Carmilla's cheeks had been burning for quite a while. Only after a long time had passed did she let out a trembling voice.
"This lady, is now d-doomed to never marry..."
"..."
I told you I was sorry. Of course, even though she said that, perhaps because she knew it was an extension of a medical procedure, Carmilla didn't make any further complaints either.
'She's probably just embarrassed.'
Vampires. Especially purebloods, they are those who believe themselves to be a noble clan. As such, I heard they are quite closed off regarding sexual matters. A body that has never revealed even a forearm or calf in her entire life. But to be told that a man she saw for the first time in her life washed her, how flustered must she have been.
"Auu, uuuuh..."
The girl grumbling with her face buried in her palms. Carmilla only snapped out of it after quite some time had passed.
"Hmm, umm... S-Sorry. I showed you an unsightly behavior for a moment."
"It is fine. It was an emergency situation for me as well, so I lacked consideration in sensitive areas."
"No! Were you not trying to save this lady? I made my life savior flustered, so it is my lack of virtue. For a moment, I was swayed by personal emotions..."
She spoke as if she had regained her elegance, but her complexion was still reddish. I didn't bother pointing that part out. Because she is probably doing her best in her own way. I bowed my head first and continued the self-introduction I couldn't finish before.
"I will greet you formally. My name is Viktor. I am a knight entrusted with the Princess's escort by the order of the late King."
"The person Father arranged..."
"It seems you have already received a hint from the late King."
"Yes... On the day he passed away, he told me. That your vassals are hiding even in human society, so meet them."
Her pupils blinked as if reminiscing. In the meantime, the girl's breathing had calmed down. Was she reflecting on that terrible day?
"You were... the vassal Father spoke of."
"Yes."
I answered without hesitation. Of course, it was a lie, but...
'The late King's words were true. There were actually several vassals who followed the late King hiding in human society.'
However, the late King didn't know. That even they would have already met their ends.
'They were all murdered.'
Vassals eliminated by the New Kingdom even before receiving their mission. It meant there was ultimately no place for Carmilla to stay. Therefore, I decided to take on that role instead.
"What did Father say?"
"He said if the dynasty falls, hide among humans and build up strength."
"Other than that?"
"He said to take good care of the Princess..."
"...I see. Father did."
A gloomy breath. Although her eyes were moist with tears, the girl desperately held back her crying. It seemed as if the knotted insides were leaking through her bitten lips.
"Are you alright?"
"Phew... Yes, this lady is fine. Is there any reason not to be fine? I survived. I survived, and I also met a vassal who will serve me as Father said. I was not helplessly murdered, and thus I can plan for the future."
"..."
"Therefore, this lady is fine."
Carmilla tried to hide it as much as possible, but it was rather obvious from the words she spat out pretending to be strong. She was trying hard. Not letting the tears welling up in her eyes fall was the best she could do.
"..."
I also kept my mouth shut, pretending not to notice. A wound that cannot be easily comforted, and should not be easily comforted. The utmost consideration I could offer was silence. If I kept my mouth shut for a while, soon Carmilla would open hers again first. It seems she has calmed down to some extent.
"T-Then... you."
"Please feel free to call me Viktor."
"Right! Viktor... Then, will Viktor become this lady's escort knight from now on?"
"That is correct. Until the Princess gains power, I plan to assist you by your side."
"How reliable! A human who blocked the God-Killing Bow and the stake with a bare body! And without getting a single speck of dust on his clothes at that. Father shared friendship with a truly extraordinary person in his lifetime."
"Thank you."
A lie returned naturally. I felt a bit guilty at those innocent eyes, but I forced myself to move on. It's fine. Although I used a lie, I will keep the promise to protect you. I brush off my heart that felt momentarily tight with complexity.
"Princess."
"Why do you call, Viktor."
"As far as I know, in the case of pureblood vampires, I heard they can transform into the form of a bat."
"Correct. It is an art this lady is capable of as well."
"Good. Starting tomorrow, you will be attending the Academy with me."
"Academy? You mean the educational institution that teaches young humans?"
"Yes. Among them, it is the academy called the best on the continent. Since it is a place full of talented individuals, if you build connections here, they will be helpful someday. To rebuild the dynasty, you will have to scrape together power somehow."
"Indeed... cultivating a force."
Carmilla nodded as if convinced.
"However... if this body enrolls, wouldn't it be noisy in many ways? There might be humans who know this lady's face. Since the execution failed, Uncle's side won't stop the pursuit either..."
"I asked because of that part."
"Hmm?"
"I think it would be best if the Princess stays with me in the form of a bat. As you said, if the Princess's existence is leaked, attention will inevitably be drawn. It would be instant to become a target of the New Kingdom again."
"I see...! A form transformed into a bat is difficult to notice even for old vampires. At a glance, it cannot be distinguished whether it is a spirit beast or a pureblood's transformation. With that method, the risk of being caught would be low."
