"Are we really going to go to a place alone, master?"
"Yes, it's quite a dangerous place, so be careful in case we get separated."
Classes had ended and both were getting ready for the vacation that had just started. It might have only been a week, but he had already seen some evolution in his companions, especially Kai and Serenya, who seemed the most excited. He had actually given papers to everyone, even to Danyana, whom he had only just met. Of course, he hadn't given one to Elowyn and her subordinates. He might want her to evolve to be useful, but he wouldn't risk that much.
"In this place you'll be able to test your second magic so we can see what it's like."
"Alright, I trained a lot, so I think I can manage to get one."
It would be a good trip for him to learn more about her new magic and how it behaved, but it would also be a great place for him to jump a few levels above the others.
'I hope it works and I don't end up dying.'
He had planned a new method of evolving that would depend on certain things from the places where vampires lived, and of course it would be a very dangerous way. Turning the corner, he found himself stopping in his tracks along with Yumeha, who was glaring deathly at the person in front of them.
'That's the girl who's been watching master for weeks. I don't like her… though she does look somewhat like master's face.'
"Hello, little brother."
"Miss Platina."
'Little brother? Then she's my sister-in-law…'
The girl in front of them looked like Enrico, the difference being that she had black hair, silver eyes, and hair long enough to reach the bottom of her back. She was his sister, who was in her final year.
"You can call me big sis if you like."
'You may say that, but your cold expression doesn't give me any confidence.'
"Sorry, but I feel more comfortable calling you the same way as always."
Yumeha had heard from the others that Enrico's family treated him badly, and one day when she visited them, he had come back all beaten up. She might want their approval, but she already disliked them.
'Just like me, he was the failure of the family.'
The difference between the two families was big, because at least in her family, even if they ignored her, the only one who hurt her was her brother—who had already been executed by their father for treason.
'He never went as far to hurt me as much as master's family did to him.'
"I know father told you not to call any of us by family nicknames, but now that you've grown strong, you can relax and use them."
"I'm already used to speaking this way."
This was problematic. He didn't understand why she wanted so badly for him to call her that. Of course, he was much stronger than the original Enrico, but it was strange. They could've at least waited a little longer before asking this.
'If the original Enrico were here, he would have hopeful eyes at finally being recognized.'
[He would be wanting to jump for joy.]
There was only one thing that could make them recognize him, and that was status at the academy. This must mean they knew that not only was his rank 7, but also that he was being recognized by Virelle as a candidate for disciple, and that even Director Hao was quite interested. The one who must have told them everything was the other teacher of Class S, Carter Blihinld, his knight professor, who was tied to the Solcren Ferreira family as a guardian.
'Until now, he hadn't spoken to me even once, only watching me from afar.'
"Maybe next time you'll call me that. What matters is that I came to deliver you a letter from our father."
"A letter?"
Receiving the letter and reading it, it was a summons to return home during the holidays because there were matters to be resolved. It seemed another problem had appeared. If he didn't go, it would be an affront to the family, but if he did, he would lose important time, as this was a good moment to seek out the vampires—when they were searching for good blood.
Looking at Platina, he decided to tell a lie that could be confirmed by Virelle, since she must know how the family treated Enrico.
"Sorry, but Professor Virelle ordered me to go to a training location that would help me become stronger."
"You're going to ignore our father's orders?"
For a moment, when she thought he would refuse, the air grew heavier. So he quickly spoke up to avoid making her angry.
"No, I will go as soon as I can. It was simply an order from Virelle to increase my chance of becoming her disciple."
Everything seemed to calm down, and her look became more thoughtful for a few seconds before she turned to leave.
"Alright, I'll inform our father, but don't take too long."
"Alright, Miss Platina."
"Big sis."
"No way."
As they said goodbye, he sighed in relief. He might know a lot about Enrico's family, especially since they appeared as villains in the original story, but it was hard for him to call them family, because he didn't like them. Luckily, the original called them that way.
"Master, so that's my sister-in-law? She doesn't seem like a nice person."
"And she isn't."
[You two already act like husband and wife. Those massage moments must have brought you closer quite a bit.]
After that, he said goodbye and took his leave, heading into a vacation that wouldn't really be a vacation for him. As they left through the gate, they were being followed by three shadows.