Charlotte’s Resolve

Author: Unicoon
Raw: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n8138gc/29/
Translator: Lilia v4
Editor: Yuriko AYA

“Lady Ulrika is a vampire? It can’t be…”

“That’s—I can’t believe it…”

Olivia and Natasha, having heard the circumstances from King Zenon.
Both of them had frozen, mouths open, from sheer surprise.
Lady Ulrika, for her part, sat in a chair kicking her legs, at her usual pace.

“I hadn’t told you either, Livi? I am the True Ancestor of vampires.”

“”True Ancestor…””

“Those are things we’d like to be told sooner.”

“Mm. I’ll be careful from now on!”

Lady Ulrika answered brightly, whether she understood or not.
King Zenon, exasperated, still brought the talk back to the vampire matter.

“Now, Ulrika. There are a few things I want to ask.”

“Hmm. What might they be?”

“First: are there other vampires in the castle?”

“I don’t sense a presence. There aren’t any now.”

“Then what about the castle town? Can you tell?”

Lady Ulrika closed her eyes and raised an index finger.
She was activating detection magic.

“Mm… there are some… but the location isn’t clear… they’re likely in mist form.”

“So they are lurking in the castle town after all…”

“The vampire that appeared at the academy, I suppose. Vexing.”

“We must respond at once. Form a subjugation unit—”

“Wait, Rudolf.”

King Zenon checked Rudolf with a hand as he started to stand.
Then he shifted his gaze to Lady Ulrika.

“Ulrika. The vampire incident I spoke of earlier—the victim is an academy teacher…”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Until we catch the vampire that is the culprit, we have to close the academy…”

“Is that so… what!?”

“As things stand, you won’t be able to attend either…”

“What!”

“It’s an odd thing, relying on you, a vampire, but will you lend us your strength to catch the vampire?”

“Of course! Then at once—”

“Wait, Ulrika.”

Charlotte stopped Lady Ulrika as she started to stand.

“If Ulrika is truly a vampire, you’d have to make enemies of your own kind, wouldn’t you?”

“I don’t care about that.”

“Even if you don’t, I do. I don’t want a friend of mine to have to do such a thing!”

Charlotte shifted her gaze to King Zenon.
Strong eyes, full of will.

“Then, Charlotte. What will you do?”

Charlotte was silent a moment. Then she answered, chest out, unashamed.

“I will be the decoy and catch the vampire!”

“””Haaah!?”””

“Charlotte! Don’t say something so foolish!!”

“Princess Charlotte, that’s far too dangerous.”

“I can hardly recommend it…”

King Zenon, Rudolf, and Headmaster Neumann tried one after another to stop Charlotte.
Charlotte’s will, however, did not waver.
She glanced at Lady Ulrika, then turned back to the three of them.

“Someone taught me once. Protecting the people is a royal’s duty.”

Olivia and Natasha started.
They were remembering Lady Ulrika’s words at the entrance exam.

“Crisis is upon the people, and I am royalty. As royalty, I want to protect the people!”

“”Me too! I’ll fight together with Lady Charlotte too!!””

The ones who raised their hands were Olivia and Natasha.
At the perfectly timed pair, this time Charlotte panicked.

“You two, what are you saying!”

“”Helping a friend is only natural!””

“You two…”

Tears spilled from Charlotte’s eyes.

“Mm! I understand. You may do as you like!!”

At Lady Ulrika’s words, this time King Zenon panicked.
He stood from his chair and closed in on Lady Ulrika.

“Wait, Ulrika. You can’t decide that on your—”

“Don’t worry, Zenon. If anything happens, I’ll help. I’m a friend too. I won’t let my friends come to harm.”

Lady Ulrika smiled.
King Zenon’s force did not work on her at all.

“Kh… but…”

“Believe in your daughter.”

King Zenon stayed frozen, thinking hard.
After a while he let out a “haa” and dropped into his chair.

“…Understood…”

“Father, you’ll permit it!?”

“Yes. I leave the vampire subjugation to you. Don’t produce any more victims. As royalty, protect the people!”

“Yes!”

“And protect yourself properly as well! Never do anything that would sadden your friends.”

“Of course!!”

King Zenon shifted his gaze to Lady Ulrika.
His expression was a mix of trust and unease.

“Ulrika. You must protect the girls. You must!”

“Of course! I am the Demon King. There is no better escort, is there?”

“Ah. That’s right…”

“Mm! Leave it to me.”

Charlotte, Olivia, and Natasha were full of resolve and motivation.
King Zenon held his head with worry. Rudolf and Headmaster Neumann sighed deep.
And Lady Ulrika, smiling at her usual pace.

And so an unusual vampire hunt began.