Sixth Bloodline [BxB]

CHAPTER 43: FAMILY [I ADMIT MY WRONGS]

cHAptEr 43:

fAmiLY

[I Admit mY wrOngs]

"DO YOU know your wrongs?"

In response to the ancient voice asking him that question, Mikhael's body stiffened.

After the previous incident, since Da clan promised to take in his 'mistress' and protect her, Mikhael could only stop with the act and prepare to run away. But as if knowing his thoughts, the old man invited Mikhael inside for a friendly chat, so Mikhael couldn't escape.

Even if he could do so, he didn't have strength to — for he also realized that he should face the old man once for all.

The Da clan was happy when they realized that the mysterious servant finally decided to come inside and not run away as always, so they warmly welcomed him inside. But once the gates closed, the old man — despite looking fragile as if he'd be blown away by the wind — skillfully grabbed Mikhael by his collar and dragged him inside. The other guy who was Mikhael's previous 'pitiful master' calmed everyone else saying that this is reunion between a grandfather and grandson who ran sway from home, so that they should worry about Mikhael.

Many didn't even see the old man's face before, so they really didn't know who he was — they only saw their ancestors treating him with respect. But they didn't think much, the old man was an elder, who'd be rude towards him?

They suspected that something's wrong even less once they learned that he was their benefactor's grandfather.

It's not unusual situation here in the city of Evernight. Many youngsters would run away and elope with humans before returning home after having turned them, usually in order to avoid arranged marriages and such.

Desmond was left standing with a tiny doll in his hand that was looking around curiously before she settled on his face.

'Your mother! Why are all vampires so handsome over here!?'

It can't be helped, most of those outside had wretched expressions and killed innocent people, who'd care about their face when hunting then down? But this...

'Hehe.'

It would appear that her choice to take this mission was right! Look at all those eye candies, if she threw a pebble in random direction, chances are that eleven out of ten times, she'd hit someone handsome!

One shouldn't underestimate beautifying effect of vampirism!

Anyway, the old man brought Mikhael in reception room where surprisingly wasn't a single person before sitting down and letting Mikhael kneel on the ground.

Then he asked that question, and Mikhael... Well, Mikhael was afraid to open his mouth.

It's not that he didn't know what wrongs he committed, it's just that he made so many mistakes that he might actually say something the old man didn't know, and then start accounting him for that as well.

So Mikhael chose not to say anything.

"This junior knows his wrongs."

He simply admitted whatever old man accused him off.

The old man's eye twitched in annoyance as he tapped the ground with his cane three times, but that seemingly carefree movement was like execution bells in his ears.

He... He won't beat him up with that cane, right?

"So you know your wrongs, huh?" Mikhael's heart thumped. It's not too late to change his mind, yet?

As for why exactly Mikhael hid from this person...

It's all because around fifty years ago or so, while he was hunting a SSS+ grade target under the orders of Hunters HQ... The old man who didn't hunt anyone in a long while thought that he should get rid of this dangerous existence so that his juniors won't suffer and get hurt and... the two crossed their paths.

That vampire was extremely dangerous Higher Noble who was originally put to protect Dante but instead had plans to harm the Seventh Pureblood — it was all thanks to Ethan who noticed something wrong that he managed to save him in time. The Higher Noble ran away, but he was immediately labeled as primary target to everyone and Purebloods even sent request to Hunters HQ to hunt him down.

But the old man thought that he can't let Hunters deal with this shameful incident of their race and decided to act alone when he met Mikhael.

Mikhael at that moment was just about kill this guy, having that pitch black token wrapped around his hand and holding two pure white guns that were extremely inconspicuous among his black mask and black clothes. Other people wouldn't know, but this old man recognized Mikhael at a single glance, especially his token.

And while others might not know about Mikhael, he was well informed about this person wearing black as the best Hunter of enemy's faction.

So, while he was stunned from this realization, Mikhael also realized that he's in trouble — hence, he immediately gave up on his target and ran away to his island before hiding there for twenty more years. It was only after that event that while wandering, Mikhael saved another kid and took him in before he eventually found out that he picked up the Seventh Pureblood.

Other kids he took care of were ignorant, but who was Dante? He immediately realized that Mikhael was odd and coupled with his intelligence and Mikhael lowering his guard — Mikhael's secret of being a half-blood was uncovered.

Despite that, he still kept secret about Mikhael, even from Ethan whom he trusted. Mikhael knew that Dante is loyal friend, so he never suspected him spreading those rumors.

But still, this was the first time he met the old man after that incident, so he wasn't sure what kind of approach to take. From one point of view, Mikhael betrayed them — the first in history of Judgement Order.

But looking from another point, he never said a word about this place to Hunters, and he never killed innocent vampires.

