Chapter 603

603 The guilt of failing

“Vincent, her death was not your fault. I can judge from what I heard that Shana’s mother was stalling for time. I think she felt her daughter was going to be in good hands and offered her passing grade to her daughter before stalling for time.”

Sakura said, hoping to comfort Vincent. However, she could see Vincent express the expression of regret and self-blame.

“Vincent. I heard from Kazumi how she would feel her life as a soul would be in danger if she continued using mana. Could Shana’s mother have also felt her life nearing its end?” Sakura suggested.

[What Sakura is saying does make sense.] Kazumi agreed with the theory.

“But if you are a special existence to the lizardman race, could it also mean she didn’t want to hurt you after explaining using the retainer skill at the expanse of your health?” Sakura questioned while hoping her words could help Vincent stop allowing his guilt to torment him.

[I was hoping you could come to terms with what happened soon because this is how unplanned life can be. You are a human and not a god. That means not everyone in front of your eyes can be saved.]

[I hope you didn’t forget the green-eyed comic hero couldn’t save everyone even if he sacrificed the health of his body to save and protect others.]

Kazumi wanted Vincent to accept what had happened and move on. Life was filled with happiness and regret. Kazumi didn’t want what happened to stumble Vincent as they had more ordeals to prepare for.

Kazumi to vaguely tell what was in Vincent’s mind, yet she wanted only to offer little help while letting Sakura have a heart-to-heart talk with Vincent.

.....

Sakura noticed Vincent slightly move his lips and heard him faintly murmur words. She believed Vincent recalled what happened in the Soul Domain Bridge.

“Vincent. ” Sakura called out his name after Vincent appeared to be stuck in deep thought.

“Like me of the past, who almost chose death, and Jun Ye Rim, who chose death by jumping before being saved in the nick of time, the mother of Shana chose to pass away and leave Shana in your hands.”

“Shana’s mother believed in the prophecy like I believed I should die untainted by human blood and Jun Ye Rim from being touched by someone other than her chosen partner. After Shana’s mother confirmed the prophecy proved to be true, her decision was probably made at that time.”

Sakura’s words echoed within Vincent’s thoughts.

After Vincent gained adequate power to protect others, this was the first time he felt strong and confident enough to save a life he believed he could save

Vincent needed to stop doubting himself and overcome the fear of failing someone he knew or loved. Today was both a powerful lesson and eye opener to the reality of life.

“I feel guilty for not saving a precious innocent life. But now I realize her choice shouldn’t be overlooked. It should be honored instead.” Vincent looked at Sakura and continued with a slightly less unhappy expression, “Sakura, thank you for making me realize it was her choice. I have to honor her sacrifice and take care of Shana and her man as she wished.”

[That is right, Vincent. She chose, even if she knew you wanted to save her.] Kazumi added with Sakura’s comforting words.

-Thank you, Kazumi. I appreciate your help too.-

[Hehe. At least I am not fogoten.] Kazumi responded cheerfully.

Sakura suddenly placed her hand on Vincent’s lap, causing him to become surprised while talking to Kazumi. She smiled warmly and said, “You look better now, and I am glad my words could offer aid. I wanted to help you like how you helped me when I couldn’t decide if to choose life or death without you. ”

“Thank you.” Vincent placed his hand on Sakura’s hand. He smiled faintly and moved his head to look at the animals. “I am the Shah Rak Tan she said. I hope not too many bothersome events occur because of this new title.”

“Being the Shah Rak Tan or whatever they call you will not be a problem with us beside you. I can give them a good scare if they act out of line, hehe.” Sakura joked to lighten the mood.

[Sakura as your bodyguard, sounds good. She can flex her muscles and express a mean look.]

[I bet the lizardman would become frighted because of the prejudice against the demon race. I bet they would think she wants to beat them to death or eat them, haha.]

“Yeah, hehe.” Vincent chuckled, and his expression became better. “My girls can protect their precious Shah Rak Tan.”

