Appraisal, Creeping conflict, and a Discussion

As the day of the appraisal draws nearer, anticipation and anxiety continue to swirl within me. My ninth birthday is a milestone, not only marking another year of life but also heralding the beginning of a new phase in my journey. The church appraisal is a significant event for all children of the kingdom, commoners, and nobility alike. It's an occasion to discover one's aptitudes and potential, which will guide us toward our specialized fields of study and work.

The royal Suzuki family's participation in this event carries an added layer of responsibility. We are expected to lead by example and show our unity with the people. While the prospect of being in the spotlight doesn't particularly excite me, it's a duty I must fulfill as a member of this esteemed family.

With the grand festival and parade that will follow the appraisal, there is at least something to look forward to. The thought of trying various foods at the stalls and immersing myself in the lively atmosphere stirs genuine excitement within me. Festivals and parades were a rare occurrence in my previous life, and now I have the opportunity to experience them in a world where such events are treasured.

My beloved sister, Rin, has become busier as she matures into her role as the crown princess. Gone are the days when I could follow her around like an eager puppy seeking attention. At sixteen, she is considered an adult in this world, and her responsibilities have multiplied. However, despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to visit me at night. She doesn't know that I've been aware of her secret visits, where she pets my sleeping head with affection. It's these small moments of tenderness that I cherish.

In recent times, I've experienced moments of what I can only describe as mental age regression. Perhaps it's a side effect of regaining my memories at the age of five. These episodes make me feel more childlike and dependent on my sister's presence. While it's embarrassing, I secretly wish for more of her attention, as if it could recharge me with the energy, I need to face the challenges that lie ahead.

You might wonder if I have a sister complex, and while I can't deny the deep bond I share with Rin, it's purely familial love. I have no intention of pursuing a romantic relationship with her. I've heard rumors about the second princess of the western kingdom of Mina, who is described as an adorable, quirky genius. I look forward to the prospect of meeting her when we enroll at the Royal Academy. I wonder if she is a reincarnation too.

All members of the royalty and nobility attend the shared Royal Academy of Eden, a place known for its neutrality. The academy borders the seven kingdoms, and its neutrality is vital to maintaining peace among the often-conflicting nations. This neutrality is partly due to the presence of the nearby trade city of Eden, governed by powerful merchants. The merchants have secured their position through annual investments and by providing education to the nobility. It resembles a city-state governed by an oligarchy—a unique and delicate balance of power in this world.

The days leading up to my appraisal are filled with rigorous preparations. I receive lessons in etiquette, history, and the customs and traditions of our kingdom. There's a strong emphasis on conducting oneself with grace and humility, as our behavior reflects not only on our family but also on the entire kingdom. The lessons also explained the importance of maintaining a good level of citizen happiness and comfort. The history texts explained that it's the people who truly allow us to govern or tear our nation apart. After all, the nobility is only as powerful as the people will accept, I guess, in this world; they learned from their past, unlike my last life. Mass rebellion and insurrection have long since been a thing of the past in this world.

My maids and attendants ensure that I am well-prepared for the appraisal day. They fuss over my appearance, selecting a dress befitting the occasion. The fabric is delicate, a shade of azure that complements my eyes, and a pearlescent white with silver trim. The dress is adorned with intricate silver embroidery and pearls, giving it an air of regal elegance. The silver pairs well with the silver adornments for my hair, alongside the blue and white ribbons that will be tied into my hair in the shape of bows. Do I need such a fabulous gown for a single event or festival? Not to mention the heels; my feet ache when I remember my dance and posture lessons.

The days roll by, and finally, the long-awaited day arrives. I stare at myself in the mirror, which has become a hobby of mine at this point with how long I have spent standing here throughout the past months as my maids run around me, checking everything and making sure it's all perfect. The amount of effort is exasperating. Their attention to detail is exhaustive to the point of being excessive. The make-up artist finally started to work, and let me tell you, makeup feels weird if you have never worn it before.

The final moment for touch-ups is finished, and I stand before the mirror once again for the nth time this month. When I finally see myself in the mirror, I gasp. It's as if I forgot how to breathe. Who is that in the mirror right now? Is that me? My normally deathly pallor seems to have a divine, ethereal glow. My glossy ivory hair was tied into the reminiscently adorable Chinese buns, yet somehow set in a way to allow a snowlike curtain of hair to trickle down my back. My hair now sat at the small part of my back, even with my hair up. The adornments make the color of my eyes pop and contrast well against my hair's light shade. The dress flows with each movement, giving me the appearance of walking on air. A silver pendant rests on my breast in the shape of a bejeweled owl, signifying wisdom, which I tuck under the dress's collar. My mind is utterly blown. It's as if a legendary goddess walked right out of a fantasy novel. My mind moved at a thousand kilometers per minute, trying to comprehend what I was seeing. I barely notice my maids and knights, along with Liz, covering their mouths with tears in their eyes, as if they were witnessing a legend being made right in front of them.

