**Chapter Twelve: Negotiation②**
The woman introduced as Alba Tos was staring at me with fierce determination in her eyes, as if she might leap at me at any moment. It was hard to believe she hadn’t attacked yet.
I returned her gaze, locking eyes with Master Beast. The eerie man, whose thoughts were inscrutable, rubbed his hands, encased in thin leather gloves, and made an exaggeratedly displeased expression before speaking.
“Surprised? I was too. It seems that the one you hold is quite precious to Annihilation. I specialize in hunting, but—”
“I need time to think.”
“You have no time.”
At I’s words, Alba Tos gripped the table, baring her teeth. Her slender fingers dug into the thick wooden surface, causing it to crack ominously. It was terrifying strength, seemingly unenhanced by Sei energy.
But of course, I could do the same. I had anticipated a formidable opponent, which was why I had turned the rules against the Deceased and had been feeding on blood. I hadn’t entered this negotiation without a strategy.
The terms of the deal were not unexpected either. It was just that the approach was… more peaceful than I had anticipated. The only thing they might want enough to negotiate for was Senri.
This could be a problem. I was a monster. The only reason Senri showed me sympathy was that I was the hunted. If that premise crumbled, there would be no reason for Senri to stay close to me.
It was a clever tactic. I didn’t believe the Order of the Final Knights would keep their promises, but if I could hide the power of Negative, my chances of escape would increase significantly.
“I need to drink blood to survive.”
“I don’t care. If you can conceal the power of Negative, you can safely acquire objects as much as you want. If you are truly a harmless Vampire, there are countless ways to do it.”
At I’s words, Master Beast frowned.
…This is difficult.
Indeed, there were countless ways. Vampires were often the hunted because their nature led them to indulge in Bloodlust, draining their prey dry. Furthermore, true Vampires could curse their victims, turning them into dark minions. The rapidly proliferating Vampires were humanity’s enemies.
However, conversely, if I didn’t exhibit those traits, I could remain harmless. The curse placed upon me was useful in certain areas, so perhaps I could find a patron after all.
Master Beast presented a piece of paper—it was a contract.
While the paper itself held no power, it contained the terms Master Beast had mentioned a moment ago—offering the Knight-Crystal and my freedom in exchange for my voluntary separation from Senri.
“Sign here. A blood seal as well. It will prove that this was not coerced by violence… I must go retrieve the spoiled princess.”
“…It won’t be proof.”
“It will. Vampires are cursed. When they die, their bodies turn to dust. It is impossible to get a blood seal from a corpse, and the End Knight will be able to discern your lingering Negative energy.”
Master Beast’s voice had a low, oppressive resonance. …If it’s Senri, she might accept this without question.
Reaching into his pocket, Master Beast pulled out a small leather pouch and placed a crystal, the size of a pinky claw, onto the table. It was small, but I recognized it immediately.
—The real object.
I instinctively understood. This crystal absorbed the Negative energy constantly emanating from me, preventing it from spreading outward. I wasn’t sure if its size could completely conceal my presence, but it was certainly better than nothing. It was an object I desperately desired.
“Even this size is rarely found; it’s an extremely rare item. Heh heh… every minion of the night would covet such a thing. Originally, it’s not something a Lower Rank (レナサー) should possess.”
“…It can’t replace Senri.”
I firmly denied it. A tranquil life was indeed an object I sought, but in the end, it was just a pebble. Since there was a second one, there must be a third and fourth somewhere in this world. But Senri was the only one of her kind.
At my response, Master Beast furrowed his brow and spoke in a tone as if to admonish me.
“You are narrowing Senri Sylvis’s future. Surely, you don’t believe that following you would bring her happiness. If you possess any human reason—shouldn’t you set her free?”
This was it. This man had clearly pinpointed my weakness. My strength lay in having a human spirit, and my weakness was the same.
I was at a loss… I found myself feeling a flicker of empathy for the man before me. He might be more challenging than a powerful End Knight.
“What has Senri gained by being deceived by you? Her reputation tarnished, hunted by former allies, her health deteriorating, leaving her bedridden. You’ve drained her blood and exploited her kindness as a shield for your weakness. If you possess a human heart, think carefully…”
When pressed with words and logic, I felt weak. Why? Because I had no sense of justice. I understood it all too well. I had preyed upon Senri’s weaknesses, leaned on her, given nothing in return, and still—desperately wanted to survive.
My strategy had crumbled… perhaps. What should I do? …No, it was clear.
Taking a deep breath like a human, I looked up at Master Beast.
“Senri… has given me everything.”
“…”
“Oh, don’t misunderstand. When I say she gave me everything, I mean everything except her virginity. She remains pure. Therefore, she can still function as a member of the Order of the Final Knights. I had thought that one day—there would come a time to return her to the Order.”
I didn’t understand the logic behind it, but strong blessings resided in a pure body. Thus, most End Knights, whether male or female, were said to be pure. This was one of their weaknesses, and among the minions of the night and demons, there were those who actively targeted that weakness.
Master Beast’s brow twitched.
“You were aware, then… I can hold my head high.”
