Chapter 63: The Moon Is Beautiful, Isn't It?
(Darling isn't here... He was supposed to be in the room with Mizuha just a while ago...)
Looking at the empty room with no one in it, Evangeline fell into silence for a moment.
Tonight is the long-awaited full moon. It's the day we promised to perform the vampire ritual.
The vampire ritual can only be performed on a full moon night. For vampires, it's the most important ritual for various reasons.
(Maybe he forgot. Darling is busy... I guess there's no help for it.)
Upon further thought, even though we made a promise, we only verbally agreed once when we first met, and that too while in transit. It's hard to imagine he'd remember normally. I'm annoyed at my own carelessness.
Alone, I entered Darling's room and lay down on the bed.
As I buried my face in the pillow, my teary eyes were absorbed and disappeared.
(Hehe... It smells like Darling. A comforting scent, like a gentle and warm sun...)
When I'm alone, I return to my true self. I don't really like the way I speak formally to others. But since I'm of royal blood, I firmly separate my public and private lives. I've been doing it since I was little, so I don't really mind.
But... I want to show my true self only in front of him. If it's the one I exchanged the vampire ritual with, I'm allowed to reveal my true self. So please... come back soon. Before the moon hides.
***
...Did I fall asleep at some point? When I opened my eyes, my beloved Darling was gently stroking my hair. Wait... am I still in a dream?
"...Sorry, Eva, for being late. You've been waiting, haven't you?"
"...I'm tired of waiting. As punishment, carry me like a princess."
Though I really want to hug him joyfully, I end up saying things like that.
"Understood, princess."
Saying that, Darling gently lifted me up and carried me like a princess.
Just like the time he saved me, just like the moment I fell in love at first sight.
"Shall we go then? We have to bask in the light of the full moon, right?"
He really remembered... I'm so happy I can't speak. I nod silently.
"Hold on tight, we're going to teleport."
Technically, I know that as long as a part of our bodies is touching during the teleportation, it's enough, but I cling tightly to Darling. The part I touched feels warm and pleasant. Vampires have a lower body temperature.
After a moment of floating sensation, our surroundings change, and we find ourselves on top of a tall building.
"Darling, where is this?"
"We're at the top of Primera Castle, princess."
Countless city lights twinkle below, and if you look up, the full moon seems ready to swallow you whole.
"...It's beautiful."
"The moon is really beautiful, isn't it?"
"Eva, in my world, a beautiful moon has a different meaning."
"A different meaning?"
"...It means 'I love you.' Tonight's moon is truly beautiful, Eva."
"Wha?! Darling..."
It's no use... tears are overflowing, overwhelmed by affection. I just squeeze his arms tightly.
"...If the moon is truly beautiful, it's because you're here... because your sun-like presence shines gently on me..."
The moon gently illuminates the two of us. We gaze at it in silence for a while.
"Darling... you know, vampires used to be monsters hunted down in the past."
"I see."
"But my ancestor, the first Evangeline of Transylvania, fell in love with a hero from another world, and the blessing she received from the goddess became the vampire ritual. It's a vow that we, cursed vampires, won't drink any blood other than that of the person we're bound to for our entire lives. It allows us to live more like humans."
"What happens if the vow is broken?"
"We die. The same goes for when our partner dies."
"Can someone as important as that be replaced by someone like me?"
"You're being mean... I want you."
A faint pain runs through my neck, but it quickly turns into an indescribable pleasure.
"I've learned the art of blood-sucking."
"Payback, Eva..."
"Huh... umm... haahaa, it feels... so good..."
Bloodsucking brings an incredible pleasure to both of us. This might become addictive.
"Eva, sorry to say, I plan to live quite a long time, so will you stay with me until then?"
"Of course, I'll be in your company. Y-yes."
***
"Hey, Sebas, the moon is beautiful tonight. How about a moonlit sake on the rooftop?"
"...No, it's impossible! There are still documents to finish."
"Aww, you're such a killjoy. Maybe I should quit being lord and become an adventurer..."
(Besides, it seems there's a guest already...)
"After you're done with those documents, let's take a break. I'll have some alcohol prepared."
Alfred's night is just beginning.