"I intend to report to the academy that you are a spirit beast I am taking care of."
"Understood. Just matching roughly should do."
I thought deeply. If Carmilla transforms into bat form, the size is roughly about a grown woman's fist.
"Buying a separate birdcage would be cumbersome. And it would be stifling for the Princess too. Since the school uniform pocket is quite spacious, entering there should be fine."
"Certainly, being locked in a birdcage is rather uncomfortable."
"However... is it possible to converse while remaining a bat?"
Is that possible? The oral structure itself changes from when human. While I was tilting my head alone, Carmilla answered confidently.
"Do not worry about that!"
The silver-haired girl jumped up from her seat. Without any explanation, she immediately jumped into the air.
Hwa-a-ak—!
Red aura shimmering around. The next moment, the girl's form changed. Color dyeing along the fluttering hair.
"Oho."
Carmilla had instantly transformed into a silver bat. Red eyes with a mysterious hue despite becoming smaller. It flapped its wings and landed on my shoulder. Watching the strangely cute movement, a voice soon rang inside my head.
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Viktor!]
"...?"
Oh. What is this.
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[This is also possible!]
"Princess?"
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Yes, it is this lady!]
"This... is not a real voice. It's as if delivering resonance directly into the head..."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Fufu, you recognize it! In the human world, they call it telepathy, right?]
"It's fascinating. To think even this was possible."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[You may be a little more surprised! I am glad you recognize this lady's competence!]
To think there was such a function. Feeling fascinated, I shared a few more words. 'Come to think of it... it was like this in the original work too.' There were many scenes where she conversed with Lanne even in bat form. It seems it wasn't just a game-like direction, but there was a setting called telepathy. Anyway, nice. With this, the problem coming from communication was solved. It means I can easily take her around the academy.
'One might wonder if I really need to carry Carmilla around all the time, but...'
This is insurance. Insurance for me, who is all stats E-rank, weakling itself.
'Carmilla is strong.'
Although she was sniped by silver arrows and ganged up on by assassins showing a pathetic appearance, her pure martial power is on par with the top student of this batch. It's not for nothing that purebloods are special. Even before awakening, it means she can lightly crush academy freshmen.
'She has to protect my body.'
I do have the [Mask of the Evil God], but this guy has a usage limit. Moreover, since the ability is cheat-like, it's a situation where I can't use it carelessly either. It's a card I have to save. To not die a dog's death somewhere, increasing survival means is essential.
'If I just carry Carmilla around, I can get past a certain level of danger safely.'
I clearly said escort knight, but in reality, I am the one in the position of being protected. My heart felt uneasy as if I was deceiving something, but...
'So what.'
Doesn't the old saying go, all roads lead to Rome? I just have to keep the promise made to Carmilla. Save her life, help build a force, collect talents, help with revenge, and help her grasp royal power again...
'Isn't that within a forgivable line?'
Right now lies are mixed in, but I just have to make those lies into reality. Anyway, I am also in a position where I must help Carmilla. I have to avoid the end of the world. A future where vampires start a war and the continent is devastated is declined. So, for the greater good, a little deception is unavoidable.
'It's good for Carmilla since she achieves her cherished wish, and good for me since I avoid the end of the world.'
Truly killing two birds with one stone. Good for the sister, good for the brother-in-law. Good for Tyrannosaurus, good for Micropachycephalosaurus, isn't it? Satisfied with such rationalization, I gently stroked the mask on my face.
"Fufu..."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[...]
"Hmm? What is the matter, Princess? The telepathy trembled slightly..."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[N-Nothing.]
"Please tell me. Are you not the person whom Her Highness must trust the most from now on?"
Clearly, it trembled as if giving a signal to the brain. Carmilla hesitated, unable to answer easily.
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[T-That is...]
"That is?"
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[How about, n-not laughing like that? It's not anything else, but something like killing intent... is a little scar... N-No! Of course, that doesn't mean Viktor is scary...]
"..."
I was hurt. To say a person laughing is scary. I pouted my lips alone. Although it wouldn't have been seen because of the mask.
'Anyway.'
It was the start of Academy Life.
Like that, another day passed, the day the Academy Entrance Ceremony was held. I headed to the auditorium as notified in advance. Swarming crowds. Tens of thousands were filtered out, but nearly a thousand people still remained in the academy. Breaking through the fierce competition among these people, skipping a grade to Class A, and graduating from the academy. That can be said to be the ultimate goal of the cadets.
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Truly a harsh place.]
"I suppose so. Since they are children receiving elite education."
My school uniform coat, in the front pocket was the Princess. Peek—. A look sticking her head out cutely. It seemed she quite liked the inside of the spacious pocket. She said it was perfect for resting because it was warm.
"Fortunately, we aren't late."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[People around are glancing once in a while.]