I took the pen placed on the table and, without hesitation, wrote my name in one breath.
He must not have expected me to comply so readily. Master Beast stared in astonishment as I set the pen down and said,
“However, there’s one thing I must clarify. I didn’t deceive Senri… Senri deceived me. I didn’t take anything from her; she gave it to me. Senri made me human. You wouldn’t understand, Master Beast, the feeling of suddenly becoming a monster after having been human. And the joy of being accepted by others despite such a transformation.”
Alba Tos’s pupils narrowed, her breath ragged, though she said nothing.
I took the Knight-Crystal from the table and placed it into my pocket. Biting into the skin of my right thumb, I brought the bloodied digit close to the contract.
“I… love Senri dearly. Therefore, if that leads to her happiness… I will gladly set her free.”
With force, I pressed my thumb onto the contract and released it. My fingerprint remained firmly on the document. How could a blood seal remain when I would turn to ash upon death?
This was the right choice. I couldn’t think of any other path. This was the right choice. The aftermath—was a gamble.
As I contemplated this, Master Beast lifted the contract, examined it, then nodded deeply before tucking it away. With a smile, he extended his hand toward me, as if to shake hands.
“It’s good to have a Vampire who understands… The burden has been lifted.”
“By the way, there’s one thing I want to confirm…”
“…What is it?”
I didn’t shake his hand, instead sitting back in my chair and narrowing my eyes.
Master Beast and Alba Tos. They were truly terrifying practitioners. Despite hearing my resolve, their expressions barely changed. It was supposed to be me who was the monster, yet it felt as if the roles were reversed.
Yes, this was the image I had of… Vampire hunting itself.
I smiled. This negotiation had been a genuinely nerve-wracking affair. And then, I voiced my doubt.
“Did you get permission from the End Knights for that contract? The Order of the Final Knights I know isn’t the kind of soft-hearted group that shows mercy to monsters.”
“…Heh heh heh… Of course, they entrusted me with the task. You’re far too perceptive.”
His arm reached out, grabbing my own. The strength drained from me instantly. But at that moment, I kicked the table hard.
The heavy wooden table flipped over, and his grip released. The strength that had been slipping away surged back rapidly. A thunderous noise echoed, followed by screams and shouts from the surrounding crowd.
It should have been a complete ambush, yet Master Beast was not crushed beneath the table. Had he sidestepped quickly? Amidst the focused gazes, he stood calmly, smiling.
Had he concealed a cross beneath those gloves that caused my strength to drain upon contact? If I hadn’t kicked the table, I might not have been able to break free.
But in that instant, what I felt was profound relief.
The relationship between Vampire hunters and Vampires had to be this way.
Master Beast drew a sword from his waist—a silver blade that sent a chill down my spine.
A cross. I understood instinctively.
That sword clearly fulfilled the conditions of what Vampires feared most. Holding a sword with an impossibly large guard, Master Beast chuckled softly.
“Do not take it personally, pitiful Vampire. I have not broken our contract. I shall extinguish your soul, at least with mercy.”
The patrons, sensing the dire situation, screamed and abandoned their drinks and food, rushing towards the exit in a panic. Indeed, in the chaos, the Vampire Hunters found no meaning. The Order of the Final Knights may strive to protect humanity, but the Vampire Hunters cared not for the lives of others.
Their pursuit of Vampires was driven by greed and—deep-seated resentment. They lacked the Blessing to overpower the dark minions like the Order of the Final Knights, yet they were consumed by an unyielding madness that refused to let go.
Even if they had to slay a thousand innocents to hunt down a single Vampire, they would deem it justified. Such were the Vampire Hunters.
With one hand, Alba tossed a large table aside, speaking as if spitting out words.
“You’ve had your fill of blood, haven’t you? No matter how much you try to sound virtuous, the scent gives you away… Vampire.”
“Are you planning to kill me and then head straight to Senri to talk?”
“What? This is merely a little service. We operate independently… I must repay that abomination.”
So, it seemed they were willing to tolerate a few complications. It was clear that their mission was solely to kill me.
They had no intention of letting me escape. Well, why would they? If the Vampire Hunters did not hunt Vampires, they would have to change their name.
However, I never expected they wouldn’t even let me step outside the tavern…
Master Beast withdrew a vial from his pocket and sprinkled the liquid onto his blade, droplets falling from the sword’s edge.
Eight or nine times out of ten, it was likely holy water that would corrode an abomination’s body. I must absolutely avoid it. While my pure strength surpassed his, I had no idea how potent the effects of holy water could be.
I and Master Beast—were slightly alike.
With a hint of familiarity, I smiled at him. Master Beast frowned in response. Then, I cut the talisman.
“I too… have not broken our promise. I have not spoken to anyone about the contents of the letter.”
“…”
I had not spoken. I had merely… shown the letter. I had not come here with anyone else. Just… yes, I had waited at the meeting place beforehand.
That was close. If they had attempted a peaceful negotiation until the very end, I would have been in a dire situation. After all, it was unthinkable for me not to wish for Senri’s happiness.
“…Put away your sword.”
And just as I had planned, my cold voice echoed through the nearly empty tavern.