Chapter 4 : Final Permission

(15 minutes later)

After meeting Sir Mike, Iris saw Daisy waiting for her outside the office.

Seeing Iris out, Daisy gone to her and said, "You're out Iris? How did it go? Was he, harsh to you...?"

"Huh? No! That's not. Instead, he was more than a sweet talker...."

After hearing this reply, it was obvious to see Daisy confused. But I told her, " I mean, we're on good terms now. Sir Mike is totally different from other teachers. He only wants good for his students..."

"... Okay if you say so. However, now we should leave for our classes. Bell could rang at anytime." Daisy said, showing no signs of interest.

It was so out of her nature that she didn't asked me about what conversation I and Sir Mike had. But, it's more than enough to make me feel relief from my friend's doubts. I hope, everything will go as planned.

...

...Thus so it went as planned......

(In Iris's Father's abandoned Estate; around 2 pm)

"The sun stood up high, with its brightness radiating even more harshly. But, the colour should be the hues of yellow, orange and red, right? So... why it feels more hot and cold at same time? And what's this deep brownish red colour in front of my eyes?!"

A man, lying on floor with bloodied face and bruised body, said.

...BLOODIED!!...

He was still breathing.. and what he saw somehow was even more worse — Many corpses covered with blood were lying lifeless. It even stinks of metallic smell so bad as it was the newly massacred event just happened in the Estate.

And of course — A CRAZIEST brute had done this. His face was clearly visible to that dying man, when he slowly approached him — Belmont Roukema Kane.

The sounds of his footsteps were enough to scare anyone. But it doesn't feel scary rather, deadly.

..

..."So, you're still alive, my 'temporary pawn'?"...

This dying man was the same person who provided his essential help to Belmont, his superior. It was really shocking for him to receive such a cruel betrayal.

"I—I ha-have done my task with much effort, Sir Belmont. And, is this what you meant- when you said in the call about 'reward'?"

Belmont answered nothing but his evil smile, totally opened up his every cards he was hiding up till now. His Bloody red eyes were its evidence.

"hahaha... so, what were you thinking? You'd receive something more permanent or... a huge prestige with working in my estate?"

That man's eyes widened with shock.

What he realised up till now was far more than a nightmare. These dead bodies lying, were all his people who was called to his estate and his servants at service from his Mansion. Even the butler was left to rot back at the corner in blood.

Seeing such horrifying view, he exclaimed, "You... You psycho... YOU KILLED SO MANY PEOPLE!!! EVEN THOSE SERVENTS WHO WORKED FOR YOU?!!

"Ha...What's the point of bringing it now? They're all dead. I don't even plan on living among you pitiful and powerless creatures." Belmont answered, not affecting him even a bit.

"WHAT....did you say...?"

"You did your part as a pawn. You've provided me with very confidential information for which you've my thanks. Now that you're useless to receive my orders, as per taking the precautions, I've to end your life and twist these strings of your destiny to death... you'll then surely receive the blessings and salvation from our choosen Augury Child —"

"WHAT Nonsense you're spitting out you psychopath Bastard?!! I—"

That man raised his voice in protest after hearing Belmont. It made him feel more anxious and angry.

But Belmont cut him off in between and said, "THESE PEOPLE DIED WERE FOR THAT CHOSEN ONE... THEY WOULD FEEL HONOURED... So, how dare you insolent creature tried to raise its voice in my Estate!"

Then, from the shadows, a figure as pale as snow and covered in black came in front of that man.

His gaze was just fixed upon that man, leaving no room for him to escape. It was a scary sight as — he held a Bloody sword too.

Then Belmont said being indifferent, "Do it now. Leave not trace of life in him. Torturing him will do no good, get that?"

"I'll do as my Lord Commands."

That guy flinched with terror. He feared death more than anything.

However, as the situation suggests, those words just slipped out of him without thinking —

..."Just... Just who are you? Who is this man to you...? Before killing me, you could tell me that at least..?"...

That man asked this to Belmont which surprised him.

"Oh my goodness... What a wonderful way to ask for a slow death, right? Or, do you prefer torture more than a sweet quick death?"

But he replied nothing.

