After a profuse apology, my mother kneels before an unknown man. All my sisters, myself included, are taken aback by this. I could have never imagined.
‘Mister, what is going on?’ I ask him for some clarification. Hel has been very informative so far. ‘Why would she do such a thing?’
‘I don’t think we can get a helping hand from the administrator anymore.’ Hel remains expressionless, yet his voice gives way to his annoyance. ‘Damn nobles. That idiot will spoil everything.’ His fists clench.
A noble? What does that even mean? Are those the people who rule over the masses? But I hold my questions back. I’m unsure about this, but Hel seems sensitive about this topic.
Mother’s body trembles from slight trepidation and feverish excitement. Her cheeks flush as her gaze flickers downward around Valentine’s groin area for a split second.
‘Did mother perhaps fall in love?’ I ask him. I don’t believe my own words, but what is it if not lust?
His gaze seems to unsettle her more than she cares to admit. I can see the subtle shifts in my mother’s demeanor—the softening of her fierce expression, the uncharacteristic tremble in her hands, and her lingering gaze directed at the intoxicating presence's hypnotic allure.
‘Well, she did indeed fall in love…’ Hel confirmed. ‘But not with what’s inside.’
Huh? The vampire sure is handsome. Still, he isn’t THAT handsome. I see no reason my mother would be so captivated by his body. Perhaps he has a—
‘Don’t misunderstand,’ Hel intervened. ‘Look at his belt.’
I follow his words. The belt seems regular except for a shiny stone around its center. ‘What about it?’
‘Unlike the archdemon, I can’t see the relic’s description unless I touch the item and course my spiritual energy through it. Well, I can only tell that the stone you see around its center is a rank 3 Rune of Blood.’ Hel pauses for a moment before continuing to speak. ‘You have no idea how astronomical the value of that thing is. Perhaps you could even buy a few castles just with the rune itself.’
‘Runes? Relics? What are they?’ I ask Hel. I have a general idea about this world, yet hearing his explanations helps me expand my knowledge.
Hel adjusts his glasses. I can already feel the incoming barrage. Mister is sure smart, if anything.
‘Let me first tell you this—you have a rank 1 Rune of Obstruction inside your heart, signifying both your identity as a keeper and your belonging to mother since she holds power over Obstruction. Keepers rule the underworld. They have factions and dominions. There are infinite races—amounting to 1000 times more keepers than seekers or heralds altogether. Most reside in the abyss.’ Hel sighs heavily. ‘Just from this alone, you should deduce the significance these runes possess.’
‘What significance?’ I ask as I don’t fully understand yet.
‘They bring life to keepers. Your essence is embedded into your rune. Lifestones are the sole rank 0 runes—Rune of Life—they’re the common currency of our world. Everything is traded upon by runes. If you want to feed yourself—you must have runes. If you want to lead a rich life—you must have runes. If you want to become strong—you must have runes. The more and stronger your runes, the more power you have.’
While Hel keeps rambling, I observe my mother’s behavior and Valentine’s reaction.
“What are you apologizing for?” Valentine asks with confusion evident on his face. He steps closer and kneels to face my mother to wrap his cloak around her tattered body. Her breath becomes even more uneven as she covers her chest with her arms.
‘Oh no! Mister, I think he’s trying to seduce her!’ I urgently tell Hel.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Hel's lips twitch. ‘Just who is seducing who. What is more important is that my beloved coat is gone. Fucking bitch.’ he then follows. ‘Well, now that you have an idea of how important the runes are, I’ll next tell you of their uses besides being a simple currency and a vessel for your essence. But first, let’s clarify what the runes are in the first place.’
Is it me, or does Hel like being— ugh. I don’t know what to call it. I continue to watch my mother.
Mother bites her lip, but the way her eyes linger on Valentine betrays her. Valentine's knowing smile widens as he notices. His eyes flick to where a faint sheen of saliva glistens as she struggles to contain herself and control her breathing. Her tongue darts out to moisten her lips as she subtly leans closer to him.
