Hero Stories: Undying Promise

There are three families within Erasia that have inherited the Vampire Lord's bloodline, Lenox, Drake, and Roland.

Jenua Roland. As one who inherited the name of my family, I never imagined a life other than being a Vampire Lord.

The only problem is things didn't work out as expected.

Other than becoming a Vampire Lord, there was nothing I ever yearned for in my life. But I failed to realize my dream.

The day my friend Conwell Lenox became a Vampire Lord was the day I was knighted as his Shadow Knight.

Have I ever wondered why that shameless womanizer made it, while I couldn't? Of course, I have.

Why did you call me? I'm busy. You said you were going to let me take a break.

Apparently, taking a walk can help you adapt to your prosthetic leg, so I called you.

Is that a joke?! My leg would have been just fine if you hadn't gone to the border, blinded by some woman!

I know you were injured trying to save me. I don't feel ecstatic about reducing a talented Shadow Knight to this state either.

If it makes you feel any better, I broke up with her. I couldn't help but feel sorry for you whenever I saw her face.

Nice excuse. You just got tired of her, I know that much.

...It's all in the past anyway. And this is my duty as well.

You made me, a successor who failed to become a Vampire Lord, a Shadow Knight. It was the least I could do.

Why, yes. Being able to stand next to me like this must be a pleasure for you, am I right?

Keep talking nonsense, and I'll use you as a shield when the Slayers next ambush us.

Ahaha. I bet you won't. I know you better than anyone else.

Say that to the chicks you hang out with.

I believe everyone has the status and position they deserve. Your current role suits you well.

And I'm sure you're the only person who deserves to carry this sword.

...! This is...Dark Blood Keeper, the ancestral sword of the Lenox family.

Yes. It's the ancestral sword of my family that only those who are qualified can wield. I can't think of anyone more deserving than you.

As a symbol of my gratitude and admiration, I offer this sword to Shadow Knight Jenua.

...

As you wish, Lord Conwell.

I thought I made myself clear that joining you in your entertainment is not part of my duties.

Oh, come on, stop being so stiff. Since we're here, why don't you look for someone you like?

I don't think I have many options left for myself when you have your eyes on all of them, now, do I? Can we please stop coming to these parties?

Life is long, my friend, especially for us. Where else can I find amusement? I need something to make me feel alive.

...Sure. You do you, just leave me out of it.

Hmm. It seems you're upset because of that lady from earlier.

What?

That lady in the light blue dress, who was standing in front of the clock, remember? I only talked to her as your wingman. I didn't expect her to show interest in me.

I simply answered a question. I was never interested in her.

That's great, then. Being rivals of love with my one and only friend is the last thing I want in the world.

Anyway, take a look around. I'm sure there's someone perfect for you out there.

...Shut up, just make sure you show up on time. I'm not letting you off the hook if you're late again!

Good luck, Jenua.

I said don't be late! And I'll make you regret it if you disappear without me!

...It's already time to return.

How dull. What's so fun about parties?

Life is long, my friend, especially for us. Where else can I find amusement? I need something to make me feel alive.

Something to feel alive? Sounds like a hassle.

Conwell is always dating a countless number of girls. I'm surprised he even has room left in his heart.

Could it be one of his abilities as a Vampire Lord?

...What am I thinking? Of course not.

Even if I became interested in someone, it would never lead to actual feelings. It's quite peculiar.

I wonder what it feels like.

In any case, what's taking him so long? We're supposed to meet by the ent...

No way...

Nope, not here.

...He's nowhere to be found.

Conwell, you little!

He's doing this on purpose, I'm sure of it! That womanizing jerk!

I saw this coming the moment they exchanged looks. He was being extra cheesy today.

That lady in the light blue dress, who was standing in front of the clock, remember? I only talked to her as your wingman. I didn't expect her to show interest in me.

I simply answered a question. I was never interested in her.

That's great, then. Being rivals of love with my one and only friend is the last thing I want in the world.

Ugh, I wouldn't have been so pissed off if he hadn't said anything!

If he's with her now...

If he really is... I swear I'm going to challenge him to a duel!

...Ahahaha!

...A woman's laugh.

It's his classic move again, asking the girl to read a paragraph from a novel! Hmph, you're too predictable, Conwell.

But it won't work this time, my friend. I'm going to ruin the moment for you!

Conwell!

...

...

...Hmm.

Lately, my thirst for blood has become more intense and frequent.

Although I understand that it's only natural for a Vampire, I've never experienced such strong impulses before.

I can't remember exactly when it started...

I think you can move now. Why don't you get up already?

Are you saying that I'm faking it? You're the one who startled me and made me fall, but you have the audacity to say that?!

If anything, you're the one who was randomly dancing in someone else's garden.

