Chapter 23

"......So, that's how Vellene thinks."

"Yes, I see. Everyone has a lot on their mind, don't they?"

When I returned home and settled down, I explained the situation to Grace, and she nodded in understanding.

No, it's enough that Vellene is the one who thinks about all these things.

The matter Vellene brought up is something I need to think about seriously. I need to consider it as a separate proposal. If I decide to proceed, I will give it my all. If not, I will step back decisively.

However, I think I need to inform Grace about this matter, regardless of how it turns out.

"So, with that as a premise, there's something I need to ask Grace."

"Yes."

I looked at Grace with a serious expression, and she straightened up.

The reason Grace is here by my side... is because she was saved by my mother.

I mustn't misunderstand this.

I have only been a burden to Grace so far and haven't been able to give anything in return.

Therefore, I left it up to her to decide what to do when we leave home.

If I can create a place for myself in Termwillis, it will also become a place for her.

However, to secure a solid foundation for Grace, that alone is not enough. Her position is quite unstable due to her being a half-vampire.

So, what should I do?

The answer is simple. If I can establish a solid position and she agrees, then...

It's scary to ask, though, because I'm afraid of being rejected. Still, I have to.

If there is someone I can entrust the cursed objects to after I'm gone, it should be someone she chooses herself... or perhaps her family or descendants. If she agrees, then I can stand by her side.

"Grace said she would serve me. But I don't want her to rely on me just because of the debt to my mother. If the reason for her being here is the debt or work, that's fine. But Grace's life should be clearly separated from that."

I paused, took a deep breath, and closed my eyes. Then I opened my eyes and looked straight at her.

"But if Grace says it's okay for me to walk with her. I want to be by her side forever."

"......That, is..."

Grace looked surprised. I need to make sure there's no misunderstanding.

"I want you to marry me. It will be a matter for the future, though."

It will be a matter for the future—until I can secure a solid foundation for myself, it will be meaningless for Grace's future.

"......I understand."

Grace closed her eyes and answered.

I waited for her answer with a prayerful heart.

It doesn't matter what others think. But if Grace rejects me...

"I also have something I need to tell you, Theodor, before I give my answer."

She looked tense and took a deep breath.

"I'm not here just because of the debt to Liza."

Grace said.

About the day I first met her, my mother, and Grace.

"I lost my parents and wandered aimlessly. There was no place for a half-vampire. If I tried to mix with humans, I would be chased away with stones and stakes. No one ever offered me a hand. But I think that's understandable. My hands can easily kill people."

That was before she had the cursed objects.

"I was always hungry. But I didn't want to see people as food. So I was afraid of everything and hid in the forest until Liza found me. I had the urge to drink blood, but I was half-human, so I could survive on regular food. It was very... difficult."

"...Yeah."

I knew this.

The hunger could only be partially satisfied. Now, with the cursed objects, it's not a problem.

"The day I first met Liza—Theodor, I don't think you remember. You noticed me before Liza did. The little Theodor in Liza's arms... smiled at me when our eyes met. It was the first time anyone other than my mother had smiled at me. I was so happy... and sad. I realized I was crying."

"That's..."

Because she was a dampire, she couldn't be accepted by humans. I understand that.

But it was because I, as a baby or toddler, smiled at her.

Was it just a coincidence?

When I said this, Grace smiled and shook her head slightly.

"Because of that, Liza noticed me... and gave me this ring. She gave me a place to stay. Because of this ring, I can hold a child without hurting them. Theodor, you have never been afraid of me, even when I showed you my true form. You have never despised me. Do you understand how much that has saved me?"

Grace put her hand on her chest and said,

"Because Theodor told me he wants me by his side... I will say it. I have always been... very shallow. I told you that the urge to drink blood manifests as hunger. Now, even with the urge, I don't feel hungry. Do you know why? Do you know what the urge stems from?"

What does it stem from?

...Ah, I see. The purpose of a vampire drinking blood is to eat. They seek prey when they are hungry. It's a simple matter.

However, there is another meaning. To increase their numbers.

If Grace being by my side satisfies the urge, it means the urge stems from... something simple.

...No, it's better to have it explained to me. Even if I had thought of it myself, I would have dismissed it as an overconfident delusion.

"Feeling uneasy is just an excuse. I have been thinking about it ever since you said you don't need to help me change clothes or bathe. I gradually began to understand what it was."

...Grace isn't the same as she was when she was little. As she grew, her feelings towards me and her knowledge changed.

What is the correct way to express her feelings? When she holds me, her urge is satisfied. The reason for this and the correct words to express it... she gradually understood.

"If I can remove Theodor's worries like I did when I was little... I thought it was okay to be kind. I was afraid that if I told you properly, you would distance yourself from me."

Grace closed her eyes, looking pained.

Even with the cursed objects, she can't harm her master.

But the feeling of being unable to do so remains.

"So, with that in mind, I ask you. Is it okay for me to be such a shallow person?"

Theodor...-sama

"Such feelings that stem from the urge to drink blood... I would be happy to receive them."

I could feel my face heating up. ...It's embarrassing.

It's impossible to stop liking someone.

The fear of being rejected after expressing my feelings is the same fear I felt before I asked Grace.

"Is it okay? For someone like me. I will surely be a burden."

She asked, looking dazed.

"Grace is fine. I will probably be a burden and worry to Grace too."

"Such... things. ...Ah, ah. You mean Vellene-sama's proposal?"

"Um... well, that's part of it, but..."

Grace smiled and shook her head.

"Anyone is a bit... troublesome. But if it's Ashley-sama, I can accept it and feel a little happy. I want to support her too."

"...Really?"

"Yes. Ashley-sama probably... wants to..."

Grace stopped and shook her head slightly.

"...I'll leave it. Ashley-sama should be the one to tell you, not me."

...What is it? It's a bit intriguing. Grace just narrowed her eyes playfully.

They talked a lot at Sylph's mansion... maybe there was some interaction I don't know about. Their unusually good relationship might be due to that.

"Theodor?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I... call you by your name, like I used to? At least for now?"

"...Sure."

If that's what Grace wants, I don't mind.

I smiled, and Grace smiled happily and said,

"Thank you, Theo."