Gospel of Blood

Chapter 214: Sherry's Choice

"Lady Charlotte, I'm afraid I cannot drink this and become your follower."

Sherry said, kneeling on one knee and holding up the red vial. Her usually expressionless face showed deep apology.

Charlotte was somewhat surprised; she hadn't expected that her personal maid of over a year would make such a choice. She believed she understood Sherry well—diligent in her work, dedicated, and gifted in both magic and swordsmanship.

Even while busy with her maid duties, Sherry had not neglected her training and, with Charlotte's resources, had become the second young follower after Rand to step into the Starry Sky tier.

Despite her silence and stoic demeanor, Charlotte knew Sherry's heart was not cold. Sherry was also deeply grateful, having wholly pledged herself to Charlotte after the latter saved her entire family from the Inquisition's attack on the Rose Society.

She was thoroughly loyal, if not as noticeable as Sebastian or even Nice, the audacious fat cat. Sherry had seamlessly integrated into Charlotte's life, managing her meals, daily schedules, and wardrobe choices with utmost care and skill.

"Why? May I know the reason?"

Charlotte asked gently.

After a moment of hesitation, Sherry replied.

Charlotte nodded slightly, confirming.

"Yes, that's correct."

Charlotte had come to a deeper understanding of her blood servant abilities. Becoming her blood servant meant inheriting her bloodline power, leading to a transformation of one's own blood.

Sebastian had experienced this transformation, he looked almost like a bloodborne when unleashing his bloodline power.

Despite being an elf and once a Blazing Sun expert, his body continued to change towards that of a bloodborne with each use of the power. He had warned Charlotte that this transformation was inevitable as her power grew.

Sherry, being human and not a magical being, would undoubtedly transform into a bloodborne if she became Charlotte's blood servant.

"Lady Charlotte."

Sherry began respectfully.

"I heard that becoming a bloodborne hinders one's personal growth in power and halts any further advancement in magic..."

"I don't want to give up my magical talents."

Charlotte, taken aback, considered Sherry's words.

"Perhaps that's true, but becoming a bloodborne would also grant you new strengths."

Sherry bowed her head.

"But those strengths would be gifts from you, not the result of my own efforts. I want to follow you through my own hard work, not because I must rely on you to keep progressing."

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Understanding Sherry's perspective, Charlotte nodded slightly.

She too had lamented not becoming a mage, so she could sympathize with Sherry's reluctance to give up her magical potential. Sherry had excellent magical talent, recognized even by Nice, making her dilemma understandable.

"Have you considered that as a bloodborne, you would escape aging, gaining nearly unlimited time?"

Charlotte asked.

Sherry responded respectfully.

"I have thought about it. While long life is attractive, I can't bear the thought of watching my loved ones age and die while I remain unchanged."

Charlotte paused, reflecting on her own contentment at escaping the bounds of mortality. She had achieved a form of eternal life soon after arriving in this world, unlike the immortal seekers of her previous life. Despite its flaws, her eternal life seemed promising with enough time to grow even stronger.

Unlike Sherry, she had no ties in this world.

"Moreover." Sherry continued.

"As your head maid and personal attendant, I need to interact with ordinary people and work under the sunlight. Becoming a bloodborne would hinder my ability to perform my duties."

Charlotte, who had not considered this angle, realized the practicality of Sherry's concerns.

She had thought that making her attendants bloodbornes would ensure their safety, overlooking the impracticalities of their daily roles.

"I respect your choice, Sherry, but know that your loyalty has never been in question."

Charlotte said, understanding yet slightly disappointed.

Despite recognizing Sherry's valid points, Charlotte had hoped for a different outcome.

"Thank you for understanding, Lady Charlotte. My life has belonged to you since you saved my family."

Sherry said earnestly, kneeling.

Charlotte nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging Sherry's loyalty and independence.

Each person must make their own choices, and she respected Sherry's. Though disappointed, she realized the unsuitability of a bloodborne as her head maid.

As Sherry departed, Charlotte looked at the returned vial, sighing softly.

Everyone had their own paths to follow, and she understood and respected Sherry's decision.

Reflecting on Sherry's words about immortality, Charlotte felt a pang of homesickness, a rare feeling since arriving in this world.

Shaking off the thoughts, she reminded herself to focus on her immediate goals: consolidating her territory, building a safe haven, and pursuing her path to strength and Godhood.

As she resumed her work, reviewing the candidates for the next mayor of Northport, she suddenly felt a familiar call from afar.

It was Sebastian, who had left days ago with the Castell guards to track down Count Lachlan.