Chapter 410
Chapter 410: Friendship and Underlying Situations
Note: The plot for the next part isn’t finished yet, so I’m just going to drop this intermission in the meantime…! Draw! Intermission card!!
—
— In the depths of the mid-level section of Evaroti Royal Castle.
After the sun had set for a while, the elegant day of Countess Yavka Cheesuina began.
“Mm… I slept well~.”
Yavka woke to the sound of the night elf maid’s bells, stretching as she rose from her canopied bed.
Vampires prefer canopied beds with thick curtains. They believe it increases their chances of survival in case sunlight accidentally enters due to some accident.
In that sense, a coffin would be even more reassuring, but a bed is more comfortable to sleep in, so even the most cautious vampires typically don’t use one for daily rest.
By the way, even though Yavka holds the title of “Countess,” which is quite a respectable status within the Evaroti Autonomous District, she has chosen a rather dark room deep within the royal castle for her private quarters because it is safer that way.
Rooms with windows that other races might treasure are like a crematorium for vampires. On the other hand, basements are damp and uncomfortable. Compared to the purely undead who aren’t fussy about humidity or smells, vampires are quite particular.
“Good morning, my lady.”
“Good morning.”
Yavka emerged into the dress offered by the night elf maid, vaporizing and quickly changing from her nightgown into a proper outfit.
Though casually done, this is quite an advanced skill that talented vampires take decades to master. Whether one can do this is an impressive status among vampires.
Speaking of status, this night elf maid also has her own. Night elves are more expensive to hire compared to beastmen due to their compatible hours and superior skills, so one needs a decent income to afford them.
(Beastmen are hairy and have a strong odor, so they aren’t my preference.)
Having become the overseer of vampires in the Evaroti Autonomous District, Yavka’s salary has also increased, allowing her to finally hire a night elf. On top of that, having free access to blood (essentially for free) means her food costs are completely eliminated.
(I’m really glad I came to Evaroti~!)
There was a time when I wondered how things would turn out…
“What are today’s plans?”
“Next, there is a social gathering with the district residents.”
“Ah.”
A social gathering, which is just a drinking party at a tavern with drunken Tafuman and other humans and beastmen.
“Speaking of which, I had forgotten about that…”
Yavka’s elegant day was coming to an end—
Moreover, if my memory serves me correctly, humans from the royal castle were supposed to come, including that awful puppet.
(Ugh, I really don’t want to deal with this—)
The fact that Claire, from the undead faction led by Enma, had previously spat poison while borrowing Zilbagias’s authority left Yavka with a terrible impression of her. (See Chapter 236)
Moreover, Claire was the one who plotted to expose the existence of vampires like Yavka to the district residents. While it turned out well in the end—harmonizing with the residents—if a strong backlash had occurred, her plan for steady blood intake in the Evaroti Autonomous District would have collapsed.
(How dare she come to a social gathering with that face! …Oh, right, she can’t even change her expression properly.)
With a huff, Yavka snorted. Her expressive master was being watched by the night elf maid, whose emotionless face made it impossible to tell what she was thinking.
“Are you off now?”
“Yes. I will be back in four hours.”
“Have a safe trip.”
As Yavka vaporized and floated out of the room, the night elf maid bowed her head in farewell.
“……..”
Glancing up, she confirmed that Yavka had indeed left.
Then, scratching her belly, she sprawled out on the sofa.
“I don’t have to prepare any meals, and there’s hardly any laundry to do since it’s not dirty… Plus, the pay isn’t bad at all. Being a maid for the Evaroti vampires is more comfortable than I thought! I might even recommend it to everyone.”
Ahh, I want to go out drinking too, she murmured to herself, fully enjoying her time with her master out of the house.
†††
There stood a splendid tavern called Hobgoblin Tavern, facing the main street of the district.
As the name suggests, it is run by hobgoblins, and with the support of Demon Lord’s Prince Zilbagias, their selection of drinks is exceptionally good.
