#Episode 60
The way to touch the soul of a powerful vampire inevitably demands a significant price.
Among the methods Todd could attempt, using the [Dagger of Condemnation] likely carried the least risk. That must be why the future Todd chose it.
‘If stabbing the heart is the least risky, what would the other, more dangerous options be…?’
It wouldn’t involve something like human sacrifice. The grown Todd wasn’t the kind of person to feel guilt over sacrificing others.
Anyway, it required a price even beyond Todd’s own life, which was chilling to even imagine.
‘Maybe it would be better just to give up the [Dagger of Condemnation.] No, Vasha! What are you thinking? You should focus on avoiding waking up the Vampire Lord at all costs!’
To do that, she had to delay Todd’s vengeance as much as possible.
Unaware of Vasha’s complex thoughts, Todd shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
“Last time, you asked me to hand over my dagger to Laurus, but now you won’t even allow swordsmanship lessons? It’s weird. Do you have any reason why not?”
“Well…”
Since she couldn’t tell the truth, Vasha mumbled, lacking any reasonable excuse.
“Because you’re, uh, young?”
“Being young is exactly why I should take lessons. I need to learn things like swordsmanship early so I can use them as I grow older. I can’t just follow behind you forever, you know.”
Vasha thought that wouldn’t be so bad, but Todd’s piercing gaze stopped her from saying it aloud.
Seeing Vasha’s discomfort, Todd softened his sharp eyes, gently persuading her.
“You can’t protect me all the time, either… When dangerous situations arise, I should be able to defend myself, right?”
Todd’s tone was uncharacteristically sweet, very different from his usual pushy attitude.
Turning crisis into opportunity. Reflecting on Vasha’s earlier response to his hunger complaint made Todd feel a bit embarrassed, but it also gave him valuable information.
‘Does acting weak get better responses from her?’
Just as he suspected, Vasha seemed conflicted the moment Todd played the part of the innocent.
It was almost absurd that he only realized it now; Vasha was more of the sun that could make you shed your clothes than a harsh north wind.*
‘Maybe Melina’s situation could have been resolved without so much bickering… Well, no use dwelling on it. I can just get it right from here on.’
With his mind made up, Todd continued to plead with Vasha, putting on a cute and pitiable face.
“Most noble children my age take swordsmanship classes for self-defense. I’m not being unusual. If anything, I’m a bit late. Right, Count Renfield?”
“Oh, if you’re going to pretend to be so well-behaved, it would be nice if you’d pay attention to titles as well. After all, I am now legally your guardian, am I not?”
Seeing through Todd’s sudden change in attitude, Laurus smirked instead of playing along.
Of course, Todd wasn’t one to back down that easily. While he pretended to be polite to Vasha, he didn’t intend to do the same for Laurus. Todd raised an eyebrow and shouted sharply.
“What title do you want, huh? Grandpa? Keep dreaming!”
“What did you just say?”
Laurus demanded seriously, his tone intimidating. Todd, slightly taken aback, replied begrudgingly.
“Keep dreaming?”
“Before that.”
“Grandpa?”
“There you go.”
“…Ugh, annoying!”
Todd stomped his foot in frustration. Having achieved his goal, Laurus laughed heartily, his serious expression vanishing.
What ensued after was a battle of words.
Of course, it wasn’t a physical fight. Although Todd might not have much respect for elders, he wasn’t ruthless enough to attempt fistfights with a 70-year-old. Of course, things would be different if his opponent was a 700-year-old vampire…
The sharp words exchanged between the two cut like knives.
“Old geezer!”
“You little brat!”
“You’ve shown your true colors! So all that ‘familiar’ nonsense was just a load of rubbish!”
“That was just to show respect and reverence for Lady Vasha! What makes you think you deserve any respect?”
While the two continued their loud bickering, Vasha was lost in thought.
Initially surprised, Oliver quickly grew accustomed to their quarrels and went about his business. The golden tea Oliver poured settled into Vasha’s cup.
Vasha took a sip of tea, contemplating the situation.
From Laurus’s reaction, Todd’s claim that noble children start swordsmanship lessons at ten seemed credible.
‘Certainly… Although Laurus has provided a stable residence, the situation can’t be considered entirely safe… As someone of lower rank, so I can’t fully guarantee Todd’s safety, especially if something happens during the day…’
And the fact that other noble children were all attending lessons was also troubling.
Now, Todd would be perceived as Count Renfield’s child born outside of wedlock, and if he hadn’t taken swordsmanship lessons—a skill nobles are expected to learn…
While Todd’s personality would keep bullies at bay, he couldn’t prevent people from gossiping.
Imagining Todd hearing remarks like, ‘A child brought in from outside could never be a true noble,’ made Vasha feel choked.
‘Is this… the heart of a parent wanting to raise a child without shortcomings…?’
Todd’s act worked perfectly. Vasha, now convinced, sighed and raised her hands in surrender.
For the second time that day, Vasha was yielding.
Observing this, Laurus murmured in admiration.
Not only do they act weak toward each other, but they also fall for such obvious tricks. They really are two of a kind.
‘Indeed, they are soul companions…’
Todd, catching Laurus’s satisfied gaze, scowled at him with furrowed brows.
Soul companion—if Todd had heard that phrase, he would’ve shuddered. But since the mighty Van Drake couldn’t read thoughts, Todd was left feeling an uneasy sense of discomfort.
***
In a loose-fitting shirt and calf-high boots, Todd looked the part of a young noble heading to swordsmanship training. Despite the simplicity of his clothes, the quality of the fabric and leather made it clear they were costly.
Todd headed to the training ground as the sun began to set, the cool evening air chilling his cheeks.
The training location was chosen in a secluded spot in the garden, away from prying eyes, but fully visible from Laurus’s study.
‘Always so cautious…’
It was obvious why the training ground had been chosen in view of Laurus’s study.
Upon arriving, Todd glanced up at the second-floor study. Behind the closed window, he could make out Vasha’s silhouette.
“Tsk…”
Todd clicked his tongue. At this rate, Vasha would soon realize that all his excuses for needing a swordsmanship teacher had been nonsense.
Of course, Todd hadn’t entirely lied to Vasha. Noble children around his age indeed took swordsmanship lessons; it was just that those lessons typically involved nothing more than basic wooden sword drills.
Anyway, Vasha had agreed to the lessons without specifying the content, so Todd had some room to maneuver.
Waiting for Todd at the training ground was Oliver, dressed in his usual butler’s attire.
Standing before Oliver, Todd, with Laurus’s shiny dagger strapped to his waist and a wooden sword slung over his shoulder, looked up at him defiantly.
“Even if you’re my swordsmanship teacher, I won’t treat you like one.”
“I didn’t expect you to.”
Oliver snorted dismissively.
Removing his outer butler’s coat, Oliver rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. His muscular forearms indicated he hadn’t neglected training, a far cry from the impression of a man who spent all his time behind a desk.
🍓; *The sentence suggests that Vasha’s approach or personality is warm, kind, and persuasive, making others feel comfortable and open, rather than being cold, harsh, or forceful. It highlights the effectiveness of gentle influence over aggression.
