Chapter 003: Am i allowed to be happy?

**

Lungi is the capital of Midrock, a small region located on south-west of Nazaria. Midrock is famous for its kitchen and its old monuments; and also for the beautiful paradisiac sea. Lungi is situated in the west coast of Midrock and it's a peaceful city that is famous for its beautiful buildings and architecture. All kind of creatures lives here in harmony, such as demi-humans, monster-humans, centaurs, elfs and others. Somehow, all this "Harmony" always seemed strange to Alex, but right now he doesn't care so much about it since he's staying here in Lungi only for "Work".

**

I was pretty surprised and i touched my neck to feel the necklace that Maria gave to me, to be sure that i wasn't dreaming. Luckily it was here. 

It was still night. I looked up to the sky but i couldn't see the full moon anymore. Not even the stars. I got off the road to have a look at the ocean. I remembered that the inn was very close to the shoreline.

***

The city of Lungi is really amazing since it's built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.

**

It was almost morning when I reached the inn. I was exhausted and my legs hurt after walking for so long.

As soon as I arrived at the inn, I was welcomed by a beautiful girl in her early twenties.

Her name was "Lucy". She's the daughter of the owner and we become such great friends since i've been staying here in his inn for almost a year now.

"Hey, Lucy." I greeted her.

She was still sleepy when she looked at me with a sleepy face and said "Oh... Good morning, Alex. Why so late?" She yawned.

"Uhm... Well... I just... I left the city last night and I walked a lot... I guess. Let's say that some vampires gave me some problems." I smiled awkwardly.

"Don't worry, Alex. i know how much you do for our city and everyone here... You're such a strong and gentle soul."

Lucy smiles gently and blushes a little bit. "I was worried sick that you wouldn't come back." She said.

"I'm sorry, Lucy." I apologized her.

"There is no need for that, Alex. You were doing your job. You saved us from a lot of troubles." Lucy said. "But... Are you okay? You seem tired." She asked.

"Yeah... I don't know why but i'm a lot tired." I said.

Lucy then giggled and said "Here's your key, go into your room, i'll prepare you breakfast." Lucy then gave me the key of my room and smiled at me as i took it for her hand.

"Thank you, Lucy. You're so kind" I said, before walking to my room.

I then opened the door of my room and i saw that everything was in order. I remember leaving a mess. Maybe Lucy cleaned my room while i was away. I smiled and said to myself "She's such a nice girl... No wonder that everyone in this city loves her."

I took off my clothes and then i lay down on my bed, resting my eyes for a moment.

Suddenly i heard a knock on the door and a girly voice saying "Alex, i prepared breakfast, can i come in...?".

It was Lucy. I was pretty tired and i forgot hat i was only with my pants on. 

"Sure, go on." I said, while waking up. 

Lucy then opened the door and i saw her smiling with a lot of food on a plate.

I walked towards Lucy to help her with the plate and i noticed that she blushed a lot and she was staring at me.

I then remembered that i was without my shirt. She saw me without my shirt on many other times but that was the first time that i saw her blushing and staring at me.

"Are you okay, Lucy?" I asked.

She stayed silent for a few second while staring at my body before answering. "Y-Yes. Here is your breakfast, Alex." She said, while handing me the plate.

I sat on my bed to start eating and i invited Lucy to eat with me. "Would you like to join me, Lucy?" I asked gently.

"Yes, thank you, Alex." She smiled at me.

We ate together and talked about random stuff, like how her day was going and how mine was too. We were laughing a lot and we had a great time. Lucy is really funny and she makes me laugh a lot. 

She was the only reason i could smile this whole year. Her innocence and purity were what made her special to my eyes. I've always been a cold, rutheless murderer when it comes to vampires, but with humans i'm completely different. I'm a normal person just like everyone.

Another special thing about Lucy is that she's always happy and that's something i really admire about her. She always smiles even in the hardest times.

While we were talking, the only thing i didn't mention to her was my encounter with Maria.

