[ How about it, Cristov-san? It's your turn now. ]

The deal Vlad had made to Cristov was that he will only fight him if he or any of his children manages to defeat s.h.i.+n.

s.h.i.+n had already defeated all of his children and he is the only one left. This was the worst conclusion their deal could probably get. As it turns out, s.h.i.+n was more powerful than he originally thought. There was just no way for him to fight Vlad after getting exhausted by s.h.i.+n - that is if he even manages to defeat him.

[ I give up, Vlad-san. I doubt I will even be able to defeat your butler. And if you're even stronger than he is, then there's no way I would win. I get that now. ]

He knows that Vlad is stronger than s.h.i.+n, and seeing how strong s.h.i.+n was, he could only imagine what it would be for Vlad. He could only back out. But he did not because he was afraid, but because he already knows what would the conclusion be.

[ You're giving up? This might be the only chance I will give you. ]

[ If I was in my prime, I will do everything I can to fight the strongest person I see. But I'm too old for that now; I don't think I will win against two strong youth. I also think I won't be able to handle it if even I get defeated by your butler. ]

Cette and Caiden are two of the strongest fighters he has in his house, and they got toyed by another person's servant. He could not humiliate their name even further. If even he gets defeated by s.h.i.+n, it would shame the name of his family; and he can't afford other n.o.bles looking down on him.

( Even though he was so enthusiastic about it earlier... )

[ Though it might become a regret that I will not be able to fight you and see just how powerful you really are. ] as he says those words, he stood up.

[ Vlad-san, I'm sorry but I will need to make everything that had happened here a secret. If a word gets out that I backed out from a fight against a servant, my family name would be tarnished. ]

Even though his tone was not as arrogant as it was before, it definitely still has integrity and respect in it.

[ Don't worry, Cristov-san, your decision is the right one. ]

And there was a reason why it is...

( My Bloodl.u.s.t increases when I fight living creatures. Fighting humans would be too dangerous for me. )

At first, Vlad didn't really understand how his racial ability: Bloodl.u.s.t works, but after he had fought with s.h.i.+n, he finally understood.

His Bloodl.u.s.t won't work on non-living creatures like s.h.i.+n. He still doesn't know if it will work against high-level monsters, but it definitely does to high-level humans such as Arthur and everyone else in the hero's party.

This ability is so far one of his most dangerous ones.

With this ability pa.s.sively activated, he gradually loses control of himself and he gets the urge to kill his opponent. In the game, it only increases his stats over time, but here in this world, it also gives him the urge to kill, which is too dangerous.

That was why it was best for him to avoid fighting with high-level individuals.

[ Thank you, Vlad-san. The opportunity is already enough. ]

And so, Cristov had backed out on his plan to fight Vlad.

When Cristov had asked him for a fight, he didn't want to refuse. He felt as though they were looking down at him and so he accepted. But Vlad cannot allow himself to fight with them as what happened to Arthur might happen to them, too. That was why he had asked s.h.i.+n to fight them instead.

And so, just as he had planned, by using s.h.i.+n, he made them realize the comparison of their strength without fighting them by himself.

***Extra***

The sky is already dark and the moon has now shown itself to the sky. Vlad again was invited to a dinner with the Lionhearts earlier, and now it's finished, he lied down on the bed of his temporary room, resting.

[ Boss... Aren't you a vampire? Your race doesn't require rest yet this is what you always do every single night. ] s.h.i.+n complained as he looks at the figure of Vlad.

[ s.h.i.+n, as I said before, I was not born a vampire. I still have my previous habits. ]

[ Haah... Boss... ] he sighs.

[ By the way... Why are you keeping that a secret to Aylsan and Stellsan? ]

[ ... ]

The sudden question seemed to have turned Vlad quiet and unresponding.

Vlad had been keeping the fact that he was originally a human to his vampire slaves, and he doesn't seem to have the intention to reveal it. There was much reason for why he's keeping it a secret, but one was that they've already grown to Vlad, the vampire, and not to s.h.i.+ro.

[ Both of them are very loyal to you so I don't think it will change their outlook on you. ] as though he was able to read what was inside his mind, he says to him.

*Knock knock

It was then that a knock came to the door.

[ It's us, Vlad-sama. ] Stella's and Ayla's voice was heard outside the room.

