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"...I’m not sure myself anymore," Elayne sighed. "But I want to trust that they have no problem with this, right? Otherwise... things might change. We could disappear from here, and this village... well, it wouldn’t receive our help anymore."
"Oh no, we’re not implying anything," Blank said quickly. "We don’t know who the child is, but if you claim he isn’t who we thought, then that’s fine. Right, Father?"
"It’s all right," Silvester nodded. "We have no ties to that family either way. If anything, the Nether Ghost Castle is notorious for exploiting smaller noble houses and families in the region. They have a terrible reputation."
"They do?" Elayne asked, surprised.
"Indeed," Silvester sighed. "We belong to a merchant guild, so we try to avoid these political conflicts among the great houses, but it’s inevitable that we might get caught in the crossfire. Though the Demon King of Death threatens us all, another war rages between the noble houses of the White Ghost Race."
"You’re saying your people are so selfish they’re killing each other?" Sailor blurted, dropping his polite mask. "Well... thank you for making our job easier."
"Sailor! How could you say that out of nowhere?!" Yaga groaned, smacking his head with her staff.
"No, he’s not wrong," Blank muttered through gritted teeth, fists clenched. "Despite the threat we face, and the disappearance of the White Mist Ghost Mother years before the Demon King of Death arrived, I find it absurd that our High Nobles refuse to cooperate. Instead, they fight over trivial matters or resources."
"It’s the moment we should unite most," Silvester added. "Yet they refuse. I’m honestly ashamed of my own race. Even the Blue Ghostly Goblin Race—mocked as they are—show far more unity and kindness, treating each other like family. Unlike our cold society, which only seeks to rise by crushing those below."
"It’s sad..." Elayne murmured. "But if you don’t mind my asking, why is your culture like this?"
"Perhaps it stems from the White Mist Ghost Mother’s teachings," Blank replied. "One that stuck deeply was: ’Stand Above All Else, Crush Those Beneath You, Move Forward No Matter What, And Seek Your Dreams.’"
"Well, I guess she meant to motivate you, but it sounds... harsh," Mark said. "We can’t really compare Living World morality to the Netherworld, but even so... it feels strange, if I may be honest."
"Hmm, no, it’s fine," Silvester nodded. "It’s rare to meet people comfortable speaking the truth instead of hiding behind countless masks, pretending to be something they’re not."
"I suppose that’s why some of us feel drawn to Undead," Blank said, meeting Elayne’s eyes. "You bring new things wherever you go. Sometimes untold destruction, other times gifts that rival miracles."
"A-Ah..." Elayne felt her cheeks warm, looking away in embarrassment at the sudden praise.
"..." Mark narrowed his eyes at Blank for a moment, sensing the White Ghost’s clear attraction toward Elayne.
"Anyway, now that you know the truth, is that all?" Yaga asked. "I suggest we keep the same arrangement to avoid raising suspicion."
"I agree," Silvester said. "Blank, what do you think?"
"I feel the same," Blank replied. "Does anyone with you need to change classes right now, Elayne?"
"I think only Mark and I do," Elayne said. "Would you be kind enough to show us where the monastery is?"
"Of course. It’s quite large, so you can treat this as a sightseeing tour," Blank suggested. His face remained mostly expressionless, though his eyes held a spark of interest directed at Elayne.
"Oh, thank you," Elayne said politely, offering a warm smile.
"Hm," Blank nodded, quickly averting his gaze. Yaga noticed the exchange too. Blank’s pale face gained a faint flush, he was embarrassed.
"...Blank?" Silvester looked puzzled. "You..."
"What, Father?" Blank asked.
"No, nothing. Must have been my imagination," Silvester sighed, shaking his head. "Anyway, why don’t you escort them to the White Mist Ghost Mother Monastery for now? We can regroup later and guide them to the shops they wish to visit."
"Good idea, Father," Blank agreed. "Shall we go, Lady Elayne?"
"Thank you. Let’s," Elayne nodded, standing after devouring ten Nether Beast steaks and several cups of ghostly wine. "Fufu, it was delicious. Thank you for the meal, Lord Blank, Lord Silvester."
"Ah, it’s nothing..." Blank muttered. "Ahem..." He struggled to maintain composure around her, despite her being undead. "Let’s go, then... Mark, right?"
"...Yes," Mark replied, gazing down at him. His blazing ethereal eyes seemed to pierce Blank’s soul. "I am Elayne’s lover."
"...I see," Blank nodded, turning away. "Then let’s go."
"...?" Elayne tilted her head, sensing Mark acting oddly for a moment. Blank seemed a little strange too. "Um, anyway, we’re heading out for now. Lisette, please behave while we’re gone, okay?"
"Okay!" Lisette nodded cheerfully.
"I’ll watch the kid," Yaga sighed. "Sailor, help me. Norman and Shade too."
"So we’re babysitters now?" Sailor grumbled. "I wanted to go with Elayne and Mark. Am I allowed, Leader?" he asked Elayne.
"Well... of course, come along," Elayne agreed. Sailor quickly followed.
"Thank you," he said, glancing around. "This is a beautiful garden and house... So much wealth poured into a mansion for just two or three people. Imagine using that money for the poor—you could build a hundred homes or more."
Blank shot Sailor a sharp glare but said nothing. The noble wasn’t accustomed to hearing an Undead’s blunt opinions.
"You’re right, but what’s the point?" Blank finally replied. "They’d grow complacent and work even less. Knowing there’s always a safety net might ruin their lives further. People on the edge often work harder, chasing their dreams. Handing things to the unfortunate can cause more harm than good."
"Huh. A pompous noble who knows nothing about real life thinks he understands the poor," Sailor muttered. He clearly harbored resentment toward the wealthy. "Ah, excuse me. I’m supposed to be respectful here, right?"
"What...? Sailor, stop it!" Elayne snapped, slapping his face hard enough to leave a red mark without serious harm.
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