My beloved elder sister, Rin, arrives to check on me, only to freeze in her tracks, her jaw-dropping It was as if time temporarily froze and rewound itself as she backed out of the room slowly and came back in with the same dumbfounded expression. This makes me giggle at what I think is her exaggerated reaction.

"Rinko? Is that you?" She calls as she regains control of her jaw. "I can hardly believe it. You're prettier than I was when I did my appraisal."

My elder sister's reaction was not as exaggerated as I thought. So, I express my doubts: "I highly doubt that, when I snuck into the storage room the other day, I found your painted portrait, and you were far more beautiful, dear sister."

Rin's eyes widen in surprise at my admission to sneaking a peek at her appraisal day portrait. Her face flushes in embarrassment as she recalls how she looked that day.

I gracefully appear to hover as I make my way over to my sister to hug her.

"I assume it's about time to go, right?" I guessed her motive for coming to my room the moment that she did. I stay close to her to get my sisterly energy stores recharged, rubbing my cheek warmly against her as she gathers her thoughts.

Finally, she teases me by saying, "How did you know? Are you a mind reader?" as she strokes my hair between my ears.

"Eheheh, you know very well that that isn't the case," I giggle out in response as I playfully poke and prod her tummy to nudge her back towards the door. I flick my tail, and my bodyguard, Liz, and her squad follow us out. We recently worked out a way to silently use gestures to direct and signal orders in a way that's similar to the modern era of Earth. I stay as close to my beloved sister as I reasonably can as we playfully interact and poke each other on our way down the hall towards the carriages, giggling playfully all the way. Everyone we pass stops and watches us with affectionate stares and warm smiles at our display of sibling love.

We make it to the carriage in a surprisingly timely manner, despite our screwing around. Father and Mother are watching us with warm smiles on their faces as we come out of the palace. Dryas and, unfortunately, Kyle as well, are there to see us off. Dryas has a warm and gentle smile as she watches us play around. Kyle is standing off to the side with a smirk as if he thinks he’s too cool for our group, which is perfectly fine with me. Our royal carriage moves as if by magic, so there is no need for a driver or a horse to act as our means of motion. I break away from my dear sister and race to my mother's arms after one last prod. Giggling and relishing in the moment with the goofiest grin I've ever had on my face in both my lives

"Come now; you'll hurt yourselves if you play like that in those outfits," my father warns lightly as he chuckles in amusement.

Mother smiles as she supplies. "Oh, Rio, let them live a little; they are still children in the end," she chuckles warmly.

"Runa, you spoil them too much," Father jokes pleasantly, then follows it with a reluctant yet stern, "Well, let's get in the carriage; the trip takes an hour, and though we have thirty minutes to spare, let's not chance it in case something unexpected happens on the road."

“Have a safe trip,” Dryas expressed; meanwhile, her brother just shrugs at us without a care.

“Thank you, Dryas; we will. I’ll be sure to bring you a souvenir when we come back,” Mother supplied.

My father's guard opens the door to the carriage. Father steps into the ornately decorated polished oak wood carriage and turns to aid my mother in climbing the steps into the carriage. After which, my guard, Liz, steps in and guides me into the carriage smoothly. Following me, my sister enters, and Liz steps back out to close the carriage door. She then yells out her orders while the highest-ranking knight is present. Our knights mount their horses and prepare to depart.

"Watch for monsters and bandits, but don't lose sight of our charges." Liz belts out clear orders prioritizing the protection of her charges, after which she adds, "We will be passing through Dire Wolf territory on the way to the appraisal ceremony."

For those well-versed in the fantasy genre, the mention of Dire Wolves may not be surprising. However, for those unfamiliar, a dire wolf is a large, wolf-like monster with a black coat, red eyes, sharp fangs, and claws. In this world, they are especially dangerous and are known to expel fire from their mouths. They are notorious for traveling in packs and for their vicious nature.

With that warning, we depart for the ceremony with a heightened sense of alertness. Liz rides her horse close to the head of the carriage briefly to trigger the magical energy shield artifact placed there before our journey. A mobile dome of faint light engulfs the carriage, ensuring our safety. She then proceeds to make the point before we leave the palace grounds.

***

Fortunately, nothing happened on the way to the ceremony. During the journey, I spoke with my father and mother about what to expect at the ceremony. Inside the church, there is a massive crystal structure that acts as a connection with the divine gods. It supposedly glows brighter and changes colors depending on your elemental aptitudes for magic. It's enlightening to hear about the ceremony and the religious practices of the kingdom, which focus on living good, healthy lives and supporting each other. The teachings on reincarnation intrigue me, considering my own experience.

