Chapter 205 New Decisions (4)

Acceptance. Understanding. Communication.

What was the reason for people to exist in the world if it was not to be able to connect with another individual and find meaning in it?

Lukas didn't think or even wanted to be this kind of person who went through sentimental crap like this in his eyes—but as he met eye to eye with Matthew, he felt understood for once and nodded.

"Yes, there was a bigger threat. I had to deal with it and use the powers of Rhea, and we survived—obviously the proof that I'm here is enough—but something happened to Rhea while we were trying to save ourselves."

"Bigger threat?" Philip frowned.

"It's been resolved, so I don't think it's really important to dive down into the details now." Lukas said.

"Yeah, Philip, we really shouldn't." Anthony said.

"This guy has been keeping all of this information to himself for awhile now. Certainly, you out of everyone, Landel should know how valuable these things are—I mean, how are we supposed to trust you if you don't tell us everything?" Philip cleared his throat and glanced at Lukas.

"I don't think it's necessary. He's telling us the truth now when he could have kept it to himself." Matthew said, glancing at Philip with a frown. However, it was mostly to hide his curiosity as well—something dangerous? A threat?

"Good faith, good faith. Ugh." Lukas glanced at the three other Vampires and wondered where he should draw the line. The existence of the Dryad and the Water Nymph was a rare thing that only occurred for who knows how long.

It was in Lukas' best interest—or rather, in the interest of the Veiled Forest to be able to keep their secrets.

'I mean, we're supposed to head past the Veiled Forest again and if they figure out that I've been revealing the existence of the Heart of the Forest, well it's not going to end well for everyone in the group.'

"I'm glad that you're learning how to keep your mouth shut, even for a little. Although you're quite an open and reflective lake right now." Drusilla clicked her tongue. "Will you be explaining how you turned Rhea from one of her Dream Eater state to one of those?"

"Well…?" Philip asked, while the two other Vampires looked at Lukas questioningly as well.

"The important thing that happened back there was the fact that I made Rhea, a Dream Eater, into one of my Blood Servants." Lukas said.

"A blood what?" Matthew looked confused.

"Blood Servant?" Anthony lifted a brow and then glanced at Philip in hopes for an answer.

"That's… you're lying." Philip narrowed his eyes at Lukas and then glanced at the dagger in his hand. "Unless you're not? That relic in your hand—that's from a noble bloodline… are you saying that you're actually from a noble House all this time? Like Miss Durand and the other three Houses of Nyx?"

"Wait, I think I did hear something about this sort happening in the Carmilla House. There was this crazy party last night, I heard about it from my father—I should have paid more attention to the details, but is that you? Are you the one that the Carmilla House was introducing?" Anthony asked.

"Nono, those are my friends. They're the nobles, not me… I'm just—well," Lukas hesitated. "Well, I think I'm kinda special enough to be able to wield this dagger and become its owner even when it was meant to be used by another House, and there are other things too—but it's true, I can turn another creature into one of my Blood Servants, bound and tied by blood. And Rhea is the result of that, I think."

"… if you clearly have that power then it's quite obvious that you didn't know what you were doing!" Philip groaned and hit his head against the driver's headrest. "Can you believe it, Landel? I always thought that there'd be no one who'd be able to match you in terms of bad judgment and yet here we are, the world has proven me wrong today."

"Hey, you're almost hurting my feelings now." Anthony said, weakly chuckling. "But… Blood Servant? That's like, I don't think I've ever heard of anyone in recent times use that word when it comes to the power of a noble house. Are you sure, Philip?"

"I'm the one who's been reading, not you. I know what I've read." Philip shook his head and looked at Lukas seriously. "You're making bold claims like this, and it's hard to believe… but somehow, the evidence is right there isn't it?"

"There's the dagger…" Anthony said.

"I know, I can see the dagger too." Philip raised his hands and shook them. "But saying things like you can make a Blood Servant is harder. It's almost like you're saying that you're some kind of special Vampire—and you're not even saying that you're from a noble bloodline, which could have been more believable. Do you think you just don't know what your bloodline is?"

"It's not really the time for that." Lukas said. "What I really just want to say is that—this thing that happened is kinda like my fault."

"Oh, it's your fault, big time." Philip said.

"Yeah, geez, I know—thanks. But that's why I can't find it within myself to just suddenly go up and leave."

"Even with other people waiting for you?" Matthew asked. "There are people who care about you and would like you to get back safe. After everything you've said… I still don't think it's wrong for you to run away and let other people handle it, Lukas."

"And that's where—it would be easy to do that, but I feel responsible and compelled to stay. I know that Anthony probably just said that he wants to stay out of a burst of emotions… but really, it'll be alright for you guys to leave. I won't blame you guys if you do. I can do this alone."

"Can do this alone… or want to do it by yourself?"