As I leave the apartment building in which I just had an extremely frustrating conversation, I grab a cellphone I collected for this mission. I dial the only number I know, and wait for that useless hermit to answer.

"Ah! Master Carasi! Do you hear me? I am terribly lost with these devices."

"I can hear you just fine, hermit. I need you to send a message to Her Majesty. Tell her that everything went exactly as planned. The hunter is unwilling to cooperate, we must therefore move on to the next part of our plan."

"Unwilling, eh? Well it's not a surprise, but what does the Queen even want from a man like that?"

"It is not for us to question her, maggot! Do as you're told!"

"Ah! Yes, I am terribly sorry, master! I shall relay your message with the utmost urgency! Please spare me!"

"I have not punished you yet, do not make me change my mind."

I hang up, then rub my eyes as I sigh. What a waste of time this is!

What does Maribelle even want with this shell of a man? I understand that he can be of significant use to us, but he'll also never accept to lend us his aid. At first, I thought she simply wanted to offer him as some kind of gift to the noble families we're in conflict with, but in that case, she would simply have asked me to kidnap him.

Could she be... in love? No, what a ludicrous idea! She must be scheming something even I can't foresee. Something I would be opposed to if I knew the details...

I trust her, but I know she is not perfect. It makes me uneasy when she keeps things from me. After all, shouldn't she be relying on her big brother in times of need? I am plenty by myself to track down and destroy the illegal organizations that have taken root in our kingdom! What does she need the hunter for?

... There truly is no point in pondering this now. My loyalty to her is what matters most. Whatever reason she has to try to get this man to join us, I must believe that it is one that prioritizes the well-being of our kingdom.

I start walking towards the nearest wall separating the city from the wilderness. Despite it being the middle of the night with nary a soul in sight, I still feel uneasy in this city of humans, elves, dwarves, and other non-vampires. There truly is no place like home. Hopefully Maribelle takes care of mister Benord herself going forward, I never want to step foot here again.