Leo had finally left his small hometown of Elden. His destination was clear—he planned to visit his mother, who was now living in Elward, the city of vampires. Since Leo already knew the route, he managed to reach the city in just one day.
As he entered Elward, the atmosphere turned heavy—dark rain clouds, thick mist, and a chilling silence wrapped the land. The trees were withered, their branches lifeless, and the ground itself felt harder and darker than normal earth. Every step Leo took, he observed carefully, knowing that this was no ordinary city. This was a vampire domain, where moving carelessly could mean death.
Suddenly, he froze. The silence broke as crows burst out from a nearby tree, but that wasn't what stopped him—something else lurked behind. In an instant, a sharp sound cut through the mist as an attack shot for his neck. Leo reacted swiftly, dodging aside and launching his throwing knives in return.
He wasn't afraid. In fact, he knew this land itself tested intruders—the more fear you felt, the more dangerous the traps became. This was part of the Vampire Queen's power.
Leo: "Hey, enough already! Stop with these cheap tricks!"
He slashed through nearby trees, shattering them with a single strike.
Leo: "Come out, Yuki!"
From the shadows, a familiar voice replied.
Yuki: "Tch… I missed again. You're always so hard to hit. Tell me, why are you so skilled?"
She looked both frustrated and excited.
Leo: "Maybe try talking one sentence at a time?"
Yuki: "Hmm… nope. By the way, you're not flirting with other girls, are you? Going on secret dates maybe?"
Leo: "Don't start with nonsense. And stop—I'm not your boyfriend!"
Yuki: "What?! Is that what that liar told you?"
At that moment, Leo remembered—years ago, as children, he had once promised Yuki that he would be with her forever. The memory made his face flush with embarrassment.
Leo: "That was only because… you had such a beautiful face back then, and…"
Yuki: "And what?"
Leo: "Just stop it already!" he shouted, blushing even deeper.
Leo: "Don't mess with me over trivial things!"
Yuki: "Doesn't matter. You're going to marry me anyway."
Leo: "Idiot! Boys don't marry, girls do!"
Yuki: "Fine, fine. Whatever you say, Leo~ hihihi."
A moment later, she stumbled.
Yuki: "Leo… my legs hurt. Carry me."
Leo: "I told you before—using that much force in your attacks injures your own body."
Yuki: "Please, my hero…"
Leo: "No."
Yuki: "Pleaseeee."
Leo: "…Fine." He sighed and lifted her into his arms.
Inside, Leo thought: If only Yuki wasn't sick… I wouldn't treat her this way.
Yuki: "Why so quiet?"
Leo: "Forget it. Where's my mother?"
Yuki: "The Queen? She's probably in the sanctuary, resting through the night."
Leo: "Good. Then I'll go to her."
Yuki: "You're leaving me here?"
Leo: "Yes."
But when Leo reached the palace, the Queen was not in her chambers. He searched every hall and every room—even his sisters' quarters—yet still, she was nowhere to be found.
Frustrated, Leo returned to his own quarters. He placed Yuki on his bed.
Leo: "You'll sleep here tonight. I'll take the floor."
Yuki: "Hmph. I'm one of the Great Five, my room is usually far better than this…"
Yet despite her words, she walked to the window, opened it, and gazed at the night sky. The new moon glowed more beautifully than ever. Yuki's eyes shimmered with wonder.
Meanwhile, Leo gathered a blanket and pillow, setting up a spot on the floor. Just as he was about to say good night—
Yuki: "Leo… come closer."
As he leaned in, Yuki suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. She touched his cheek, then pressed her lips to his. Leo's face turned bright red.
Yuki: "Hehe… you're blushing. I love you, Leo."
Leo, still embarrassed, muttered reluctantly:
Leo: "…I… love you too."
And with that, they parted and went to sleep.
---
Character File – Yuki Sashime
Age: 15
Height: 1.65m
Race: Pure Vampire; one of the Great Five powers
Star Power: Creates destructive waves with her fan, capable of cutting and shattering anything
Appearance:
Long black hair
Well-shaped figure with normal chest size
Dresses entirely in black, moving like a ninja
Always carries her kunai and signature star fan
Personality:
Cheerful and positive
Emotional, easily flustered but determined
Loves strong boys, constantly teases Leo
Loyal to the people she loves
Relationships:
In love with Leo due to a childhood promise
Sometimes jealous, but her devotion never wavers
Goals:
To find true happiness
To remain by Leo's side no matter what