.
It was rare for Glenn to be the one to invite her out. And during the doppelgänger commotion, Glenn had worked a lot without her. He’d even been hospitalized for it, and, because of that, Sapphee had had to work harder.
“Just a little bit longer, Doctor. We have a lot of work to catch up on.”
“I know.”
Sapphee slipped her tail into Glenn’s hand. The cool scales felt good against his skin.
The ghost lights that illuminated the dark graveyard were tranquil. Molly Vanitas’s requiem resounded throughout the town, even as they walked away from the church.
***
Grave visits had become a hot topic among the residents of Lindworm.
People went to the graveyard city on the outskirts of town to mourn their dead. Rumor had it that if they asked the manager of the graveyard city, she would transform into the recently deceased so that the townsfolk could look upon the faces of those they’d lost.
The faceless doppelgänger, the mimic who could turn into anyone, the second-generation manager, Molly Vanitas, who lived with and protected the dead, was thriving, just outside the city.