Foundation

Outskirts of Carleone, 1873. The Winfield mansion.

While walking behind the maid, I noticed the smile on her face. Was that aggression intended before? Or did something good happen?

Then, she stopped. "Also, this is a personal note, but don't wear magical items that conceal your scent; it's disgusting. It makes you smell like a human."

I nodded before I continued following her. So that's what it was about? Since I had the clothes Eden gave me, I wasn't detected, and this maid hated that.

What kind of undead is she, anyway? I know she has a scent about her, yet she looks exactly like a human.

I didn't dare to question her. We stopped in front of a large double door; she went forward and opened it.

She gestured to me to enter, and so I did. Then the doors behind me closed with a thud.

This was a large hall where a long table sat in the middle, decorated by torches on the walls. On the opposite end sat a very tall man; he had an unusual aura about him.

Walking closer, I noticed his features. He had a small mustache and white hair that reached his shoulders. His red eyes, a clear family trait, stood out against his pale skin. He had a serious, calm face. His black suit made him look formal.

He gestured to an empty chair.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Winfield," I said while sitting down.

It seems like nobody else is here. Is this a private meeting? I guess it makes sense he won't trust me randomly.

Winfield nodded before taking a sip of the red liquid in his glass cup. "So, you are Taro. Eden told me quite a bit about you." His voice was deep and memorable.

"Yes, sir." I avoided looking into his eyes directly.

How should I talk to someone like him exactly? I am trying to be formal about it, but it still feels suffocating.

"Taro, what exactly is it that 'you're trying to achieve? You helped my daughter, and in return I want to help you. As long as your request is manageable, I'd be happy to help." Winfield said.

I took my time and thought of what to say: "I already told this to Eden, and my goals haven't changed. I told him I accompanied her to learn more about what I am and to begin learning magic. Because I don't want to be hunted as an undead."

Winfield nodded, moving the glass in circles, which made the liquid inside swirl around. "I believe that you are sincere, so I will have you stay here as a guest for now. You will be introduced to Mars, and he will help you with your requests. Is that all?"

I was dumbfounded; talking to Winfield wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be. I guess he's an easygoing man.

Letting out a smile, I replied, "Yeah, that's all."

Winfield's serious face didn't change. "Then please, join us for lunch."

After a bit, both Eden and Conall joined in. Eden sat on my side of the table, while Conall sat on the opposite side.

The black-haired maid came in, putting two plates in front of me and Eden. Conall and his father just got two bottles of blood.

I started eating; everyone here was silent. Until Winfield began talking, "Eden, great work on the mission. I will have Mars give you more magical items in your next one."

Eden didn't reply as she put some steak in her mouth and nodded. Conall, on the other hand, was drinking straight from the bottle without bothering to use a glass.

"Conall, drink modestly. If you drink like that, your body won't digest the blood." Winfield said, hitting the long table with his hand.

Conall stopped in shock, putting down the bottle with a nervous smile. "Sorry, Father."

After finishing lunch, I wanted to leave as fast as I could, and then Winfield called out to me, "Taro. Eden will accompany you to Mars, and you can ask him anything you want for the foreseeable future."

I stood up and bowed. "Thank you again, Sir Winfield."

Huh? This is weird. Why am I talking like this? I hadn't felt it until now, but why am I so scared of him and grateful?

I thought this was normal, but it's also weird. Is he manipulating my thoughts, or is it a vampire thing?

I need to be careful; I am not acting like myself.

After that, Eden and I left the hall. Walking together with her, I was cautious. Should I ask her if her father did something to me, or is this something he does without his kids knowing?

How can I even prove that my emotions were manipulated right now? It's too much. For now, I won't try to talk or meet with him again; that would be for the best.

Eden noticed my sluggish movement and asked, "Are you okay?"

I am going to have to learn more about vampires since I will be living here now. "Yeah, just tired. Your father made me nervous." I let out a small laugh.

Walking outside of the mansion, she explained, "You'll get used to it; he's always like that."

Always like that? "Also, what was that mission you had to do in Nerton? I was curious about it for a while."

She didn't reply for a few seconds. "Don't worry about it."

"..." I just kept following her.

Where is this Mars guy living? I expected him to be in the mansion, but we're walking in the forest now. There's still a stone path leading us there, so I guess this makes sense.

After walking in the forest for a bit, we reached an open area. There was a shack, and outside of it was clean ground. Walking up to the shack, we heard a scream.

Eden stopped. "... I am not dealing with him; bring me some black teleportation papers when you come back. I am also still tired from our travel."

"What?" I didn't even finish asking; Eden unleashed her wings and flew back in the direction of the castle.

The shack's doors opened, and from there a tall, middle-aged man walked out. He was wearing broken glasses, his beard was unkempt, and he had short, messy hair. All this while wearing a scarf and wearing what seems to be hunter clothes.

Walking up to me, he asked, "Are you Taro?"

"Ye—"

"You have the smell of a new book; it's weird. I've never seen anything like it. Hold this real quick." Mars took out a device from his pocket that looked like a torture device.

"Is this thing safe?" I asked, not wanting to take risks.

"Of course! I am the greatest mechanic in the world, at least that I know of." Mars smiled and gave a thumbs-up.

That doesn't sound so promising...

Putting the device on my thumb, I felt a quick snap before it flew back into Mars's hand. Analyzing it, he had a thoughtful look.

"What does it say?" I asked.

"You have an affinity for wind; I am trying to think of any night creature with that ability. You're not a spirit nor a harpy. I also don't think you're a dragon since those are extinct. So yeah, I am not sure what you are. Sorry, buddy."

I wasn't really surprised; I was expecting this since the moment I got into the mansion and nobody recognized what I am. "Then, teach me magic," I said without waiting.

Mars hummed. "You're a bold one, aren't you? Magic isn't that easy to learn; there are countless spells, complex rituals, and entire histories to master. It's not a simple subject to grasp."

"I don't care; if I can't protect myself, nobody else will," I told him.

Mars pointed at me and smiled, "I like that mindset of yours."