Ahem...! I've been practicing ballroom dancing! I don't come to parties that often, you know.

...So you were dancing while reciting a novel? Hmm...

W-What about it?! Everyone has their own way of doing things!

Why are you getting all worked up all of a sudden?

Some people enjoy dancing to nice, romantic phrases in novels!

...What a weird lady. Whatever, I at least respect your taste.

I can tell from her appearance that she's an ordinary Human lady, probably someone less fortunate.

And I assume she came by to help with the party and was taking a break.

By the way, what brought you here?

I'm looking for my troublemaking friend. That womanizer will vanish with a lady the moment you take your eyes off him.

She's just a Human lady who got injured, it's not that big of a deal. I could have just walked away without listening to her nonsense...

No one caught your eye though?

But for some reason, I couldn't.

No.

Interesting, you seem like the type who'd naturally attract women.

...

Staying by your side won't magically fix your feet, so if you'll excuse me.

And for your information, you were dancing the male part.

...A-According to who? There's no male or female parts to dancing! For someone who only peeked a glance, you seem to remember quite an awful lot of details!

It may have only been a moment, but I can still remember it well.

Wait, you know how to dance?

So what if I do? You're not expecting me to dance with you, are you?

...It started then. Ever since that day, I started to dance with her everyday.

And I was slowly devoured by this strong impulse, running through my entire body.

It's been a while since I accepted her absurd offer and met with her every night.

Somehow I've been loyal to a forced promise that would be simple to ignore.

Hanging out with Conwell must have messed with my head. It's just a promise made with a lowly Human.

But the impulse has become stronger than ever, making it harder to resist.

Squeal...

Hmm.

Could it be a natural desire towards Humans? Or is it my thirst for blood?

I don't want Ameris to see me like this...

Squeal!

You little...! How dare you pull my hair?! Let go of it! Ahh, it hurts! Ack!

SQUEAAAL!

Now you're kicking me? Come here, you little creature!

...

...

SQUEAAAL!

W-What just happened...

Were you too shocked to say anything?

No, your hair...

I thought you'd shout for help.

I think your hair might need to get looked at first...

...*sighing* I look like a mess.

Hey! Where are you going?!

Do you realize now how reckless your suggestion was?

Get back inside, or you'll regret it. If anyone sees you around a Vampire, it won't do you any good.

You're going to back out now? Don't you think it's a little too late?

What are you...

I don't care.

I didn't come to meet a Vampire. I came to meet you, the one who agreed to teach me how to dance.

How naive of you. Didn't you just see what I was about to do?

I saw it. Sure you have a strong stomach...but you must have chosen to do that so you don't have to drink blood from people.

...

I've heard of those Vampires who fight their urge to drink blood from people. I don't know all the details...

But it seems like you're holding yourself back from recklessly and unnecessarily attacking others.

...I've just never felt the need for that.

Then the fact that you're a Vampire doesn't really matter to me.

...

And if you really wanted to, you would have killed me already.

...You must have no fear.

Once you've been through a lot in life, you'll realize that Humans are the cruelest of all.

And I figured you weren't some ordinary Human anyway.

How so?

Is that a rhetorical question?

I may be a little paler than everyone else, but otherwise, I don't think I'm so different.

Anyway, promise me you're going to show up every day. I don't want you to ghost me for some weird reason.

What did I get myself into? I might be stuck with you for a long time.

Maybe deep down, that's what I really wanted.

Oh, and my leg hurts... Please keep that in mind and be gentle, will you?

Her truthful eyes. Her pale, tiny hands.

Sure.

Did you hurt your leg again? I thought your leg was all healed.

I fell while I was moving around some heavy stuff. Isn't it weird that I always hurt the same leg?

Does your master have no male servants with a sense of chivalry? How pathetic.

Let me take a look at it.

Hahaha, it's not like staring at it will magically fix my leg.

I've never forgotten the warmth of her hand, the day I held it by the moonlit lakeside.

Are you heading out again?

What brings you here without notice?

I haven't seen you for months now. Is it just me or are you really that busy?

You came all the way here just to tell me that? Why, are you upset that I don't hang out with you anymore?

You have so many other ladies to waste away your time with. Are they not enough for you?

Well, it's quite the opposite actually. I'm happy for you, since my biggest concern was that you couldn't seem to find love in all the time we've known each other.

Y-You knew...?!

When one is in love, they're bound to change. For example, your dilated pupils...

There's no way you've noticed!

I didn't say a word about Ameris, how did you find out?!

Ah, so her name is Ameris. Good to know.

Anyway, they're all natural changes.

The list goes on. You find that you keep checking the time, space out with a smile, or even ask about what girls like when you used to have no interest whatsoever...

Hmm...

What are you doing? Stay away from me!

