The Smiling Death

The warm afternoon sunlight streamed through the wooden window, filling the room with a gentle golden glow.

Amon lay quietly on his bed, gazing outside. The sun had already climbed high into the sky.

It was well past noon. He had just finished his lunch, a simple bowl of herbal porridge prepared by the village physician. It wasn’t particularly delicious, but considering his condition, he couldn’t complain.

Several of his friends had visited him throughout the day.

Marcus had stayed only long enough to make sure he was awake before leaving to train again.

Aisha had scolded him for being reckless in her own tsundere way.

Eliana had joked around to lighten the mood.

Seraphina had checked on him more than once, making sure his wounds weren’t causing him too much pain.

Yet one person hadn’t returned.

Scarlett.

’I wonder where she went...’

Just as the thought crossed his mind—

Knock. Knock.

A gentle knock echoed from the wooden door.

"May I come in?"

Amon narrowed his eyes. The voice sounded familiar. He had definitely heard it before.

"Yes. Please come in."

The wooden door slowly slid open. Standing there was a handsome man dressed in an elegant white-and-gold noble suit.

Golden-blond hair framed his refined features, while a pair of brilliant golden eyes carried both wisdom and warmth.

Amon’s eyes widened slightly.

"Sir Alistair—"

He instinctively tried to sit upright.

Alistair immediately raised a hand.

"Don’t move. You still need your rest."

His gentle tone carried the quiet authority of someone who was used to being obeyed.

Amon gave a helpless smile and relaxed back onto the bed.

Alistair pulled over a wooden stool and sat beside him.

"How are you feeling?"

The old swordsman’s gaze was kind. There was none of the overwhelming pressure Amon had felt from him before. At this moment, Alistair simply looked like a caring grandfather checking on his grandson.

Amon smiled.

"Much better than yesterday. My muscles and joints still ache a little, but I think I’ll be walking normally by tomorrow."

Alistair nodded with satisfaction. "I’m glad to hear that."

He remained silent for a brief moment before speaking again.

"I actually came here for two reasons. The first was to check on your condition. The second..."

He looked directly into Amon’s eyes.

"...was to thank you."

Amon blinked.

Alistair bowed his head ever so slightly.

"Thank you. For saving my granddaughter. If you hadn’t stepped in front of Alaric’s attack...Seraphina wouldn’t be alive today."

His voice carried genuine gratitude. A faint smile appeared on his lips.

"I’ll admit...I found myself regretting my own lack of talent in spatial abilities."

He let out a quiet chuckle.

"For the first time in many years... I actually envied Celestia’s Space Affinity. If I had possessed even a fraction of her mastery... I could have reached the battlefield much sooner."

Amon shook his head.

"Please don’t thank me. Seraphina is my best friend. There was no way I could stand by and watch her die."

He smiled gently.

"And honestly... We’re both alive because of Scarlett. If she hadn’t arrived when she did... The explosion would’ve killed us. And before that... Seraphina was the one keeping Alaric occupied. If not for her... I probably would’ve died much earlier."

Alistair nodded thoughtfully. "I’ve already met Scarlett."

A faint smile crossed his face.

"She’s an extraordinary young woman. So...she’s the girlfriend you mentioned to us before?"

Amon couldn’t help smiling proudly.

"Yes. Isn’t she beautiful?"

Alistair laughed softly.

"Without question. She’s also the first member of House Bloodhart I’ve met in quite some time. You certainly chose someone remarkable. Not only is she a vampire... She’s a high-ranking noble from one of the most influential families in the Vampire Kingdom."

Amon immediately froze. His smile stiffened. "...Huh?"

His throat suddenly felt dry. "O-Oh... How... did you know that?"

He had spoken to Alistair and Seraphina’s parents about having a girlfriend before. But he had never once mentioned Scarlett’s race. Much less that she belonged to House Bloodhart.

Alistair burst into quiet laughter.

"Haha. That expression is priceless. Relax. I’m not going to capture her to get some information. Nor am I planning to report your relationship to her family."

He waved a hand dismissively.

"I’ve lived for a very long time. I can tell whether someone is human or not with a single glance."

Amon let out a long sigh of relief.

"Oh... Thank goodness. I was genuinely terrified for a second."

Alistair smiled.