"Well, people wearing masks aren't common. Isn't it because everyone is curious?"
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Hmm, right. Of course, it seems there are other reasons too but...]
"Yes? What did you say?"
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[N-Nothing...!]
The Princess's silly monologue. In the meantime, we arrived at the auditorium. The entrance ceremony opening grandly.
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[It opens magnificently. To think they display welcome messages with magic.]
"Still, it is the continent's best academy in name."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Humans also have quite a high level of magic.]
"Though not comparable to vampires."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Obvious words!]
Small chatter being exchanged. After the hot welcome, a few words of congratulatory address followed.
A white-haired old man stood on the podium. A benevolent smile, a voice that seemed to genuinely congratulate the admission.
'That is... the famous Dean, huh.'
I thought inwardly. Former Cultist Slaughterer. A figure said to have killed over three digits of black magicians alone. He is said to be revered as a living legend in the Inquisition.
'As expected, you shouldn't trust people just by looking at their faces.'
To think he deboned people with such a gentle impression. Chills run down my spine.
'Next to him is... Head Professor Javert?'
A woman with cold eyes. The Dean's adopted daughter, a figure boasting formidable achievements. As expected, an expert in cultist eradication. The only investigator comparable to the Dean. I rolled my eyes moderately and examined her.
'She looks exactly like the illustration.'
Explosive curves, red hair containing blood color, even green pupils. Splendor that is not difficult to call a beauty indeed. If Carmilla has a bewitching feel, should I say that side has a violent feel? Perhaps because she is one of the original main characters, her appearance was top-tier. While briefly appreciating, suddenly those deep green eyes met my gaze.
"...?"
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Viktor? What is wrong?]
"No. I felt like our eyes met for a moment..."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Isn't it a misunderstanding? There are so many people here.]
"I guess so, right?"
Right? Isn't it? Even among the faculty, getting involved with those two becomes troublesome. Please, let there not be anything where I get marked wrongly.
Blond hair climbing the podium vigorously. Twinkling purple pupils. Our protagonist has arrived.
"It is good to become close with that friend."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Hmm? A child with mysterious energy. As if light is stretching out in all directions...]
"As expected, you recognize it. Because she is one of the children with the most outstanding talent in this batch."
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Hmm... Do you know her?]
"We had a brief connection before."
While chatting, eyes meeting with this side. She blinked her eyes as if she was also looking for me. Gladness immediately revealed on her expression. I waved my hand lightly. Just with that, eyes brightening easy to understand.
'Cute girl.'
I look at her with a pleased smile. I have to help Lanne grow whenever there is a chance, but right now it wasn't easy since our classes were split.
'Should I arrange a separate opportunity later...'
While making plans in my head, time flowed leisurely. The entrance ceremony also roughly showed its end. For such a school event, it wasn't particularly boring. Should I say it was fascinating to see scenes I used to watch on a monitor screen with my actual eyes?
Is it starting slowly? The prologue ends, and the period of officially getting on track. The place I was heading to was naturally Class E, the lowest class. Carmilla, hiding in the front of the school uniform, asked.
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Class E... it is strange!]
[To be in the lowest class even with such strength?]
[Is the level of humans perhaps all like this...?]
[What a scary race!]
[There was a reason Father always said to get along with humans...]
A bat trembling while misunderstanding on its own. I smirked and answered with a laugh.
"No. I just came to Class E on purpose because of circumstances."
Would ordinary students be able to block the God-Killing Bow? Then races other than humans would have gone extinct long ago.
'Besides, I'm really weak, you know...?'
Not within Grandia Academy, but even looking at the entire continent, I'm in the lower ranks. A body that can lose even to Carmilla's bat form. I walked while shaking my head.
[ 🦇 Carmilla ]
[Circumstances? It seems there is something in Class E.]
"Yes, there is someone I have to meet."
Seed of disaster. A girl who would have enrolled as the joint last place with me. Because I have to find her and remove the sprout of danger.
"We've arrived."
A large building located quite far from the main building. A size at least twice that of a university campus. This entire thing was the hall prepared for Class E. In front of the main gate, report cards and student rankings were written.
'I must be last.'
Because I took the entrance exam matching exactly that standard. No matter how it is the lowest class, attracting too much attention is bad. The reason I chose last place on purpose. As expected, the best is a life where I live as if dead while swish-swish extracting only what I need.
'Still, should I check just in case.'
The getting closer list. Inside, the rankings within Class E are shown. But...
"...Eh?"
Deht. (Sound of shock)
A question popping out naturally.
[Class E Rankings] 1. Viktor
2. Luyan Zestar
3. Austin Vectorhan
4. Gerk To Lavan
.
.
.
27. Yeshua Holden
28. Alice
"Uh oh."
Class E Top Student. My name was proudly listed in that spot. A situation completely outside of assumption. I could only mutter blankly.
"What is this."
Is this a bug?