The Case Study of Vanitas (ヴァニタスの手記)

Ever heard of a curse-bearer, Noé?

That's what they call vampires who suddenly lose their minds and go berserk.

My grandfather told me about them.

A curse?

Whose?

Who else? The Vampire of the Blue Moon's.

Are you okay?

Noé! Let's play!

Tell me, Noé.

Even with a curse-bearer here before you,

are you still able to see the blue moon as something beautiful?

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

Vanitas.

Yes?

Can you explain why we're behind bars?

A fine question, my dear Noé.

About ten hours ago, you were poisoned by the Eglantine due to your absurd antics.

Then you face-planted by the roadside.

You've slept like a baby ever since— nearly half a day, to be exact.

That about sums it up.

You up to speed now?

No, I'm not.

Seriously?

You were the one who stole aboard the airship.

I just happened to be there, so how did I end up in prison too?

Because I told them we're partners in crime,

you moron!

My wallet's missing!

They confiscated all our belongings.

What?! The Book of Vanitas too?!

Naturally.

H-How can you remain so calm?!

Wait, were you after my book?

No!

My maître merely requested that I assess its true nature.

Assess, you say? That's quite a vague way for your maître to word it.

That's true.

He didn't say steal or destroy it.

What is it my maître wants me to do?

Wait a second, Noé!

Yes?

If you seek The Book of Vanitas, then you should join me.

So why do you keep refusing to help?

That's true!

Jeez.

Now I understand, Vanitas!

Perhaps I simply don't like you that much!

What?

What shall I do?

For my maître's sake, I suppose I should go with you.

But meekly accepting whatever someone I dislike says is bad for my mental well-being.

Or rather, it's psychologically impossible.

Okay, so what now?

Out.

We're unable to hold you here any longer.

This is an invitation from Count Orlok.

The vampires likely came to an arrangement with the humans.

Huh?

Come along.

I'll show you the way.

Thank you.

This is my first time in Paris.

Is that so?

Welcome to Paris, the City of Flowers.

The invitation from the count said to come get our things,

both those the police took and those we left on the airship.

Why are you so exhausted, Vanitas?

A certain someone keeps wandering off when I'm not looking.

We're here.

Galerie Valentine.

This is where we'll find the count?

That's right.

After the war with humankind, vampires were forbidden from attacking humans.

After that, most of them vanished beyond the barrier.

But there are still many who continue to live among humankind.

A vampire has been appointed by the queen to maintain the balance between the vampires and humans here in Paris.

He is...

the Lord of Altus, Pax Orlok.

Don't move.

Is this how you welcome invited guests?

Silence.

Ill-mannered fools who do not knock are no better than trespassers.

So you're the human who has assumed the name of Vanitas.

Murr! I'm so relieved you're safe!

Your possessions.

What about the rest?

I'll get right to the point.

Hand over The Book of Vanitas and Amelia Ruth. I want them back.

Vanitas, Mademoiselle Amelia is fine now, so—

Curse-bearers cannot be allowed to live.

We will take it upon ourselves to eliminate her.

Please, Count, don't!

Mademoiselle Amelia should be cured!

You mean by using this book?

That's right!

I saw him use The Book of Vanitas.

Its power restored her to her former state.

Therefore—

Don't be absurd!

Do you truly believe this fool's nonsense?

There is no such thing as a cursed grimoire.

This thing is but rubbish.

Or perhaps you stole it but don't know how to use it.

I expect you can't even open it. That's why you summoned me.

What a riot!

Couldn't you just say, "Please teach me how to use the book"?

You are mistaken.

I summoned you, the man who assumed the name of Vanitas,

to rake you over the coals till you confess your plot.

I'm simply trying to save vampirekind from utter annihilation.

Save us?!

Don't be pretentious, human!

Are you so loathe to admit The Book of Vanitas is real?

That Amelia regained her sanity should be as plain as day.

Bourreaus must behead curse-bearers as soon as they are found.

Mina is to be executed tomorrow?

I don't understand!

Because she's a curse-bearer.

They're beheaded by a bourreau. That's the rule.

We must go save her!

Can you lift the curse of the blue moon?

Of course, you can't!

She is beyond all help now, Noé!

Hear me now, human!

Vampires whose names have been defiled can never return to their former state.

This is what's wrong with you senile old coots bound by antiquated traditions!

You wretch!

There's nothing you can do.

How about this?

The vampire attacks sowing chaos throughout Paris are the work of a curse-bearer, are they not?

Let us go capture that vampire and bring the fiend back here.

Then Vanitas will use the book's power here before you!

You must see what The Book of Vanitas is with your own eyes!

Very well.

We shall wait but one day.

I thank you.

We must hurry!

At last, you wish to help me, Noé!

I'm not helping you!

It's you who is helping me!

Excellent!

I knew you'd prove quite amusing!

There's nothing you can do.

Not this time.

I will not fail to save her!

Noé.

Hey, Noé, wait!

Do you know where you're supposed to go?

I've no idea—

Looks like you could use a hand, Vanitas.

Dante!

Hey.

You left Amelia Ruth behind to save your own skin!

My agreement with you didn't include protecting the target!

I don't work beyond what I'm paid!

Greedy jerk!

Shut your piehole, quack!

Excuse me.

What the hell are you doing with him?!

Noé, allow me to introduce you.

This is Dante, an information peddler I often use.

But he's really just someone who'll do anything for money.