"I’m glad to see you recovering well."

The warmth in his expression slowly faded. His voice became noticeably more serious.

"Now... I’d like to ask you something."

Amon nodded.

"Of course. Tell me everything you know about Alaric. Or...the individual who controlled his body after his death. Did you notice anything unusual?"

Amon frowned as he recalled the battle.

He slowly shook his head.

"Honestly... I don’t know much. Everything happened too quickly. He attacked us using Alaric’s dead body. So we also fought and killed him... well he was already dead so killed not right word. So more like we destroyed his connection with dead body."

Then Amon continued, "I only knew one thing. The person controlling him definitely was his boss who ordered them to kill Seraphina. While Alaric wanted to kill me for his revenge."

Alistair gave a thoughtful nod.

"I suppose that’s all we know for now."

Suddenly, his expression changed.

He slowly turned his head toward the window, his golden eyes narrowing as they focused on something outside.

For several silent moments, he simply stared into the distance.

Amon noticed the subtle change.

"Is something wrong, Sir Alistair?"

Alistair remained silent for another moment before gently shaking his head.

"...No."

A faint smile returned to his face.

"I suppose it was just my imagination."

He stood up from the stool and adjusted his coat.

"Anyway, you should continue resting. I’ll be outside."

Amon nodded.

"Thank you, Sir."

As Alistair reached the door, he stopped for a brief moment.

"Oh, one more thing. I’ll personally escort all of you back to the academy. After what happened yesterday, I have no intention of taking any unnecessary risks."

Amon smiled gratefully.

"That would be a huge relief. Thank you."

Alistair chuckled.

"There’s no need to thank me. I’ll see you later."

With those words, he quietly left the room.

The wooden door slid shut behind him.

Once again Amon was alone. He let out a quiet sigh.

Not even a minute had passed when the door slid open again.

This time there was no knock. Scarlett stepped inside. She looked toward him immediately.

"How are you feeling?"

The moment Amon saw her, a bright smile spread across his face.

"Better than ever."

Seeing his expression soften the instant their eyes met, Scarlett couldn’t help but smile faintly herself.

She walked over and sat on the same stool Alistair had used only moments earlier.

"I went around the village for a while. It’s a beautiful place."

Amon nodded.

"It really is. So peaceful."

Silence settled between them. Neither felt the need to fill it with words.

Amon simply watched her.

Scarlett quietly met his gaze.

After several moments, she tilted her head.

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

Amon nodded without the slightest embarrassment.

"Yes."

"What is it?"

He smiled innocently.

"A kiss."

Scarlett froze. Her beautiful amethyst eyes narrowed slightly.

"Really?"

Amon nodded again.

"Please."

She stared at him for several long seconds.

Then, with a quiet sigh, she stood up.

"Move over."

Amon obediently shifted closer to the edge of the bed, making room for her.

Scarlett carefully lay down beside him. The bed was only just large enough for the two of them.

They turned onto their sides, facing one another. Only a short distance separated their faces.

Her bright red hair spread softly across the pillow.

For a moment neither of them spoke.

Scarlett slowly reached out.

Her fingers gently brushed against Amon’s cheek, caressing it with surprising tenderness.

His heartbeat quickened. He swallowed nervously.

Her usually calm eyes softened.

Slowly she leaned closer.

Amon instinctively closed his eyes. Their foreheads nearly touched.

Then something warm and incredibly soft brushed against his lips. It was only a brief kiss.

It was gentle and tender. Filled with love.

Yet to Amon, it felt as though a electric current had passed through his entire body.

Warmth spread through his chest. Just as quickly as it began. It ended.

Scarlett quietly pulled back.

Amon slowly opened his eyes.

"That’s it?"

Scarlett blinked.

Her cheeks instantly flushed a deep crimson, almost matching the color of her hair.

She had gathered all her courage for that. And his first response was that’s it? She narrowed her eyes, preparing to scold him.

Before she could say a word Amon suddenly leaned forward. Their lips met once more.

Scarlett’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Mmph...!"

Caught completely off guard, she instinctively stiffened.

Amon gently cupped the back of her head, his fingers threading carefully through her crimson hair as he returned the kiss with quiet affection.

The room fell silent once again, leaving only the warmth they quietly shared.