Chifuyu's Pov

"So Shoyo, where are we going right now?"

"Hm? To your house of course. Informing your parents in person is the first thing we should be doing right now."

"Oh yeah, heh."

"What, did you forget you have parents? You're not a shounen main character y'know."

This whole situation came out of nowhere and has been completely hectic. The only thing I could think about was the trial. I probably won't even be able to live with my own family now. 

Before we left the courtroom, Ariel went back into my shadow. Vampires can alter their appearance to appear human, but her extravagant outfit would've stood out like a sore thumb. 

"I'm prepared to dedicate my life to the hunters, but will I still be able to... what am I trying to say? Do things a normal person can? Like just going places, spending time with family and friends, playing games every now and then, that kinda stuff."

"Of course, hunters cherish their time off the job. They never know when they'll lose it after all. But you especially shouldn't have to worry, young hunters have a lot of free time since the main thing they do is train. And if you're asking since you're now half-vampire, you'll be fine. The president accepted you as a hunter, so you'll be treated as such."

"That's a relief."

"There was a time when I used to be as carefree as you."

"Used to? Doesn't seem that way to me."

"This won't do Chifuyu, I'll have you know I went through many hardships during my youth."

"I don't need to know your backstory yet, I'm sure it was a tough road to become the strongest hunter."

"As long as you get it."

If someone asked me if I think I'm an energetic person, I'd say yes. I know how I am, but I've been the most tense I've ever been during the incident in the forest and during the trial. I almost died after all. It might take me a bit more time to get back to my cheery self. 

Shoyo's been able to maintain his playful attitude this entire time, while he was fighting and in the courtroom. He may not seem serious, but I owe him just as much as I do Ariel. He vouched for us in the courtroom. Without him, the outcome could've been very different. 

"In the end, I really did take a backseat in the trial."

"You did what you could. Those fools from HA were blinded by their hate of vampires."

"He's right Master, your assertive speech was commendable."

"Ariel, you've been listening?"

"Of course."

"Oh, is Ariel communicating with you right now?"

"Yeah. For some reason, I thought you were going to sleep when you went back into my shadow."

"I've gotten plenty of rest."

"And... Did you just call me Master?"

"Yes. I am your servant after all."

"That may be the case, but you don't have to call me that. For one, it doesn't sound right."

"I'm sure you'll get used to it."

"Still..."

"Fret not, I won't be calling you that every time. Just when I feel like it."

I wonder what criteria have to be met for her to feel like calling me Master. 

"Say, Chifuyu. What is that shop there?"

Already back to Chifuyu, huh? 

"What, can you also see the outside from my eyes or something?"

"That's right. I can also hear and smell what you do."

"This master-servant contract thing sure is convenient in some ways. Let's see... Oh, are you talking about that Donut Shop?"

"Is that what those are called, such an enticing aroma is calling me to them."

"What's she saying Chifuyu?"

"Seems like she's interested in donuts."

"Ho, I could treat you guys to some whenever."

"For real?"

"For real."

I shall look forward to the occasion. I can't see Ariel right now but I think she's happy about it.

***

Shioto is comprised of 37 districts. I live in the 5th district, the courtroom the trial took place in is also in the 28th district. It's about a 30-minute walk from my house which is our current destination. I'm assuming there's a courtroom in every district.

Districts are basically supercities. Some were created to have specific functions. For example, there's a shopping district, a sports district, a gaming district, and even an anime district. These types of districts are much smaller compared to the normal district. 

When we arrived at my house, my parents were filled with relief and worry as they had no idea where I'd been. Shoyo explained everything to them, the news came as a shock to them of course. My mom was especially dismayed, she was on the verge of a breakdown hearing I almost died. Dad was able to calm her down though. Once they found out I became a half-vampire though, mom fainted.

After they came to terms with my situation, Shoyo proceeded to tell them I wouldn't be able to attend a public school anymore, but I'll still be able to finish my high school education and get my diploma in homeschooling. Along with that, I'll be receiving rigorous training.