However, when looking at his past, Mikhael really didn't know where to start apologizing from/

"Grandpa, I do. I really am wrong!" Ah, how could he know that something which begun as him avoiding Purebloods would end up with him getting entangled with those guys from Judgement Order?

"Look, I even planned to come later and properly apologize, didn't I?"

Mikhael quickly realized that this trouble started because of Natalie. He mentioned to her that he'll bring another youth of Da clan's to the city, so the old man immediately came to catch him.

He most likely didn't expect to witness the legend of "loyal servant seeking grievances for his mistress" in person, which also counts as another mistake. As a member of their Order, how could he act shamefully like that? He's throwing away their illustrious face!

"Heh, your words might be enough to cheat that young girl, but do you really think that I'd believe that nonsense? Let's be honest here; you planned to run away once again without saying a single word?"

Mikhael flinched again.

Tch.

As expected, he really can't hide anything from the old monster.

Elias has lived a long time. He didn't have any descendants and he treated juniors in Order as his own children, but he was extremely dotting towards this silly half-blood. Hence, he was both hurt and enraged when he found out about Mikhael's other identity.

He originally did have a thought to break his legs with his cane, but by the time he wanted to do so, Mikhael had already ran away and he had to apprehend that SSS+ ranked vampire, making him unable to act.

To make matters worse, Mikhael completely disappeared for the next twenty years and they couldn't find him. Their tokens were quite special — even if they were stored withing the void, they could still be tracked down — but not many knew about that function. Not even Mikhael.

Yet, despite that, they still couldn't find Mikhael.

So, those few members from the upper echelon held a meeting and discussed about Mikhael.

Should they hunt him down or not?

In the end, they couldn't come to verdict. Strictly speaking, they didn't restrict their members and they could do whatever they wanted for as long as they don't bring harm to vampire race. But Mikhael's position as the First Seat was too special that it couldn't be ignored — so they chose to wait until he explained himself, but he simply disappeared from the face of Earth itself!!!

It was only later when Elias followed the Seventh Pureblood who went out to explore the world and was found by Mikhael that he wanted to break his legs for the second time, but refrained from doing so. Instead, he chose to watch from the shadows and see what kind of person Mikhael really was when he was away from the City of Evernight.

His discovery didn't disappoint. Mikhael proved to be the same silly and kind vampire he originally thought, so he gave up on beating him up completely.

But then another problem arose.

Elias found out that some Hunters knew about Mikhael's identity and became enraged once again.

'How can you be so stupid!?'

So he wanted to break his legs for the third time, but this time he said about what he found out to the upper echelon and had another discussion with them about what to do.

Needless to say, they also wanted to break his legs, but they were really fond of this junior, what to do?

So while Mikhael was ignorant of everything, the others began to dig his history as the First Seat. Although Mikhael didn't hunt innocent people, there were various rumors about him going on killing sprees and such. To vampires, that existence shrouded in black was their worst nightmare. Some vampires even scared their children with him to make them behave, so one can imagine what kind of impact this had on the upper echelon of Order.

Luckily, they had five people who had deep ties with Hunters so those rumors were proven wrong soon enough — and once they finally decided to forget everything, this incident from today happened.

Most of them didn't think much when Delilah said that she met Mikhael, but upper echelon had only one thought on their mind: we must catch him before he slips away!

'Even if we don't want to beat him up, we need to talk with him.'

As she explained further, they all — especially the old man — realized: he seems to be plotting evil again, it's quite likely that he won't appear for quite a while after this!

That thought to catch him only grew stronger in their hearts.

And when she said that he's bringing a hunter from Da clan to convert her, they immediately knew where to find him.

But never in their wildest dreams would they expect Mikhael to be the legendary servant who saved countless masters from this clan!

None of them could understand why was that person helping them so much until that moment.

"I always wondered what was the deal with you helping my clan," another voice joined and Mikhael sighed, "But now it's clear. Senior was helping Order find new members."

Mikhael's eyes paused on the newcomer — it was precisely that previously blind master of his.

"Kain," he bitterly smiled, he should just go with the flow, "It's been a while."

How would Kain feel if Mikhael told him that he had no just intentions when saving them? He only did it for the drama...

But admitting that is no different than seeking more beating.

"Indeed, it has. I truly never expected to have had senior as my servant in the past," Mikhael looked away.

Ah, this relationship was so messed up!

This is why he kept a low profile! This is why he came inside the city as a spell-caster!

'Goddamit!'

Once he finds the person that orchestrated that attack, he'll really pluck their hair until they go bald!

"Please forget about it," Mikhael really didn't want this smear on his pristine history!

'Ah, I should've changed scenarios back then. I really should have!!'

"Hehe, but not only that. Senior is well respected Esteemed- no, Immortal Seat, I don't know how was my Da clan able to afford you to work for them..."

He groaned.