"Okay.. if that's what a dead wishes, I must fulfill it for you, right? So, Yujin, you're allowed to reveal my identity to this human."

"Human, he says...?" That man thought.

...

This last wish of a man who's near death, is a lot more important to be fulfilled.

So, Yujin, being obedient to Belmont, reveals his identity —

..."I, Yujin, hereby reveals you the identity of our Sacred Vampire Lord of our community — being a Master of two great households of Roukema and Herald; He's the Royal pureblood ruler of Kingdom Yina of Patrick Island, 500 years ago. Meaning; Immortal."...

After hearing him, all what he heard was silence. That man's brain couldn't find any of his words true but when Belmont himself said, revealing his true Vampiric face, that he's the 'Lord', his brain clicked on the famous legend of Marlborough which he thought was children's tale —

..."But whether you believe it or not, doesn't much matters for me. Just know that you're an honoured one to receive this 'reward' from an historic Vampire Lord."...

Later... without any more words, Belmont cruelly ended that man's life using Yujin. However, it was clear for Belmont to hear something from that man's mouth. He said, "Like how you ended my life, yours will truly end from your closest one."

But Belmont said, observing that man's corpse, "You poor thing.... I'm an immortal, haven't I? You didn't realised that?"

...

It hasn't been always like this when he didn't tried to suppress his bloodthirsty throat after killing someone. But he has been doing it for so many decades, which tires him. So he turned a blind eye to the bloodstream view of his study and left the room with Yujin.

Later, he asked, "How's nanny doing?"

"Still in shock."

"(Sigh) She's just a nuisance... she received enough torture so, don't go killing her."

"Why's that, My Lord? We could—"

"Yujin... even I don't like it to leave someone unscathed but, she took great care of my 'child' for which I'm grateful. The only harm we can do to her now is just to remove her past memories of Last 2 years."

With that, Yujin didn't replied and lead the way to basement where nanny was sitting lifeless. On that cold atmosphere, her inner thoughts were getting negative.

However, it became more wilder when she saw Belmont and Yujin (not recognising him) in front of her.

But shockingly, Belmont declared that he's not here to torture her even more as she already looked so weary in and out.

She was going crazy with such treatment with resulted Yujin using his ancient magic upon her which calms down her at least.

"My Lord, her movements have stopped."

"Good.(To Nanny) Now, it would be much appreciated if you stop your craziness for a moment. For I'm now going to remove those memories of Last 2 years from your mind and let you free from this hell. You better accept it or death will only be your last option."

After speaking, he held his right hand above her, squeezing out every if her memories of Last 2 years which made her unconscious too.

"She's really old to get killed. Even I'm not that worn out after taking away her memories like she's now... Yujin, take this creature out of this estate and leave her to Grand duchy of Mediana. That's her real place as a Nanny."

And using his magic, Yujin took nanny away from the Estate obeying his lord's word.

...Later, Belmont said, "...The task is accomplished. Now the time comes, when the second part of my plan will soon take place. (Chuckles weakly) I hope you may, never forgive me, my child.... As a daughter, it's your duty to suffer from hardships, My dear Iris."...

...

(From Iris's point of view)

The time runs so fast.

On the blink of an eye, this day of my school ends too, quite as usual. Though longer than expected, things were getting hard too. And in result, I won't met with Harry for the conclusion of my questions too.

"I guess tomorrow I've to try." I said.

I've already planned out my questions for father. But as I reached home (the Mansion of Kane), an unknown coldness strikes at me. Even though It has been so hot today; such coldness, was really hard to believe.

"By now, the butler would've received me. Why it feels so empty today?" I thought.

I stepped inside, but I don't feel like I'm back to my home. Rather than that, I feel like I've come to another territory.

But on heading inside, to my surprise —

..."No one is here?! Where are they?!"...

And then I heard, "Searching for someone?"

This voice startled me. It was Father.

"Father..?"

"What? Are you surprised to find your own father in his house? Are you saying that I shouldn't have come?" My father said.

He seems to be irritated.

How bad for me that he won't even ask his daughter about her well being.

