Monsters, stripped of their souls by the gods, can’t feel emotions. They can’t experience fear, horror, compassion, loneliness, or solitude. Is their incompleteness the reason why they obsessively crave blood and flesh?

Young monsters sometimes inhabit goats or sheep, leading to entire families being massacred, unaware of the danger within. It’s a rampage born from starvation after being unable to bear the hunger any longer.

‘The Nassau Castle massacre alone is said to be the work of a monster.’

Even recalling that horrific event, where everyone in the castle was murdered on the same day, didn’t make her heart settle. Could the ‘Shadow’ responsible for that incident really be the same entity as Valentin before her?

Adelheit gently stroked Valentin’s sweat-drenched hair. Even unconscious, his face was contorted in pain.

‘He looks just like a person…’

After all, a monster doesn’t wear a label on its forehead. Especially in this case, it couldn’t be openly investigated or supported by the church. Public exposure as a monster would be even more problematic.

‘The church’s blessing, holy water, and the Morrig’s Veil boasted by Ansugar… none of it worked.’

No one dared to suspect Valentin of being a monster. It was a blind faith that obscured the truth. Revealing him as a monster would shatter the church’s credibility, bringing disaster to the northern people who depend on their faith for survival.

‘Strong excuses won’t work. It will cause chaos, perhaps even a revolt… So I must confirm as soon as possible. If he is a monster, we need to find a solution.’

After today, she would have to wait another 30 days for the next full moon. If a starving monster rampaged before then, Ansugar would be doomed. Adelheit steeled her resolve.

Quickly, she retrieved the basket hidden beneath the bed.
As Adelheit removed the cloth covering the basket, the small vial and dagger given by Priest Padre were revealed. Pulling the cork from the vial, it popped off with a ‘pong’ sound.

‘Slowly.’

She tilted the vial, saturating the cloth with the green liquid. The medicine had an unbearably foul smell. Adelheit meticulously applied it to the blade of the dagger.

Now everything was ready. All that remained was to roll up Valentin’s sleeve and draw blood.

Climbing back onto the bed, Adelheit found herself panting without realizing it. Her disheveled hair obscured her vision, and her palms were slightly damp with cold sweat.

“…….”

Valentin was sleeping much more peacefully than before. Adelheit gently rolled up his sleeve. He didn’t stir at all during the process.

The moonlight spilled over his exposed forearm. Adelheit could clearly see where she needed to stab. Her hands gripped the handle of the dagger tightly.

‘Don’t be nervous. This is something that needs to be done. It might even save His Grace from dishonor. They said I don’t need to draw much blood. Just a little bit.’

She tried to steady her mind, but her hands trembled uncontrollably. The thought of bringing a knife to someone was terrifying. The repulsion was intense.

Adelheit tried to recall Padre’s reassuring voice.

‘Think of it as lancing a boil. If you don’t lance and drain it, it will tighten around his insides, corrupt his mind, and eventually take his life.’

‘But, Padre.’

‘Adelheit, you’re saving His Grace, not harming him.’

‘…Then promise me one thing, Padre.’

‘What is it?’

‘If the only way to confirm the shadow is to draw His Grace’s blood, and if only I can do it… I don’t want to undertake this kind of ordeal multiple times. I hope this one attempt will be enough to confirm everything.’

‘….’

‘Can you promise me that in the name of Morrig?’

Why did Padre’s eyes, shimmering oddly as he responded to her, come to mind at this moment?