L-elf knew that his plan to take over Dorssia would happen much more easily if he could just get the rest of Haruto's coven to come to his side. But they were comfortable here. And people at peace would never see a reason to go to war so long as this peace continued. He had to come up with something that would light a fire in them and encourage them to take down a kingdom.

He tried thinking of a plan while helping Aina in the kitchen. He realized he was in danger of losing Haruto as well. If the vampire started to like this place, he might back out of their agreement and stay here. For a moment, L-elf considered burning the town but all that would do is get him on the wrong side of a group of blood suckers. He could subdue one at a time but not if they came at him all at once.

There had to be something that would light a fire in them. Anything. That evening, everyone gathered in the dining room for dinner. There were three tables and even then it was still a bit cramped, what with the whole Inuzuka family in attendance. But if was comfy for that reason.

"Are you still undecided about joining our cause?", L-elf poised the question in the middle of the meal.

Inuzuka sighed. "It's just..Well..."

"You all have something to gain from this. This is village is your oasis, but you have dealt with enemies in the past before, have you not?"

They looked down sadly, some remembering Marie, others the various experiences throughout the years. L-elf spoke up again.

"You all have the power to take down Dorssia. They don't have countermeasures for vampires. If you assist me, I can promise that your kind will have a place in the new regime."

They were still silent but Saki glanced at Haruto. "I'll go. But only if you promise to make me the new queen."

"I can not."

"Why? Keeping the title for yourself?"

"We can discuss offices once the royal family has been disposed off", L-elf ended that conversation. "What about the rest of you?"

"I never liked those Dorssians", Yamada picked at his food. "This one time a few came 'round and treated me like some kinda dumbass. 'Dyoo yoo undastahnd whut Ie em seiying'? I'm older than most of them already! I'll join ya if I get to punch a few right in the nose."

L-elf smirked. "That is something I can guarantee."

Inuzuka looked at Saki and Yamada, then at Akira who had remained silent. Her eyes met his and then her lips turned up in a smile. Just that expression told him everything and he knew her answer before she replied to L-elf.

"I'll go."

"Haruto", Inuzuka purposely addressed his old friend instead of the stranger trying to enlist them. "I need to seriously think about it. There's a lot at risk if we fail."

"We won't fail", Haruto said resolutely.

"You were such a pacifist before. What changed?" Inuzuka almost couldn't recognize the man who stood before him now. It had him worrying about L-elf's influence more than anything.

"I was living alone this whole time. And even the place I was staying at wasn't safe for me anymore." Haruto looked down at his finished plate. "I don't want to live in fear anymore. And I don't want anyone else to."

"We don't live in fear here", the older argued. "We're all happy."

"But for how long? You said it yourself, there's been hardships, right? What if there was no need for that because we've been completely accepted?" Haruto clenched his fists and looked up at his friend. "We can do that. With L-elf's help we could make a world for all of us. Think about the other vampires who must be hiding."

"I can't afford to worry about strangers across the world when I have a family that depends on me. I'm sorry, Haruto."

After dinner, L-elf lead a meeting with the ones who would be joining him in the room where they had all introduced themselves earlier. Inuzuka was in another room, sitting by a gentle fire. Aina leaned against him, smiling.

"You should go", she said, breaking the silence.

"They'll be fine without me. I'm needed here." Inuzuka grabbed her hand. There was a contrast between his youthful, smooth skin and her wrinkled one. "I'm needed even more if everyone else is going. Work will double up and everything and..."

"Just go. We have a lot of young people that can pick up some extra work. We're not all immortal, but we'll make it work", she teased.

"But..." He looked down at their hands. He had never really thought about the difference between himself and Aina. But seeing Haruto come back after all this time, completely unchanged really made it hit him. It drove the point home despite living with Saki, Yamada, and Akira. Aina was still human and aging. She was already an old woman.

Which meant she didn't have long. And he didn't want to leave her side for some rebellion if it meant coming back to her grave. He didn't think he could handle it if that were to happen. He wanted to spend as much time as he could with her, now more than ever. Aina kissed his cheek.

"I'm not so frail that I'll drop as soon as you set off. I had a grandpa that lived to be 103. And I'll keep on drinking my green tea too."

Inuzuka's eyes softened and he placed a kiss on the top of her head. "You're right. Even without me, you'll be fine. I'm sorry for doubting you."

After putting her to bed, Inuzuka walked over to their meeting room and entered. He had not one bit of hesitation in his body. Because whatever the outcome, he would have his incredible Aina, holding down the fort here and waiting for him.

"Haruto, I'm in."