Behind her optimistic attitude is a lonely soul that seeks a warm refuge.
That night, it was unusually peaceful like a calm before a storm. No one anticipated the blazing fire that killed the entire household. If not for her sister's sacrifice, she might not be alive right now.
Harlock concluded that it was planned, but she doesn't know who was behind the tragedy. Eirene only saw silhouettes of individuals running after every members of the family including the helpers. No one was spared.
"Von escape quickly!"
"No! Let's go together."
Eirene held her sister's hand pleadly, not intending to let her sister go.
Her sister struggled out of Eirene's grasp, she looked at her and smiled dotingly.
"Von, it has always been you secretly protecting and spoiling me even though you are actually the younger one, but this time let me protect you. You must escape first, I need to help Father and Mother. After you called for help, you can return and look for us. Von, we will wait for you. You must survive."
After she said her piece, she run off inside the mansion and tried to fend off their assailants as she watched her younger sister running further and further away.
'Von, keep running. If I cannot survive this time... if there is any next life, I'd like to be your elder sister again. I'll dote on you like how an elder sibling should do to the younger one.' Her elder sister thought as she fought for their survival.
Eirene's tears were unstoppable upon recalling that unfortunate event. If only she was fast enough but it was too late. The house was burning, she tried to rush inside only to loss an arm. Good thing Harlock followed her, if not, not only an arm but her life would be forfeited.
Strolling inside the ruins, everything seems like a nightmare, a set for an action or disaster film.
Rescuers found bodies in different locations of the house. The head count was more than what they had. She was guessing, the excess number belongs to the invaders.
Harlock presumptuously got her eldest brother and requested him to lead the investigation. Few days later, they found clues but still could not find definite conclusion. And thanks to Harlock's second brother, the news was wrapped up to a minimum extent as to not give the masterminds an assurance that they had annihilated the entire family. This way not only would they be dreadful, they may also ended up leaving traces of their actions and identities.
***