258 Vitality to the Vampire Princess
The Word of the Divine is sufficient thus.
Visit again after several days.
It’s fine to ask for the answer then.
However, a problem arises here.
The message on this side could be conveyed through a book, but a book cannot answer questions.
That’s impossible. They wouldn’t understand our circumstances well enough to rewrite it as a book and send it back.
What is that, some kind of exchange notebook?
A swap notebook should be sweeter, shouldn't it?
What sorrow could possibly require a serious exchange of notes about the fate of the world?
Besides, he's an old man.
An older man like that might work, but still—once someone reaches that age, well…
Thus, a listener and negotiator are required.
The one who drew the white arrow was the Vampire Child.
The Demon Lord is occupied with various matters, after all. He is, by definition, a Demon Lord.
Not exactly something one could casually bring into enemy territory.
The Church of Divine Words is central to humanity, after all.
There are several reasons beyond mere elimination for taking the Vampire Child along.
There are reasons, yes.
It's not that there aren't other acquaintances the Vampire Child could be taken to.
Ghohon.
To be blunt, the Vampire Child and the Church of Divine Words have a long-standing grudge.
The very nation the Vampire Child was born in was destroyed by the Church of Divine Words.
Ah, not destroyed entirely.
The town the Vampire Child lived in was ravaged—practically the same.
In effect, the Vampire Child is a living embodiment of that enmity.
Vampire Child...
Since being scolded by Mel, morale has dropped.
Not just morale—complete disarray.
What is humanity? What are vampires?
Who am I? What am I?
That kind of state.
Losing grip on identity, it seems.
Feels like I’m interpreting something entirely different from what Mel tried to convey—charging headlong in the wrong direction, completely lost.
When I asked if Mel should correct me, she said,
“Lady, the meaning lies in you finding the answer yourself.”
No inclination to assist, clearly.
Is that really alright?
Feels like I might end up with answers that go off in the wrong direction if left unchecked.
So, to distract myself, I’ll throw out a task that could serve as a short-term objective.
What happens when we engage with the Divine Word Church? Unknown. But we’ll manage somehow.
As long as I’m holding the reins, things shouldn’t go too badly, at least.
“Thus, preliminary preparation.”
“What kind of preparation is this, exactly? You just show up out of nowhere—no explanation, no context.”
You shouldn’t be saying such things, miss.
Thus, chop.
A cracking sound from the skull. The sensation of the neck vertebrae shattering. No matter.
The book was pressed forward.
This volume is slightly thicker than usual.
It is time for the Vampire Child to explain the nature of this world—the system, the future trajectory of ourselves, and other essential matters.
Without understanding these fundamentals, communication with the Pope of the Divine Word Church is impossible.
The Vampire Child does possess a Taboo skill, true. It could be maxed out, but allocating skill points for that purpose alone is unnecessary.
Hmph.
Before such a significant announcement, concerns about identity should vanish entirely.
I will erase those concerns.
Now, come. Learn the truth of the world. Let your head ache.
...Wait?
This is increasing the burden of worry?
Yes.
I don’t know.
The Vampire Child is an adult after all.
They’ll manage it on their own somehow.
Well then, the Vampire Child should be fine now.
Might not be ideal, but it’ll do.
Leave the rest to the guardian (Mera).
Better go check on Oni-kun.
Thus, I arrived at Oni-kun’s location.
Unusually, on foot.
Usually I just teleport, after all.
Well, we live in the same mansion, so teleporting isn’t strictly necessary.
“Shiro-san, welcome.”
Oni-kun greets me with a gentle smile.
Hard to believe he’s the one with the rage.
How did he even acquire that state?
“What’s the matter today?”
“Heretic Resistance.”
“Aah, finally reached Heretic Resistance Level 5. Still a bit from full immunity, but definitely much improved compared to before.”
Hmm, hmm.
Progressing steadily, then.
Conversations with Oni-kun are never exhausting.
One word, and they usually grasp exactly what I mean.
So this is what it means to read the air.
"Status."
"Uh? Oh—right! You're definitely recovering too. About ninety percent now. I think I'll be fully restored shortly."
Occasional delays or misinterpretations are unavoidable.
This body that cannot speak—this is painful.
I don’t intend to improve.
Because interacting with others is troublesome.
Oni-kun’s condition is improving.
No recurrence of rage so far.
If this continues, mastering Outer Path Nullification will only be a matter of time.
Once that happens, Oni-kun should no longer lose himself to rage.
Then, Oni-kun will be able to decide for himself how to proceed from here.
Handing Oni-kun a book.
It contains the same content as the one just given to the Vampire Child.
"The book for today is a bit thick."
Read it, then do as you please.
“Huh?”
Turning my back on Oni-kun, I walk away.
Whether to proceed after reading it is up to Oni-kun.
If you align with us, it is acceptable.
No mercy if we are adversaries.
If you wish to remain indifferent, then that is acceptable.
I do not have the authority to decide Oni-kun's choices.
All depends on Oni-kun.
It is not just about Oni-kun.
This applies even to the Vampire Child.
It feels as though they are moving under my control in a gradual, unstructured manner, but I have no intention of binding the Vampire Child.
I kept them alive at minimum because I found them. I provided only the strength necessary to survive.
Yet, the Vampire Child has acquired sufficient power to freely exist within this world.
Whatever choice comes next is the Vampire Child's freedom.
Yes, choosing the path to oppose me.
Her feet halt.
If the Vampire Child opposes me, what will I do?
It is decided.
If anyone stands in my path, I will show no mercy.
No one is exempt.