Heart of a Hero: Somehow I've become the Vampire Queen?!

Chapter 41 - A Name Like Ambra

"Lady Camila, we were thinking the mourning ceremony could be held in three days' time," Marquis Julian suggested, pushing up his thin-framed glasses as he perused through a sheaf of papers before him. "In the main plaza of Leviel, to allow as many citizens as possible to pay their respects."

"That sounds perfectly reasonable," Camila said, a touch of eagerness in her voice that did not go unnoticed by those around her. "We can have the plaza cleared and decorated appropriately. What else would you require?"

The Marquis went on to list various specifications—floral arrangements, a specific type of incense from Nuberia, an intricate bier upon which the Hero's coffin would temporarily rest—all of which Camila agreed to, surprising the Aegis with her willingness to fulfill every request. Even Lune was caught off guard, feelings of guilt worming their way into her thoughts as she considered the sham funeral she was actually partaking in.

Ironically, it was pretty funny how she had come to orchestrate a funeral for a Hero who was alive and well, in a certain way. Her eyes lost focus for a moment as she wondered how Ambra must be feeling, hiding away in the living room and grappling with the heavy burden of her own existence. Not even being able to be seen or heard as it may cause issues given her identity. It was truly unfair. It was then she heard her name being called.

"Lune, would you be comfortable delivering your speech at the plaza during the ceremony?" Marquis Julian inquired, his eyes peering over the rim of his glasses.

"Sure," she nodded, rolling her eyes, but not wanting to make a fuss like last time at the Baroness' estate with Deidan... However, it was then that she noticed something—or rather, someone—was missing. "Speaking of arrangements, where's Deidan? Isn't it his job to stick to you like glue? Protecting you is basically his life's work when I'm not around."

The Marquis chuckled, the atmosphere easing up for a moment. "Ah, Deidan did come with me, he's accompanying the Baroness who came alongside as well. I assure you, my safety is still well looked after. But you bring up an interesting point—"

Lune's eyes narrowed at the mention of Deidan and Baroness Elara being in the mansion. Deidan was fiercely loyal but not a man to be trifled with; if he somehow discovered Ambra's presence, things could escalate quickly.  She didn't know how he would react should he find out what Ambra was now.

As for the Baroness, well, there was a certain air about her that never sat right with Lune. Both being in the mansion spelled nothing but trouble.

"Excuse me, I must step out for a moment," Lune suddenly announced, her words tinged with an urgency that betrayed her usual cold demeanor.

"Miss Lune, is everything alright?" Camila asked, her eyebrows knitting in concern.

"Uh, yes, everything's fine," she responded, not wanting to alert Camila to her true fears. Only turning to the Aegis for some quick back up to let her go.

The two Nuberian diplomats who had been quiet until then spoke up in protest. "You can't just leave, Lady Lune. It's crucial that you stay and help us finalize the details for the ceremony. You're a hero and a diplomat; your presence is needed here."

Marquis Julian, sensing Lune's brewing tempest, smiled wryly.

"Listen," Lune shot back, her patience wearing thin, "either you let me go, or you might find yourselves needing a mourning ceremony of your own."

The room fell silent. The two diplomats gulped, exchanging glances as though debating whether she was serious. But the icy look in her eyes gave them their answer.

"As I said, I need to step out. Now," she reinforced, her eyes meeting Julian's. She didn't need to spell it out; he knew she was serious.

With a courteous but pointed nod to the Marquis, and a somewhat apologetic look to Camila, Lune turned on her heel and exited the grand hall, her footsteps echoing with a hurried intensity.