The Case Study of Vanitas (ヴァニタスの手記)

Riche!

Johann! Dante!

I'm so glad you're all right.

It's that quack and...

the Hellfire Witch?!

Hand over The Book of Vanitas.

Do that, and I shall let you live.

Is that an order from your master, Luca?

How disappointing.

The young battle maiden who dashed across the battlefield, mercilessly exterminating her own kind...

I heard it was a sight so beautiful that it made one shudder.

But I never would've imagined you'd fall so low.

And your point is?

My point is I'm tired of playing with you.

Come to think of it, I've yet to introduce myself.

My name is Vanitas.

The Vampire of the Blue Moon passed on to me his name and his book.

Yet I'm but a human!

The Vampire of the Blue Moon once feasted on my blood.

Thus imbued with some of his power, I was counted among the Clan of the Blue Moon.

I'd wished to avoid having to use this power if at all possible, but alas...

Hellfire Witch, I shall make an exception and reveal to you my true form!

What devilry is this?

As one might expect, it takes one monster to battle another!

The Case Study of Vanitas

The Case Study of Vanitas

You always ponder the simple stuff like emotions and love

I hope one day you'll come to understand them

Torn apart and patched back together so many times leaves you a miserable sight

You don't even know what it means to be alive

You needn't put into words that you want us alone together

I have a feeling we can accept one another, and that's fine for now

I love this world, and I love the light that only you can bring me

Even with my fractured eyes it makes this world

Appear ever so radiant

There's nothing certain in life

But I'm sure you can see me

When the sky and void meet, turn back from dreams of the future

So it was all just a bluff.

He was buying time until Thomas Berneux's paralysis wore off.

Using a curse-bearer like a chess piece? That's...

He gut-punched a lady without a shred of mercy.

What a jerk.

I cannot move.

Stay right there and watch,

O witch fallen to earth.

Now it's your turn, slayer of nine.

You take the form of a wolf and haunt moonlit nights, seeking the living blood of young women.

Your malnomen is Loup-Garou, "wolf who hunts crimson."

I will have this man's true name back!

Where am I?

So that's your true name,

Bucolicus, "he who composes idylls."

Astounding.

Oops!

I was supposed to cure him in front of Orlok.

That won't be necessary.

We shall tell Master Orlok exactly what transpired here.

What the devil?

I paralyzed you, and the Loup-Garou poison should yet remain.

It is not...

It is not over yet. I can still fight!

Noé, get over here!

Master Luca!

Hellfire Witch,

I assume you understand your predicament.

Should you make one false move,

my minion shall snap the brat's bony neck in the wink of an eye!

He really is a massive jerk.

I can't hear a word they're saying over there.

Nab the kid?

What for?

While you keep Luca or whatever his name is safe,

I'll use The Book of Vanitas to create an area that incapacitates vampires and try to reason with the witch.

Is that even possible?!

Indeed it is.

But such power weighs too heavily on a child's body.

Hold him still and cover his mouth so he won't inhale my power.

And keep your distance—but not too far.

After all, he must bear witness to our little parley.

I believe you when you say you can defeat the Hellfire Witch without a fight!

After him!

No, don't!

I am defeated and will hinder you no more.

Do with me what you will, but please...

do not harm my master!

I beg you.

I knew the child was your weakness!

What's with the tears and that feeble attitude?

Such weakness is the result of wishing to protect something.

But... I like it.

Huh?

I take back what I just said, Hellfire Witch.

It's true that you've grown weak,

but that very weakness makes your beauty shine all the more bright.

What's this?

My strength is gone.

Hellfire Witch, or should I say, "Jeanne,"

I've become quite intrigued by you.

What?

Huh?

That look only further whets my appetite.

How magnificent!

You are a marvel, Jeanne!

What is this pounding in my chest?!

It's so very loud. I can't take my eyes off of you.

I need more! I wish to see you in every way, shape, and form!

Why, of course! Now I understand!

It must be...

love!

I have fallen for you.

I'll love you from this day forth, Jeanne!

I must possess all of you.

Be my bride!

How dare you!

What are you doing to Jeanne?!

Oh my.

Master Luca!

We must fall back this day.

But remember this!

I will kill you when next we meet!

I will be back, and I will kill you!

You'll come see me again?

I can hardly wait!

Jeanne, let go of me!

I'll tear him limb from limb!

Master Luca, no!

Looks like things are about to get interesting, Noé!

Seriously, what is your deal?

He's dead.

Who did this?

I went through all the trouble to so utterly corrupt his name for him.

But no matter.

Whose name shall I claim next?

Now then, everyone!

The delightful Parade of Charlatan is about to begin!

The Case Study of Vanitas

The Case Study of Vanitas

The Case Study of Vanitas

The Case Study of Vanitas

Mademoiselle Amelia!

Monsieur Noé!

So it's over?

Of course, I don't believe every word,

but I shall postpone Amelia Ruth's execution for the time being.

However, you shall remain where I can keep an eye on you.

I'll have her work as a live-in maid at Hôtel Chouchou.

That goes for you too, human!

I grant that dubious book of yours has some power,

but I have no intention of turning you loose.

I take it Thomas Berneux is dead?

And you've no idea who killed him, do you?

Now I see.

You've realized how valuable The Book of Vanitas and I can be.