"This…"—Kojou didn't answer immediately, needing time to think it over. He couldn't shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come, and he'd need the power of the Fourth Primogenitor to protect himself and those close to him. "The idea of abandoning this power and living as an ordinary human with you isn't bad…"
When he imagined living normally—fooling around, dating, and marrying Asagi—Kojou couldn't help but smile softly. It was a beautiful future to envision. But unfortunately, he couldn't do it. He trusted his instincts and was certain he'd need the power of the Fourth Primogenitor in the near future.
"But… I can't do it," Kojou said, his gentle smile shifting into a serious expression. "You should know my instincts are rarely wrong. I feel a great chaos coming, and I'll need the power of the Fourth Primogenitor to survive it—to protect you and Nagisa. So I won't give up this power."
Hearing Kojou's decision, Asagi didn't say a word. Even her hand stopped stirring the ramen in her cup, as if she were deeply considering something.
Though Kojou was tense under her silence, the resolve in his eyes was clear. No matter what, he wouldn't back down from this decision—and Asagi was certain he'd bear the consequences to the end. That was just the kind of person he was.
"I see…" After a brief pause, Asagi nodded and stared at Kojou with a smile. "Since you've decided, I won't argue. But if you need help or something happens, tell me. I'll do everything I can to support you."
"Also, if you're going to remain the Fourth Primogenitor, you'll have to accept the invitation to join the Adventurers Guild," she added, resuming her meal (if she left it any longer, it would get soggy). "The Guild seems willing to help you recover your lost memories about how you became the Fourth Primogenitor. That's something you need to know—if you're diving into trouble, the answers lie in those missing memories."
"You're right," Kojou could only nod. It felt good talking to someone who used their head. He was about to accept the invitation when Asagi grabbed his hand, stopping him.
"Even though I'm the one telling you to accept, wait a little longer," she said, releasing his hand. "Before joining the Adventurers Guild, tell me about the abilities you have as the Fourth Primogenitor."
"Well…" Though puzzled, Kojou obediently nodded and began explaining the powers he'd gained about three months prior. "First, my physical stats have increased drastically—I'm roughly ten times stronger than before."
"Beyond just strength, endurance, and agility, my body itself has become more durable. It's hard to even pierce my skin with something like a needle now, though a knife or sharp blade could still wound me." He paused, recalling the abilities he'd discovered so far. "Also, I remember Avrora telling me the Fourth Primogenitor is completely immortal—unable to be killed by any means."
"On top of that, I possess an absurd amount of magical power. If fully unleashed, it could easily drown Itogami Island," Kojou added, remembering the first time he'd felt the magical energy within him. "What's left are the 9 Beast Vassals—though I can't control them yet."
"Nine Beast Vassals? Shouldn't the Fourth Primogenitor have 12?" Asagi asked, confused. It was common knowledge that the Fourth Primogenitor wielded twelve. "And why can't you control your Beast Vassals?"
"It's true I'm the Fourth Primogenitor now, but I'm incomplete. Three of the Beast Vassals are somewhere else—I still can't sense them properly," Kojou admitted with a shrug, equally clueless about his fragmented state. "As for why I can't control the rest… they refuse to acknowledge me as their true master."
"Why reject you if they feed on your life force?" Asagi's eyebrow twitched in irritation; she didn't understand much about vampires.
"Because I've never drunk anyone's blood before," Kojou replied, rubbing his head awkwardly. "The Beast Vassals demand I take blood from at least 12 spirit mediums to gain control over them."
"Twelve Blood Servants?! Does that mean you'd have to marry twelve girls to master your power?" Asagi's eyebrow trembled, betraying her annoyance.
"Technically, yes," Kojou nodded at her interpretation—but then quickly shook his head. "But I won't do it. I only love you and have no intention of building a harem."
Though he said this, a part of him did crave a harem of beautiful girls—every man's dream. But for Asagi's sake, Kojou was willing to abandon that fantasy. As for the Beast Vassals, he'd find another way to force their obedience without a harem.
"Kojou… you…" Asagi's face flushed crimson. After years of loving him, hearing such a confession made her heart soar.
Without hesitation, she threw herself into Kojou's arms, hugging him so tightly he lost his balance and toppled onto the floor.
"Asagi…" Kojou murmured, acutely aware of her body against his, the scent of roses from her skin overwhelming him. His eyes turned red—he'd been suppressing his Vampiric Impulses, but it was impossible while being embraced by a girl as beautiful as Asagi.
"It's okay, Kojou," Asagi whispered, gazing into his crimson eyes before pressing a kiss to his lips. "Do what you want… just be gentle. It's my first time."
Hearing her words and seeing her tender expression, the last shred of Kojou's rationality vanished. He gave in to his desire, sinking his fangs into Asagi's neck.
"A-Ah…!" Though Kojou tried to be as gentle as possible, Asagi still cried out in pain the moment his fangs pierced her skin. She clung to him tighter as the pain quickly melted into pleasure. "Mmmh~…"
Another Title: Blood Bonds and Unyielding Vows
...
To get more chapters please visit my p@treon :
p@treon.com/Akasaki_Ryujin
For support :
https://ko-fi.com/akasaki_ryujin