I met Rune, a werewolf youth who served in the vampire castle.
Although there was a chance of victory, I still didn’t have enough information. I had to draw as much as possible from Rune.
“So, does that mean the only vampires here are those two sisters?”
“Yes, they are formally a race called Vampeerar. They are what you’d call mixed blood.”
Mixed blood? Is that much strength contained in half the blood? I wondered how powerful they would be if they became pure-blooded.
“They are mixed with humans. Vampires tend to suck human women’s blood and make them bear children. They were originally few in number and had low reproductive capabilities.”
“But there are no humans in this world, are there?”
“Yes, to be honest, I also saw them for the first time. I was surprised when I heard they existed. I thought they were banished from paradise… Ah, excuse me.”
If that’s the case, are they going to another continent just for human hunting? Human hunting, hah. To them, we’re just bait and tools for reproduction. Even if they’re mixed blood, they probably don’t mind increasing their fighting strength.
“It’s fine. That theory is valid here. Maybe it’s true. Hey, by the way, who is the ‘Older Brother’ Aria was talking about?”
“Ah, that would be Lord Auroa. He holds the title of the highest-ranking magician of the Dark Elves. He ordered you to be found.”
The highest-ranking Dark Elf magician?! The one looking for me must be the ringleader. Auroa, I’ve never heard that name before. I’m finally getting to the core of it. We were chasing Dark Elves, but we’ve only fought their outer subordinates.
It seems the enemy is finally starting to panic. The intervention of the Light Elves must also be a factor.
Wait, Dark Elves? Hold on, wasn’t ‘Older Brother’ a vampire?
“Could Auroa also be mixed blood?”
“Yes, his mother is a Dark Elf. She was also a highest-ranking magician. However, she has lost her power and seems to be lying low. Is she using her son for revenge?”
Children of beings with the strongest powers, truly thoroughbreds. So, THIS is who we’ve been fighting. This explains why Cedric would stop us.
Just then, a knock was heard at the room door.
“Master has summoned you.”
“Yes, coming.”
The butler’s voice was heard from outside. It’s finally here. Fine, let them enjoy the taste of human blood while they can.
Rune led me to the room where the table had been earlier. A lavish spread of dishes was laid out there.
“Ahaha, here they come, here they come! I’ve been waiting, sit down!”
Aria grinned, her long canine teeth glinting. In front of them were pure white plates. Was my blood supposed to fill those?
The butler poured wine into an empty glass. Then, he placed a large plate before me. When the silver lid was removed, a magnificent steak appeared with steaming vapor. It sizzled enticingly, adorned with beautiful vegetables, looking incredibly delicious.
A salad made with fish, thinly sliced ham, and bread in a basket. The mountain of fruit looked like jewels. It was like a dream world. I could feel my mouth watering.
Is this how they see me? Like a feast laid out on a table.
“Now, please eat. You must be hungry.”
“That’s… aren’t you the ones who can’t wait to drink my blood?”
Her red lips tightened into a smile. I could hear Aria swallow nervously.
“Here you go, take just enough that you won’t die.”
I rolled up my sleeve and offered my hand. Aria’s older sister signaled the butler with her chin. The butler took out a small knife. He placed her plate beneath my hand.
The sharp tip dug into my skin, and a gush of fresh blood spurted out. It began to fill the white plate in streaks. The vampires were fixated on the flowing blood.
The plate was instantly stained red, a film of blood forming on it. The older sister carefully brought it to herself and scooped up some with a spoon to her mouth.
“Haaah, it’s exquisite. I’ve only had dog’s blood lately, so I feel revitalized.”
“Me too, me too, quickly!”
Aria snatched her own plate as soon as it was filled and downed it all at once. Her demeanor was like a stray dog that hadn’t eaten for days. They may be a noble race, but in the end, you’re all the same as us. You can’t resist hunger; you’re living beings.
As I watched the two devour the blood, I wiped my wrist with a towel. The butler carefully wrapped a bandage around it.
“Phew, ahh, fresh blood really is different. The souvenirs Father always brings are delicious, but the freshness is on another level.”
“Yes, I don’t understand why they’re forbidden from going to that world.”
They’re forbidden from going to the other continent? I don’t know if this is a rule for the entire race or just an instruction, but thanks to that, humans seem to be spared.
“That’s because there are people called Vampire Hunters in that world. Ugh, I could kill them all in one blow. Father worries too much.”
I see. So it’s not that humans are just being passively preyed upon.