As we approach the venue, Liz orders our guards to take positions around the carriage. She then opens the door to the carriage and drops the carriage's built-in steps. Her vice-captain triggers the shield artifact to disable it temporarily. Liz assists me and Rin in disembarking from the carriage. The very moment I step out, the entire localized area that I can see appears to freeze, as though time has stopped once again. I froze on my nerves. Rin, my dearest sister, gets the idea to poke the back of my neck with an ice-chilled finger, courtesy of her ice magic, startling me and making everyone laugh as I jump and yell in panic.

My face flushes with embarrassment due to my sister's prank, so I lunge at her with a flustered flurry of pokes, much to the amusement of those around us, from the passing merchants to the citizens of the city, my own family, and my guards. I send a flustered glare around at everyone, which only adds to the adorably wholesome scene. This drives everyone who witnessed the event into chortling laughter. So, I hid behind my father, the king, in embarrassment.

Father shakes his head, an entertained grin apparent on his otherwise stern features as he watches everything play out. Mother gently strokes my hair between my ears affectionately as she smiles warmly after witnessing the scene. My dear sister feigns innocence as she stifles her giggles. Liz and her fellow knights chuckle softly as they listen to everything go down without lowering their guards.

Thanks to the fact that we arrived with time to spare, no one was told off for our playful gaffe. From there, we head down the path toward a stunningly white church, which has a surprisingly simple decoration scheme despite its central station within the continent. The path is lined with Sakura trees and well-tended rose bushes, as well as carved marble statues of various historically significant figures, leading the way towards the entrance like an honor guard announcing a hero's return. To the ornate doors, which depict an old prophecy from ages past, and through them into the church's grand interior.

The large banners showcase religious depictions, rendering a fantastic mosaic tale of a hero’s journey throughout the lands, uniting the people against an ancient evil known as the dark god. Rows of pews line both sides of the hall, facing a massive statue of some unknown god. Under the statue sits a set of doors, which we go through. Past those doors is a well-adorned room filled with children and their guardians, resting in roles ordered by status. We head for the royal seats, set aside separately for security reasons.

To the front of the room rests the intricate crystal structure, which is a significant part of the appraisal ceremony. To the back are two statues of a Nemean lion-like creature that almost look like they could come to life at any moment. On the sides are more depictions of religious stories, weaving a fantastic tale of another great hero.

The priests, led by the pope, arrive at the room through a passage concealed by the large crystal structure. The pope nods to one of his retainers, who proceeds to silence the room. The pope then proceeds to welcome everyone: “Welcome to our church, and an especially grand welcome to our great kingdom's royal family, which is present today for their youngest daughter's appraisal. Her Royal Highness, the second Princess Rinko Suzuki, we greatly thank you for your presence today, which honors and humbles us.”

The pope seemed to love rather long-winded speeches, and as he continued, I found myself drifting away from his words. Fortunately, I wasn't required to make any kind of response either. The pope's monologue dragged on, and I began to feel drowsy, the nervousness I had felt before the event gradually fading. Perhaps that was his intent? If so, I would be grateful for it.

Finally, the pope seemed to be getting things started. "And so, without further ado, let the grand appraisal ceremony commence!" He declared, and they moved on to calling family names in alphabetical order.

The first person called was from the barony of Alafanse. Their son had mediocre stats for a mage and possessed the wind magic skill. He was likely fated to become a knight due to some special skills that were revealed as part of his aptitudes.

The second individual was a count's daughter by the name of Rosebriar. She displayed a moderate aptitude for healing and earth magic skills, as signified by the split glow of brown and golden crystals. She would likely end up in the medical field or play a supporting role in the army.

The third individual came from a ducal family named Shizumura, their second son. His aptitude for forest magic was strong, marked by the impressive green glow on half the crystal, while the other half displayed a faded tiger-like glow, signifying a weak aptitude for taming magic. He would probably serve as a governor for the duke's territory, given his special aptitude for governing.

They continued down the list of names, and people approached the crystal one at a time. So far, there had been only two strong aptitudes out of half the people in the room, and there were two hundred participants in today's appraisal ceremony. It became apparent that strong abilities were rare. Fifty more participants took their turn, and not one of them had a significant aptitude for anything. The most common aptitude seemed to be a moderate aptitude for earth magic.

Finally, it was my turn. “Your Highness, Rinko Suzuki, please come forward and touch the crystal,” the pope announced. I approached the crystal, fully conscious of the stares of everyone in the hall as their eyes followed me to the crystal.

I slowly raised my hands to the crystal and poured my mana into it. In the next moment, the room was flooded with the brilliance of a rainbow mosaic pattern of light, brighter than any strong aptitude that had been demonstrated so far. This dazzling display of colors then suddenly dimmed and changed into an ominous dark flame, causing onlookers, including the pope, to step back in fear for a moment. The crystal proceeded to show an unsettling image resembling a trickle of blood, like some type of prophecy. Frightened, I let go of the crystal and stumbled away from it, falling flat on my butt. My hands shook as I stared at them in confusion, trying to process what I had just witnessed.

