585: The Vampire Princess

The Vampire Princess

"… What?"1

That was the only reaction I could have upon hearing the butler's statement. A vampire that can only drink a certain type of blood or else they'll die? And it's not O-type, AB-type, or anything like that either. It's a special, 'premium' blood?

"… I am sure it all sounds very confusing to you, but with due time, you will understand," the butler said with a conflicted expression. "My lady is not very good at expressing herself, so I will say this in her place…"

Suddenly, he dropped to one knee, and bowed before me, like a servant to a master.

"… Please save my lady. I beg of you."

"H-Hold on, hold on, hold on," I hurriedly said, shaking my head. "Explain this to me properly first—on your feet. Get off the ground—what if someone sees this? Are you crazy?"

"I will not stand up until you agree to help my lady. Only you can. As soon as the team-scouting period began, my lady and I have been looking for someone who can provide this 'premium' blood. She can sense it from a very long range—it is a built-in talent of all vampires of royal descent. Yet… we were unable to sense anything—until we found you."

"Okay okay, fine, I get it!" I whispered sharply. "I'll help, alright? I just gotta give her my blood, right? Fine! Now get off the ground!"

"… You have my gratitude," the butler said with a soft smile, before finally rising back up to his feet. "I take it you accept forming a team with the two of us Supports, then?"

"… Do we have to?" I gave a sigh. "I mean, I can just send you my blood consistently or someth-"

The butler moved to kneel on the ground again, and I quickly waved my hands.

"W-Wait, wait, okay, I agree!"

"… I realize this is a presumptuous request from us," the butler said. "But my lady does not know when she needs the blood. It is not like food or water—the urges come suddenly and painfully. If you are not there when she needs it to provide fresh blood straight from your veins… it will not work."

"Then how have you been getting by recently?" I asked, confused. "How has she lived up until now?"

"Like I said, the urges are random," the butler said. "As she matures further, they will become more and more stable, which is good, but we only left Vampire Territory recently—about two days ago. Before then, we were hiding there in plain sight, because we had no other choice. There is a supply of the premium blood my lady needs there, although it is not abundant at all. I would steal from the pool of it, but the guards were bound to notice something off soon. We needed to leave as soon as possible, so when we caught news of this school, we immediately left. I had to leave my wife and son at home, but… this is my duty."

"I… see…" I murmured, not sure if I fully bought this story. "But uh… what exactly is this 'premium' blood? I don't recall being born with any special blood in me."

The only thing I could think of was it being related to Chaos somehow, but if they had another source in Vampire Territory, then… that was unlikely. Of course, they could also have something related to Chaos there that was making this premium blood, but I couldn't know for sure.

"To be fully honest… I am not sure either," the butler said. "No one is. The secrets of the premium, royal blood are unknown. Perhaps someone very old, like a True Ancestor would know, but…"

True Ancestor… maybe I could ask Count Draculus? I reminded myself to do that the next time I got a chance to speak with him.

"Well, whatever," I said, sighing. "But, y'know… what's in this for me? Sure, I'm saving your lady, but I don't exactly see a benefit for me."

"Worry not," the butler said. "I have planned it all out. When a break occurs in this academy, we will set out for Vampire Territory, and reclaim my lady's rightful throne. Once there, you will be able to enjoy countless riches and powerful artifacts… including the ultimate treasure of the Vampire Race. Should you help my lady do so, you will be able to obtain it."

Okay, now I was interested.

"Said 'ultimate treasure'… what does it do?"

"The exact effects are uncertain to me as well," the butler admitted. "However, just judging from the rumors I've heard… it seems to be something along the lines of 'draining the lifeforce of those around you'. In other words, when you fight an enemy, their health will be constantly drained and used to heal you. It also gives you blood manipulation powers, from what I've heard, but…"

"Oh… interesting…"

Of course, I couldn't be sure if he was telling the truth or not. And even if he was, he claimed all that he just said were only based upon 'rumors' and what he 'heard'. It wasn't reliable info, but… on the off-chance that it was true, this would be a significant boost to my power. And hell, even if they were lying to me and looked to get rid of me after the job was done, I doubt they'll be able to overpower me anyway.

"… Looks like we have ourselves a deal," I said at last, extending my hand.

The butler bowed deeply.

"You have my and my lady's gratitude both," he said, then turned to the girl. "My lady, please introduce yourself."

The vampire princess stared into my eyes for a brief moment in silence, and I stared right back. She seemed to be ascertaining whether or not she could trust me, but then again, it's not like she had a choice.

Finally, she decided I was a decent guy, and folded her arms, refusing to shake my hand or have any form of physical contact with me.

"… Claire," she said quietly. "That is my name."

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