The next 2 years aren't looking so bright for me.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to live with my family anymore either. That was the most disappointing piece of information we'd heard. But I'll still be able to visit them as frequently as I want. Shoyo also told us that he'd let me stay here for a few days to spend quality time with my parents. He really is a kind guy.

This was naturally all bitter news. But there was a positive side to it. My parents will be able to move to district 4, which is where I'll be staying. They'll be given several houses to choose from that'll be paid for by the Hunter Agency. 

Shoyo doesn't sugarcoat anything when telling them the dangers that being a hunter has. 

"The world is relatively peaceful on the outside, but many hunters still lose their lives each year fighting against vampires. I can feel that vampires will be making big moves soon. The only hunters that'll be able to prove their worth when that time comes will be those with resolve. You don't have to worry about Chifuyu, he's already shown me that he has plenty of that."

I couldn't help but force them a confident smile. The beginning of my new life hasn't even started yet. I have no idea what the future holds or if I'll truly be able to live as a hunter. But I've resolved myself to see it through, that's the only thing that matters.

"Stand proud, you've both raised a magnificent boy. Your son is strong."

Tears run down my parent's faces again. They've done so much for me, I will not let them down. 

"Besides, even if Chifuyu does stumble somewhere along the way, Ariel will be there to pick him up."

As if on cue, Ariel emerged from my shadow.

"So you're the vampire..."

Ariel's eyes were covered by her bangs, looking down to the right as if she were shy. Or like... she felt guilty about something.

"Parents of Chifuyu."

"A-Ariel, what're you doing?"

I was thoroughly surprised, Ariel had prostrated herself in front of my mom and dad.

"My actions have led to Chifuyu's current circumstances. If not for me, he'd be able to live a normal life. Words simply cannot express how sorry I am. I won't look for forgiveness, but I promise to protect Chifuyu no matter what."

Everybody, even Shoyo was surprised. Before I realized it, a single tear slid down my face. 

My dad walked up to Ariel and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Please, Ms. Ariel, stand up."

My mom also approached her. Even though she was a little scared, she understood that in front of her was a good person.

"There's no reason for you to be apologizing to us, you saved our son."

"If anything we should be the ones bowing, expressing our gratefulness."

She still had her head down. I couldn't tell what kind of face she was making with her hair covering it, but I think I heard a sniffle come out of her. Was she...

"Ariel, please look over Chifuyu."

Finally standing up, she showed a caring smile.

"I will."

"You can count on me too."

Shoyo gave his reassurance as well, I will be under him for the next 2 years after all.

"Hey knucklehead, promise us one thing."

My dad flew to me and wiggled his arm around my shoulders.

"What is it..."

He put enough force around my neck you'd think he was trying to strangle me, he probably did that on purpose.

"You won't leave us, will you?"

He didn't mean moving away, he already knows we won't be living with each other anymore. He implied something a little darker.

"I won't, that's a promise."

"Hmph."

His usually cocky smirk had a sense of relief this time around. The serious conversation didn't stop him giving me his signature noogie though.

I'm gonna kick his ass someday, literally. As hard as I can.

"Mr. Shoyo, do you still have some things to talk about with us?"

"Yes, I can come back tomorrow if you'd like."

"That won't be necessary, we can finish tonight while eating dinner."

"You don't mind having me over?"

"Of course not, make yourself comfortable."

"Then I'll accept your hospitality."

"You'll eat with us too won't you, Ariel?"

"It'll be my pleasure."

"Haha, don't be so stiff."

My dad slapped Ariel in the back, she was blushing a little from embarrassment. She looked over at me with a shy smile. I think she's genuinely happy right now.

While my mom prepared a feast for the 5 of us, we sat in the living room watching tv. 

As we ate at the dining table, Shoyo wrapped up telling my parents what he had to. After, we just idly talked and had a good time.

I never would've expected to be eating dinner with my parents, the world's strongest hunter, and a vampire who I'll be spending the rest of my life with. 

It's not bad at all.