Chapter 46 - Chapter 41: The mistakes of a Hero

Shizu POV:I'm so nervous. Today, Demon Lord Leon will visit Tempest, setting foot in this forest again after decades… After the day he left me here and I got rescued by Chronoa.Awaiting for his arrival, I packed the early hours with all the work I could do, trying to prevent my fears and doubts from gnawing at my morale. I could feel the worried gazes of my coworkers and students. It is clear they didn't buy it when I told them there was nothing to fret over, and I let it slip during a lesson.The children were adorable, ready to accompany me and take my defense even if it would be useless. Though, I had to reprimand Kenya after he almost blew up the classroom with his overexcited Spirit. Funnily enough, Alice didn't mock him for his outburst this time.For so long, I hoped to learn why he summoned me and so many others in this world. Why did I have to suffer from Ifrit's flames he bestowed upon me, what was my role and why did he discard me in the end. I may know most of it now, thanks to Chloe. Yet, I want to hear it again, from his mouth.I'm aware it sounds idiotic. Why am I bothered about Leon's opinion when all my problems were solved and my suffering ended? When I can finally live in peace of body and mind, with the best friends I could have hoped for?I left the school grounds, and my class in my colleagues' good hands. There's still an hour before Leon's scheduled arrival, so I'll stroll in the bustling streets in search of something to occupy my mind… Not food though. I might throw up once I meet him if I fill my stomach now."Wait for me, Shizu." I heard Chloe running behind me and catching up without taking a sweat.She changed back to her adult self and put on a disguise, making herself hardly recognizable for those who know only her child form. A crop top and jeans; sunglasses to hide her eyes; a small side bag and her hair braided. It suits her, and unless you pay close attention it would be hard to do the link between the two.-"I fooled the teacher by acting a little sick and took my leave. Figured you'd need someone to accompany you in the meantime." She stuck the tip of her tongue out while smiling unapologetically about her little mischief.-"Since when were you such a bad girl, I wonder." I laughed, happy to see she's concerned about me. Then, remembering her link to Leon, I asked "How do you plan to reveal yourself?"-"Mmmh… It's best I keep myself hidden at first, watching from afar. If I appear right away, it will look like I'm pressuring Leon to say what you want to hear and not what he truly thinks." She pressed a hand under her chin, showing an unusual level of seriousness before smiling again. "Don't worry. I'll still be near to support you, same for Rimuru.Also, I will tell Alice and the others who I really am after this. It's time I stop acting like I'm still the old Chloe they knew, they deserve to learn the truth."Chloe looked aimlessly at the sky. It is clear she anticipates all kinds of negative reactions from the children, and fears it might create some distance between them. It feels so wrong, so I decided to snap her out her thoughts with a flick on her forehead."Yelp!" She jolted and almost tripped. While recovering her balance, she gave me a confused look that deepened when I let out a sigh.-"You worry for nothing, in my opinion. The kids are strong and mature enough to understand, after what they endured. Trust them." I grabbed Chloe's hand, and felt her relax a little from this small gesture. "Plus, the boys would think it's cool to be friends with a real Hero. And Alice won't leave you alone until she could make you wear fashionable clothes, that's for sure."-"...Pfft. Yeah, I can picture them acting like that." She raised her chin, radiating with serenity, before hopping toward a nearby shop. "What are we waiting for? Let's put this hour to good use."We did have fun, shopping without worrying about anything for the moment. Chloe taught me the new trends in clothing, amused at my lack of fashion sense. This is embarrassing but I can't help but investigate the resistance and practicality of a fabric for adventures and battle. This is how I lived for decades, habits die hard.It was fortunate I wasn't the only one not being in my element. Mithra found herself dragged into the shop by Shion, giving us a desperate look before disappearing in the fitting room. I can see Shion won't go easy on her this week.Sadly, time flies so fast. Soon, one of Souei's clones warned us to prepare and go back to the Central Office, as Leon's suite teleported in the outskirts of the city… It's time.It didn't take long to come back, but the closer we were, the more I felt my stomach knot. Despite our break earlier, my fear returned at full speed, assailing my confidence. So hypocritical, telling Chloe to not worry herself when I'm doing worse and worse.-"Shizu…" Chloe put a gentle hand on my back, waiting for me to bring back my resolve.