The Case Study of Vanitas (ヴァニタスの手記)

That's right.

We are known as Charlatan.

Y-You...

You...

gate-crashers!

Yes, I knew it.

I really do know you.

I have seen you through someone else's eyes.

I am almost certain his name was...

Louis.

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

Let me introduce you, Noé.

These are my darling grandchildren, Louis and his little sister, Dominique.

Oh, how wonderful it is that you're here while Dominique is visiting.

I must once again be off without delay.

You may ask these two about this place.

It's nice to meet you, Noé.

N-Nice to meet you.

It's nice to meet you too.

Really, Noé?

You were raised by humans?

Yes.

So you've been in the human world the whole time?

That's right.

Where are your parents?

I don't know.

My grandma and grandpa said they found me crying all alone in the snow.

Really?

What a dummy.

You believed what those humans said?

Louis.

They probably abducted you and were raising you until you were big enough to eat.

No!

Grandma and Grandpa aren't bad people!

They're not.

Huh? What's his problem?

Dang it.

Sorry about that.

There, there. There, there.

So after your grandma and grandpa died, you were taken by kidnappers?

Mm-hmm. I was taken to all sorts of places.

Finally, my maître bought me.

Bonsoir, my little one.

Why do you call him maître?

When I called him "master," he told me to use "maître" instead.

Noé, it must've been so difficult.

Are you kidding? I get three meals a day, and he took me here to the world of vampires.

It's been so much fun, like a vacation.

You're such a weirdo!

Enough, Louis. It's not that funny.

Louis and Domi were my very first friends.

Are you the ones who live in that castle deep in the forest?

Yep!

I'm Mina!

Fred!

Gilles!

Fanny!

Let's play!

We befriended the village children

and even found a secret hideout.

Each day was incredibly fun.

What? Really?

You can learn things about people just by sucking their blood?

Yeah.

It's like all these visions come gushing in.

Wow, that's amazing! Try it on me!

Really? I can drink your blood?

Hooray!

Huh? I saw lots of myself.

Wow, it really does work.

No, I think I'll pass.

Get him, Noé!

Attack!

Well, Noé? Let's have it!

Noé?

I saw Louis all alone, curled up in the darkness.

It made me sad.

If only my power as an Archiviste had been greater back then...

If only I could have seen Louis' past...

Domi came to visit each month from the far-off manor of the de Sades.

Louis, however, spent his days at my maître's castle.

Soon after I was born, I was diagnosed with a "sickness."

They moved me to Grandfather's castle so I could get better.

A sickness?

What kind?

I don't know.

Do you miss your mother and father?

Why would I?

I'm dead to the House of de Sade.

Louis?

You're still awake?

Um, is it okay if I sleep with you tonight?

Louis?

Fine. It's not like I have a choice.

Great. I'll join you.

You were there too, Noé?

Huh?

What's happening?

What, Noé?

You're scared of thunder too?

He's asleep already?

Brings back memories, huh, Louis?

The three of us always used to sleep together.

We're not little kids anymore.

I wish I could live here all the time.

Back home, all I do is study and attend my lessons.

It's far more fun here, playing with everyone in the forest.

I envy you, Louis.

You shouldn't say that.

Once you get older and learn about the world, you'll understand.

You'll understand how much...

How much...

everyone loves and cherishes you.

Mm-hmm.

Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!

Darte Datin is so wummy.

That's my arm, not Tarte Tatin!

Ow! Let go!

So wummy.

Enough already, you idiot!

Wow, look, Domi!

It's a beautiful blue moon!

Noé, I'm scared.

It's all right. Look.

I could search the world over and never find another vampire so delighted by the sight of the blue moon.

Grandfather?

What is a curse-bearer?

I found documents about me in your collection room.

Whoops, I didn't mean to leave those lying around.

Nice try.

You did it on purpose so that I'd find them.

Hold out your hand.

Is it because I'm one of those curse-bearers?

Did my mother and father have Domi because they wanted to forget me?

Grandfather, what would you have me do?

No, you're mistaken, my dear Louis.

I do not wish for you to do anything in particular.

You are free.

You need only do as you please.

As for me, I simply wish to observe your free will in action and see its results.

What's with him?

That really is in poor taste.

Hey, Louis.