The pope regained his composure and announced the results after checking the crystal record. “Princess Rinko Suzuki has a heroine’s or possibly even divine potential for magic and combat. She has been revealed to possess a previously unseen unique skill, signifying that she is a vampire progenitor. She could fit any role asked of her outside of politics, as she has zero divine political skills. To round off this appraisal, she has three unique skills that, for some reason, were unidentifiable. If I were to speculate, one of them might be a divine spark, if that is the case, her highness will experience the subtle influences of the skill.” The pope hesitated at some of the aptitudes revealed, likely due to the unprecedented nature of the event. His expression grew even paler as he continued down the list of aptitudes and special abilities. He hurried away from me as if scared of a child, instructing me to return to my family.

***

To explain aptitudes and skills the way they were explained to me, there are natural skills, developed through training and education; divine aptitudes; skills granted through divine favor and destiny; and innate skills, which we were born with. Innate skills were tested at birth through a separate ceremony done on the very day one was born. No one within the castle ever disclosed my innate aptitudes to me; they might as well have been one of the castle’s most closely guarded secrets. What this ceremony unveils are the divine aptitudes bestowed by the various deities of the divine realm. Divine aptitudes can only be granted if the soul itself is compatible with them. To finish this explanation, there is one innate aptitude—the only thing that could explain having infinite potential for all combat, magical or otherwise—and that is the hero skill. This, however, as of this point in the story, was unknown information for me.

***

My bodyguard, Liz, walked over, helped me back to my feet, and led me back to my family. My brain felt like it had completely shut down from the shock of what had just happened. I glanced at Liz briefly to gauge her reaction, but her expression remained stiff and uncertain, though she continued to perform her duties brilliantly.

Turning my gaze to my beloved family, I noticed their expressions of anxiety, uncertainty, and apprehension. My father's brow formed an intense crease as he looked at me with a distant and confused gaze. My mother's reaction was less intense, and she appeared to be more concerned about the future, her mind seemingly working to process this revelation. My sister, on the other hand, looked at me with wide eyes and a smile that didn't quite reach them. I could see her conflicted emotions in her eyes, but it seemed she still considered me her beloved little sister despite what had been revealed. And for that, I felt intense relief.

Something I later discovered was that vampires were known to exist in this world previously, regarded as eternal denizens of the night. The legends spoke of vampires originating as the offspring of the dark god. However, there had never once been a vampire progenitor born into this world, a vampire capable of walking about during the day like a normal person. Vampires were usually depicted as bloodthirsty beasts that actively hunted the living, but in contrast, I had never felt any desire to suck the blood of the living. Vampires were reported to possess enhanced physical and magical abilities, along with advanced automatic recovery, enabling them to heal from any nonlethal wound in an instant. They were known to never age, whereas I continued aging and growing, which differed from the legends. This discrepancy left me with many questions, and I resolved to explore my abilities in detail going forward.

The rest of the day's event concluded without another incident, and we headed to the guest rooms for royalty and the upper echelons of the nobility within the church for those planning to stay for the festival and parade over the next few days. Throughout the day, I noticed many curious and wary glances aimed my way. The revelation of my skills had created a stir throughout the entire capital. Some of the more paranoid voices called for my immediate execution, while the vast majority kept their distance, observing my existence warily but were hesitant to insist that I was an evil incarnate for merely existing. A smaller minority expressed curiosity and interest in my existence as an outlier. I was grateful that I already had a good reputation before this revelation, which led most people to take an observational tone rather than a hasty outcry of fear.

The next day arrived, and I chose to stay in bed, skipping my usual breakfast due to yesterday's experience leaving me with little to no appetite. Since becoming aware of my identity as a vampire progenitor, I ran some tests that were probably a little extreme. I took the knife I normally keep sheathed under my dress skirt and then sliced my hand off at the wrist. That honestly hurt like hell, but the second I brought my stump and hand back together, it healed instantly. I then snuck away at night and ran into some thugs. They accosted me with a perverse glint in their eyes, but I dealt with them, thanks to my palace training under Liz. This led to a question in my mind: Did I still need a bodyguard going forward? Ultimately, I decided not to raise this issue with Lizzy.

Lizzy knocked on my door to check on me, out of concern since I hadn't gotten up on my own that day. “My lady, are you feeling alright? If it’s about what happened yesterday, I would like to address some issues, if that would be alright.”

I hesitated for a moment, then permitted her to enter. “What was it that you wanted to talk about?” I inquired.

“Well, I would like to request that, in the event of an extreme life-threatening emergency where one of us on your security team could potentially die from their injuries in the future, that you convert us before we die,” Lizzy said, her words leaving me stunned and unable to respond immediately.