"No father. I didn't mean it—"

..."—You've just returned from school, Iris. I advise you to get done your chores and meet me after that in living room. I've something to tell you."...

Of course, he then get away from my sight without any single glance.

I guess he's totally annoyed by something. He didn't even let me speak anything.

"(Sigh) Anyways, it's not like he'll cast me aside or something. At least I can ask him about what's happening around here and where are others"

With that thought, I moved ahead to my room....

After all, thanks to my growling stomach, I've gone crazy from not having my lunch. However, there were some food left, with a note from my Nanny, saying —

..."Young Miss, please have it on time As I might not be able to serve you for some days. Please consider it."...

With this suspicious note, it made me tragically worried about the worst.

"It really doesn't make any sense..." I said.

..."Now I guess I've no choice but to meet father right away."...

....

(Around late 5 pm; evening)

Breaking the long silence, I opened the door and stepped in to the living room.

There, I saw father, giving me a cold and indifferent stare, like he already wanted me to come. By this, I guess he ordered me to meet him before was just for confirmation.

But I was fully motivated to face Father. I want to know the answers to my questions and... it's a great time to ask for the topic of my life right? (Actually I mean to take his permission for letting me in Forest Club. Hehehe). If I can get a 'no', at least I must try for a 'yes'. This time, I'll try to talk lightly before getting swayed by my emotions.

"Well... good evening father! As per your words, I come to meet you here!" I said, being excited and happy.

I purposely took the side sofa chair instead of sitting in his front to let him see this naivety of mine. But...

...HE ISN'T REACTING TO ME!!!...

My acting really sucks!! I really can't take it more. This silence is unbearable and my nervousness is on another level.

Before I could say something, father glanced at me and said, "Your acting is really bad even if you've tried, daughter. Don't hide it if you're so nervous."

...So...SO... IT WAS JUST TO BLOW UP MY COVER THAT YOU'VE BEEN SO QUIET FATHER?!!...

"Wow, am I this bad...?" I cried out mentally.

"Hmm? How come Iris, you look so pale? Are you okay?"

I came back to myself after getting failed so miserably and said, "(In a weak voice) I-I'm fine! Actually, father, I-I want to ask you something."

"Yes, I know you've a lot in your mind, thanks to your face. It'll be a good long time discussion between father and daughter I guess, I too, have something to say."

"Yes Father. I'm aware of it. You said it few hours ago."

After this, Father let me speak up first.

"Okay, go ahead. You speak up first."

"Father, if you don't mind, I want you to think this through and then give me a answer. Even though you've rejected this for many years..."

In between, I stopped.

But then tried to continue, "Father, I want your permission-"

I haven't completed my sentence and heard those words from my father which I was longing to hear —

..."Forest Club, right? You want my permission for Forest Club... am I right, Iris?"...

What..? With a single word he just guessed out the whole thing.?!

...He said, "Alas... you're so persistent.. After all, you've taken onto me, right? Well, it's not a problem now..... I know you've always wanted to join the forest club, so this time, you'll have my permission....."...

Can anybody pinch me to know that I'm in reality. Was I being so nervous? This isn't the way my father is. Am I dreaming? He just.... agreed so easily.

Looking at my shocked expression, Father smiled and said, "Is something on my face, that you're staring at me with so much doubts and curiosity?"

"No, that's not....

"Ha... of course you'd be surprised... I've never given you my permission for something like that because I was worried about you. But believe me 'My dear' Iris, I'm truly giving you the permission this time."

That's... more than just a surprise. It's strange. I thought if I've already offended father anyhow.

"Iris...?"

In fear of getting a harsh scolding, I screamed, "Huhhhh?! Fa-Father, I didn't meant to offend you! Please forgive me and my past mistakes—"

Seeing my immature behaviour, father caressed my head and said, "Silly daughter, I told you that I knew from the start that you wanted to join this group. You were not that intelligent to face the situations in the past and think about it, If I had sent you there, you'd just become an eyesore to them. But things are different at present. You've now grown into a fine and mature lady. This time, it's good for me to let you in Forest Club."

Just like how a blooming flower dances with this cool breezes, I felt an unknown happiness after hearing it. Without wasting my energy, he just agreed with ease to send me there...

