Chapter 102- Conversation Under The Moon (Part 1)

After the death of Elio’s parents, Emilia tried to find a stable job to support Elio and raise him. But, due to her old age and sickness, she wasn’t able to find any well-paying job that she could actively do.

She kept jumping from one job to another, trying to keep everything afloat while raising Elio. Naturally, being alone, with a baby to take care of, was brutal for Emilia. She spent entire days without sleep due to the crammed hours of work and raising the baby.

She suffered a lot, fell ill countless times, and even ended up almost dying at some point due to exhaustion. But she never hesitated and never stopped. Putting her life at risk, she made sure she gave Elio the best life she could.

But, deep down, she hated herself for her powerless nature. They were dirt poor, and Elio was a child who was still growing. Yet, he barely had food on the table to let him grow properly. That caused his short stature and skinny, almost sickly body.

Every night, Emilia would cry in silence, knowing her grandson was sleeping hungry. She had promised his parents that she would take care of him. Yet, deep down, she feared that his parents were glaring down at her for not giving their baby the best life possible. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

She apologized every night in whispers, hoping she would be forgiven for this great sin she committed. The child of the two most important Vampire Hunters, the prodigy son who could possibly change the world, can’t even find soft bread to munch on after a long day at school.

Yet, surprisingly, Elio didn’t grow resentful because of it. As he got older and older, she noticed how stubborn and tenacious he was. He secretly left the house to work and help his tired grandmother.

She tried to stop him countless times, but the boy refused adamantly.

’I will help you, Grandma! I want to help!’ He declared every time. Even when he got punished and grounded, he would sneak out of the window and go to work.

Every night, he will come back with a handful of money bills to help with food. Seeing her grandson’s miserable state every day as he hands her the money with the biggest, most innocent smile on his face broke her heart to pieces.

She couldn’t look him in the eyes. She couldn’t even apologize from deep shame. Yet, the boy never seemed to even be annoyed. For a child his age to have to wake up at 5 am most days, study till 5 pm, and then work from 5 pm till 11 or even midnight every single day... She never understood how he didn’t hate her for it.

She saw him countless times watching kids play outside from the window. She knew he wanted toys like they did, and wanted to watch TV like most. Yet, he never could.

Years went by like that, and eventually... Elio had to leave the house to study in the city. In a way, Emilia was relieved that she was able to help him reach that point. After all the hardships, all the pain, all the sleepless nights, the boy had finally grown up.

She felt incredibly proud of him and at the same time, deeply worried. Elio had no real friends, no real social life; he didn’t even know what fun was. She was worried life in highschool will hit him hard.

She called him daily from that point on, trying to make sure he was doing well. The boy was naturally good at hiding, and she could never tell if he was telling her the truth or lying.

"Grandma..." Elio muttered as he felt his heart stir hard. Seeing the pain in her eyes, he realized how much all these years have weighed on her mind. Guilt was eating her from the inside out and he never noticed.

His lips quivered before he instinctively moved. Wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her tightly.

"Please... don’t blame yourself. I am eternally grateful for you, Grandma. You raised me when nobody else was there and gave me the best life you could. I’m sorry for exhausting you so much all these years. I’m truly, truly grateful."

The woman was surprised for a second. "No, stop, don’t say-"

"It’s the truth! I have never felt more grateful! I’m truly glad you were my Grandma. I wouldn’t ask for a better person."

"..."

Seeing the innocent smile on his face, that same exact smile she saw every day. It struck her... This boy hadn’t changed one bit. The way he looked at her hadn’t changed one bit. Even after getting a taste of true comfortable life, he didn’t seem to hold a single grudge against her.

"*Sniff*... This is... *Hick*... So beautiful..." Melissa looked away as she started crying. The scene touched her heart deeply.

Meanwhile, Fiona watched that scene with a complicated expression. Seeing this kind of familial bond, one that is completely unconditional and eternal, she could only ask how it truly felt like to have that... She had it once, but she had long forgotten how it felt.

Now all she had left in her heart was an endless abyss of coldness.

"Oh man, now I ended up crying," Emilia said. "This is such an unsightly thing to do in the presence of the two ladies."

"Don’t worry about it, Miss Emilia. This is so beautiful... You two have been through a lot. I didn’t know." Melissa said as she wiped her tears. "I’m glad you two have the happy ending finally."

"As long as this kid over here is living a good life, I’m satisfied. I can finally die in peace, knowing he’s doing good."

"Don’t say that, Grandma."

"Eh, I’m getting there, boy. My body is growing weaker by the day. All I wanted to see was for you to be surrounded by people who care about you and you care about them. It’s my biggest dream come true."

Her words made Fiona snap out of her daze. These words were clearly directed at her, and for a moment... Her heart felt deep warmth.

"Now that we are done with the crying, let’s get back to the pictures. This is one where Elio vomited all over my clothes."

"Hey! Stop!!! It was a wholesome moment!"

***

For the rest of the night, Emilia showed them pictures of Elio, telling stories and funny moments while Melissa laughed. Fiona sat there, just enjoying the conversation. Hearing more about Elio weirdly made her feel like she knew him better, even though she already knew many things about him.

Hearing his likes and dislikes, his aspirations and goals, and how he was as a kid and what he was now... She could only find him even more captivating than ever before.

As for Elio... Well, he gave up. He didn’t know what he particularly gave up... but he definitely did.

Eventually, the time reached well past midnight, and the conversation came to an end.

"Please, I would like to invite you to the penthouse, Miss Emilia. We have an extra bedroom for you, and I already set it up." Fiona said.

"Hm? I wouldn’t want to burden you. I have already booked a motel."

"No, please, I insist," Fiona said. "You came here to spend time with your grandson; there is no reason to book a motel."

"..."

As the group left the apartment and bid Melissa farewell, they got into the car.

"To think the daughter of Geralt Vaylor would be such a sweet and kind girl. I guess even that man can’t defeat a truly good soul." She said.

"I’m flattered."

*Nudge*

Pulling Elio slightly toward her, Emilia whispered. "I swear if you anger this girl, I will personally whoop your ass like a baby. She’s a treasure."

"Wha... I won’t..." Elio replied. ’Even though I kind of already did. But, she doesn’t need to know that.’

The car headed back to the penthouse, where the trio walked in. They showed Emilia around the house and then her room.

"This is a castle, not a house... My lord..."

"If you need anything, by all means, tell me, and I will try my best to fulfill it," Fiona said as she gave the keys to the room and then walked out.

That night, Elio went to sleep quickly, feeling all the exhaustion from staying late after training.

Meanwhile, Emilia lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling, a million thoughts going through her head. She couldn’t sleep.

So, eventually, she left the bed to go drink some water. The penthouse was dark except for the moonlight peering through the windows.

Walking to the open living room, she noticed someone standing near the balcony, staring into the dark sky.

"... That girl..."

Fiona was awake. Her hair rustled gently against the wind, almost glittering like tiny stars within her purple hair.

So, curiously, Emilia walked to her.

"Are you struggling to sleep?" She asked as she stepped next to her.

"Hm?... Yeah, a bit." Fiona replied, her voice a bit cold. "I just wanted some fresh air."

"..."

The two stood there silently, admiring the city skyline from the highest floor. It was mesmerizing and calming in so many ways.

Fiona exhaled and looked at Emilia. Deep down, she felt inclined to speak. A part of her seemingly wanted to ask something.

"Can I ask you something, Miss Emilia?"

"Hm? Go ahead, child. What is it?"

"... I..." She pursed her lips. "I want to kill my father."