Serena Talks

"A much more positive response than last time." Serena Weisse folded her hands together on the dining table.

The banquet hall seemed empty and shrouded in shadows, only the singular candlelight from near her seemed to reflect the white haired Vampiress to anyone who could observe them.

"That's good, Lady Weisse." A blonde Vampire around her age served her a goblet of blood wine. "Isn't that progress?"

"I am not sure." Serena Weisse fiddled with her thumbs and let out a sigh. "I understand that he is strong, I can sense it–but why the insistence on him? We also have talented individuals. I am sure that Councilhead Tenebris agrees with me."

"Perhaps there is more to him than what we already see on the surface, Lady Weisse."

"We've already checked his records and there's nothing there." Serena Weisse frowned. "Nothing more but one of the countless orphans who lost their family during the Great War. People who have been supported by Lux, but that cannot explain his growth."

"Would it not be better to ask him yourself, Lady Weisse?"

"...Of course not." Serena Weisse pouted. The first childish appearance she provided to nobody else except around her childhood friend and caretaker.

"There might be several reasons as to how he grew strong–if not his own family background, what are the chances that he stumbled upon something like an Overlord's blood?"

Serena Weisse's eyes widened and she turned to Katarina. "That's–"

"Well, as long as he finds something to strengthen him. Or it could be purely luck–nothing more or nothing less. But for you to be able to sense it, Lady Weisse… it almost seems like fate intended."

"Wh-what the heck are you saying, Rina?" Serena Weisse fumed. "Just because I do not usually pay attention to anyone below me in strength does not mean that he and I are fated together. We're not dogs."

"Forgive me, Lady."

"You are forgiven, but please have someone take an inventory of the items in Blood Works. It will be difficult to procure them from the hands of our resident hoarder–but if this will change our chances then I suppose it's necessary."

"My Lady, wouldn't it be easier to just use our authority and take everything away…"

"You are far more brutal than me, Rina." Serena laughed. "Strength does not dictate that we must tower above our peers. Instead, it is much better for us to take care and provide for them."

"Words spoken by someone who does not interact or engage with anyone besides me and the most influential and powerful in Lux."

"My presence is…" Serena Weisse's expression took a sudden touch of serious and gloomy. "One does not need to present themselves to gain recognition for their efforts, dear Rina."

"As you say so, Lady Weisse."

"Then thank you, though it does not seem that I have made a good deal in convincing you at all." Serena Weisse smiled wearily as she took the goblet into her hand. She gave the liquid a small swish before taking a slow sip.

"Is the blood satisfactory, my Lady?"

"Adequate."

"You definitely are hard to please."

Serena placed the goblet down and turned to her friend. "It is a dangerous mission. I would rather not have untrained people be the one who risks their lives to discover the reason why the rest are not returning home–I…"

Katarina's eyes widened, but then again, it was a burst of emotions that wasn't all too surprising. Serena Weisse was someone who was known for her cold beauty, but had a heart of nobleness and fairness.

"If anything, wouldn't it be better to get Anastacius' descendants." Serena frowned.

"My Lady–!"

"I know that I am not supposed to mention their name or presence at all. The sin of their ancestors is something that is not their fault–at least this generation. But does this not prove that they can uphold themselves and regain their honor? Would you look into that?"

"I… the council and the city will–"

"I am too languished and exhausted of Vampires against Vampires. Times have changed and these old buffoons are still insisting on bearing grudges against those who have committed no sin beyond being born in the wrong bloodline."

"My lady, what if these people presume that these descendants will betray us to the humans? It would not be enough to only send them–I'm afraid that this might not change the circumstances surrounding that boy."

"He's not a boy–he's already a man, and this isn't about him at all." Serena Weisse frowned. "What gave you the indication that I am doing this for his sake? And if I am? Surely, I am only looking out for his well-being as a member of the city. He's the weakest link out of them all despite his strength. A stick in the hands of a master is far more dangerous than a blade in a child's hands."

"I see… I completely understand your intentions, my Lady." Katarina sighed inwardly.