*Erissa POV

Some time after my voluntary resignation from the Game was confirmed, I swooped down to where my other comrades lied--apparently unconscious, but I'd prefer to believe they're just exhausted.

Good work, all.

It was then that I noticed the white-haired boy, and looked at him for a moment.

"You are who obstructed them to get to my support?"

"I... I just had to protect my Buchou--that's my role! If you have problems with that..."

"Oh, but I do. You are a vampire too."

"Y-yes..?"

"What's the name?"

"Uh-uh! Not telling! You harmed my friends!"

"Okay, don't tell if you don't wanna. Just curious what's a vamp doing among Djinns--we don't take traitors lightly. Now let me tend to my friends."

"...Okay."

Casting a doubtful look once more, he then went away.

"Ugh..."

I heard a groan, and found that it was from Kouya--my betting tool for the moment. He must've fought as hard, and now be as disappointed as the rest for the result that I brought about. Sheathing my katana and stooping down, I cupped his cheeks.

"Erissa... you..."

He'd have to know first.

"So sorry, Kou. For Vladista."

"You sold me! Akh--"

I placed my left index finger on his lips. This, for the moment, is as near as you get to touch my skin.

"...Be quiet, my dear servant. Listen to what I have to say."

I am, said his eyes.

"That was not a whim. Direct order from Lord Vladista, search for child familiars-to-be. Names of Pierre and Davin. One month. Report to me."

"...You believe they're in Gremory?"

"Worth a try."

"...Alright. For Vladista."

"Good boy. Up now--she's here."

By the time he's on his feet, Rias too was looking up and down at him; and I had hid my wings.

"So sorry for the mess, Miss Gremory," I covered. "Here he is, as agreed."

"We'll be sure to look after him, Miss Vladista. What's the name again?"

"Kouya--" he croaked, and tried again, "--Kouya Satome, at your service."

"I'll remember it."

***

The transfer done, we filed out of the sphere--one member less--to cheers and hoots of the audience.

"Good game well played, vamps! Gave them quite a beating there!"

"I'll be sure to look on you next time~"

"Bastards! Give me back my 200 silver coins on you!"

"Excuse me..."

Amidst these voices, a tall spare man greeted us.

"Do I have the pleasure of being face to face with Lady Erissa Vladista?"

I sensed he was not of the common stock, and straightened my bearings a little.

"That would be me, yes. Any business, dear sir?"

"Would you please follow me."

I nodded to my comrades to continue on, and then did follow the man. He took me to a corner, unseen by the crowds.

"I will not waste words," he said. "I am known as 'Ryu', and am from a lineage which may interest you. See, you vampires are ones with the most interaction with regards to the familiars--you almost literally made them part of your everyday life. I am one of those folks."

"So then... you are looking for someone to serve?"

"With all due respect, no. I feel you have to know, our situation was not supposed to be like this. There was once a pact, and those that you today call 'familiars', are those that chose to abide by it."

"What pact?"

"The Eternia Pact. My son was one such."

"So then... it's safe to say that you are from a... different group of familiars?"

He nodded somberly. "With regards to the Pact, we are currently divided. There are those who chose to abide by it--and in this the vow cannot be revoked; chose not to heed it; or chose not to even consider its existence. I am from the second type, and you may term us as 'free' familiars. Put more simply, 'free' familiars are those dwelling in places like your Aon Village--they may be inclined to serve you, but are not necessarily required to. Do you follow me?"

"I feel I do... but what has this got to do with your son, if I may?"

"My son is in Lady Vladista's service, and I would now kindly beg of you to allow me see him."