[ s.h.i.+n, aren't you supposed to have another job? Stop asking me these questions and get going. But open the door first before you go. ]

[ Oh... It's that time again, huh? ]

[ What do you mean by that? ]

[ No... It's just that I've been wondering... ]

[ What is it...? ]

[ I mean... Aren't the three of you undead...? Just what is the reason you do 'that'? ]

[ Y-You...! Just open the door and be quiet. ] he spat at s.h.i.+n.

But as he does, he was put into deep thought...

( ThThat's right... It was supposed to be natural for Vampire brides to do that kind of thing... But now that I think about it... Do we really do it just because of that...? Because it's 'natural'? )

[ [ Good evening, Vlad-sama. ] ] the two vampire brides entered the room and interrupted his thoughts.

[ [ Good evening to you too, s.h.i.+n-san. ] ] their words again were sync and their tone was the same.

The two of them already know about the existence of s.h.i.+n; about him being a dungeon master, and him being close to their master. So they were not surprised about the fact that s.h.i.+n was in Vlad's private room.

[ I should be going now, Vlad-sama. ] as he said those words, he transformed into an imp and flew off outside the open window.

And now, as always, Vlad and his two vampire brides were left in the room.

[ [ Should we join you, Vlad-sama? ] ]

( ... )

[ Un... ] Vlad sat up on the bed and nodded, and immediately, his two vampire brides came to his side.

( Haah... I really just can't get used to this... ) although he has the perfect composure outside, Vlad's emotions are already rising steadily inside.

Even though they were supposed to be vampires, and at that, undead, they have an allure Vlad would only wish for back in his previous world. Their sweet smell and soft skin are beyond a dream come true.

[ Vlad-sama... ] they whispered his name as they look at him with glittering eyes; inviting him over. They were like succubuses praying on their man.

They lured him with their charm, but unlike what always happens after, this time, Vlad only stares at them back.

( Hmm... Maybe this is a good chance to ask them about it... )

[ Ayla, Stella... What do you two think of me? Not as your master, but as a man? ]

[ [ ...! ] ]

Their eyes went wide and they went quiet. And after staring at Vlad for a few seconds, their expressionless faces turned bright and they turned their faces away from him.

( Eh...? ) not properly seeing the reaction on their faces, Vlad took their action as a bad sign.

[ U-Umm... Vlad-sama... Why are you suddenly asking...? ]

[ Di-Did we do something wrong...? ]

Fl.u.s.tered, they stuttered their words.

[ No... You did nothing wrong... I was just curious. That's all. ] Vlad also became confused with their replies but he answered them nonetheless.

[ [ ... ] ] but despite what he had said, the two of them were still quiet and seems to be s.h.i.+vering.

Vlad started to become anxious and...

[ Stella. You answer first. ] as he was not able to get his answers immediately, he urges them to answer one at a time.

[ ...! ] as her name was called, her body twitches.

[ Stella. ]

[ Ye-Yes! Umm... I... I really like Vlad-sama... N-No! I mean, I love you, Vlad-sama! ]

( O-Oh! )

[ ... ]

Vlad had never really heard them telling him that before so it became a shock to him to hear them say those words now. Even if it were an ordinary girl to say that, Vlad would be happy, but hearing his beautiful vampire brides say those words had given him emotions he can't explain, the only thing he knows was that he was in euphoria.

[ Vlad-sama is cool and kind... Be-Being with you is satisfying and comfortable... It's also fun when you take us to dates... You-You're the only person I'll love, Vlad-sama! ]

[ Oh...? is that so? Then, I guess there's nothing wrong with that... ]

( I'm beyond happy with that, Stella... )

Although Stella's words, tone, and action suddenly become like Lumi, he didn't mind at all.

[ Hh-hmm...Ayla. ] he turns to Ayla.

[ Umm... Yes... Vlad-sama... As a man... ] she whispers with a flushed, red face as she also fidgets uncontrollably.

( Ju-Just what is adorable creature!? ) Vlad had the urge to hug her but he restraint himself and waited for her to answer.

[ Vlad-sama is really strong and I always feel safe when Vlad-sama is around... You're kind and gentle... It also feels good at night... And also, just like what Stella said... Vlad-sama is the only person Ayla will give her love to! ]

They poured their entire hearts on those words and conveyed their feeling to Vlad as best as they could. Their faces are still red and their eyes seem to be teary in embarra.s.sment, but they continued to look at Vlad and try to and cuddle their bodies on his.

( Ahh... Is this what you call a paradise...? I'm glad I asked them... )

Vlad was more than happy that his anxiousness had finally disappeared.