Specialty Change: Pyllis

Hmm... Let's see.

Since we had excessive expenditures last month, I've got to cut back on snacks this month...

Tch, having a fixed income is frustrating in so many different ways. I knew working with the government was a mistake.

An intruder?

Show yourself.

Flululululululu!

...

Eh? Was that you, Fluri?

Flulu?

Flulu!

Hmm... Who is it from...?

So I received a letter from Jenua of the Wild Dog Company.

It's not just a letter, Boss! It's an invitation! He's inviting all of us to Wetheric Moor!

No, he's not.

Ack!

Why can't you just wait until he's finished?

As you said, Cidd, it IS an invitation to Wetheric Moor. But he's only inviting Haste and Pyllis.

Pyllis and me?

Hmm...

How come I'm not included on that list, Boss?

How am I supposed to know? I'm not the one who made the guest list.

But if I had to guess...perhaps Jenua was worried you might get into a fight with the other Cidd.

That's understandable. I'm not sure about their Cidd, but our Cidd is bad-tempered.

What?!

I was only joking about a meet-up between the two Cidds. Here's what he wrote in his letter.

"Haste! I meant it when I told you to visit me someday...but I guess you thought I was just being polite."

"Anyway, visit me in Wetheric Moor with Pyllis when you have time. I'm sure Eligos knows what I'm talking about."

For your information, I didn't get any information from him whatsoever.

"There's something I'd like to tell you...and I have an important gift for Pyllis."

"Wait, would this be considered a gift? In any case, I have something for her, not for free though, of course..."

...Who writes a letter like this?

My head is spinning just listening to it.

Does he...always ramble on like this?

Not only does he write like that, but he talks like that too.

Hmm... He has something for me...

There's more in the letter. Let me continue.

"You've got to earn something in order to truly appreciate it, right? Anyway, it's about a test that's been passed down in the family which proves one's worth."

"I wrote down the missions you're supposed to complete at the bottom of this letter, Pyllis."

"They're not extremely ardent, so don't worry too much. Just tackle them one at a time on your way to Wetheric Moor."

...That's the end of his letter.

Here, this appears to be the list of your tasks.

All right.

Then when should we leave?

Now.

Huh?

You mean, right now?

You two aren't working on a mission right now, so think of it as your vacation.

Dingo, what do you want me to do?

Umm, I'm thinking about serving a salad as an appetizer, so can you chop up the vegetable over there?

I'm on it.

It's probably still alive, so you'll have to fillet it nice...

AGHH!

Tssss... Tss...

W-What is that?

What do you mean? I told you, it's a veggie for my salad. That valuable ingredient came a long way from another continent, so handle it with care.

...Dingo, I've never said a word about your cooking when it's only us... But we have guests...so how about using some normal ingredients today?

I prepared this ingredient as a special treat for them.

What's not to love? It's rich in fiber and protein, not to mention fresh blood which is my little guest's favorite...

I'm all right. I don't really drink blood these days.

I really appreciate the effort you've made for his sake...but it could easily make his cravings even stronger...

Ah, say no more. Then I'll bring out the local cuisine of Wetheric Moor.

Cidd, since I'm not going to use that veggie anymore, take it outside and release it.

Me?

Tss!! TSSS!

Hurry up and get it out of my way. I can't get started because of that thing!

Ugh...

What's with all this ruckus? I told you we should have just ordered something.

I beg your pardon?

A-Ah, nothing. It was just a joke.

And Haste and Pyllis, I need to talk to you two, so follow me.

Yeah, don't just stand there and watch me cook. I'll let you know when I'm done!

It goes a long way back, but your father and I were very close when we were in Erasia.

I know. You two are cousins.

Mm, I meant...professionally.

Every Vampire Lord needs a Shadow Knight by their side who can ensure their safety.

I was knighted on the same day Conwell Lenox took the throne as the Vampire Lord.

I guess the two of you got along well back then.

Hmm...

I don't understand why you're getting so upset over something like this.

Shut up! You can't do this to me day after day unless you're deliberately trying to screw me over.

I just...didn't want to bother you. That's all.

Save it. I know you sneak out to see your lady friend alone!

I don't really remember us being particularly friendly toward each other.

I see.

It's okay. Pyllis and I are friends.

Hmm?

Do you know...why I brought the two of you here?

Yeah, you're trying to make her my Shadow Knight when I become the Vampire Lord, right?

...You caught that quickly.

Here, take this armor, Pyllis. I've kept this family heirloom a secret...even from Cidd and Dingo.

Ahh...

It's so dusty. Is this how you treat your family heirlooms, Jenua?

...So picky, just like your father. All it needs is a little dusting, then it'll look as good as new.

But this armor...looks too big for me.

Ah, no need to worry about that. That armor was made using blood magic, so it will adapt perfectly to fit the wearer's body.

Really?

All right, it's time for us to exit the room, Haste.

Why?

What do you mean, why? So that Pyllis can change in peace! Sometimes you're just as clueless as your father.

What are you talking about?

Nothing. Come on, let's go!

Ah, and Pyllis!

Yes?

As the armor forms to fit onto your body, it's going to look into your soul to see if you're truly worthy.

...

That's the final stage of the test.

Pyllis! You're alive!

Just hold on a sec. I'll get you out of there right now.

What are you doing? Run before he gets to you!

How do I open this glass pod...? It looks nothing like the one I was in.

If we destroy all of this, maybe you'll go back to normal. Let's go back home, Ravi! Let's...

Wake up! There's nothing left there! Both our families are dead!

I didn't stop you from leaving that day, but I'm going to save you now!

No, we don't have time for this. You should run away.

Lost item found. Retrieving it now.

Ah... No...

...Run, Pyllis!

Too late.

Pyllis!

Ugh...

Subject 15 secured. Returning to the lab now.

Pyllis, please take care of Julian...I mean, Haste.

Please stay by his side and help him live his own life, happily.

Things have changed now.

I can, and I will protect my loved ones!

You're not alone, Pyllis!

I will never lose anyone dear to me, ever again!

...

Pyllis!

You look amazing, Pyllis!

The armor really did shrink.

I told you it would. Wait a second, did you not trust me when I said that?

I didn't say that.

In any case... Congratulations, Pyllis. You proved yourself worthy of being a Shadow Knight!

I solemnly swear that I will always serve and protect my lord with honor and courage.

Rise, Lady Pyllis.

I've never seen Boss be that formal before.

So awkward...

Are you not done yet? My food is getting cold!

Do you have to be such a buzzkill in a situation like this, Dingo?

It's better than being disrespectful to the food and the chef who cooked it!

You too, Haste. Come and take a seat.

Okay.

Everything smells so good. I can't wait to try it all.

Hehe, feel free to visit me whenever you miss my cooking!