"Thank you Father, it was so nice of you! I'm so glad that you gave me permission to join together with my friends! I'm so happy."

"Anything for my beloved daughter..."

...

...Oh heavens! How unsettling for an overprotective dad to let go of his own child... but it's not like he let me join the Club on a whim. But more than that, it feels like he purposely agreed to it....

...I feel suspicious of something.......

Does that mean... he's holding up the Vacation Plan to... Patrick Island, was it? I'm really amazed.

But whatever it's, it shouldn't come in between me and my own happiness when it's once in a lifetime achievement I've accomplished (though I did nothing).

I was so focused on my excitement that I even didn't get to know why father is acting like that. Before, he looked annoyed. Does that irritating mood of him subsided?

From that smile, it's clear that he has become calm and clear.

Though father don't smile so often, his smile was true this time and he seemed genuinely happy. Today, I surely feel that my father is different from what he's on those other days.

..._________...

...But, he might appears to be genuinely glad for his own daughter. However, Iris could not distinguish between his evil smile and evil mind...There's no way Belmont would let his 'Iris' know the secret hidden for almost 500 years......

...______...

Later, father said, "Let's keep aside this topic for a while. So, the thing I wanted to tell you that, you've already seen how empty it seems today around in Mansion, right?"

"Yes Father... I was almost confused about it. Is everything okay with others? Where are they, Father?"

After hearing me, father didn't say anything but I saw his cold eyes turning sharp red.

He later said, "(Smirking evily) They've... gone to a place where they're supposed to be, my dear daughter. Don't worry about them, they're doing fine. Actually, it's going to be your vacations soon so I've granted them holidays. I've sent your Nanny too."

"...But father, it's one week due... why you've granted them before..?"

"Child, they're humans. They do have families... and, one week is not a big deal, right?"

"Yes Father."

"So, as their 'masters', looking at their well being is important too. Then of course they'll be more efficient."

"Yes Father, I understand.

"Good. Now it's almost time... you can go now. I'll see you later."

"Okay father. Thank you for your time.. And, please don't worry about me! I'll be good in the Club!" I said enthusiastically, and left the room.

...

..."Of course I know... how good will be my Iris..."...

....

(Next day)

In this sweet morning, giving my friends a bit of good news is not a big trouble, as those clouds of doubts are no longer with me.

In school, I surprised my friends with this great news that I've the permission of my dad for joining the Forest Club which turned out to be just more than a breaking news.

Their face expressions were between doubt and shock. It was quite obvious to not get it through my words but I could say that, my friends; Daisy was delighted and Harry was glad for me.

"Finally you're joining. It's really great." Harry said.

"Yes! Finally I'll not be alone this time! Iris, it's like a miracle. I wonder what made your father to allow you this time." Daisy said.

"Well, it's a tricky thing..... even I've no idea what he was thinking at that time but, he just agreed so easily. I thought that, I might've offended him by chance or he wanted to scold me. However, this wasn't something I expected... Anyways, be glad that I am going along with you all, for the first time."

"... Yeah. I think, it's now the good time for you to report sir Mike about it. Others have already reported." Harry said.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot. So I'll see you both soon. Bye." I said and went to look for Sir Mike beforehand. It was still early for our sessions to start so it's a good time.

...

This was the most joyful moment for me.

It wasn't like before so, I think I've to at least enjoy this time as it'll not return back to me.

This overwhelming happiness was like it's my last moments of happiness left in my life....

....Or it's really true that this happiness was my last moments of happiness....?

...........

Later, I went to Sir Mike and reported my name to be included in the list of Forest Club members.

Sir Mike was glad to hear it that my father permitted me to join Forest Club and I succeeded in Sir Mike's regards too.

And of course being happy is good for health that even our days goes well. Thus, my day went well too.

In the end, for those who joined the club it was announced that this Sunday would be the first day of our Forest Club travel. We'll be visiting a suitable forest site of this city where we can hold our camp.

Listening to how early this circular came by, it excited others even more. However.....

...No one really knows what our life actually holds for us, right?..... Some has horrifying secrets, terrible life or even a dreadful fate, which no one can escape.........

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