-"I can't do it. I can't feel my legs." I began to panic, paralysed as I couldn't choose between running away or crumbling on this spot. I feared I might do something I would regret when facing Leon.-"Shhhh, easy. It will be alright." She hugged me and whispered as to not overwhelm my senses. "Remember, you're not alone anymore. I'll be here, cheering on you from behind, and Rimuru will ensure your safety."-"And you can count on us too." I felt another two pairs of arms joining in the hug, and recognized the voices who spoke in unison.-"Hinata? Yuuki?" I looked in surprise at my first students, they were supposed to have left Tempest last night.-"Rimuru told us what's happening a few days ago, so of course we'd be here." Hinata gave me a smile, a sight I rarely witnessed before living here. It didn't last long as she glanced unamused at Yuuki. "But someone preferred to make a dramatic entrance before you confront Leon."-"Hey, what's better than a surprise to cheer someone up before a difficult task? You have yet much to learn about the human psyche, miss Paladin." He mocked her before retreating, narrowly avoiding a punch.-"Tch. Idiot." Hinata looked away with a weird blasé expression, crossing her arms. "Lady Lum- Lulu had some urgent work to do, but she said she'll come back as soon as possible. She wasn't pleased at all to leave you today, knowing your common background with Leon, but we can't help it. She cannot laze around in Tempest all the time."Chloe and her exchanged knowing gazes and glanced at me with pity. Are they implying something I'm unaware of? Even Yuuki stopped acting like a child and arbored a similar, sympathetic expression. They scare me sometimes."One last thing." Chloe grabbed my shoulders, her expression turned serious. "If you need, let it explode. Do not let your true emotions rot in your heart. I'm too well aware of the disasters created by overwhelming negativity, don't make that mistake."Not long after, we heard an announcement: Leon is near, Rimuru tagging along as he went to fetch him. While Chloe went into hiding and gave me a last thumb up, my students remained close. Their presence reassured me, and I knew I needed all the support I could have, while I faced the man who brought me into this world.I felt my body shivering, and unable to breath for an instant when I saw him. He looks the same, even after nearly 60 years. Imposing yet detached, and these eyes, cold with indifference.Upon noticing me, he let transpire faint signals of curiosity. Perhaps he is surprised to have the confirmation I'm indeed alive, contrary to what he could expect. Seeing his nonchalant behavior, I could sense something warm and dangerous swelling inside me."Try to not screw this up." Rimuru snarled, not hiding his disappointment in Leon, before moving out the way. Nothing blocked the path between the so-called Hero and me. His followers stepped aside, also showing their surprise when they recognized me. Of course, I remembered them too. How couldn't I? The knight clad in dark, Claude, who taught me how to wield a sword, training me to become Leon's bodyguard. And Maetel, the white knight, unchanged with her long blond hair and deep blue eyes. The woman whom I thought of as a model, and who's gentle aura reminded me of my mother…But they're not my priority right now. I spared them a glance before looking back at Leon. He scrutinized me, taking his time before finally speaking with his usual bluntness."I see you've endured well."Tch. 'Endured'? Is that all he has to say? I didn't expect much, but this is plain ridiculous. -"Yeah. All because of you." My voice sounded more threatening than I wanted, yet Leon didn't seem to mind. Somehow it irked me all the same.-"Reproaching me for your poor relation with Ifrit, aren't you? Without him you would have died." He showed a semblance of a disapproving glare, it's hard to tell if you don't pay attention. "You had to accept becoming a Majin at the time, instead of clinging to your humanity until you'd eventually lose yourself for good. Thankfully you weren't stubborn when Rimuru saved you."…Is he for real? Not an ounce of remorse, nor a single apology? He's still acting like he knew all along what's best? What was I even hoping for, it was sure he wouldn't consider my burden to be remotely his fault.This time, I snapped. I felt the flame swelling inside me bursting, the air around me heating at an alarming pace, as my Spirit responded to my anger. My students and Leon's knights flinched, but none could intervene as Rimuru deployed a barrier. It will be between Leon and me, only us.I drew my sword and lunged at him. I know I can't win, I can't even force him to take it seriously. He is one of the Nonagram, and I'm just me. But I want to make him listen. I want to make him understand the nightmares I faced… And I want to try and punch him myself.I thrusted, he parried. I slashed, he evaded. I threw my flames, he sliced through. For now, he only reacted, as if he waited for me to speak my mind. As if he would listen, but whatever. As Chloe told me to, I'll let it explode."You dare speak about it as if it was easy. How could it be? You can't imagine how terrifying it was to a child."In truth, maybe he can. I know his story, but it doesn't matter to me. How does a Hero's life compare with the terrors a common girl like me suffered?