#Episode 31
What’s the difference between before and after becoming a familiar? Does the soul contract connect the familiar and the contractor this deeply?
But even when Todd was beaten up while escaping from Haidus, it wasn’t this bad…
‘I won’t make a fuss if you look just as hurt as I am! But looking more hurt than I am…!’
Is this what humans mean when they say they want to feel their child’s pain instead?
Maybe when you accept parenthood, your mindset naturally changes like this…
Since vampires don’t have to deal with childcare, it just feels unfamiliar. Vasha reassured herself this way.
Meanwhile, the liquid had evaporated, and the blood in the cup had condensed into a solid, round shape. After a while, the crystal in the cup became hard enough to clink.
Todd took the crystal, which looked like a ruby or Vasha’s eyes, from the cup and held it out to Vasha.
“You just need to make contact with the target beforehand.”
“I have a plan for that. Don’t worry.”
Suppressing her nervousness, Vasha stepped forward confidently. Todd, still doubtful, emphasized again.
“Remember, you must not get directly involved. If the relic recognizes your magic first, it’s all for nothing.”
“I know, I know.”
Vasha carefully picked up the crystal from Todd’s palm with her thumb and forefinger. The fingernail-sized crystal emitted a sinister red light, making Vasha mutter in awe.
“Neutralizing a relic… If it’s this effective, vampires could definitely use it!”
Todd sneered.
“Where would they get Van Drake’s blood?”
“Then where does Van Drake get vampire blood?”
“You know the answer.”
Todd smiled widely, looking unusually cheerful for his age. Acting smug, he added.
“So be grateful. This is something strictly managed to ensure it never falls into a vampire’s hands.”
“No matter if I’m your contractor, is it really okay to just give this to me?”
“What else can I do? We’re in the same boat. Since I’m helping you now, you have to help me later. Got it?”
Todd clicked his tongue, urging Vasha to respond. Though Todd didn’t specify what help he needed, Vasha felt she already knew what it was.
‘It’s for revenge, of course!’
In the past, Vasha was indifferent to Todd’s revenge. However, after witnessing young Todd suffer from nightmares, her feelings changed.
Since Todd’s targets for revenge were the Lamphas Church and the royal family, Vasha had no reason to feel conflicted.
‘Anyway, it’s not like Todd is planning revenge right away. By the time Todd is old enough to plot revenge, I’ll have overcome my quest and regained some abilities or memories, so I could help him.’
More than anything, the risk of not helping was too great.
‘If I don’t help and he ends up resurrecting the Vampire Lord like in my dreams, it would be a disaster!’
Vasha was a pacifist whose goal was to live a long, quiet life while gradually regaining her memories.
On the other hand, judging by the fact that the Vampire Lord went to sleep and the vampires reduced their activities, and that Todd was seeking revenge on the world by awakening the Vampire Lord, it was clear that the Vampire Lord was extremely militant.
For Vasha, it was preferable for the Vampire Lord to stay asleep. Vasha nodded.
“Well… fine. As long as you don’t cross the line.”
As soon as Vasha took a step back, Todd eagerly asked.
“What line?”
“Anything that threatens my safety.”
“Your survival is my survival. Do you think I’d put you in danger?”
Todd tried to persuade Vasha again. Even though Vasha was a low-ranking vampire, her full support would be a great help to Todd’s revenge.
However, Todd’s persuasion had no effect on Vasha. No one knew better than Vasha how much Todd would sacrifice for his revenge in the future.
‘You’d even be willing to die for your revenge against humans. So, what do you mean my survival is your survival?’
Vasha grumbled.
Unlike Todd, if Todd died, Vasha wouldn’t die along with him.
But since Todd didn’t consider his own life very important in the face of revenge, Vasha doubted he’d care much about Vasha’s life either.
Not wanting to answer Todd, Vasha cleared her throat and changed the subject.
“Anyway, it would have been nice if you’d given me this a little earlier. If I had known about it sooner, I wouldn’t have had to worry when going out at night.”
“Why do you think I didn’t?”
Todd glared. If that fool of a vampire had known about this method, she would have felt too secure and wandered into even more dangerous places.
Todd’s assumption was accurate. Vasha could only laugh awkwardly, having been hit right on the mark.
“Ahaha.”
“You know…”
Todd began to nag Vasha for a long time, seemingly annoyed that Vasha had changed the subject. His nagging was unusually lengthy.
Trying to avoid giving a clear answer and changing the subject had only earned Vasha a scolding. She sulkily fiddled with the crystal in her hand, which sparkled beautifully despite her gloomy expression.
***
Vasha had the crystal crafted into a necklace.
Since Noctiluca had many gambling dens, it also had many pawnshops and, consequently, many jewelers who dismantled and sold stolen goods. Thanks to this, Vasha didn’t have to wait long to receive the necklace.
Vasha lent the crystal necklace to Lenny. Lenny jumped in surprise upon seeing it.
“Something this precious? Is it a ruby?”
“It’s not a ruby.”
“A spinel? Even a spinel this bright would be valuable.”
“Um… it’s not spinel either.”
Technically, Lenny wasn’t wrong. Vasha shrugged.
“You mentioned you didn’t have a necklace to match the outfit you’re wearing to meet Albert Renfield. I’m lending you this.”
“Vasha…!”
Tears welled up in Lenny’s eyes as she hugged Vasha tightly.
“If I end up becoming Albert’s lover, I won’t forget your help…!”
“Didn’t Albert say he was looking for a companion, not a lover?”
“Well, it’s like buying shoes and a hat while you’re out shopping for clothes. He might find a lover while looking for a companion. And a companion is essentially a contract marriage anyway. Usually, these things end up with the two getting along well!”
Vasha laughed at Lenny’s persistent belief in the contract marriage theory.
After releasing Vasha from her embrace, Lenny made an unexpected suggestion.
“Vasha, why don’t you apply to be Count Renfield’s companion too?”
“Me?”
“Yes. It seems the pay isn’t bad… and it’s not easy for you to find a job because of your looks, right?”
“They’re only hiring beauties, right?”
“Exactly.”
Lenny’s expression was serious, devoid of any teasing. She looked directly at Vasha as if making eye contact through his hood.
“You’re actually incredibly beautiful, Vasha. That’s why you keep yourself hidden in rough places like the slums to avoid attracting attention.”
Vasha’s eyes widened. Lenny had never hinted at knowing this, so Vasha hadn’t expected her to notice her appearance.
Lenny added, as if in explanation.
“When you saved me, I caught a glimpse through your hood.”
“Thank you for keeping it a secret.”
Vasha quickly hid her surprise, smiled, and took Lenny’s hand. Lenny, blushing, cleared her throat.
“Anyway, I meant you should apply too. I’m mostly going for fun to see Albert’s face. Oh, and just so you know, I’m not saying this because you lent me the necklace!”
“I know, I know.”
Vasha burst into laughter. Lenny, who was laughing with her, added a comment, encouraging her to definitely apply. After that, wearing the necklace that Vasha had fastened, Lenny skipped away cheerfully.