After a short while, I regained my composure and asked the vital question, “Do you know exactly what it is that you are asking of me? There is no going back if I go through with your request, and there is no guarantee that you will become a peaceful daywalker like me. You might become like those bloodthirsty monsters of the night. There is no guarantee that you will remain sane or be able to stay by my side after your transformation. And if things did go well, you would become my eternally blood-bound servants, unable to disobey a single command that I may give. Is this still a request that you and your squad are willing to ask of me?”

Lizzy faltered for a moment, considering her reply and the risks I had presented. Her expression showed intense thought and consideration for the future. After several minutes of deliberation, she finally responded, “In my case, I am perfectly fine with the risk. However, I cannot speak for the rest of the squad. I must serve you and you are alone; I must protect you alone. When I joined your personal security detail, I swore my oath of loyalty to, not your father, nor your mother or sister, but to you. I plan to live and die in the service of our nation's dearest second princess, Rinko Suzuki.”

I sat in silence for a moment, pondering Lizzy's words. “In that case, please gather the rest of the squad. I wish to ask for their opinions. In the meantime, I will consider your request in detail. It’s not as if I am entirely opposed to the idea; however, I want you to be completely certain this is what you want.” I had originally planned never to bite a single person to suck their blood once I learned I had this unique skill. However, when the people closest to me asked something like this of me, I had to seriously consider it as a plausible option. It would mean letting go of a part of my humanity in the future if I decided to go through with it—a recognition that I was no longer just a divine spirt fox but a full-fledged vampire as well.

***

We met up with the rest of my security team later that day, and I stood before them in a different dress from yesterday, courtesy of my maid Hilda. The dress I was provided today was a deep burgundy and an off-white cream color, adorned with black lace trim and maroon bows. My hair was tied up into the pretty Chinese-style twin buns that I had worn yesterday. Liz, as usual, stood a half-step behind me to the right and only moved forward to begin explaining why we were there after I signaled her too with a flick of the ear and a nod.

“Today, we have called you here to discuss what we would like to be done in the event of an emergency regarding one of us potentially dying or facing a life-threatening risk in our duty to protect our beloved charge. Our lady, Her Highness, has been revealed to be a vampire progenitor, which gives us the choice and opportunity to do our jobs when we would otherwise be left to die. However, Her Highness refuses to make this decision without our consent. I have already explained that I will do whatever it takes to fulfill my duties to her, and she is seriously considering it, even if she feels reluctant about it,” Liz explained, outlining the situation.

“The risks are as follows: we don’t know exactly what we will be like after being converted. We could become no different than the bloodthirsty beasts of the night, or we could become like our dear mistress and become day-walking vampires. However, the one guarantee is that we will become her eternally blood-bound servants for the rest of our existence. Now, I will allow you to give voice to your own opinions and you're reasoning for your choice.”

My loyal guards glanced at each other and then looked back at me. Without uttering a single word, they kneeled before me, as though they were before their king. They spoke in unison, as if they had rehearsed their answer from the start. “We accept those risks. Please allow us to stand by your side for as long as we are able.”

I was once again overwhelmed with shock, my emotions bubbling up uncontrollably. My mouth opened, but no words came out. Tears welled up in my eyes, a testament to the depth of their devotion and loyalty. I was bewildered, wondering why they would go to such lengths for me.

Liz moved to her position and braced me from behind to ensure I didn't fall, just like during the ceremony.

“M-may I ask why you would go so far for me? I have no political aptitude, so I am useless as a princess. My specialties are all over the place, and a fair amount of the population is on the fence about my existence in the first place. So, I ask, why would you go to such extreme lengths for me?” I choked out after a moment of silence as I gathered my thoughts.

My knights all raised their heads with gentle smiles. Liz rested her hands on my slender shoulders and gently massaged them. After a moment of warm silence, one of them spoke up: “You ask why, yet you seem to misunderstand something here. We have watched you grow up splendidly for the last nine years. Your consistently novel and fresh perspective stems from the compassion and soft charisma of a truly gentle soul. You say you have no political aptitude and therefore no political value, but you have always had a natural aptitude for your duties from the very beginning. The gods saw that and determined you had sufficient ability for your role from the start. We are willing to go to such lengths for you and you alone, as you are our beloved charge whom we all admire and respect.” Their gazes were warm and comforting as they spoke.

Liz followed the guards' statement with one of her own: “My lady, I know there are a lot of uncertainties in our future, but there will always be a few constants between us. We will serve you for as long as you let us, with loyalty and devotion in our hearts. Your charm serves as our beacon of guidance and our pillar of unity. Our paths will forever be the same. These will never change; they never have to.” Liz released my shoulders then moved to stand before me in the middle of her statement, then at the end, she gracefully knelt before me, at the head of her squad.

Her kind words, which followed my guards' unwavering support, brought me to happy tears. I sobbed openly from my emotional turmoil, a mix of relief, surprise, and happiness. I fell to my knees, my expression turned up towards the skies as the tears streamed down my soft features, ruining my makeup.