-"Summoned in another world as I was waiting for death. Having a rebellious Spirit forcefully fused within me without explanation." My attacks grew fiercer as I started to enumerate the things that traumatized me in my life. "Watching said Spirit take control of my body and kill the first friend I made in this world."-"That girl's death was regrettable." He expedited his reply with the same pesky nonchalance he always had, while countering my blows with ease. "Ifrit hadn't understood my words well enough-"-"Shut up! I'm not done." I coated my blade with stronger flames and resumed my assault. "I had to close my heart for years after this accident, as if I should never be anything more than a tool. AND YOU DISCARDED ME, LIKE I DIDN'T MATTER!"Answering to my ire, my red flames soon became blue, reaching a power I rarely used even with Ifrit… Well, the first Ifrit, who's now named Charys. My new Spirit may have started as a Medium ranked one, but evolved into an Ifrit itself not long ago. It's still weaker than what Charys was, but our harmony compensates for it.I went for an overhead slash, which he avoided by backstepping at the last moment, yet I wasn't finished. Profiting from the power I have access to, I planted my sword in the ground and called forth pillars of fire under his feet. Observing Mihtra fight bore fruit, as it's a weaker version of a spell she uses."When Chronoa took me under her wing, I had some respite, only for the nightmare to continue when she disappeared. Even when she gave me her mask to help me resist Ifrit, I knew I was on a timer. It drew closer each time I used these cursed flames. I fought alone most of the time, in fear of slaying innocent souls if I were to lose control again… And in the end, I nearly killed one of my precious students.I almost lost hope. I was convinced my trip to Jura, in search for you, would be my last. I had accepted my fate. That's how it would have ended if it wasn't for Rimuru, Mithra and everyone else. So don't you dare act like you understand what I endured, all because of you!"Under the pressure of both my emotions and the power I used, I wavered. I dropped on my knees, as the blazing column faded. When I looked up, I saw his silhouette emerging, unaffected by my attack."Are you finished?"I could only grit my teeth, as I saw Leon walk past me like nothing happened. It's so frustrating… Is he still seeing me as the same mere child, who's tantrum isn't worth his time? I dropped my head, shame creeping within me, and didn't register immediately when he stopped in his tracks."I know I have to work on my social skills, it always was my one flaw. Maybe it would have preserved you from these trials."…Did I hear it right? Does he recognize how pitiful his emotional intelligence is? Heh, I'm sure it's costing him to admit the obvious."I never imagined you'd find the courage to face me, so as an acknowledgement I'll answer you. You did matter."…Huh?"I didn't leave you behind because you were useless. I knew it was for the best if you had a chance to live another life with the Masked Hero, after witnessing how you became a mere shell under my command, with eyes devoid of light."No… What is he saying now, after all this time. Is he mocking me yet again? I turned my head in disbelief, and saw he's looking at me."I kept an eye on you on occasion, no matter how distant it was, through my spying network. I heard some of your achievements." His focus shifted to Hinata and Yuuki, who tensed up. "You can be proud of your students, you raised them well."Stop. Stop! Why is he spewing these words? He's not Leon. The true Leon wouldn't bother to appear affable. Why is he betraying my memories of him without mercy?"I don't care if you'll accept what I'm saying or not, I'll say it nonetheless. You, like any of the summoned children I could or couldn't save, did matter." He walked away as the barrier dissipated and spared me a last glance. "It seems you finally found where you belong in this world, Shizu."Then, I broke. My anger got washed away by a wave of tears, I could only let them flow as I remained on all fours. Pathetic, isn't it? I waited for answers, for so long, hiding my inner demons even here in Tempest, just to crumble after five minutes of confrontation.