Vampire Hunter D: Pale Fallen Angel Parts Three and Four Read Online Free PDF Page B

all the Nobility’s scientific skill, it was impossible to anticipate every disaster or fluctuation of nature. Due to this, in regions where an area of a certain size was recognized as having artistic or scientific merit, a fully automated firefighting system was sure to be installed, and this was perhaps the most positive factor in the Nobility’s legacy. The people needn’t ever be deprived of the beauty of lakes that reflected the setting sun, windswept prairies, and life-giving forests that rang with endless birdsong. But those who’d managed to create that system were fading with the setting sun, while those who appreciated that accomplishment the most were the same ones who’d destroyed its creators. The firefighting plane just now must’ve been driven by some remnant of the software for such a system.
    â€œWe seem to have made it through,” the baron’s voice remarked.
    â€œWhere’s Miska’s carriage?” D asked.
    â€œThere’s a little river and a linden tree about a dozen miles from here. That’s where she is.”
    However, when they arrived less than ten minutes later, the linden tree cast a supple reflection on the glittering water of the river, but Miska’s carriage was nowhere to be seen.
    â€œDo you think someone spirited her away?” the baron inquired as D stared off at the far edge of the plain, as if to suggest that was the source of those responsible for the abductions.
    â€œYour father?” the Hunter inquired.
    â€œProbably,” the Nobleman replied, and by that he included those working for Lord Vlad.
    â€œIf they headed straight into Krauhausen—” D muttered before falling silent.
    â€œâ€”Miska is in danger,” the baron continued. “All will be well so long as they don’t wake the Destroyer that slumbers within her. But if she were to be subjected to some cruel torture, the Destroyer might awaken to protect its host.”
    â€œWhat do you think they’ll do with the girls?” the Hunter asked in a voice like ice.
    And for the first time, the baron may have noticed the fundamental difference between D and himself.
    â€œThey won’t kill them right away,” he replied after a short pause. “I know how he is. He’s certain to use them to try to destroy us. But even I’m not sure exactly what form that will take.”
    With gravity to his tone, he called out, “D, I don’t suppose I could get you to extend our arrangement until the three of them have been rescued?”
    â€œNo,” he replied frostily. For the gorgeous Vampire Hunter, they were no more than an unnecessary factor that had come up while he was performing his duty. As was Hugh, who was still among the missing.
    â€œI thought you’d say that.”
    Unable to think of anything else to add, the baron let his voice peter out.
    A short while later, he remarked, “Come to think of it, the two girls would’ve been better off riding in my carriage. Why did you have them in with Miska?”
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    II
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    It was Zanus and Sai Fung that had made off with Miska’s carriage. While fleeing the danger zone and heading back toward Krauhausen, their curiosity ultimately got the better of them, and they were watching the wildfire when Miska’s carriage came along. Needless to say, the traveling blacksmith had also worked his magic on the lady’s vehicle. Had the men tried to test just how firm its defenses were, they wouldn’t have come away unscathed. But they were able to easily make off with it after hearing a voice from within the stationary carriage say, “You there—well, if it isn’t Sai Fung!”
    Sitting cross-legged on the end of the steam engine, the man almost fell off from sheer surprise.
    â€œThat voice—Lady Miska?”
    â€œIndeed, it is I, Miska. How have you been?”
    â€œEr, as you can see, I’m fit as a fiddle,” he replied with a