Hai turned slightly, glancing toward Don Quixote. After confirming the seriousness in his eyes, Hai spoke without hesitation:
"I'll keep it brief. The City won't disappoint those who rely upon it."
"Since you're from the City, naturally, the City stands with you. At least, that's the position I represent."
"That's good then…"
Don Quixote murmured softly. Hai sighed and asked:
"So… this method of yours to save her… what exactly is it?"
Don Quixote remained silent for a moment, then slowly knelt down. At that instant, Hai seemed to already grasp what was about to happen. He covered his face with one hand, quietly sighing.
"Alright, if that's your decision… then I understand."
"I'll leave first. If you have something to do, just do it. I'll be waiting for the two of you at the alley's entrance."
Hai spoke briefly and exited the alley. He specifically emphasized "the two of you," his meaning obvious without further explanation.
Of course, Don Quixote understood that implication. He sighed once more, crouching down in front of Nearl. Nearl, her consciousness hanging by a thread, felt utterly bewildered by this scene.
What is he…trying to do now?
"Nearl… I ask you now, as First-Generation Kin, the Bloodfiend Don Quixote. If you were to die here and now, would you be satisfied?"
Don Quixote spoke in a serious tone, entirely unlike his usual self who jokingly called himself a "Bloodfiend Fixer." Nearl froze momentarily, then answered with what little consciousness she had left:
"Of course not…"
I still have so much left unfinished.
"Then, what if I could save you—but at great cost, so much that you'd never return to the way things were before?"
Don Quixote sighed again, continuing:
"You'd lose and sacrifice many things… My attitude toward you wouldn't change. But you might find yourself trapped in an awkward situation… Even knowing this, would you still accept?"
Nearl barely thought about it at all, simply answering from her heart:
"I… trust you."
Don Quixote closed his eyes at those words. Nearl felt the last remnants of her strength slipping away, so exhausted she couldn't even utter another word, longing to simply drift into sleep…
"Then, I understand. From today onward, you are no longer the Nearl of the past. After this day, you shall become Second-Generation Kin—my… 'offspring,' Nearl."
With those words spoken, the last sensation Nearl felt was Don Quixote bending down, his hand gently pressing against her neck…
When Nearl awoke again, it was already dusk. She raised her head from the ground with difficulty, glancing around blankly before her eyes landed on Don Quixote, who sat on a nearby stone.
"What happened to me…?"
"Congratulations, Nearl—you've survived. I only hope you won't regret what you've given up."
Don Quixote sighed softly. At that moment, Nearl turned her head slightly and saw her reflection in a nearby window—her pupils now tinged with crimson.
Exactly the same color as Don Quixote's.
"How do you feel now? Do you feel hungry at all?"
"Ah… Not really. I don't seem to feel any hunger."
Despite feeling somewhat perplexed, Nearl replied honestly. Upon hearing this, Don Quixote exhaled quietly, visibly relieved.
"That's good, then… It seems you're just like me now. Ahem, anyway, come along. Hai's been waiting a long time. Let's meet him first, and I'll explain everything else on the way."
After leaving the alley, the three of them returned to their lodgings. Along the way, Don Quixote systematically explained to Nearl what it meant to be a City Bloodfiend, distinguishing clearly between First-Generation Kin, Second-Generation Kin, and Blood Bags.
Standing before a mirror now, Nearl tilted her head, looking into her newly-red eyes. Clenching her fist, she felt the presence of "Hard Blood Arts" pulsing within…
She exhaled slowly.
This is actually even more convenient than Originium Arts… And it seems I don't even have the supposed blood thirst… Thank goodness…
Does this really mean I'm Second-Generation Kin now? Nearl clenched her fist again, feeling uncertain deep within herself.
Then… what should I call Don Quixote now? Father? Um… that somehow feels really strange, incredibly weird even…
Nearl sighed softly. Then, recalling Don Quixote had something else he wanted to discuss, she decided to leave her room.
Forget it. Let's not overthink things right now.
Exhaling again, she left her room and went straight to find Don Quixote.
Soon enough, she located Don Quixote in the adjacent room. After tidying her slightly messy hair, she spoke up cautiously:
"Um… you wanted to speak with me about something?"
I still haven't figured out what I should call him…
Nearl thought to herself silently.
"Ah, you're here… Ahem. Getting used to your new identity?"
"Yes. Thank you very much. Nothing feels uncomfortable—in fact, I feel quite a bit stronger…"
"That's good. Now, let's talk seriously about the Kazimierz situation."
Don Quixote's expression became visibly more serious. Nearl also quickly straightened her own expression, awaiting his words carefully.
When Don Quixote wore this expression, whatever followed was likely something important.
"There might be even more danger ahead… so regarding Kazimierz's Knight Tournament, I plan to finish things up quickly. It shouldn't take much longer. If there's anything you haven't finished yet, do you need me to—"
After hearing Don Quixote's concerned words, Nearl paused for a moment, then broke into a gentle smile.
Oh… so that's what this is about.
"It's alright—there's no need."
Nearl gently interrupted him. Don Quixote blinked in confusion, seemingly unsure what she meant.
But Nearl spoke firmly, with unwavering determination in her voice:
"I have my own mission to complete. It's something I must do myself. Besides…"
"You're here, and Hai as well. Now that I'm stronger than before, I feel that…"
"My mission is something I should finish with my own hands."
Don Quixote paused briefly, then finally smiled back at her.
"Alright… if that's the case, then it's decided."
"From here on out—do your best."