She wouldn't believe me or even worse, she can warn everyone, making a campaign to hunt Maria.

**

Lucy is the daughter of the Inn owner but she isn't one of his daughters.

Her parents were killed by some bandits who attacked her home in the great farm of Lungi. They didn't even fight back.

Since her mother and father died, she was adopted by the owner. She is his daughter in every way except she wasn't born from his loins.

Lucy is very kind hearted and she is always smiling. She's always looking after people and making them feel better.

She never gets angry and she always tries to make everybody happy, especially me. I love that about her.

Despite all the things she has suffered in her life, she still have the force to smile and believe in humanity.

She's also a very gorgeus and beautiful girl. She has brown hair , hazelnut eyes, a soft, light skin and an amazing body. Usually she do a ponytail.

I knew Lucy for almost a year now.

**

"Alex, c-can i ask you a question?" She said, looking down. 

"Yes, go on, Lucy." I replied, while smiling at her.

"W-well... are you... interested in someone? I mean, do you actually like someone right now...?" Lucy looked right into my eyes while saying this. I could see that she took all her courage to ask this question and i could also notice that she was scared to know.

"Uhm... N-n-no..." I said, blushing a little. "Not at the moment... i guess that it's because i'm too focused on the work... I don't have time to search for a girlfriend..." I added. 

**

It was actually true. I never tought about having a girlfriend before she asked me this.

All that mattered to me was killing vampires.

But i guess that you could say that i had a little crush on Lucy.

But little bit i knew that a person like me was not allowed to have someone to protect, to love. It's a kind of a double-edged sword.

**

Lucy sighed in relief. "Im glad to know... Sorry for asking such a private question. It was just my... curiosity." She giggled, blushing.

"No, it's ok, Lucy. Actually... it's kind of flattering to know that you think that much of me." I smiled at her.

"Th-that's because you're a very handsome and charming person. You work very hard to protect us all and.., i'm... very lucky to have you as a friend." Lucy giggled, blushing again.

I smiled at her and i said "Well... maybe so."

Lucy smiled me back. "Uhm... Alex, are you free today?" She asked.

"Yes, why are you asking?" I said. 

"W-well, would you like to help me to go shopping for the inn? I have to buy a lot of things and i need some help." She asked in an embarassed tone.

"Of course i'll help you, Lucy. Just tell me where to go." I said.

"Really? Thank you so much, Alex! I owe you one!" She giggled happily and hugged me. "I know you're tired so rest for a bit. We'll go whenever you're ready, okay?" She then smiled after breaking the hug.

"Y-Yeah." I said blushing.

"Then it's settled! Yay!" Lucy standed up from the bed and jumped in excitement. "Have a good rest, Alex." She said, after taking the plate we used for breakfast and leaving my room.

"What a nice girl." I said while smiling.

I put myself under those blankets and then i closed my eyes. I felt really tired after yesterday's events.

In the blink of an eye, i found my self already sleeping. 

I slept for almost 7 hours. It was such a peaceful sleep.

***

When i woke up, it was almost noon. I took my bath and then i went outside. Lucy was cleaning the inn and greeting the customers.

She was wearing a red dress with a white apron and she was smiling at me while she was working.

"Good morning again, Alex!" She said cheerfully.

"Morning, Lucy. How are you?" I asked smiling back at her. 

"I'm totally right now. You slept a lot, don't you? Haha!" She giggled.

"W-well yes... i was pretty tired yesterday." I said while scratching my head.

"Are you feeling better?" She asked.

"Yes, i'm fine." I said, nodding.

"Great! Then let's go to the market." Lucy said while standing up.

"Hah! I was waiting for this!" I said.

Lucy giggled and then we both left the inn. We walked through the city until we reached the market.

There were a lot of people there and they were buying fruits, vegetables and other stuff. Lucy bought some things for the inn and i helped her.