***

The evening had arrived, and it was finally time for the festival to begin. My guards and family joined me after that emotional moment we shared before lunch. For our midday meal, we decided to head out to the festival together. Our presence surprised the commoners, as they weren't accustomed to seeing royalty show genuine interest in their delectable foods. We made a point to pay twice the usual price for any food we deemed exceptional, as a reward for their skill and a silent apology for the disruption our high-status visit may have caused to their part of the event.

This had been my tradition whenever I visited the capital city and its outskirts. I thoroughly enjoyed observing the lives of the people, and I often gave suggestions based on the fragmented knowledge of my past life. I offered advice on topics such as crop rotation, cooking methods, and various food combinations. Admittedly, I might have been the reason for the recent popularity of casserole dishes in the kingdom, but I kept that little tidbit to myself, chuckling inwardly at the thought. Perhaps it was because of these interactions and my genuine interest in the well-being of the people that my positive reputation remained largely unscathed even after the revelation of my vampire progenitor status. Did I truly build such a positive reputation that it barely faltered with this change?

As we wandered from stall to stall, we continued to enjoy the festive atmosphere well into the evening. We mingled with the citizens, all of us wearing satisfied smiles. The experience was incredibly enriching, showcasing the diversity of talents and creativity within the kingdom. In one corner of the street, an orator passionately recounted the story of the nation's founding, weaving in the legends and tales of the heroic age. On another corner, a festive play was being performed, depicting the ancient heroes' journey and their valiant battle against the dark god, as well as the origin of the abominations known as monsters.

Between these storytelling performances, decorative food and trinket stalls were set up, further enhancing the mood of the festival. The stalls were a visual delight, displaying a colorful array of dishes and items that reflected the culture and traditions of our kingdom. And, of course, there were the games of amusement. In one area, a game reminiscent of beer pong drew a lively crowd, while in another, children excitedly attempted to catch goldfish with paper scoops—a game known as kingyo-sukui in my old world, from Japan.

In groups scattered throughout the city, bards and musicians added their melodic voices and instruments to the festive atmosphere. Their tunes filled the air, creating a harmonious blend of sound that enveloped us all. It was a symphony of voices, music, and laughter—a true representation of a society thriving in times of peace.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the evening stars began to twinkle, the festival truly came to life. Lanterns and colorful banners illuminated the streets, casting a warm and inviting glow on the festivities. The smell of various foods wafted through the air, enticing our senses. People of all ages, from the very young to the elderly, joined in the celebration.

My family, my guards, and I continued to explore the festival grounds, indulging in delicious treats, watching captivating performances, and engaging with the people. I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience this moment with those who mattered most to me. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, we were united in our shared joy, laughter, and the bonds of love and loyalty that held us together.

As the night wore on, I was drawn to a particularly captivating performance by a group of fire dancers. Their graceful movements and the mesmerizing play of flames held me in thrall. It was a beautiful display of artistry and skill, and for a brief moment, I forgot about the weight of my responsibilities and the revelations of the appraisal ceremony.

The festival was a testament to the resilience and spirit of our kingdom's people. It was a reminder that no matter the challenges we faced, we could always come together to celebrate life, unity, and hope. I stood there, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the festival, believing that, together, we could face whatever the future held.

***

The day slowly drew to a close, marking the end of the second day of the grand events that had been planned. So far, the revelation of my vampire unique skill hasn't led to any issues. The citizens remained polite and respectful of my position, seemingly undisturbed by the news, though several seemed to harbor some anxiety about it. As the final day of the festivities approached, however, there was a palpable sense of tension among my guards. It was only natural that if anyone were to make a move against me, it would likely happen during the parade scheduled for tomorrow.

To ensure my safety, Liz had taken her post inside my room for the night as an additional deterrent. She also implemented a rotating guard system at my door, with shifts changing every three hours among the six other guards. It was a clear display of her concern for my well-being and security.

As the evening progressed, I retired to my room, where my maid, Hilda, awaited me. She had been serving me faithfully for years and was like a second mother to me. Tonight, she had prepared my usual cinnamon tea and helped me change into my pajamas. My nightgown was an adorable blue silk garment with delicate white lace trim and ruffles. I wore white stockings and a matching blue silk choker adorned with a dainty white bow. My hair was neatly tied up in the customary twin buns, secured with blue and white ribbons. I covered my buns with soft cotton caps that followed the same color scheme.

"Thank you, Hilda. You're the best." I expressed my gratitude with a warm smile as I accepted the cup of tea she offered.

"It is my pleasure, my lady," Hilda replied with a gentle smile. Her eyes, crinkled with the wisdom of age, sparkled with a fondness that had grown over the years. She possessed an elegance that came from her youth, but it was combined with the refinement of her extensive experiences, creating a stunning contrast. She and her team of maids, under her guidance, meticulously crafted many of the outfits that I wore. After savoring the last sip of tea and engaging in a brief chat with both Liz and Hilda, I decided it was time to retire for the night. Hilda tucked me in with great care; her movements were graceful and loving. She softly stroked my hair in the familiar spot that always brought me comfort. Her gaze remained fond as she waited for me to drift off to sleep, and I pressed my head gently against her caressing palm.