…Well. I don't care anymore, I don't need to pretend anymore. I cried, as hard as possible. It's not like I could do anything else right now.When I felt someone give me a hug, I basked in their warmth, not bothering to look at them and see who's comforting me. Then, another one. And a third. We remained like that for a few minutes, until I tried to calm down a little.As my senses returned, I recognized Hinata and Yuuki's presence, enlacing me from behind. As for the one in front of me…"I'm so glad I could see you again, Shizu." Maetel smiled, ignoring her own tears as she gently stroked my hair. "We have so much to catch up, don't you think?"I'm sure I looked like an idiot, staring at her without moving and sticky with snort and tears. It took me a few seconds to register her face, and a few more for her words. When my brain caught up, I didn't hesitate. I lunged, crushing her into a bear hug of my own.She didn't protest, even if I certainly used more strength than necessary. She let me do it as long as I needed, and whispered a few encouraging words, like how a mother would do. Oh, Maetel. Always the pure soul, aren't you?-"Can you stay with me today?" I asked almost by reflex, hoping she didn't need to remain at Leon's side for his meeting.-"Today, and each time you'd want to see me in the future." She broke the hug and helped me stand up. "Would you like showing me around?"-"With pleasure."Third POV:The tension dissipated for the most part with the end of Shizu and Leon's confrontation. The blonde Hero knew before coming he had to repair his wrongdoings, but was still pondering how he should speak to Shizu until the last moment. He never was good at this, but looking at Rimuru's reaction, it went well enough.Leon allowed Maetel to stay with Shizu with a nod. He planned to give the two women an opportunity to catch up when 'Rimuru' invited him to Tempest. He knew his White knight was the closest to the poor girl in the past. As such, bringing her instead of Alrause was a wordless show of goodwill, an indirect way to try and repair the bonds with Shizu.Now, Rimuru and Leon entered the Central Office, walking toward one of the guest lounges. The Hero glanced at his colleague, wondering what the newcomer had in reserve. Their previous meeting in El Dorado was odd. Leon didn't know what exactly happened, but he supposed the one who came at the time wasn't really him.Unlike Guy, the slime doesn't appear to show interest in switching genders for fun. Perhaps he used an elaborate clone. It wouldn't be strange if Rimuru didn't want to take any risks, coming in person, but still planned to mess with him in some way. That lobster Demon may have filled Rimuru's head with bullshit, that's the most believable.They arrived at the lounge, a comfortable place filled with finely crafted furniture and radiating with warm colors. Rimuru sat on a sofa, hinting at Leon to take a seat himself. For the Hero, it was apparent no further head-on confronting was on the menu. He noticed the room next door was another lounge, but with walls reinforced by materials and magic sturdy enough to withstand a few blows from powerful people. Choosing this room instead of the other one, is an unspoken way of trusting him into dealing with what's coming next with diplomacy.-"You made more effort than I anticipated earlier." Rimuru crossed his arms with a smug. "At this rhythm, you'll develop satisfactory social skills in a millennia or two."-"Spare me your jokes, Rimuru. I did what I had to." Leon raised a hand, ordering Claude to stay still and ignore the provocation. "So. Why did you want me to come so urgently? The… cocky way you spoke in my country stirred quite a lot of discontentment among my retainers, so I hope it isn't for naught."-'Ciel really did enjoy herself it seems. I won't ask for the details but he deserved it anyway.' Rimuru gave a mental high five to his partner, and still displayed his grin, for good reason. "Know that you won't need to summon children anymore."-"What are you-"The door opened, cutting Leon's words. Chloe entered, wearing the same outfit as when she went shopping with Shizu, walking with confidence and an air of cheekiness. Claude almost scoffed, wondering why this woman acted like she owned the place, but restrained himself when he noticed his lord's reaction.Leon froze. He never saw this woman before, that he's sure of, yet realized something was strange. He felt a sense of familiarity, reminiscing of someone he lost long ago and desperately tried to find without succeeding.-"Maybe if I do this." Chloe swapped to her child form for a brief moment. When Leon fully understood who she was, she returned to her adult self and approached him. "Won't you greet your dear childhood friend?"When it finally sunk into his mind, Leon stood on the spot and hugged Chloe. After three centuries of intensive, desperate search of a way to bring her back, his dearest wish was granted at last. He's holding her with all his strength, in fear she might disappear again, if he were to release her.-"Ack. Leon, not that hard. You're crushing me." Chloe flailed her arms in panic, half suffocating under his overbearing display of affection. On his side, Rimuru snickered over the blondie's unusual display of emotions.