OJTTEG-Chapter 18: Two Kindred Spirits, Yet Adversaries

That means he isn't who he claims to be. Or perhaps he's forgotten much, even the art of sorcery.

Back then, he was merely bluffing; he hadn't placed any curse on her father at all. Later, when her father was asleep, An meticulously examined Ormond's body and soul, finding no trace of a curse.

A smile curves at An's lips.

Everything indicates that he's a resurrected being missing many memories.

A person's soul grows heavier with time, much like how a newborn's soul starts colorless and gradually turns light blue, sky blue, and finally deep blue.

When a soul turns completely black, it signifies that the person is nearing death.

But Haunter's soul is pure black, without any impurities—a sign that he should have died long ago.

As a royal vampire, An can perceive the color and structure of a soul. Before meeting Haunter, she had never encountered anyone with such a condition.

There's only one possibility: he's a resurrected individual.

To ensure a decisive strike, An has observed him closely for nearly three years.

"But it's okay, you'll be gone soon."

Seemingly overhearing their conversation, An tilts her head, pondering for a moment.

"Poor Mr. Haunter, falling victim to a murderer—truly tragic."

A faint smirk appears at the corner of An's lips as she reaches for her drawer to grab her breakfast for a bite.

I remember leaving it here.

"So hungry, haven't had breakfast yet."

Hmm?

Her smile gradually fades. After rummaging around, she realizes her breakfast somehow went missing on the way.

Perhaps it flew off due to her speed, but regardless, she has to accept the fact that there's no breakfast.

"Seems like the faint scream I heard on the way was some unlucky soul getting hit by my sandwich."

"Clunk."

Feeling a bit dejected, An bites down hard with her canine teeth, pretending to have food in her hand, taking a bite of air.

"It's all Haunter's fault."

An leans forward, letting out a deep sigh.

"Ugh, so hungry... When will it be lunchtime?"

……

Noon.

"An!" Fiona cheerfully pats An on the shoulder, blinking in surprise at her friend's appetite. "Why are you eating so much today?"

The food in front of An is piled almost like a small mountain, mostly meat.

"Ah, that's because I'm growing."

"Ah, Fiona." An picks up a piece of meat and pops it into her mouth, chewing slowly. "It's nice to see you."

"You don't look all that happy."

"How do you manage to keep such a good figure eating so much meat?"

Fiona looks at her curiously. An's figure, aside from her notably flat chest that is sigh-inducing, is perfectly proportioned in height and body fat distribution.

"Ah, that's a secret."

"Darn, I want to know too."

Fiona is one of the few friends who gets along with both An and her brother.

"It's nice to see you so healthy and ‘juicy’ today."

An glances at Fiona's figure.

"Why do you talk as ridiculously as Haunter?"

Fiona sighs a bit, setting her tray down and adjusting her dress before sitting across from An.

"Haunter?" An spears another bloody steak and stuffs it into her mouth, mumbling, "Maybe."

"I don't think I've ever seen you two talk. Is your relationship really that bad?"

"I suppose it's because of things from our childhood. There's a rift between us."

"Do you think you'll be like this forever?"

"I actually want to get along with him," An says, putting down her spoon and looking at Fiona earnestly. "But you know how it is. Neither of us wants to be the first to bow down."

"Oh, I'd be thrilled to be the bridge between you two!" Fiona says proudly, patting her chest. "Honestly, I get along with Haunter pretty well. Is there anything you want me to help with?"

An glances over, wondering how that's even possible. She'd love to take it apart and study it. Doesn't she find it cumbersome?

"Could you invite him out for me?" An says with a sly smile. "In your name, at St. Andrew's Park."

"Huh?" Fiona pauses, her expression complicated as she tugs at her hair, looking as if she's at a loss for words.

"He'll agree," An replies, setting down her knife and fork. The meat in her bowl is gone, and she licks the sauce from her lips, her expression indifferent.

"What's wrong?"

"I have a letter here," Fiona says, somewhat bewildered, pulling an envelope from behind her. "It's signed by Cain, and he also wants to invite you to St. Andrew's Park."

"..." An opens the envelope and takes a look.

Hmm, it's Haunter's handwriting.

……

Evening.

"What brings our lovely Miss An out and about?" Ormond chuckles as he sees a cute little head peeking from the stairway to the second floor.

"Is Haunter around?"

"Since when do you care about him? You usually ignore him."

"You know me, I can't be myself with outsiders around."

"He's not exactly an outsider... He just went out, looking annoyingly cheerful. I suspect he might have found himself a girlfriend."

Ormond sighs, picking up a cloth to wipe the table. "You're about that age too. When will you find someone to spend your life with? You can't even get along with the one person you live with."

"I don't need anyone else," An puffs her cheeks. "By the way, I'm planning to go out for a bit."

"What?"

Ormond is clearly surprised by An's request, pausing his task of tidying up the plates and cutlery. "You're going out too?"

In his memory, his well-behaved daughter usually stays in her room after dinner and doesn't go out.

"What's with you two today? Suddenly having an epiphany?" he mutters. "Homebodies wanting to take a stroll?"

"Yeah, just want to take a stroll," An replies quickly as she changes into her outdoor clothes.

"Be careful then. I've heard there's a murderer active nearby... But it should be fine as long as you stay in the busy areas."

Ormond advises, "I happen to be going out tonight too. I'm meeting a friend who runs a teahouse, so I won't be back soon... But make sure you both come home early and don't stay out too late."