Hilda has played a significant role in my life, practically raising me as a second mother. She had fulfilled the role of caregiver and protector, ensuring that I received the care and affection that I needed while my parents were burdened by their royal duties. Her unwavering devotion and love had made her an integral part of my world, and I couldn't have asked for a better confidante and caretaker. As I closed my eyes and settled into the soft embrace of my bed, a profound sense of security and warmth washed over me, knowing that those who cared deeply for me surrounded me.

***

Deep within the heart of the church, in a dimly lit chamber, sat four individuals. At the top of the raised dais was the pope, his presence commanding respect and authority. To his left was the cardinal of the north, Igor, a man known for his impatience and hot temper. To the right of the pope was Jiro, the cardinal of the east, a calm and collected figure who often served as a voice of reason. The fourth member of their gathering was Brook, the cardinal of the south, a slender young woman with black hair and a toned body, twin short swords at her waist.

A heavy silence hung in the air as they waited for Clive to arrive, and Igor couldn't help but voice his irritation. "Where is that bastard, Clive? Why is he always late?" he grumbled, his impatience evident in his furrowed brow.

Finally, the door swung open, and Clive swaggered in as if he hadn't kept them waiting. His blonde hair framed his handsome face, and his relaxed posture gave off an air of nonchalance. He greeted his fellow cardinals casually, "Yo, you wiry twigs are already here as usual, huh?"

"You're late, as always, Sir Clive. We almost started without you," remarked Jiro, the eastern cardinal, maintaining his calm demeanor in contrast to Igor's impatience.

Clive brushed off the scolding with a carefree grin. "You guys worry too much."

Igor couldn't contain his frustration and retorted, "You are way too casual, you bastard."

As the conversation continued, a slave approached with a pitcher of beer to refill Igor's mug. She was a pitiful sight; her hair was unkempt, her ears pointed like an elf, and her clothing resembled a rough sack. Her glazed green eyes remained downcast as she worked diligently, trying to avoid any interaction with the cardinals. Bruises marred her skin, and her ragged sandals were barely holding together. Chains and a collar bound her to the room, a stark reminder of her servitude. After completing her task, she quickly scurried away, the clinking of chains and the scrape of metal against the bloodstained floor echoing in the room.

The southern cardinal and the pope maintained their silence until the pope raised his hand, instantly commanding the room's attention. "There have been some developments recently that may be quite troublesome for our cause to resurrect the dark god," he began. "The second princess of this kingdom, Rinko Suzuki, has been revealed to have a hero's innate skill. She could become a significant thorn in our side going forward. How should we deal with her?"

Clive wasted no time in offering his brutal suggestion. "Why don't we just eliminate the brat before she can leave the city? She's only nine years old. How hard could it be? Hell, I'll do it myself." With that, he seized the chains of a different servant and, in one swift motion, beheaded him through the steel collar around his neck. The servant's body remained upright for a moment before collapsing, the severed head rolling onto the floor. Clive casually sheathed his sword, the metallic clink signaling the end of the gruesome act.

"A fine and brutal idea, and quite fitting for the berserker of the west front," remarked Brook, the southern cardinal, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Clive seemed to take the comment as a compliment, and a smirk played on his lips. His nickname, earned during the church's western crusades, was a testament to his ferocity and ruthlessness on the battlefield.

Igor scoffed at Clive's brutality, muttering, "What a brute, as usual."

Jiro, on the other hand, offered a more measured perspective. "I am inclined to agree with Sir Clive's suggestion. The longer we wait, the harder she will be to deal with. Since it has only been two days since the reveal of her potential, she won't have received much education in magic or advanced combat. She would effectively be a slightly stronger than normal child."

The pope took note of the opinions shared during the meeting. "That's two in favor of attacking the princess tomorrow. Any further suggestions?" he inquired.

Brook, the southern cardinal, offered her support. "I still think it will be more complicated than that, but I shall lend you a platoon of elites."

"In that case, I offer a platoon of my forces as well. Clive, I expect you to take the lead in this operation. You've never disappointed us with your results before, so I assume this is all you'll need from me," Jiro added.

Igor begrudgingly agreed and said, “Why don’t we strike while she’s staying in the guestrooms?”

The pope smirks at the idea: “And get into a political skirmish with His Majesty Rio? You must be a bigger fool than I thought if you thought that was an option in this current time and place. Perhaps that would be plausible going about it down the road that way, but by then it would be too late to kill Rinko.”

Igor winces, then begrudgingly concedes. “Very well, I see your point. In that case, I will offer a squad and funding for the attack during the parade.”