Disgusting! I look at my sisters’ further reddened faces. Is something wrong with me? Why do I always see things differently?
‘Life is the fundamental element, and thus Rune of Life since runes are basically the compression of elements in a membrane. It is then derived into earth, water, air, and fire, which are not only seen as fundamental components of the physical world and our spirits but are also deeply intertwined with the concept of life itself. Therefore, these runes are formed by the world itself. Whether it’s the rank 1 rune of sin, blood, or obstruction, they are all made with the help of authorities and not by the natural force of the world.’ Hel remarks. ‘So, there are only four natural runes of the first rank—earth, water, air, and fire. All else is artificial.’
Do you have a mood for all this? Can you not see what’s happening before our eyes? Perhaps I’m not the weirdest, after all. But does Hel count? Is he also the child of our mother? I’ve never asked. I presume not.
‘Earth represents the grounded nature of life, providing structure and sustenance. Water reflects the continuous movement inherent in all living beings and embodies the ever-changing nature of life, constantly adapting and renewing itself. Air represents freedom and expansion, carrying the whispers of wisdom and the songs of creation to explore endless possibilities characterized by interaction and exchange. Fire embodies the fierce determination and resilience to live, fueling the inner drive and passion that propels us forward.’
My mother barely shifts her gaze and looks Valentine in the eyes. “I’ve never imagined that—”
‘With all being said, rank 0 runes are made solely by Life energy. Rank 1 runes from the combination of Life and Spiritual energies. Natural Rank 2 runes such as Storm, lighting, or magnetism from Life, Spiritual, and Elemental energies. I’ll get to explain it, but rank 3 runes like preservation, travel, and advantage are—’
“—you’re the Blood Baron himself.”
‘—ehh!?’
The air freezes. Silence permeates. Valentine's expression remains chillingly apathetic. His eyes begin darkening like storm clouds gathering in a midnight sky, shadows pooling in the crimson depths. “Why would you assume that?”
“Are you not?” My mother then shifts her gaze to the side. “Then are you perhaps an heir?” She tilts her head a little. “You give me the creeps.”
Valentine’s eyes soothe as he coughs awkwardly. “Ehm. I’m indeed an heir to the barony. Nocturne is my father. How did you figure that out?”
‘That scared me. If he were to be the baron, we’d be done for.’ Hel voiced. ‘But he’s too dumb. Who wouldn’t figure out his heritage just by looking at that expensive belt? A rank 2 keeper walking with a rank 3 relic, who would it be if not a rich noble?’
I’m brimming with curiosity. ‘Are the nobles strong? Why would we lose if he were a baron?’
‘He’d be a wolf hiding in a sheep’s clothing. Barons of hell are all of the third rank. The difference between a rank 3 and a rank 2 keeper is like the disparity between the sun and the moon—incomprehensibly high.’ Hel notes.
‘Are relics that good?’ I ask. Yet my mother turns to face us before Hel gets to answer.
“My children, kneel,” she issues with a voice that brooks no argument.
The loyal and unquestioning succubi immediately respond to her command. We lower ourselves to the ground with our wings folding neatly behind us as we kneel in unison.
She lowers her head. “I apologize for the improper behavior shown previously. My familiar has told me of the status the nobles hold. I truly offer my sincerest apologies for the oversight.”
‘I didn’t say that shit.’ I can hear Hel mumble in my head.
She places a hand over her heart and kneels deeper. “We’ve failed to recognize your magnificence! Despite newly arriving in this world, I recognize the importance of honoring those of noble lineage!”
Valentine nods his head. “You don’t have to concern yourself. We can move forward with mutual respect and understanding.” He extends a hand toward my mother. His expression now holds a slight ray of graciousness.
Mother takes his offered hand as Valentine helps her to her feet. He then turns his gaze across the kneeling succubi as his eyes sharpen again. He raises his hand and points toward the back.
“You there,” He points at Hel. "Why do you defy the command to kneel?"
Hel snickers softly.
“I don’t bow before nobles.”