Wearing a cologne you normally wouldn't. Good choice, by the way.

As I listened to him, I realized that these were all things Conwell did, things I used to find pathetic.

On the other hand, I'm worried about you. Loving a Human means you're bound to get your heart broken.

You'll have to constantly fight the temptation to keep her by your side forever, even if you convert her.

...An eternity with Ameris.

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about turning her into a Vampire.

Is becoming a Vampire Lord that great?

I wouldn't know, I never became one. Way to rub salt in my wounds.

Oh...! No, that's not what I meant! I was just asking out of curiosity.

I know. You're just fun to pick on.

Well...I guess they're physically stronger than other Vampires.

Ah, it's not that big of a deal, then. There's no reason to feel discouraged at all.

One more thing. Only a Vampire Lord can turn someone into a Vampire.

Since I failed to become a Vampire Lord, I'll be the last successor of my family.

...

What's with the long face? I don't feel any obligations to carry on my family name.

But if I have one regret...

Hmm? A regret?

Never mind.

Oh come on, what is it? You can't just stop in the middle of your thought!

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it. But I'm not a Vampire Lord, so I don't have the ability to...

If that's what both of you want, I can easily grant you two an eternal life together.

...?! Are you serious?

Of course. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, especially when you risked yourself to save my life. You're not just my Shadow Knight, you're also a dear friend.

Though it's embarrassing that he pointed everything out, there's no way Conwell wouldn't have noticed my changes. We're basically inseparable.

And everything was exactly as he said.

On the other hand, I'm worried about you. Loving a Human means you're bound to get your heart broken.

You'll have to constantly fight the temptation to keep her by your side forever, even if you convert her.

The more time I spent with Ameris, the more I found myself torn between my inner desires and what was rational.

If that's what both of you want, I can easily grant you two an eternal life together.

Of course. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, especially when you risked yourself to save my life. You're not just my Shadow Knight, you're also a dear friend.

Even if I suggested it to her, how would Ameris react? If she feels the same...

Together with her, I...

...

Wait, a lifelong commitment...? It's almost like a proposal, isn't it...?

It's a serious matter. I can't just pop the question without any preparation, can I...?

Maybe I should prepare a ring. ...Should I make one now with the clovers nearby...?

No, let's take a deep breath... I'll prepare the rest next time. There's no hurry.

...What took you so long? I've been waiting for...

...Jenua...*coughing*

Her beautiful lips and neat clothes were stained red with blood. It was a sight unbefitting a Human.

*collapsing*

Ameris!

Never have I felt so hopeless. I've been so completely blinded by my own feelings that I failed to look after her properly.

...I was oblivious to the fact that she was sick and didn't have much time left.

If... If I were a Vampire Lord who could grant you a new life, could I have been able to make a quicker decision?

If only I could have helped you before you experienced this much pain...

Don't make that face, Jenua.

I didn't say anything because I didn't want you to feel responsible, but maybe I should have told you earlier.

Can you please say something... I'm...

If only I could have helped you before you experienced this much pain, I wouldn't have felt this miserable.

I've never felt so pathetic and useless for not being a Vampire Lord...

It isn't that you can't help me because you're not a Vampire Lord. This is my fate.

You can change your fate.

...By becoming a Vampire?

...I can't turn you into one, but Conwell...

No, I don't want it.

But why?

...

If there's anything we can do, we should give it a try! Sitting here, doing nothing is the same as just waiting for your death!

No, I'm not giving up. I just want to focus on and cherish the things I'm allowed to have.

If it wasn't for you, I would have died without learning what it meant to feel this way...

And the dance, too.

...

Thanks for everything, Jenua.

Do you remember? Sometime ago, you told me if a Vampire Lord is the protagonist, a Shadow Knight is someone who plays an invisible, supporting role.

To me, you were the one and only protagonist.

...

I just hope you won't feel too sad about my decision. To be honest, it feels like I already earned an eternal life...

...Because I know I'll continue to live on in your heart forever.

Don't you think you're being too cruel to me?

*chuckling* Am I? Then I won't blame you, even if you forget me.

Do you really think that's possible for me?

I overlooked the fact that Ameris's life belonged to her and her alone. I was arrogant to think that I could ever change her destiny.

Ameris never once coveted eternal life or to be free of all pain. Knowing that, I couldn't taint her determination with my own greed.

Ameris.

So I decided to accept your life as a mortal...

And settle for spending the rest of your time left, together.

I understand now that letting you go is the last thing I can do for you.

As an immortal, even the thought of understanding the life of a mortal was an act of arrogance.

Like Ameris said, they were new feelings I've never felt before.

I had no courage nor the words to express how it felt to lose the one most precious to me.

