The Rumored Shadow Garden

BETA

Thud, thud, thud.

I heard the sound of someone hammering away at something and finally lifted my eyes from my book.

Looking around the massive library, I noticed a section of the wall vibrating in rhythm with the noise. Is someone actually knocking on the wall? From the outside?

The thought had barely crossed my mind when the wall gave way. A heap of dirt and two women came tumbling out of the hole.

"Ouch!?"

"Ugh..."

The black-haired girl face-planted into the floor with a satisfying splat, and the red-haired woman promptly landed right on top of her.

"Ow, ow... that wall was unexpectedly brittle."

The black-haired girl groaned, clutching her nose as she looked up. I knew that face. She was Claire Kagenou—the older sister of my beloved Master.

"That’s why I told you we should be more careful..."

The beautiful red-haired woman spoke with a total lack of expression.

"If we dawdle, we won't make it in time. Honestly, Milia, could you get off me already?"

"Oh, sorry, Claire."

The redhead, Milia, climbed off, and the two of them stood up to brush the dust off their clothes.

"By the way, where exactly are we?"

"We should be in the basement of the Crimson Tower, but..."

"This is the Crimson Tower Underground Library," I answered, deciding to end their confusion.

That was when they finally noticed me sitting in my chair.

"...Well, that didn't take long," Claire muttered.

"And that’s why I told you we should be careful..."

"I said I was sorry! But from the looks of it, we were getting caught either way."

The two of them drew their swords simultaneously, squaring off against me.

I let out a long sigh and closed my book.

"Honestly... I never imagined people would just come popping out of the walls. Protocol says I have to dispose of any witnesses, but..."

I glanced at Claire and let the thought trail off. Killing the Master's sister? That sounds like a great way to get fired. Or worse.

"I think 'disposing' of you might be a bit much. You guys, don't make a move."

I surreptitiously gave the order to the girls hiding in the room. As far as these two could see, I was the only one here.

"I have no intention of fighting you. Claire-san, would you mind sheathing your sword?"

"...! You know who I am?"

"The Bushin Festival Champion, Claire Kagenou-san. You're quite famous."

"I suppose I am. Fine. Tell me who you are and what you're doing here. If I can confirm you aren't an enemy, we'll back off."

"Wait, Claire—"

"We don't have time for unnecessary combat, Milia. She doesn't look like she's with the Queen of Blood. Plus... she looks like a real handful."

Claire's gaze sharpened. I was just sitting there, acting nonchalant, but I made sure to project an aura that screamed don't even try it.

"I guess you're right."

Clad in my black bodysuit with a mask hiding my face, I certainly didn't look like a vampire lackey. If anything, I looked like an intruder, just like them.

"As for who I am and what I'm after... Well, like you, I've broken into the Crimson Tower."

"Be more specific."

"That might take a bit of time."

"Give me the detailed version, but keep it brief."

"My, what a difficult request," I said with a shrug. "I am Beta of Shadow Garden. I’m just visiting the Crimson Tower for a bit of business."

"Heh. The rumored Shadow Garden? Why is a group like yours here?"

"Now, let's see... how much should I share? I have my secrets, after all. Let's just say we're researching Possession for certain reasons, and we're in the market for a Sample of the Progenitor's Blood."

"Possession...!?" Claire reacted to that.

"Why do you need the Progenitor's Blood...?" Milia reacted to that.

"We have a hypothesis that Possession and the Progenitor's blood were originally the same thing, and the symptoms simply mutated as the bloodline was passed down. We're currently in the middle of testing that theory."

"That is a profanation of the Progenitor..." Milia's eyes turned cold, her grip on her sword tightening.

"It's just a hypothesis. We have no intention of profaning your Progenitor; we just need a Sample of the Progenitor's Blood for verification. I do have one question, though: why are you the one getting angry, 'Oldest Vampire Hunter'-san?"

"—!? You know about me...?"

"I've heard the rumors."

"I see... As long as you don't get in our way, do as you please."

"Don't mind if I do."

Milia sheathed her sword while still glaring at me. I just shrugged and reopened the book I'd been reading.

"As expected of a library belonging to long-lived Vampires. This place is packed with rare materials. So, Claire-san, are you satisfied now?"

I asked while keeping my eyes on the page. Claire looked back and forth between Milia and me, her face scrunched up in thought.

"Tell me one thing."

She stared straight at me, her expression dead serious.

"If it's something I'm allowed to answer."

I looked up, meeting her gaze.

"Is there a way to cure Possession?"

I didn't answer immediately. I just stared at her, thinking things through for a moment.

"That... isn't something I can answer. However, I will say this: there is no need for you to worry, Claire-san."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like."

I flipped the page, signaling that I was done talking. Claire clicked her tongue and turned on her heel.

"Let's go."

But as they headed for the exit, I decided to call out to them.

"Wait. Claire-san, do you mind if I ask why you've teamed up with the 'Oldest Vampire Hunter' to come here?"

"Why do you care?"

"Just a bit curious."

Claire frowned. "My brother, Cid, was kidnapped by the Queen of Blood. If I don't hurry, he's going to be turned into a sacrifice."

"Your brother...?" I tilted my head. Cid? Kidnapped? Master Shadow? By the Queen of Blood? That's the funniest thing I've heard all day.

"IS THAT TRUE!?"

A fourth voice suddenly echoed through the library. A woman appeared out of nowhere—another one of my subordinates in her black bodysuit and mask.

"Number 666, stand down."

"But...! My apologies..."

Number 666 lowered her head and stepped back, looking like she was about to explode with emotion.

"Are we done? Let's go." Claire put her hand on the door.

"One last thing. For her... is there really no way to aim for the Land of Rest again?"

"What are you talking about?" Claire looked back.

But I wasn't looking at Claire. I was staring straight at Milia.

"Ah, wait—"

Milia looked away and, without saying a word, opened the door and left. Claire hurriedly followed her out.

The library fell silent again, save for the sound of my turning pages.

"Number 666, that was quite a blunder," I said.

"I am deeply sorry..." Number 666 bowed.

"Lambda recognized your talent, and Alpha also has high expectations for you. This is a mark against your record. You two, make sure you're supporting her properly."

"We're sorry!"

"Our apologies!"

Two more girls appeared beside Number 666.

"This is Number 666’s first Field Training mission. Number 664, as Squad Leader, this is your responsibility too."

"Yes, ma'am..."

"Make sure it doesn't happen again. Just to confirm: our mission is to recover a Sample of the Progenitor's Blood for the Research Laboratory. However, Master Shadow mentioned he'll be handling the Queen of Blood himself, so we aren't to act on our own. Until he arrives, we're stuck with library research and document recovery. Now, back to work."

"Yes!"

The three of them moved out to resume their tasks. Number 666 took one last look back at me. I could tell what she was thinking. Somewhere in her memories, there was a certain author who looked an awful lot like me. Well, when you're a best-selling genius, it's hard to hide the star power.