With the matter seemingly settled, the pope summarized the plan. "A force led by Clive, made up of four platoons, with the funding provided by Igor, makes a total of eighty-eight combatants, plus Clive. That settled, let’s hear the plan of attack."

Clive grins and points to the map of the city. “During the parade, they will be going through this choke point. I believe attacking here will enable us to have the highest odds of success. The biggest threats that we will need to prioritize are the target herself, her personal guard captain, Elizebeth, and her vice-captain, Lina. With 89 combatants on our side, we should be able to blitz through the rest of the guards. The big wildcard will be the target. We cannot properly gauge the degree of physical enhancement she has from her unique skill before the encounter.” Despite his barbaric behavior and fighting style, Clive is surprisingly levelheaded and tactically minded.

The Pope carefully considers Clive's plan. His expression remains calm and thoughtful as he gazes at the city map. He then offers a measured response, his voice carrying the weight of his position: "Clive, your strategy shows promise, but we must also consider the potential consequences of our actions. We cannot afford any missteps when dealing with someone of Elizebeth’s caliber. I suggest we maintain an element of surprise, perhaps by positioning our forces discreetly along the parade route. That way, we can react swiftly to any unforeseen developments."

Jiro, a battle-hardened veteran at heart, nods in agreement with the plan. He's seen Clive's tactical brilliance in action before and has faith in his judgment. With a confident grin, he adds, "Clive, your strategy makes sense. Let me make one suggestion; however, since we want to avoid linking this attack to the church due to His Majesty, I believe it would be best to wear the unmarked armor of mercenaries.”

“A well-thought-out suggestion; as usual, let’s go with that then.” Clive nods.

Brook, a skilled mage known for her precision and magical prowess, studies the map intently. Her fingers trace the various paths and alleyways as she contemplates the plan. With a thoughtful tone, she offers her insights. "Clive, your approach is sound, but we should also be prepared for any magical defenses the princess might have. I will provide an additional team of mages to neutralize any potential threats from a distance. We don't want to underestimate her guards."

Igor, a seasoned rogue and expert infiltrator, smirks at Clive's plan. He appreciates the directness of the strategy. "Clive, I like the simplicity of it. Catch them off guard at the choke point to reduce their viable movements and cut off their escape routes. You should make sure your scouts keep a close eye on their movements leading up to the parade. We can't afford any surprises from the princess and her entourage."

Clive's plan has sparked a discussion among the team, with each member providing valuable input based on their expertise. It's clear that while they acknowledge Clive's tactical acumen, they also want to ensure that every aspect of the mission is thoroughly considered to maximize their chances of success.

As the meeting concluded with a clap of the pope's hands, a wicked grin spread across his face as he tilted his head, clearly anticipating the events to come.

***

After the meeting of the cardinals and the pope had concluded, the night descended upon the city with an eerie stillness. It was the calm before the storm, a deceptive tranquility that masked the impending turmoil that would engulf the kingdom. The citizens of the capital city continued with their nightly routines, blissfully unaware of the looming threat that would shatter their peace.

The festivities that had filled the streets earlier in the evening have now given way to silence. The once-bustling thoroughfares were eerily deserted, as if the city itself had fallen into a deep slumber. The glow of colorful lanterns, which had illuminated the pathways and added a sense of warmth to the festivities, had now dimmed, leaving the city in a cold and foreboding darkness.

The few souls who ventured out into the nocturnal stillness seemed to move with a sense of urgency, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone streets. They hurried to their destinations, their faces etched with worry, though they couldn't quite put their finger on the cause of their unease. It was as if the very air had thickened with a sense of impending doom, casting a shadow over the hearts of the city's inhabitants.

As the night wore on, the once-joyful atmosphere of celebration gave way to an unsettling hush. An eerie symphony of silence replaced the laughter and music, which faded into memory. The stalls that had once served delectable foods and trinkets had shuttered their windows; their colorful banners were now lifeless in the night breeze.

The grand tales of the nation's founding and the heroic age, once narrated by a passionate orator, were now silenced, their echoes lost in the darkness. The festive plays that had captivated audiences with tales of ancient heroes and their battles against evil had concluded, with their actors retiring for the night.

In the corners of the city, where bards and musicians had entertained the crowds, there were only the faint echoes of melodies lingering in the air, as if the very notes had decided to linger in the night. The stalls that had offered games of amusement, like beer pong and goldfish scooping, had closed their doors, their prizes tucked away until the morning light.

Despite the prevailing stillness, there was a palpable tension that hung in the cold night air. It was as if the city itself held its breath, aware of the impending storm that would break the silence. The citizens, wrapped in their blankets of ignorance, slept soundly in their beds, unaware of the terror that would grip their lives come morning.

The night was a grim harbinger of what was to come, a prelude to the chaos and upheaval that awaited the kingdom. The streets, once filled with life and laughter, were now shrouded in an ominous darkness, as if nature itself sensed the impending turmoil and had chosen to mourn in advance.