The Case Study of Vanitas, Vol. 3

Mochizuki, Jun. The Case Study of Vanitas, Vol. 3. 2017. 239. ISBN 978-0-316-47168-8. Available in the Graphic Novels section of the library.

Noé and Vanitas barely survived the masked ball, thanks to Lord Ruthven’s intervention. As his guests, the two of them are protected from vengeful vampires. Lord Ruthven and Vanitas share a common interest in solving the issue of the curse-bearers. Noé remains puzzled by Vanitas and by his actions. Is Vanitas mad that Noé saved him, or is he mad that he wasn’t able to save himself? Vanitas commits a faux-pas on purpose by insulting the Vampire Queen in front of Lord Ruthven, revealing that Grand Duke Lucas is indeed the Vampire Queen. Through this action Vanitas earns himself a powerful enemy, and both he and Noé are exiled from Altus.

Back in Paris, Noé and Vanitas meet with Master Parks and report their action, only to be informed that several curse-bearers have vanished, kidnapped by the Chasseurs, an organization of humans fighting for the Church and dedicated to killing all vampires. Vanitas decides to investigate the Chasseurs’ presence in the Paris catacombs, and Noé comes along, ignoring Vanitas’ requests to be left alone. Disguised as priests, they explore the tunnel system, only to stumble upon one of the six Captains of the Chasseurs, who has been looking for Vanitas. Noé and Vanitas manage to escape, but as they are being chased by the Captain and reinforcements, they feel observed ...