Although the prices are on the higher side, it has become a popular spot among the district’s residents. And today, they had reserved the second floor of this tavern—
“Then, let’s toast to the prosperity of the district—”
“Cheers!”
A drinking party was underway with the prominent figures of the district.
“This is a seven-year-old Warrito-Birimi, it’s delicious~~!”
The one exclaiming in admiration was Tafuman, the vice captain of the guards.
“Hey, drink this more carefully,” came the voice of Sebastian, the district chief sitting next to him.
“The food here has such a strong odor… Can’t it be improved?”
Dobel, representing the beastmen, made a grim face.
Other figures present included merchants and union leaders.
On the Demon Lord’s side were a night elf, the chief of the guards, several demon officials, including Porkun, and the hobgoblin representative Tavuo, alongside the vampire representative Yavka.
Thus, the main players responsible for the administration of the Evaroti Autonomous District had gathered. However, while the residents from the district were unarmed, those from the Demon Lord’s side were equipped, so it was assumed that there wouldn’t be any unfortunate incidents.
(Well, even if Tafuman were armed, I wouldn’t feel like we’d lose.)
Yavka took a small sip of her tea, observing the lively district residents with a somewhat cool demeanor.
Even if this group were fully armed, as long as they lacked the protective blessing of a holy attribute, there was no reason for vampires to lose. The demons were all skilled as well. If anyone were to die, it would likely be the weak hobgoblin Tavuo or the night elf captain of the guards.
If tonight were a moment of “rebellion,” then those two would be the ones in most danger. Perhaps aware of this, the night elf captain was drinking recklessly, but on the contrary, Tavuo was relaxed, snacking on food while engaging in conversation with the merchants.
(Hobgoblins sure seem to be fitting in well.)
As evidenced by the tavern’s bustling atmosphere, the hobgoblins who had migrated to the district had managed to integrate quite well.
Although they looked like goblins, their demeanor was intellectual, contrasting sharply with the other residents of the Demon Lord’s side, who tended to be condescending and prickly. They treated everyone with kindness, which, despite initial skepticism, gradually earned them trust, building a good relationship with the district residents…
“Miss! Isn’t tea a bit lonely? Want a drink?”
The rosy-cheeked Tafuman spoke up. Although Yavka was a countess and quite important, he was casually over-familiar since it was their first meeting.
Of course, she could remind him to be more proper, but if Tafuman began overly formal sayings like “My apologies, Countess Cheesuina,” it would feel oddly out of place, and she found it annoying, so she let it slide.
“I mentioned this before, but as vampires, we don’t get drunk from drinking alcohol. I’m fine, thanks.”
By the way, vampires primarily consume blood and don’t require other foods. However, they can eat and drink like anyone else. Since it doesn’t fully satisfy them, it serves no purpose beyond enjoying the flavor. Purebred vampires like Yavka typically lack any real attraction to meals, but those who were originally mortal humans and were then made into subordinates might reminisce about their pre-vampire noble life and eat occasionally.
“Oh really? But it’s delicious!”
“Unfortunately, I can’t appreciate its deliciousness.”
“I see…”
Tafuman tilted his head, pondering as he downed his cup.
“So, do you have any business here?”
“Not exactly business. I just wanted to thank you for increasing the manpower at the daytime rescue center.”
“Ah, about that. It was quite a challenge to find people.”
Within the district, vampires take on roles similar to doctors… treating injuries and minor illnesses in exchange for blood. (Of course, it’s not the injured individuals who provide blood, but their companions or off-duty guards.)
With the district’s population increasing, the demand has become quite high. Especially, the guard troops frequently sustain injuries during training and battles with magical beasts, making them excellent customers.
Among the requests was for more vampires to be available during the day to provide treatment. Most vampires are nocturnal and sunlight is lethal for them, so those who’d want to be active during the day are few. However, they decided to bring in some younger vampires wanting to grow their strength to work in the rescue center.
…Speaking of growing strength.
Yavka blinked and stared intently at Tafuman, who had pulled his cup away from his mouth.
