Ryo woke up exhausted. Despite having made it through the night, the burden of his multiple regressions and fights still weighed on his mind. His body was good—better than good, really. Each death and resurrection honed his abilities and enhanced his fighting instincts.
He sat up, taking a deep breath. I made it this time.
He looked up towards the dormitory ceiling, attempting to make sense of things. He had to figure out everything—the battle, his mysterious newfound powers, and the surprise fiancée declaration by the Vampire Princess.
There was a knock on the door, which broke his concentration. He opened it to see a student who hesitated and spoke.
"No classes today. The teachers are having a meeting."
Ryo blinked in shock. No classes?
It was easy to surmise why. Following last night's armed assault, the officials at the academy were most likely on their minds discussing security.
Having nothing urgent to do, Ryo weighed doing something he hadn't done since he got to Celestia Academy—calling home.
Mom and Dad…
His parents must have been in worry. He had just vanished into the academy without sufficient explanation. But should he inform them about what took place?
After a quick internal deliberation, he rejected it. He didn't have to panic them.
Before he could take his comms device from its hiding place, however, the knocking at his door came again. This time more insistently. More firmly.
Called to account by the Vampire Princess
Ryo came to an abrupt standstill. No way.
His yesterday's memory started working—Vampire Princess had publicly announced him as her fiancé. He was so engrossed in the recurring deaths and battles that he had simply forgotten all about it.
Perhaps if I remain quiet, she'll leave.
But in his heart of hearts, he knew there was no avoiding it. Deep breath taken, he opened the door.
Standing there was an attendant who looked regal, wearing formal attire with the Vampire Royal Family emblem on their chest.
"Lady Selena requests your presence."
Ryo could feel a headache brewing. Of course she does.
He thought about making a run for it—but knew it would be futile. He let out a sigh of defeat and trailed after the attendant.
The Confrontation
The location was a secluded tea lounge close to the central plaza of the academy. Ryo entered, greeted by the view of Selena, the Vampire Princess, sitting elegantly at an opulent table. Her red eyes met his the instant he stepped inside.
She gestured for him to sit. He hesitated, then reluctantly sat down.
For a couple of moments, neither of them spoke. The atmosphere was heavy with tension.
Then, she finally spoke.
"Who are you, truly?"
Ryo froze. Not again.
Ryo struggled within. How much was he going to tell her? He knew that Selena did not easily deceive. Before he could answer, she leaned towards him, her piercing eyes fixed on him.
"Your blood… it is not normal." She tapped the table with her finger. "It holds a power from ages past."
Ryo's hands curled into fists. He had guessed as much, but she saying it meant it was real.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he lied.
Selena smirked, aware of what he was trying to hide but refusing to pursue the matter further. Instead, she delivered another knockout punch.
"However, you are now my fiancé. And since you are, you will have to meet my father."
Ryo's breath hitched. Meet her father? That meant one thing and one thing only.
"Why?!" he exclaimed.
Selena's smirk became even wider. "Because, Ryo Takashi, you are now mine."
She got up. "There will be the meeting in a few days. You have to prepare for that."
Ryo felt as if the ground under his feet had collapsed.