-"S-Sorry." He loosened his grip, allowing Chloe to breath. He scrutinized her, overwhelmed by a swirl of emotions, finally reunited with the one he considered his sister. "When? How?"Chloe made him sit before he started acting strange again, took a place next to him and told her story. She resumed it as much as possible, eluding most of the time loop to keep only the most important.When she concluded, Leon realized a few things. Chloe is the Masked Hero whom he once fled from, but she's also one of the children Shizu sought to save during her supposed final adventure in Jura. Other details like Rimuru being linked to her time loop are important too, but for now they're secondary compared to this."I see. I owe Shizu more than my earlier apology." Leon allowed a sincere smile to creep up on his face.-"Tehee~ You don't say." Chloe responded with a sly grin, making Leon shiver without him knowing why.Rimuru snapped his fingers, making an ominous gate appear. Leon knew this gate too well, and could only watch as Guy, his maids and Velzard appeared through it. He could only wonder if his mind was playing tricks on him, maybe this is an elaborate nightmare from a mental attack he didn't notice…***…It was the harsh reality.-"Bwahahaha. You fucker, you really did it. You're the best, Rimuru." Guy burst in laughter, not bothered by the unlady-like attitude he's showing. Because yes, he genderswapped for the occasion.-"Told ya. Leon could never escape in this situation. Take your time in creating wonderful memories today." Rimuru replied, satisfied with the success of his prank.Said prank, isn't just a —maybe cruel, but just a little— prank. It's a bribe from Rimuru, ensuring Guy would keep his word and not interfere during the incoming war with the Empire.Using Chloe's power over the blond Hero, ensuring he cannot flee, they decided to embarrass him as much as possible… By using him as a dress-up doll. Shuna provided some of her prototypes, and Rain bought the rest in a few shops in Ingrassia. Now they have a huge pile of clothing to test on the poor Leon. Well, they never said only him would get dressed up.Guy took the opportunity to tease Leon by swapping to her female form, and planned to flirt while Misery dressed her with expert hands. As for Rimuru, the situation fired him up, and he called Kumara so she could enjoy using him as her own mannequin. Ciel cannot show herself, so she's giving her own ideas to Kumara via 'Thought Communication'. Chloe, her, decided she would show no mercy toward her adoptive brother. As for Rain, she's making good use of the camera lent by Rimuru, taking as many references for her paintings as possible. Lastly, Claude made the strategic decision of noping the hell out of here, when Chloe asked if he would participate in dressing his lord.Of course, the picture isn't complete without mentioning Diablo. Rimuru called him, jokingly wondering if his butler wanted to participate. Yet, no one expected the Demon to collapse under the sight of his lord getting dressed up. The excitement proved too strong. Now, he's resting in a corner, ascending thanks to this sacred vision.-"...Why?" Leon's mind threatened to shut down under this treatment.-"Sorry, Leon. That was necessary." Chloe said without looking sorry at all, enjoying the prank too much for it, and continuing with a heavier underlying tone. "You can consider this a way to atone for the summoned children you couldn't save while searching for me. After all, you still faulted on that one."-"I didn't expect the one you were searching for was the Hero Chronoa. Normally I would press on the matter but I'll let it slide." Guy sat deeply on the couch, ogling Leon without shame. "Today's event is too glorious to bother."-"I didn't think you would offer me to play with you this way, Rim. Not with your reaction last time." Kumara teased her companion while pondering which makeup would complement the frilly dress he's wearing now.-"Last time, you girls surprised me by starting it when I passed out and I was the only guy. That doesn't mean I can't have some fun when I'm mentally prepared. Oh, don't forget to dab the excess." Rimuru pointed to the lipstick she put on him.-"Oh, yeah. Almost forgot." Kumara put down the hat she planned to make him wear, and removed the excess with a kiss.-"...Not what I had in mind, but I liked it a lot." Rimuru winked, ignoring Guy whistling next to him and Rain frantically taking photos.-"Such beautiful love, this is a masterpiece of a reference." Rain put down the camera in a hurry and started scribbling on a notebook. "As a thanks for today, I'll give you both a painting of your choice."-"If only you could be that productive all the time, I swear." Guy sighed at her maid's antics, before giving Rimuru a questioning look. "By the way, where's Velzard?"