The Case Study of Vanitas (ヴァニタスの手記)

I must kill Chloé this time.

I must not fail.

Chloé d'Apchier is not the Beast.

You've seen it with your own eyes.

That doesn't matter.

Lord Ruthven ordered me to put an end to the trouble in Gévaudan.

But he never told you to kill her.

Do you realize how many lives the Beast of Gévaudan has claimed?

I have no choice but to slay it.

And Chloé is a curse-bearer.

Bourreaus must execute curse-bearers that have lost control.

It's too late now.

She's beyond help.

That's why I must—

It's not too late!

Chloé d'Apchier can still be saved.

And we're the ones who can do it.

So I'm asking for your help, Jeanne.

Chloé hasn't slain a single denizen of Gévaudan.

Not now or in the past.

That is the one thing I'm sure of.

She was framed as the Beast.

How is that possible?

I thought...

You must ask her that yourself.

But I'll ask you again the question I posed at the mountain cabin.

Will you slay Chloé d'Apchier?

Is that what you truly wish?

I mustn't wish for anything, nor must I pray for anything.

Why not?

I don't know.

But if I don't obey,

someone else will again lose their head in place of mine!

Perhaps even you!

I won't die!

At least, not before you!

I promised I'd kill you if you ever lost control.

I love you.

I can make your wish come true.

It must be me.

So out with it.

What is it you truly wish?

Tell me, no matter how trivial a desire or unlovely an emotion.

Even if it's a curse.

I'll do all in my power!

H-Help.

Help.

Please help!

This has tormented me for so long. I cannot stand much more.

Please.

Help me.

Help Chloé.

Please help us, Vanitas!

Leave it to me.

"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

Jean-Jacques!

Are you all right?! Jean-Jacques!

Huh?!

This is your fault!

No!

I don't wish to give up yet!

You didn't want to give up?!

I spoke too soon because of you!

I'm not in the habit of making doubtful promises!

In fact, it's inconceivable!

You're to blame!

What?

Open your eyes, Jean-Jacques, or whatever your name is!

Please, Vanitas, he's been injured.

Finally awake?

There's no time, so I'll only say this once.

Chloé d'Apchier's vengeance failed.

I need The Book of Vanitas if you want to save her.

Tell me where it is!

I-I'm sorry, so sorry!

Please forgive me, Master and Mistress Granatum!

Little Mistress...

Young Master...

Remember this well, Astolfo.

Our ancestors risked their lives battling vampire-kind, thereby protecting the people of this land.

Should those fiends once again bare their fangs against this world,

it is your duty as a member of House Granatum to claim their heads.

You need not learn to fight if it is too much for you to bear.

It is by no means cowardice to be afraid to hurt someone,

for you have a kind soul.

Yes, Mother.

Astolfo, never forget the kindness that you bear.

Big Brother.

A vampire!

What should I do?!

I must summon an adult at once!

Marco!

Big Brother, he's hurt!

Mother,

Father,

Emma...

I feel sorry for him.

Wait here.

Don't worry.

I won't tell anyone.

I'll bring a medicine chest from our manor.

Young Master?!

Little Mistress?!

It is time for your studies!

Sorry. I'm not very good at this.

But I'm a vampire. Why are you doing this?

I thought I should help people whenever they're in need.

Does it still hurt?

Shall I put a spell on it?!

Bisou Magique!

Well, well?

Does it still hurt? Does it?!

No, it doesn't hurt anymore.

Thank you!

So, what's your name?

Astolfo.

Oh.

Thank you.

You're a kind human, Astolfo.

Young Master! Little Mistress!

They will be the death of me, running off like this each day.

Let me hear some more today, Astolfo.

You mean about our house?

Yes.

You're the first human friend I've ever had.

I'd like to know more about you.

For instance, what your family members are like,

and how you spend your days.

I'm so interested in that!

Not all vampires are evil.

We don't need swords.

We don't have to fight.

We can get along fine if we learn all about each other.

Wh-Why did you...

Thank you.

You're such a kindly human, Astolfo.

And...

you're such a fool that it makes me laugh!

My mother, father, and sister were slain by the chasseurs' paladins.

How does it feel?

No one in your family will ever say your name again.

Astolfo.

Poor little Astolfo.

I'll say your name in their stead.

After all, that's what friends are for. Right, Astolfo?

What was that?

Accursed vampires!

Young Master!

Oh dear! What happened here?