The alone time together soon came to an end when Mimi opened the door and saw Vincent and Sakura in the far distance. Fortunately, she was late enough to allow Vincent to make up his mind and gradually feel less guilty for failing to save Shana’s mother’s life.

“Vincent. I smelled the scent of horses, humans, and four other races approaching. I ran here to tell you that it must be the carriage bringing Shana’s father.” Shouted Mimi, a couple of meters away from them.

“Carriage? But I thought they were going to leave them in front of the gate.” Vincent pondered out loudly.

[I think I know why, hehe. You told the soldiers and the coachman you would hunt them if they harmed or took the slaves. Then you sprinted with all your might, causing them to think twice about double-crossing the little trust you gave them.]

Sakura saw Vincent standing up. She stood up, placed a large piece of fabric on her head to hide her identity, and said, “I am coming with you. I will not let Shana’s father blame you for her death.”

“Thank you, Sakura. ” Vincent said while feeling reassured the woman beside him wanted to protect him from feeling guilty again.

Vincent, Sakura, and Mimi entered the mansion before leaving the mansion’s entrance. Maid Xu, Grace, Zefine, Eliara, Fliara, and Yula, carrying a covered sleeping baby Shana followed them outside.

The carriage soon stopped in front of the entrance.

The coachman moved his head and gazed at Vincent. His expression wavered from time to time, and the expression of fear could be seen.

All the soldiers descended from their horses and swiftly approached Vincent. They respectfully saluted Vincent. The leader stepped forward while the others took a step back.

“Baron Vincent Lionheart. Your slaves have been escorted without a problem.” The leader respectfully announced.

“Good job. ” Vincent said in an automotive tone.

Vincent walked over to the carriage’s door. He opened the door, but the orc, mermaid, and the deer woman had tears in their eyes. On the other hand, the male lizardman was sleeping.

[Vincent... I suggest inspecting Shana’s father.]

Vincent had a bad hunch all of a sudden. He focused his gaze on the lizardman, and the information of natural death by a heart attack appeared in his reason of death section.

‘I... failed Shana’s parents...’ Vincent thought while taking a step back.

“Vincent. What is wrong?” Asked Sakura.

The soldiers first looked at Sakura. They couldn’t believe how tall the woman with peculiar skin color and covering her head and face was. Afterward, they moved their gaze to Vincent. Their heart anxiously raced while trying to guess what happened inside the carriage.

“Baron... we didn’t open the carriage and came here without a single delay. May we know if there is a problem?” The leader asked.

*Sigh* Vincent shook his head and turned around. He looked at Maid Xu and said, “We need to prepare for two funerals today. The father also didn’t have enough time.”

The soldiers and the coachman shook from fear. They started to think Vincent was going to place the blame on the male lizardman’s death on them.

Vincent entered the carriage. “I hope you can meet with your woman in the afterlife. ” He said before lifting the corpse of the male lizardman.

“The three of you can enter the mansion since it is cold to wait outside. The maids will provide warm water to clean yourselves and clean clothes.” Vincent said.

Vincent took a step, and the deer woman asked, “Will we bury their corpses or burn them?”

“I don’t know what the three of you saw before, but I will find a place good location in the garden to bury them. Then I will plant the seed of a tree. Their daughter will be able to talk to the tree her parents grow in the future.” Vincent answered.

The orc, mermaid, and the deer woman became surprised Vincent not only was going to bury the two lizardmen in the garden and in a good location at that, but Vincent was going to let their daughter have a way to feel her parents’ presence through the tree grown from their nutrients.

“We will all make a small funeral for the father and mother who left their daughter in my care. Their daughter Shana will become my daughter.” Vincent said before stepping down from the carriage.

The orc, mermaid, and the deer woman looked at each other with a perplexed expression. They couldn’t believe a noble would accept the daughter of slaves as his daughter. Not to mention a non-human daughter.

Vincent walked forward to the entrance door while everyone made way for him. Vincent stopped and turned his head at the soldiers and coachman.

“I hope what happened from when we met to when you all the mansion is erased from your minds.” Vincent frowned and directed bloodlust at them. “I feel shitty today. Don’t make me see more dead people today.”