He turned to Elias.

"Grandpa..." Help me, old man. Please help!

"Ho, so you still consider me your grandfather? If I didn't know better, I'd think you've long forgotten I exist!" Elias huffed as he stared at Mikhael.

How come he didn't know that this person was so good at running away?

"That's not it! How could I possibly forget you..." Mikhael tried to defend, but how would Elias fall for his words now.

"Don't mention it, I assume that you'd never come to see me if I didn't make the initiative to come here!"

"That's not it..."

"Quite likely," Kain added fuel to the fire from the side making Mikhael glare daggers his way.

"Why are you glaring at him, is he lying?"

Mikhael paused.

He was right, but how could he admit to it!?

"It's not that I didn't want to see you, but I was afraid that you'd get angry if I appeared in front of you," and break my legs, "So I planned to wander the world for a bit longer until your anger calmed and then come to seek punishment."

'Motherfucker!'Once I catch you, you vile person that ruined my plans...'

He should've just stayed on his island!

"You think there's a difference between talking after two decades and two hundred years?" Elias sneered, tapping the ground with his cane once again.

Mikhael felt chills run through his while body.

Don't tell him he'll really be beaten up?

He haven't been beaten for almost eight centuries since he left Einz and others, will he really have to go through this again?

He coughed.

"Well, you seem calmer than you were back then while looking for me..." He tried to elevate the mood, but his words only made Elias angrier.

"So, you DO KNOW that I've been looking for you and still didn't appear!?"

Mikhael was lost for words. He turned to Kain, but he acted like he didn't know him and turned his head away.

'I don't know you.'

'I can't help you.'

'You really were wrong here...'

Mikhael was speechless.

'f**k! I shouldn't have saved your life! You ingrate!'

"Stop glaring at him, he isn't the one who was wrong, you are!"

Mikhael immediately palled.

"But grandfather..."

"Don't call me grandfather, I don't have such an unfillial grandson like you!" Although his words were harsh, his expression was that of someone who was wronged rather than someone angry.

"Grandpa..." Mikhael immediately became shameless when he realized that. As long as the other party wasn't really angry at him, he had his ways to escape this predicament!

"Humph, you still dare to talk!?"

"..."

'Well, what should I do? Wait to get a beating?'

Mikhael himself always felt wrong because he was hiding this secret from Elias, so he still continued to kneel and didn't dare to make excuses to the other party. No matter what, he was still a vampire hunter — precisely the existence Judgement Order was fighting against.

He even acted causally because he was afraid and didn't dare let his thoughts wander in that direction, but now...

Seeing that the old man doesn't truly appear to be angry, what does Mikhael have to be afraid of?

"Grandpa, I really didn't mean to hide this from you, but I swear — I never did anything to wrong our race! I never even told them anything about this place!"

"Never? What about the vampires you hunted down?"

"Ah, they were all wretched beings. Going around wantonly and killing humans, even threatening to reveal our existence, how could I let them off!? I always bear the mission of our Order and justly seek to protect our kind, what are hunters compared to out sacred mission?"

"..."

Kain felt like he couldn't look at this anymore.

'This person was just too shameless...'

"In fact, this can also be considered as me protecting vampires. I have a high status among Hunters, so if they plot some evil, I can know beforehand and sabotage them!" When Mikhael was shameless, he scares even himself.

But here, he clearly stated his stance: if he had to chose between Hunters and Judgement Order, he'll chose the later.

"You? What can you weakling do to stop them if they really want to act," Elias acted along. In fact, this problem was quite hard to solve because no matter who looks at this situation, it would be too wrong to forgive their member for this sin.

So the shameless duo of adopted grandson and grandfather who had a clear understanding of each other's mind decided to just create a situation where this mess could be cleared up.

Hence, Kain averted his eyes.

He really couldn't continue to look at those two.

"Heh, those hunters are just a bunch of good for nothings, I can easily beat them up. Even that leader of theirs is just an old man who can only act high and mighty, but has no real skills at all."

Elias eyes gleamed with sharpness. That means, Mikhael saw him? They didn't know anything about that person despite him being alive for as long as their king.

"Really?"

Mikhael seriously nodded.

"He's as useless as that old fogey behind Dumblords."

"..."

Ah, why did he place hope on Mikhael? He long knew that this half-blood seems to be avoiding Purebloods, but holds the Vampire King in disdain.

In fact, when Mikhael first learned about the true situation between Judgement Order and Vampire King, his first words weren't that of fear nor rage or awe.

Instead...

"If that old fogey dares to cause trouble for us, see if I don't beat him to death!"

...was what he said instead.

Ever since then, Elias found it hard to trust Mikhael's judgement when it comes to assessing other people.