-"Well. Don't you think it would be sad if we're the only ones having fun?" Rimuru answered and exchanged mischievous looks with Kumara.In the Labyrinth:Veldora was in the middle of a training session for the Insectar siblings, when he felt a terrifying chill crawling on his spine. His sudden change puzzled Apito and Zegion, and before they could question him, Veldora laughed nervously.-"Kuahahahaha. I'm in danger. Sorry guys, something tells me I have to escape while I still can. Don't ask me what this is all about, it's a hunch." He waved them goodbye and walked away… Well, tried.-"Mmfufufu. What are you scared of, dear brother?" Velzard blocked the path, already reveling in anticipation of what she's about to do.Ramiris, Milim and Scylla tailed her. The Demon Lords were giggling at what's coming next, and the little girl got overly excited at the promise of a fun time. Charys arrived soon after, transporting a huge case, filled with dresses."Rimuru was kind enough to provide me with enough material to tease you for a while. C'mon, let's have some silly fun." Velzard hummed, pondering which clothes would make a good start.-"Is this the cross-dressing rampage Sir Rimuru told me about? The event Oryos participated in?" Zegion broke character, his red eyes gleaming with a weirdly innocent interest.-'Hah… Boys. My brother's such an idiot when it comes to his model.' Apito shook her head, a little exasperated yet amused watching Zegion break his serious shell.-"Zegion, you traitor!" Veldora screamed with indignation as he understood he had no ally here.-"Wahaha. Why are you panicking, Veldora? Rimuru is having fun up there, I'm sure you will too." Milim jumped on his shoulders, keeping him in place.-"I want to see dad look pretty. Can I help, auntie?" Scylla pleaded with puppy eyes to Velzard.-"Of course, dear. I'll teach you how to make perfect combinations." Velzard picked her and began to explain how to combine colors.-"Accept your fate. You don't want to refuse Scylla her bonding moment and make her cry, don't you?" Charys brought a rocking chair and a book, indifferent to the dragon's fate and planning to enjoy a day of relaxation.-"Cheer up, master. I brought custom-made suits, so we can take this opportunity to cosplay." Ramiris pointed at Treyni who teleported with another package full of costumes.Veldora could only endure for hours… We say 'endure', but it appears he started to enjoy the silliness of the situation. Not that he would admit it out loud when his sister is near.The Dryad's bar, Third POV:As Treyni couldn't assume her shift, her sisters had to take her place for the day. Doris and Trya needed to be both present, as they don't have much experience in entertaining customers compared to Treyni. And there's quite the VIP today.During their stroll in the city, Shizu decided it would be more enjoyable to catch up with Maetel and recover from her emotional rollercoaster over a good drink. Accompanied by Hinata and Yuuki, they also stumbled upon Shion and Mithra on the way. The two women needed to take a break —only Mithra in reality— during their shopping spree.As she had already thanked Rimuru on the way to the city, Maetel did the same with Mithra for everything they did for Shizu. Soon, the knight learned it would be unnecessary to keep proper etiquette around the Demon Lord. As such, she allowed herself to partly drop the formalities as the party went on.They didn't talk too much about what happened earlier. It is clear Shizu wanted to swallow the pill at her own rhythm, and distract her mind with something enjoyable. It didn't take long, as Shion rambled about their purchases, and how difficult it was to make Mithra try on women's clothes. Watching her profound embarrassment proved to be the perfect entertainment. Between two spikes of laughter, Shizu even offered Mithra to learn fashion together, as both of them are lagging behind everyone.Then, as Shizu became too absorbed by this silly talk, someone took her by surprise by blocking her eyesight with their hands from behind.-"Guess who's there." A friendly female voice whispered with a honeyed tone.-"Eh? Lulu?" Shizu jolted and turned abruptly toward the vampire, surprise making room for glee. "I thought your duties prevented you from coming back soon."-"Meh, I dealt with most urgencies. I'll finish the rest tonight, before Gunther notices my absence. That's the perks of 'Spatial Motion'. For now," she took a seat next to Shizu and grabbed her hands. "What's important is you. How do you feel?"-"You're sweet. I'm doing fine enough, thanks to all the friends I have. You included."As Shizu remained focused on Lulu, Maetel glanced to the other side of the table. She wordlessly inquired about Shizu's relationship with the infamous Demon Lord Valentine, but only met tired looks from Hinata and Mithra.The knight repressed a sigh and pitied her ex-apprentice. She didn't know if she preferred for Shizu to remain dense and unaware of the vampire's advances, or if it would be best if she got to experience romance at last.Well, that's a worry for another day. As long as Shizu can enjoy her life to the fullest, it's all that counts.