I was having a lot of fun, as long as my soul pretended to. Except for all the people looking at Lucy and whispering "What a lucky guy! He's dating Lucy Dangard! She's so beautiful!". I say that i was a little bit embarassed but i didn't care about those voices at all.

During the day, the city of Lungi always becomes a giant market where there is any kind of seller.

You can smell joy spreading trough all the streets while you walking, with the crystalline sea on the background.

We kept walking trough the central market of Lungi until Lucy stopped seeing a jewelry seller. She was looking at a necklace and a heart shaped red ruby pendant. Her eyes were literally sparkling like they were saying "I want it now.".

"Do you like what you see, Miss?" Said the jeweler. "It's only two silver coins!" He said smiling.

"O-oh... no... don't worry..." Lucy said.

The jeweler then looked at me. His eyes were literally telling me to buy the necklace. So i did.

"Here's to you two silver coins, Sir." I said, giving him the two silver coins to buy the necklace. 

The jeweler smiled and handed the necklace to me after taking the money.

"A-Alex...?! Did you really buy it for me??" Lucy said, she was almost on the verge of crying of joy.

"Y-Yes... consider this as a gift of our friendship" I said, blushing a little bit and smiling.

"..." Lucy stayed silent. Her mouth was trembling and the expression on her face was the same of a little puppy asking for cuddles.

She then jumped on me , putting her arms around my neck and hugging me tightly. "Thank you, Alex! I'll always treasure this gift!!" she added while smiling.

I stayed silent since i was embarassed but despite that i was completely enjoying those moments. I was having fun.

After a few seconds, Lucy let me go and she smiled at me, putting the necklace around her neck.

"Let's keep going, Alex!" She said cheerfully.

We continued shopping and we arrived at a shop that sells cloths, shoes and other stuff for men and women.

Lucy bought some new clothes for herself.

"Hey, Alex! Look at these!" She said while pointing at a pair of leather pants.

"Ohh... those look really cool!" I said.

"Those pants are made of a special leather !" Said the owner of the shop. He was an elf. "This leather comes directly from my home land." He said.

"But since you look like a really nice couple i'll make you a special price: Three bronze coins" He smiled. 

"C-C-Couple?" Lucy said while blushing and putting her hands on her face. She then looked at me.

"Do you like these pants, Alex?" She asked.

"Yea, i really like those." I answered. 

"I'll buy them." Lucy said, while giving three bronze coins to the seller.

"Thank you, Ma'am." Said the elf while bowing.

We then headed out the shop. It was already 5pm.

The time flew so fast.

I looked at Lucy and i could see the happiness written all ovre her face.

She looked at me with her beautiful , gentle eyes of her and said "It's been a while since i smiled so much.".

Hearing those words from Lucy sent a shiver down my spine since i know her tragic story. Seeing her so happy made my day better.

"So... That means you're enjoying your time with me?" I asked.

"Yes! And it's because of you! You're amazing! You're so kind and sweet!" Lucy giggled happily.

"I'm not that great, Lucy." I said, smiling.

"You are! You're a wonderful person and you're always there for me when i need you!" Lucy said while smiling at me.

"N-no... i'm not..." I said, blushing.

**

 I fought and killed hundreds of filthy vampires. Nothing could scary me. But all this affection... it scares me a little. I'm not used to all these sweet words and even more than that, i'm not used being treated this kind by someone so beautiful like her. My work is risky. If i manage to fall in love someone, i'm sure i will regret it... even though i really like Lucy.

**

"Oh? The great vampire hunter Alex is blushing? Haha!" She said laughing. 

"N-Not at all." I looked away.

"Hah! Don't lie to me, Alex! I can see it on your face!" She giggled.

"B-but it's true! I just don't know how to react when you say such sweet things... I guess that vampire hunting doesn't teach you about relationships with people surrouding you." I said giggling.

"Well... I guess that i'll be your teacher then." She said.

I nodded. "I look foward to it, Teacher!" I then bowed and laughed. 