Kain also didn't know if it was his blessing or curse to witness this conversation. He wondered, if those two behemoths were to learn that a little half-blood disdains them so much — will they eventually cease fire just to come beat him up together?

"I'm not lying, grandpa. I fought with him once, he's only so-so." Well, Mikhael did manage to hurt him back then when trashing the current First Seat. Who told him to try and protect that half-blood?

"Anyway, what about those rumors? I heard that you slaughtered random people and they demoted you?"

Not even Elias could continue to listen to his nonsense.

Mikhael rolled his eyes.

"Who wants to go and kill people for fun. I'd rather spend that time to sleep."

"..."

True, he knew that Mikhael was lazy. Not to mention that those rumors do seem to be a bit overboard.

"Then... Demotion? Did they realize that you're our spy?"

Kain on the side only stumbled; 'You already changed the plot? He didn't betray us, we sent him in the first place??'

'Can you be more shameless than this?'

"Ah, grandpa. I have to apologize. I never truly understood how much work you have to do on the top, but now that I do — I'll never cause problems for you in the future."

Both Kain and Elias paused, what does you causing trouble have to do with being demoted?

But then they realized.

'f**k! You're saying you were too lazy so you intentionally dropped your rank!?'

Sighing, Elias quickly regained his composure.

"Indeed. Being the First Seat means having more responsibilities to take care of. Naturally, it would be harder to spy on them if you remained in that position, grandpa understands."

Mikhael finally sighed in relief while Kain moved even closer to the window. It would appear that he only needed just another sentence in order to jump out and escape.

"But even so! You didn't admit your wrongs?"

"..."

'What wrongs, ah?'

So it wasn't this?

"Uh... I'm sorry I acted on my own?"

"What your own! Didn't I personally order you to go!?"

"..."

'When exactly? I was a Hunter before I even joined the Judgement Order, ah~'

"That's right... Uh, I'm sorry for... That... Uh... You know... Then..." Mikhael honestly had no idea what was he apologizing for. What other evils did he commit?

"Ah, right! Back then, I'm sorry I ran away when I saw you and left you to deal alone with that SSS+ villain. I forgot that grandpa is old and can't go around fighting anymore..."

"..."

He tightly clutched his cane and Mikhael gulped. His eyes clearly said: do you really want to test my ability to beat people up?

But his lips said another thing altogether.

"What 'forget that I'm old'? There were more Hunters in vicinity, you naturally had to hide our relationship and pretend to be afraid. They won't trouble you for facing the oldest person in Judgement Order and running away, humph."

"..."

'Then what?'

Just what did he do wrong?

"You stupid child, it's alright if you went over to act like a spy for us, and I know that you needed to prove your worth to them, but how could you possibly let them know that you're a half-blood?" He snorted and Mikhael finally realized what was the other party angry about.

He was just worried for Mikhael.

His eyes reddened at that moment as he stood up. This time, his words held true sincerity as he apologized.

"Grandpa, I admit my wrongs! I won't worry you again in the future!" He immediately lunged and jumped in his arms. Despite looking so fragile, this action of Mikhael's wasn't even enough to make Elias' old body nudge.

"Silly child, why did you have to complicate this situation do much. If you only said a word to your grandpa, I would've solved everything for you." His tone became gentler as he patted Mikhael's head, then he turned behind him and said, "Alright, you heard the situation. You can come out now."

At that moment few figures appeared from darkness that surprised both Kain and Mikhael. Neither of two noticed them despite already being quite skilled, especially so for Mikhael.

But he was worried about his legs being broken, so he had no energy to check if someone was lurking in shadows.

"Ah, indeed. Our junior was merely following orders. He isn't guilty of anything."

"True, true. Our junior had to suffer so much alone."

"How can we find faults with him now, he was trying his best to protect us."

"Indeed."

"I also agree."

"..."

Kain only thought: 'It's okay to be protective of our own, but isn't this a bit too much?'

Indeed, if this case happened few centuries ago, then there would be no way for them to forgive Mikhael. But after existing for so long with Hunters, rather them accumulate more hatred, they just have up.

'What grudges of previous generations? Why don't they go and settle them on their own? Future ones are endangered? Well, let the young ones settle it themselves. Who has time to worry about what will happen after we die — we won't be able to change anything then, anyway.'

As for vampires... Their thoughts were quite similar.

'We have grudges with those old ones who died long ago. It's okay to bully their descendants a bit, but it gets boring after few generations. What do they have to do with ancestors who offended us when they weren't even born then?'

'As for hunting us in the name of revenge... Haha, they can try! At least it will make our lives a bit more interesting.'

Which is why their situation was vastly different compared to humans and spell-casters.

Mikhael only felt warmth in his chest when he listened to those people standing on his side and making excuses for his sake.

This place, with this lot — who look liked they'd protect him even if the whole world turned against him, was where his true home was.

His family.