**Chapter 17: Return Home**
Without arousing any suspicion, I infiltrated the town and began devising my plan at an inn.
I had already entered the territory of Baron Forme, but the streets were unfamiliar to me. The town of Meaningless was vast, with sparse buildings, exuding an overall pastoral atmosphere. There were no particularly heavy security forces, and upon observation, it seemed that most of the residents were farmers and merchants. They likely had no inkling that the notorious adversary, the Anadoro, had entered their midst. It was a testament to their peace—a peace that could be considered a bit too complacent.
I had intended to go alone. Even though it was a rural area, the lord would surely have guards, and I did not want to show any weaknesses to Senri. Of course, given that she was here, she could learn about my previous life if she wished. I had a total of seven siblings (though none were sisters), but recently, perhaps I was the only one left alive.
I wasn’t hiding my previous life’s name. Once the lord who held absolute dominion over me vanished, it was likely that revealing that information wouldn’t pose a problem. The reason I continued to use the name End was a kind of obligation to the lord and the potential threat posed by the Epe and Vampire hunters, who might target my family name. It was a meaningless concern. Even if my family were taken hostage, I would remain calm. Perhaps I would only feel a slight discomfort.
My body had developed significantly since becoming a Vampire. I had grown taller and gained muscle. However, my face had not changed. If my parents were to see me—they would likely recognize me. If they didn’t, then that would be that.
I thoroughly washed my body, combed my hair, and adjusted my attire to a level that would not draw unnecessary attention. I left behind the “Light Eater.” If I were merely human, I could rely on my physical strength to fend off any threats, and if my deceased son were to burst in armed, it would surely cause a stir.
“End… you are very… brave.”
“Do you think the chances of success are low?”
“… I think so. First, it’s unlikely to succeed. Anadoro is… an enemy of humans, after all.”
Senri was remarkably honest. Her purple eyes looked up at me earnestly as she spoke. I, too, did not expect to be welcomed with open arms.
If that time came, I would simply flee. Nothing would change from now on. I was already free.
“But, End… if it’s you, you might be accepted. You maintain a remarkably high level of self-awareness. I’m… wishing you luck.”
“Ah, thank you, Senri.”
“… Is your blood… sufficient?”
Senri hesitated as she asked. It seemed she felt pity for me. Such emotions were unnecessary. I was accustomed to tragedy. Having suffered from an incurable disease and overcoming death, I had no mental blind spots. Perhaps.
Senri’s complexion had improved significantly over the past week. The blood she had lost must have been replenished. No matter how confident she was in her physical abilities and endurance, Senri was still human. To put it simply, losing too much blood would lead to death.
Having fed her plenty during this time, I was still fine. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to drink, but I shouldn’t force the recovering Senri to do the impossible.
However, looking at her now, I felt we had grown closer mentally. Perhaps it was because I had been in a position of constant pursuit… my plan seemed to be bearing fruit. There was a possibility I was being treated like a pet, but if she allowed me to bite her neck, I wouldn’t mind that either.
“It’s fine. But, could you hold me?”
At my request, Senri’s eyes widened, but she quickly extended her arms and embraced me.
§
I ran through the nearly pitch-black night, careful not to make a sound. With just a little exertion, I could reach incredible speeds. A mere human passing by might think it was just a strong gust of wind.
I could easily leap from rooftop to rooftop, and fatigue was nonexistent.
“??”
“What’s wrong?”
“No, it’s just… I thought I heard a sound.”
“? … It’s probably your imagination. I didn’t hear anything.”
The men dressed as soldiers exchanged glances, tilting their heads. Were they on patrol? I hid in the shadows, slipping past the two who wore puzzled expressions.
One rank before mutation, I had passed by a “Dark Stalker,” which possessed a completely black hide and excelled at lurking in the shadows. The order of mutation due to the curse of “Regeneration” was not determined arbitrarily. I was gradually growing as a monster. The time I spent as a Corpse Eater and as a Shiki, and even the fleeting encounter with the “Dark Stalker,” had all become part of my flesh and blood.
What concerned me was that I had not yet acquired the skill to blend into shadows, which the “Dark Stalker” possessed. If I had obtained that, I could have enhanced my stealth further. The abilities I gained during my time as a Shiki were still usable. I should also be able to use the abilities of the “Dark Stalker.” However, as of now, I had no idea how to activate them. Perhaps if I could find another “Dark Stalker” and witness their skills firsthand, it would be different, but aside from the lord’s subordinates, I had never encountered another Anadoro.
Navigating through the shadows, I made my way to the largest mansion in the town, that of the lord. The estate was surrounded by tall walls. Although the guards seemed somewhat relaxed, it appeared that multiple individuals were patrolling.
I was strong. Even if they were somewhat trained, guards without weapons to exploit my weaknesses would be no match for me. I often forgot that I was widely feared as a Vampire in society. I was still a lower rank, but nonetheless.
With a powerful kick against the ground, I easily vaulted over the spiked wall meant to deter intruders. I made no sound—my stealth was flawless. They likely only anticipated human intrusions. After all, true Vampires could transform into bats or mist, making it pointless to devise counter-strategies.
In any case, I dashed across the expansive garden. My father, Baron Forme, should have his study at the far end. The mansion felt incredibly nostalgic. After falling ill, I had been moved from the main residence to a villa, so I hadn’t seen the mansion for several years before my death. Yet, as I gazed upon it now, it was as if memories lingered.
I indulged in my sentimentality for only a moment before approaching the mansion.
The moment I laid eyes on the closed front door, I felt an overwhelming sense of dread.
The master was refusing entry. The curse of the Vampire was in effect.
I had anticipated this. I was already dead. To welcome back a son who was supposed to be dead would be an act of insanity.
However, I felt a slight shock at that fact. After all, Senri, a complete stranger, had accepted me.
Though the curse was still weak, I could force my way in if I wanted to. The door was likely locked, but with my strength, I could easily break through.
However, I had not come to steal. I did not wish to cause a commotion, and being a clever monster, I wouldn’t throw a tantrum just because I was rejected.
After a moment of thought, I decided to go around to the back. The study was on the third floor, but there should have been a window. At this hour, my father would likely still be working.
I hoped to return to the inn quickly and seek comfort from Senri.
As expected, the study was lit. A warm glow spilled from the window. There were no railings, but for a Vampire, clinging to the wall was a trivial task.
There was no need to reaffirm my resolve. I had already made my decision. Though they were my family, I was now an intruder. Time was of the essence. I didn’t particularly feel like meeting my siblings, so I would gracefully give up on that.
Extending my claws, I dug them into the wall and climbed silently. Peering through the window, the study looked almost unchanged from my memories.
A large bookshelf lined the wall, and a charming brown carpet covered the floor. A small chandelier hung from the ceiling, and the spacious room was filled with warm light. And sitting at the large desk was a figure that resembled my father—Lord Doro Forme—almost exactly as I remembered.
He was slender yet broad-shouldered, with black hair and eyes, and a somewhat cold gaze that bore a resemblance to mine. He turned slightly, facing away from the window, but he had no awareness of me watching him from behind.
I squinted and observed for a while. To an outsider, he appeared to be a man capable of handling his work well. In fact, from my perspective as his son, he had never been a bad father. As I gazed at him, I realized he didn’t seem like a man who would sell his son’s corpse.
Now, how should I greet him?
I tilted my head and, without thinking, lightly knocked on the window.