**

I should say that Lucy is the only one person that right now can make me smile and behave like a human and not like a ruthless hunter only focused on vampires. I usually behave with a lot of coldness and mistrust towards other people.

**

Lucy suddenly noticed the necklace around my neck. "Alex... Where did you buy this necklace? It's amazing!" She said while staring at it. 

It was pretty strange since i had this necklace on me since last night. Why did she only notice it now?

"Oh... It's just a necklace given me by a villager in Shinduin two days ago. It's pretty beautiful, isn't it?" I said. 

I could not tell Lucy about Maria.

"Uhm... Was that "Villager" a boy or a girl?" She asked with a serious tone.

"Well, he was a man. He creates jewels like that in his house. He gave this necklace to me because i saved his daughter." I replied, while looking away.

"I smell lies." She said, biting her lower lip. "But it's fine, it's your work after all." She giggled and then smiled. "I guess that now we should return to the inn, shouldn't we?"

"What time is it?" I asked.

"The clock says that it's 5.30 pm." She smiled. "Let's return! We'll make dinner toghether!" Lucy grabbed my hand and we started happily running towards the inn.

We walked all the way to the inn but before entering we stayed a little bit outside to see the sun setting on the sea.

It was such a beautiful sight.

You could see every kind of color and the scenery was amazing.

The sun was looking at us while fading away, the soft and fresh wind was gently caressing our skin and Lucy was amazed by that view. Somehow that day the sun was brighter than ever.

"I fight to protect this sun... To help humanity." I said. 

Lucy stared at me in admiration. "That's what i love about you..." She whispered. 

I couldn't hear her words very well so i asked "Did you say something, Lucy?"

"No, nothing..." She said. "Maybe one day i'll tell you. Hehe!" She giggled.

"I look foward to it." I said smiling at her.

We stayed outside for a little bit more before entering the Inn with all the things we bought.

After our entrance , we saw Lucy's dad, the owner of the inn.

He smiled at us and asked if we had fun and if we bought the necessary.

"Yes, father, we bought everything you asked." Lucy said.

"Okay, then i guess that we should prepare dinner for our guests." replied the owner.

"Don't worry, Father. Alex will help me cooking tonight." said Lucy while giggling and looking at me.

The funniest part of this was that i don't even know how to cook.

The only thing i can preprare is a soup.

The owner probably knew that, maybe because of the strange look on my face like i was saying

"And now? What am i going to do?"

"Hahaha! Okay! This will be fun i guess." Said Lucy's father. "I'll leave the dinner to you, then. See you later." He added, while he started walking upstairs.

"This is gonna be my first failure in my life..." I sighed.

"Hahahaha! I'll help you step by step, do not worry." Said Lucy.

**

A normal, peaceful day. Like it should always be. But my hunter senses told me that something awful was gonna happen.

**

Lucy and i headed to the kitchen with all the stuff we bough.

I've never cooked anything in my life and i didn't know how to cook either.

Lucy was helping me a little bit.

She was explaining to me how to do everything step by step. I was following her instructions but somehow it wasn't working.

I couldn't understand what she was saying. It was like she was speaking a foreign language.

"Are you okay, Alex? Do you feel dizzy?" Lucy asked worriedly.

"No! I'm fine! I'm just not used to all these steps..." I said while looking at the ingredients.

"Oh... Maybe we should start again from the beginning?" Lucy suggested.

"Yea, that would be a good idea!" I agreed.

After a few hours of hard work and many mistakes, we finally managed to make a delicious dinner for everyone.

We cooked fried vegetables, two cakes, we made bread and also some steaks. 

"Lucy, how did i do? Did i do well?" I asked.

"Well, yes. I'm pretty surprised. You have a talent for cooking. Except for cutting pickles and fruit. And for the cooking time. You burned two pieces of bread! Hahahaha!" She said while laughing.

"...I have to learn." I said, challenging her.

