Chapter 19: Super Change

“Ladies, we’ve arrived at Bazerolle. You’ll have to walk from here.”

Ina stirred from her drool-soaked nap, mumbling sleepily, “Uh… we there yet?”

“We’re here, so get off me already.”

Cynthia’s irritated tone cut through as Ina, oblivious, had slept on her the entire journey.
The trip had kept Cynthia on edge, wary of accidental contact.

“It’s already dark…”

Ina rubbed her eyes, sitting up and glancing around.

Bazerolle, in southern Barlia, was one of the kingdom’s largest southern cities, the closest to the Karmoz Empire.
Named after the Bazerolle Plain, its mild climate and accessible roads fostered thriving agriculture and trade.

Okolis had mentioned working as adventurers here, but the high cost of living, driven by nobles and merchants, forced them out.

The pair disembarked, standing by the road with Bazerolle’s city walls looming nearby.
Despite the darkening sky, passersby and carriages still flowed through the gate.

It wasn’t far.
A short walk would bring them to the guards.

“Let’s go.”

As Cynthia moved toward the city, Ina grabbed her cloak, pulling her into the shadows.
“You planning to just waltz in like that?”

“What else?”

Cynthia didn’t grasp her meaning, puzzled.

Ina’s face turned grave.
She pointed at the gate guards.
“Those aren’t just Bazerolle’s guards.”

“See the guy on the far right? He’s got a Holy Church emblem on his armor.”

Cynthia followed Ina’s gaze.
Among the guards, one on the far right stood out—fully armored, unlike the others, with a white circular cross etched on his shoulder.

“That guy… he’s strong.”

Ina whispered, noting she couldn’t sense his aura at this distance, as if the armor were empty.

“He’s likely a Paladin from the Church.”

In her experience, only Paladins gave off such an elusive presence—calm, restrained, yet explosively powerful when needed.
Even the weakest Paladin wasn’t to be underestimated.

Their numbers were few, requiring at least basic light magic skills like healing and purification.

“A Paladin guarding a gate? Bit overkill, no?”

Cynthia studied the guards.
Ina was right—the Paladin subtly scanned passersby while the others went through the motions.

Given prior intel, a Paladin at the gate felt off.

“I recall a branch church in Bazerolle,” Ina said hesitantly.
“If they’re up to something, it’s likely aimed at the Karmoz Empire.”

“Hm.”

Cynthia had suspected as much, especially after the cellar intel from Tara Town.

Though Ina didn’t know those details, she sensed a familiar magical energy in Bazerolle.

Cynthia had a plan.

[Blood Demon, you there? Why so quiet?]

[I’m always here… Didn’t you tell me to shut up unless needed?]

A sulky voice echoed in her mind.
Back in the cellar, it had convinced her to absorb its power, letting it tag along.

But Cynthia had warned it against idle chatter, threatening to end it if it disobeyed.

For the blood clan’s future, the Blood Demon complied.

[Feels like there’s power like yours in Bazerolle?]

[Drop the ‘feels like.’ It’s definite.]

The Blood Demon confirmed without hesitation, adding, [The Blood Crown’s power here dwarfs what was in the cellar. Even you’d feel it.]

[But don’t worry—I can shield you from some effects. The Crown’s power here is unstable; the Church hasn’t fully mastered it.]

[Even partial control is enough to threaten vampires.]

Cynthia listened silently, sensing the Blood Stone’s rough location in Bazerolle.
Details would require entering the city.

[There’s a Paladin at the gate, likely screening non-humans. Any way to slip past?]

The Blood Demon’s tone turned smug.
[Easy! Leave it to me!]

Moments later, Ina pinched her hair in shock, staring at Cynthia with wide eyes.
“Wow… you can do that?”

Her ink-black, straight hair had turned light brown and wavy, her pupils paler.
Her face hadn’t changed much, but she looked like a different person.

“First time for me too.”

Cynthia was equally stunned.
She hadn’t expected the Blood Demon to mask her vampire traits so well.

Her fangs, pointed ears, red eyes, and silver hair were gone—she was now a plain gray-haired, gray-eyed human girl.

“Didn’t think I’d ever sneak into a human city…”

Cynthia sighed, glancing at Ina, still marveling at her new look.
She stepped forward and patted Ina’s head.
“Let’s go! You can play with your hair after we’re inside!”