血王:夜王朝

Chapter 3：邪恶的

Lunaire is one of the few empires in this world that stands tall, its formidable foundation and a continuous stream of talented individuals have laid an increasingly solid groundwork for the empire. It boasts five vassal states, and several nations that were once colonies have been granted freedom by the current king's benevolence, becoming staunch allies of Lunaire. Rachel is grateful to have been transported to such a powerful empire; were she to have ended up in a smaller, weaker nation, her situation would be dire—constant warfare, abject poverty, and a severe lack of security.

"The weather is dreadful," Rachel mutters, gliding with agility on the roller skates she crafted at the weapon shop. The astonished gazes of passersby do not escape her notice as she navigates around the occasional obstacle, showing off her skills. Each gasp of amazement from the onlookers brings a hint of satisfaction to her heart.

However, the glaring sun above is a source of discomfort. Previously, she relished basking in its warmth and comfort, but now, as a vampire ancestor, her feelings towards the sun have soured. Unlike common vampires, she can move freely in sunlight, yet the physical discomfort is inescapable, akin to being seared by flames on her skin.

"I suppose I'll need to buy an umbrella," she grumbles, adjusting the hood of her magical robe to shield her face. "An unnecessary expense," she adds with a hint of annoyance.

Her sister's legs require medical attention and regular medication to prevent muscle atrophy, vascular and neural degeneration—expenses that are as astronomical as the debts incurred from past medical treatments. Despite working multiple jobs, receiving a full scholarship, and having financial support as a student council president, Rachel's debt remains unyielding.

She spares no time lingering outside, quickly purchasing groceries at the entrance of the commercial district before heading home. Housing in the imperial capital is exorbitantly priced, and even the most modest of dwellings comes with a staggering price tag. Rachel's head spins at the thought of the countless zeros that represent her debt.

Fortunately, her status as a student at the prestigious Moonglow Academy within the Lunaire capital carries weight. The high-interest lenders are willing to extend credit to her, viewing her potential as an investment. As a top student with a full scholarship, Rachel is a symbol of status, and the underground powers of the entire capital are eager to lend her money, knowing that her prospects are a sure bet.

Sighing at the thought of her debts, Rachel wonders when she will be free from her financial burdens. She resides in a quaint, four-story building, the ground floor of which she shares with her sister, while the upper floors are rented out to help alleviate the financial strain.

"Is that you, Rachel?" A gentle voice, tinged with fear and longing, greets her as she enters. Rachel smooths the worry from her face, donning a smile as she responds, "Yes, it's me, sister, I'm home."

Her sister, two years her senior, sits in a lounge chair, holding a half-finished plush doll. It isn't until she lays eyes on Rachel that she exhales in relief, her expression one of utter relief.

"Phew, I was so worried. I thought it might be a burglar," Belial admits, her thoughts turning to the recent tales of home invasions and violent crimes. Being physically vulnerable, she would be defenseless against such threats. Unlike her sister, who excels in the magical arts, Belial is but a commoner, lacking the talent or resources to learn magic or martial skills.

"Ah, don't fret. Those are just vendettas. We're law-abiding and cause no trouble; such misfortunes won't befall us," Rachel reassures her, her affection for her sister, born of their shared circumstances, mixed with a deep sense of sympathy for Belial's plight—a seventeen-year-old confined to a wheelchair.

The cause of Belial's condition remains a mystery, with numerous doctors unable to diagnose her ailment. Her blood pressure is normal, her circulation steady, yet she has no sensation in her legs. Rachel recalls a doctor pricking Belial's legs with a fine needle, to no avail—no pain, no itch, just numbness.

"Mmm," Belial murmurs, her eyes cast downward. She is terrified, her lack of self-defense and immobile legs making her the most vulnerable in the face of danger. How could a girl not yet eighteen not fear for her life?

Rachel neatly stows her backpack, removes her pale moon-hued magical robe, and carefully hangs it on a coat rack. She then takes out the ingredients she bought earlier, preparing to cook. In this world, there are ordinary meats like chicken, duck, and fish, but such fare is reserved for the impoverished or less affluent. The nobility and those with means dine on magical creatures imbued with the essence of nature, rich in nutrients beneficial to health. Rachel wishes to provide such nourishment for her sister, but their circumstances do not allow it.

In her past life, Rachel, coddled by her mother, had rarely entered the kitchen, and her encounters with a kitchen knife were few and far between. Now, for her sister's sake, she learns to cook from scratch. The result may not be gourmet, but it is edible.

Due to Belial's limited mobility, their meals are taken in the bedroom. Rachel sets up a folding table in front of her sister and places upon it a dish of scrambled eggs with tomatoes and a bowl of egg soup, the product of half an hour's labor.

"Sister, it's time to eat," Rachel says.

"Wait a moment, I'm almost done with her leg," Belial replies, referring to the doll in her hands. Anyone familiar with the character would be surprised to see the plush figure of Hatsune Miku. With deft hands, Belial sews the leg of the doll, a cute, Q-version of the character.

Upon closer inspection, the bedroom is adorned with other anime figurines, crafted by Rachel from her memories of beloved characters. Not only do they bring joy to the eye, but they also generate income, which is Rachel's primary goal. Once the stitching on Miku's leg is completed, Belial contentedly sets the doll aside and begins her meal.

"Rachel, maybe we should move to a different spot to set up our stall. The rent there is too expensive," Belial suggests during the meal, concerned about the high cost of their current location.

"There's no alternative. If we want good business, we have to be in a good location; otherwise, who would know us?" Rachel sighs. "Eat up. We'll have to work even harder tonight."

"Okay," Belial nods earnestly, her youthful face showing a resolute determination.