"You will. I'm sure you will." She smiled.

Later, we prepared the dishes and served it on the table.

All the guests of the inn came to eat with us.

Fortunately, everyone enjoyed the meal and complimented us. They were impressed by the food we

made.

"Thank you for the delicious food, Lucy and Alex!" Said the innkeeper.

"It's our pleasure." Lucy answered.

"I must say that you're amazing chefs! The food was delicious!" Said the guest.

"Thanks! We're glad that you liked it!" Lucy said.

"You're welcome." Alex replied.

*

Everyone ate the food while praising our work. I was satisfied. I truly had a nice day.

***

After the dinner, all the guests including Lucy's father left.

Me and Lucy then cleaned up the mess and then washed all the dishes toghether.

I wanted to enjoy all those simple things for the first time.

You could see the smile on my face.

I was enjoying myself. I was doing something new, i was learning something new and i was spending time with Lucy. I was happy without knowing. 

Sometimes simple things like these are not appreciated but somehow it felt very nice to me. 

For some strange reasons, after my encounter with Maria, my feelings got softer. Maybe it was the necklace?

**

After finishing all the cleaning and other stuff, me and Lucy started to feel a lot tired and then we sat on the couch.

Lucy then looked me in directly into my eyes with such a passionate look.

She didn't even speak.

I could read what she wanted to say right from her eyes.

She wanted to tell me something important. I could see her hazelnut eyes sparkling. 

"Hey... Alex..." She said while blushing. "I... thank you for today." She added.

"There is no need to thank me, i enjoyed the day too, Lucy. I should thank you instead for spending your time with me despite your hard work to protect us. I had fun" I replied, rubbing the back of my head and smiling.

Lucy looked away and stayed silent for a few seconds. She then looked at me again. Her hazelnut eyes were shining bright like diamonds.

 "You're too gentle, Alex... Sorry..." She said.

"Sorry for what, Lucy?" I replied. 

I didn't even finish to talk that my lips were suddenly sealed with a kiss from Lucy.

I didn't even realize what actually happened.

I just found Lucy kissing me and putting her hand on my cheeks while her eyes were closed. I could smell her parfum and feel her heavy breathing.

She was shaking, maybe because she was in fear that she has done something wrong. 

"Lucy... Just kissed me?!" I tought. Everything was so strange. "I met the queen of all vampires and now Lucy is kissing me?!".

I then closed my eyes, enjoying the taste of Lucy's lips and savoring every moment. My heart was beating fast. I felt like I was floating in the air.

Lucy then softly interrupted the kiss and opened her eyes, staring at me. She was blushing and smiling.

"Lucy... What are you doing?" I asked, still in shock. 

"I want you to know that I love you, Alex." She said. "I know... your job is risky... you don't want any other problem... but i couldn't live anymore without telling you how i truly feel." Lucy shed a little tear from her right eye.

"..." I looked at her eyes in shock, not knowing what to say or what to do. My heart was still beating fast.

Not even vampires made me feel this way.

"I... thank you, Lucy. I appreciate your sincerity." I said.

 I didn't know how i felt towards her... i didn't know if someone like me could really reciprocate her feelings , but i still didn't want to break her heart.

I smiled at her and without thinking i brought her face close to mine and i returned the kiss.

But this time, the kiss was more passionate than before. I embraced her. I could feel her warm breath against my lips and i felt her soft tongue inside my mouth.

I could tell that Lucy was happy.

Lucy's tears wet my cheeks. 

She was holding me tight while we were kissing. I could even hear her heart beating fast. I kept embracing her while caressing her back.

I then broke the kiss and looked into her eyes.

Lucy was breathing and blushing heavily and a small drop of saliva was falling off her mouth.

"Alex... Does that mean that...?" Lucy asked.

"I don't know... Lucy. I'm not used to these feelings... but i can feel a strange warmth in my heart... I don't know... I'm not allowed." I said, looking down.