“Have you gotten a bit stronger magically than before…?”
“Wait, me?!”
Tafuman opened his eyes wide in surprise, still rosy in the cheeks.
“Could I have hidden powers…?! Am I becoming a wizard at this age?! Whoa, flames! Water!”
He thrust his hands forward, but, of course, nothing happened. He looked just like an ordinary drunkard.
“Miss! Nothing’s happening!”
“You might just be tipsy from the tea, don’t mind it.”
Was it just her imagination? Yavka pressed her palm to her forehead as if to fend off a headache.
Just then, she heard footsteps coming from the stairs.
“Sorry, I got delayed listening to my superior.”
“Oh, Claire! It just started!”
She has arrived.
Claire, posing as one of the humans working in the royal castle.
With a mask-like forced smile, Claire’s gaze briefly flickered toward Yavka before swiftly averting. Claire hurriedly took a seat among the district’s residents, engaging in chat with Tafuman.
“…Heh.”
It was clearly evident that she was keeping her distance from the beastmen, whose spiced dishes were enough to twist her nose. Yavka couldn’t help but snicker.
Among those present, only Porkun, the demon officials, Tavuo, and Yavka knew Claire’s true identity. The night elf captain of the guards did not. In reality, he was of quite a low position—his airs of superiority towards the guard likely stemmed from that reality.
“Claire, this is a seven-year-old Warrito-Birimi! Surely that must taste good! Want a drink?”
“No, I really can’t taste alcohol. You should drink it instead, Tafuman.”
“I see? Then I won’t hold back…”
“Wait, wait!! Don’t drink it!”
“Be a little more courteous! We’ll run out of our share!!”
With Claire’s arrival (a dead human among them), the humans grew even more excited. To those who knew her true identity, it was nothing short of farcical, but Yavka merely maintained a playful grin. Teasing Claire, who anxiously glanced over here, was already amusing enough.
(Well, I can’t expose her true nature due to the circumstances.)
It’s common knowledge that Claire is Zilbagias’s “favorite.” No one here would willingly take on the wrath of that peculiar demon lord.
(I wonder how His Highness is doing…)
Gazing out the tavern window at the night sky, she pondered.
I heard rumors that the queen of the Izanis tribe did something bad, and now there’s been a rise in hunts for dark creatures in the allied territory. I wonder if Zilbagias, who has been thrown into that chaos, will return alive…
(Speaking of which, weren’t my brothers also in the allied territory?)
The last letter I received mentioned, “Due to increased caution by border rivers, we are considering sneaking into the rear.”
(But, whatever.)
The age gap was significant, and by the time Yavka was aware of herself, her brothers had already left home, leading to very little interaction. The only connection they shared was blood—she had no strong feelings about them, and she mostly thought of them as a burden she’d have to deal with due to their troublesome father, whether they were alive and well or turned to ash.
Rather—
It is Zilbagias who concerns me more.
(His Highness…)
Yavka let out a heated sigh.
She wasn’t really thinking of Zilbagias.
What she was actually recalling was the taste of his blood.
(That rich and thick magical essence! The smooth texture and heavenly aftertaste—ah, ah!!)
Drool dripped from the corner of Yavka’s mouth as she became entranced by such thoughts.
With a craving for blood so deep, and it still being before meal time, it was quite impressive that Yavka could maintain her composure in front of so many humans because she knew the heavenly taste.
Compared to that… drinking human blood was simply intolerable.
I have no choice but to drink it to maintain my existence.
(Ah, Your Highness, please be safe…!!)
Yavka prayed earnestly.
The current governor, Diagias, is so hands-off that it’s not particularly bothersome…
(Please let me drink blood again…!!)
She desperately longed for the days of Zilbagias!
I want to taste that exquisite blood once more…!!
“……..”
And so, with flushed cheeks and drooling excessively, Yavka was being watched from a distance by the humans, who were slightly backing away.
They feared that she had gotten too excited and drawn blood due to the commotion. Little did they know that Yavka was dreaming of demon blood…
