The Case Study of Vanitas (ヴァニタスの手記)

Um...

Vanitas?

Wouldn't it be better to lie down?

We only have one blanket, so...

I'll join you.

No.

Truth be told, I'm at my limit in so many ways.

Really?

"Don't get complacent"

Or maybe, "don't fall apart"

This world's future is torn toward conflict

Amidst a headwind it'll all come to a bloom

The eyes, the voice, they're quivering

What is right?

The days scream out in a blur

Even still, my accumulating feelings come to mind

I'll listen close for signs of hope

It must be more than desire

It must be more than a vow

I wonder what it truly means to love and be in love

I'm sure if I could just manage to put it into words even once

That might just be that and it'd all work out

My story

The Case Study of Vanitas

The Case Study of Vanitas

Vanitas!

Jeanne.

That wound...

You were poisoned?

I must suck it out of you at once!

It's already been dealt with.

Yes, but...

Don't touch me.

You've come for the Beast, haven't you?

So go.

Pay me no mind.

How could I possibly leave you like this?!

It should be up ahead.

One moment while I light a fire.

Damn it all.

This couldn't get any worse.

That infernal brat.

I will slaughter him the next time we meet.

Damn him.

Good.

This will provide some warmth.

Now, Vanitas!

Disrobe!

Quoi?!

Don't give me that.

Your clothes are damp from the snow.

You'll never warm up like that.

You're asking me to strip naked? Here?

That's right. You don't mind if I help, do you?

No! Wait!

I see!

You wish to warm me with your bare body next to mine!

What's gotten into you? You're quite forward today.

That's right!

Quoi?!

Dial it down, Jeanne!

This isn't like you!

Have a little modesty!

Quit your yapping!

Lives are on the line!

Now let me remove your clothes!

Yes, ma'am.

Huh? Vanitas?!

He has scars all over his body.

Don't.

Leave that glove on.

As you wish.

Forgive me, Vanitas.

It's my fault this happened to you.

Are you referring to this wound?

Or do you mean your battle with the Beast?

Both.

Who is Chloé?

Do you know who the Beast really is?

My parents were Maître Ruthven's students.

When I was little, we would all travel together to all sorts of places.

Once, I was left in the care of Marquis d'Apchier at his castle in Gévaudan.

Pleased to meet you, Jeanne. I am—

It's a talking doll!

There dwelled the vampire hidden away by Marquis d'Apchier,

Chloé d'Apchier.

A vampire whose existence was hidden, yet continued to live among humankind.

She looked like a young girl, but Chloé was a vampire who had lived even longer than Maître Ruthven.

She taught me many things, including lessons and games.

It was as if I had a big sister. I was so happy.

Each day was truly a joy.

I don't wanna go home yet.

Come visit me in Gévaudan again.

I'll look forward to the day when I can see how you've grown.

But when we did meet once more,

I was a bourreau sent to slay her, for she was now the one known as the Beast.

Bourreaus are but tools.

We need only follow orders.

"I don't understand."

"Why you?" I thought.

But I was not supposed to harbor such doubts.

So I hesitated.

I was unable to slay her.

And so...

I beg you. Allow me to go once more, Maître Ruthven.

If the Beast that has appeared truly is Chloé,

it is my responsibility.

I will not make the same mistake again.

I will slay the Beast this time.

So, that's why you're here?

Truly?

Vanitas?

It's not as if you bear any hatred toward her, do you?

You're feverish!

I'll fetch some water.

Yes.

It wasn't hatred.

It wasn't.

I...

Vanitas.

Lou...

Lou?

What does he mean?

Is that someone's name?

Vanitas, you need to drink.

You'll get dehydrated if you don't.

Are you sure about this?

You want to slay the Beast, and I want to save it.

We're at cross-purposes, and that makes us foes.

Killing me right here may be in your best interest.

How could I possibly do that after you nearly died defending me?!

You're so naive.

You truly are.

That is why you two, both you and Noé are...

Enough.

If you want me to kill you so badly, focus on resting while you can.

Jeanne—

Huh?

It's morning.

Vanitas?!

Whatever shall we do if something has happened to Dante?!

Calm yourself.

How, pray tell?!

I've seen him before. He was with Vanitas.

Vanitas.

You're well enough to be up and about.

What a relief.

I'm so relieved you're...

Come to think of it, even if I simply wished to warm his body,

I-I-I was almost entirely naked right next to him!

I forced him to disrobe against his will!

And then I forced him to drink from my mouth!

That makes me...

a total pervert!

No! This was different!

I'm the reason he was poisoned!

As thanks for saving me...

No! I cannot ever be in such a man's debt.

What really happened yesterday was a bid to save his life, and nothing more!

However...

Vanitas looked so dismayed.

I'd never seen him like that.

Unlike his usual arrogance, I found his vulnerability refreshing for some reason.

Dare I say it was adorable?

Silly me!

What are you thinking?!

It's the perfect chance, Jeanne!

Vanitas would never wish to be seen like that if he could help it!

That means I now have him at my mercy.

Now then, today's the day the tide turns.

I want you to recall how I took advantage of you last night,

then see you get your knickers in a knot!

Good morning, Vanitas!