"Alex..." Lucy passed her soft hand on my cheeks, caressing me. "This is love... Alex..." She smiled.

"You made me so happy." She added. 

"What is love? I don't know. I don't have an aswer. Even in my past relationships... I loved... and they all died... I'm scared." I thought in my mind.

"..." I didn't speak. I didn't know what to say or what to think. My mind was only focussed on Lucy's lips. I wanted more.

"I don't know if i can understand these feelings... Lucy... But i know you can wait and teach me." I said, while starting to breathe heavily.

Lucy was still caressing me.

"I know how you feel, Alex. You love me too. Don't you feel like you always want to protect me or stay with me?" She said with a lovingly smile.

*

Yes... protect the others... wanting to stay with someone... I now remember... 

For half a second, i saw an image of Maria crying in my mind. But behind her there was only fire. I started to remember some strange feelings.

*

"Yes... That's how i feel." I replied without thinking.

After this, Lucy kissed me again.

We continued to kiss for a while until Lucy stopped herself and looked at me with a loving expression.

"I'm so happy... to finally be honest with myself and... and have the man i love..." She said while shedding a little tear.

"..."I didn't reply. I was mesmerized by her eyes.

She then stood up and took my hand. 

"Follow me, Alex... nobody should come at this hour." She said while smiling and blushing.

I followed her while she walked through the corridors and stairs.

She then opened a door and we entered a room where we could see the sea. It was so beautiful. A

big bed was waiting for us on the floor.

"This is the most special room in the Inn but my father gave it to me... I will share this room with my future husband." She said while holding my hand tight. "I'm really sure that you are the man of my life, Alex." She looked at me again.

I looked away in embarassement. Everything was happening way too fast.

"Husband...? You mean that you want to stay with me forever, Lucy?" I asked while looking down.

"Yes... i am serious, Alex. I will never leave you, ever. Only you can make me happy." Lucy answered while caressing my cheek.

"Do you really think what you're saying, Lucy?" I asked.

"Of course... i do." Lucy answered. "I'm really sure about that." 

"But, Lucy... i'm not a good guy. I have a dangerous job. I have to kill vampires every day. I'm not allowed to love anyone. I'm not allowed to get married... to such a splendid person like you." i replied while looking in her eyes with a glimpse of sadness.

Lucy smiled and hugged me.

"You are not allowed to love anyone? Alex... i think you are wrong. I don't care about your job. I don't care about your past. All i know is how much i love you." Lucy said while kissing me on the cheeck. "I love you, Alex."

I was trembling. This feeling was different from anything i've experienced before. I didn't know how to react. Everything was happening way too fast. The only thing i could feel was a strange warmth in my chest,

I looked into Lucy's hazelnut eyes and smiled.

"I don't know what to say, Lucy. I'm not used to these feelings... Everyone i loved... has always died...." I said.

"Don't worry about it, Alex... I will teach you... I'm so happy... I'll never leave your side." She said while clinging to me and giving me a passionate kiss.

I could taste the sweet savour of Lucy's tongue twisting into my mouth. 

Lucy started caressing my chest and my body while kissing me and holding me tightly. I just returned her kiss.

Without knowing, Lucy broke the kiss and then put me on the bed. She then sat on top of me and started kissing my neck.

"A-ah--" I moaned. I remeber this feeling. I felt a shiver down my spine and my neck was tickling but it was such so good.

Lucy then slowly started removing my clothes from me and later she undressed too.

In a matter of minutes, we were totally naked on the bed, kissing. The only thing i had on me was Maria's necklace. I don't know why Lucy didn't remove it from me.

Suddenly, i felt a strange lust flowing trough my veins. I wanted Lucy. I wanted to feel her. I wanted everything of her. 

Lucy was still on top of me and we were still sharing our kisses.

"Alex... I want you. I want to do it..." She said, with such a burning passion in her eyes. 

"... I want you too, Lucy." I replied...

"Is this really going to happen...?" I thought...