As someone who couldn't be there by your side when you were took your last breath, I have no right to say anything. I didn't want others to tarnish your honor just because I'm a Vampire.

What do you think of this place? Beautiful, isn't it? Look at the river shimmering in the sunlight!

I asked my family to scatter my ashes here so that you can come see me any time.

Whenever you miss me, come visit this place.

Does it have to be a river?

I'm worried that you're going to be too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. I fear that you might drift aimlessly forever.

I want every step as you come to see me to be beautiful.

If that's what you wanted, you couldn't have chosen a better place.

You think so? I always knew I had sophisticated taste. Look how I chose you.

Hmm... I think you might have made a wrong choice with that one.

Hahaha, come on, don't say that.

I know all these 'what ifs' are pointless, but even if I could turn back time, I would have made the same decision. I would choose you over and over again.

I feel the same way.

Please don't hate me for leaving you too soon.

As an immortal, I'm not confident if I could ever meet you again.

I'd be lying if I said I'm not worried about you, having to go on without me for the rest of your life... But even after I'm gone, I'm sure you'll meet good people...

And they're going to be there by your side. I'm sure of it.

What if I don't want anyone else? You're the only one I need in my life.

No one can ever replace you. That's not what I need.

Neither Vampires nor Humans have the power to determine their own destinies. And that's...what makes every life so precious.

...

When we meet again, I'd love to hear your stories...

...About all the people who made you happy.

You won't be able to find eternal peace if I keep holding onto you.

Since you said you'll continue to live on in my heart forever, I promise I'll live on with you in my heart. Farewell, my dearest...

"Exile"

Those who support the idea of restricting drinking blood and the use of living beings as research materials to study blood magic.

It was only natural for individuals who share the same thoughts to gather together and form a faction.

With my title as the successor of Roland, the renowned Vampire Lord family, I managed to gather together many Vampires.

However, those who oppose the status quo are often prone to becoming targets for attacks.

Have you really made up your mind to leave?

"I hereby humbly accept the results of the trial." I made an oath yesterday, remember?

If you wish to stay in Erasia, or better yet, by my side... I can always change the results of the trial. It would be a piece of cake.

No, thanks. I refuse to babysit my troublemaker friend anymore.

Are you serious?

...

...It wouldn't do any good if I stayed. I promised to let her go, but I couldn't.

Maybe this is for the better, to be branded an exile and banished.

If Ameris had been alive, would she have wanted this for you?

I...

...

I can't afford to think of all the 'what ifs,' at least for now.

Forgive me for breaking my promise to stay by your side forever. At least I did my best to protect you while I could.

Goodbye, Conwell.

Urk...!

...*sighing*...

Jenua, are you okay?!

...I haven't had blood for so long, and this vertigo just won't go away.

We must board now! More soldiers are coming this way!

Ah, I've finished now. Let's hurry.

A trip?

Yes, I've never once left Erasia. In a book I read, I saw that there are so many gorgeous places in this world.

I'd love to travel with you.

...I'm afraid I can't keep our promise. Look at me, I'm even being banished.

But I promise I'll be back.

My heart belongs where you are, Ameris.

Even those who acted as if they could hold onto their unwavering determination forever, collapsed helplessly in the face of shifting environments and difficult situations.

After leaving Erasia, we arrived on the continent of Ritania.

A bit of turbulence was all it took to make us part ways.

By that time, I felt nothing but disillusioned with the world.

Let's go somewhere secluded, where no one will know who I am.

You quit drinking blood, so now you're into drinking wine instead?

...

Wouldn't wine be more unhealthy for you? You're still a Vampire after all...

Ameris...

Whenever I'm alone, watching the radiant sunset, you're there by my side.

Jenuaaaaaa!

He told me not to let anyone in!

Dingo keeps forcing me to eat weird stuff! *muffled*

Weird stuff?! I cooked for you, where's your sense of gratitude?!

You two...! I told you not to come in when I'm...

*stumbling*

Huh...?! Jenua!

Aha! See? That's what you get for being a picky eater!

Let go of me! If anything, you're the ones making me dizzy right now!

Are you sure it's not because of the wine? How strong was it?!

I told him not to drink without eating some food. Now, here. Try some of this.

I'd be lying if I said I'm not worried about you, having to go on without me for the rest of your life... But even after I'm gone, I'm sure you'll meet good people...

And they're going to be there by your side. I'm sure of it.

When I was about ready to give up, I finally arrived at this place.

And here, I'm not allowed to have even a brief moment to myself to mourn you. Could they be the ones you talked about?

Hmm...? What's with that long face all of a sudden?

...That Imp meat was a bit questionable, but I didn't know it'd make him sick just with its smell.

Hey! So it was weird stuff!

If it'll make you be quiet, I'll have some.

It'd better be good.