Survival 30

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“Well then, let’s start the meeting!”

There were three people seated at a hastily made round table with magic.

“What meeting? You’re just going to ramble on as you please, anyway.”

One of them, the very person who had conjured this round table by lifting the floor of the cave, was Bathory.

Her red eyes and fangs revealed that she was a vampire, a being distinct from humans.

There was a faint dissatisfaction in her eyes.

Of course, there was the minor issue of me having destroyed a security spell, but that was merely a secondary reason.

The main cause was something else.

“I was hoping to properly savor some fresh blood after a long time. It’s truly regrettable.”

Perhaps the biggest part of her disappointment was not being able to feed on the wizard she had caught.

Her blood-red tongue flicked between her fangs.

-Shiver.

She openly whetted her appetite, a clear posture of a predator.

It was natural for the party being treated as prey, Elizabeth, to tremble in fear.

“…Just tell me about the specific plan you mentioned earlier. I don’t want to stay long.”

‘Hmm?’

Still, she managed to push back her fear and retort sharply at me.

“Ahem. Then let’s start by reaffirming each other’s goals.”

I already knew them to some extent.

But the first step of true cooperation is to understand each other’s goals and reduce the chances of interference.

Elizabeth nodded in agreement to my words.

“My goal is as you said.”

“There’s no need to be ashamed of your own desires.”

“……Eek!”

A desire she could not voice herself.

For her, a fervent devotee of Luciana, there was only one goal.

Becoming a unique existence just for her.

“Now, next! Lady Bathory, please say something.”

“From the time I met you to now, nothing has changed.”

Bathory, still not completely over her dissatisfaction, crossed her legs and replied indifferently to my question.

It was impressive that she still diligently responded to my requests.

“Revenge against Turen, and regaining my position in the Evildon Empire. That’s enough for me.”

“So, you mean you have no connection with the demons invading the north?”

“What does human land mean to me anyway?”

“Sigh.”

Elizabeth, turning her head and secretly letting out a sigh of relief at the explicit confirmation.

It seemed like an excuse and relief for her actions, expressed in the form of a sigh.

But still, the fact that she had colluded with the demons doesn’t change.

Such shallow rationalization.

‘Well, it’s good for me.’

“Now it’s my turn. My goal is more base and instinctual than yours. Simply, it’s appetite.”

“Appetite?”

“Yes. Doppelgangers are demons that live off the emotions of sentient beings. In that sense, the emotions emitted by our lady here are quite a delicacy.”

I smiled slyly, facing Elizabeth’s somewhat pale face.

“The charisma befitting her position, the confidence matching her martial skills, the steadfast loyalty to her family, and the small enticement that blossoms within, all combine to create a taste of fantasy that you wouldn’t understand.”

“I’m not interested.”

“Same here.”

Surprisingly, the two women agreed on something.

To be honest, since I’m not a real doppelganger, I don’t actually know what that tastes like.

‘But the concept has to be clear.’

“Such a gourmet flavor requires seasoning, of course. Ah, the emotions of our lady when she finds out her trusted servant is actually a demon! Hehe, I’m looking forward to it.”

“Do you plan to harm Lucie?”

Elizabeth’s mood turned icy in an instant.

Well, it was a reaction within the expected range.

To her, a follower, the well-being of Luciana would be of utmost importance.

I wasn’t much different, but I deliberately clicked my tongue and exaggeratedly shrugged my shoulders.

“Oh, come on! Listen till the end. My actions are precisely what will fulfill your desires.”

“…What?”

“Who would she confide in about the hurt of betrayal in my absence?”

Luciana.

Unfortunately, her lofty pride didn’t lend much help in human relationships.

This was something even I couldn’t cover for.

In the game, she was almost a loner.

“Family? She would feel ashamed to consult about such a matter. Friends? Not only does she have few, but as a noble, it’s impossible to reveal weaknesses to them, except for you.”

In truth, apart from Elizabeth, there was no one who could truly be called a friend to Luciana, beyond the interests of nobility.

Elizabeth bit her lip and let out a faint moan.

“Ugh. But this is a betrayal to Luciana.”

“What are you talking about? I’m the one betraying, not you. All you need to do is subtly offer counsel afterwards, so there’s no need for you to feel burdened. You just didn’t tell her, even though you knew. The reason being, um… because you were threatened?”

I gently sprinkled the poisoned bait towards her.

Elizabeth was a noble, but also a merchant.

She knew how to calculate her gains rather than fuss over cumbersome ethical concerns.

Especially with the ‘threatened’ part.

A sure exit strategy for any unforeseeable circumstances.

“What do you want from me?”

Her bright eyes, matching her hair color, scanned me cautiously, harboring suspicion.

True to her quick grasp of situations, her eagerness to understand my demands was satisfying.

If she had been easily swayed, I would have been suspicious.

“There’s only one thing I want. Don’t interfere with my prey.”

“Interference?”

“It means don’t think of using a political marriage as an excuse to kick me out of the duke’s residence.”

Along with that, I unleashed a dense mana through the artifact Amen.

Feeling the change in my atmosphere, she swallowed hard and struggled to nod her head.

“Alright, I won’t interfere.”

That settles it.

Now that she’s heard my plan, she must have made her own judgment.

Rather, she probably realized that aligning me with Luciana would be more beneficial for the future she envisions.

“That’s strange.”

“What do you mean?”

“If it’s as you say, wouldn’t now be the perfect time? Having saved the descendant of a warrior from me, you must have already gained her considerable trust.”

Surprisingly, it was Bathory who raised an objection.

Of course, as a demon, her point was quite distant from moral right or wrong.

“Do you know what meat, wine, and emotions have in common?”

“…What are you trying to say now?”

“The more they age, the deeper and richer their flavors become.”

Even I felt intoxicated by my own voice.

Bathory, who had questioned my nonsense, and even Elizabeth, wore expressions of disbelief.

‘The art of extreme concept is to blur the line between reality and act.’

“I was foolish to expect a sensible answer from you.”

“My answer is based on the primal desires of a living being, quite sensible indeed.”

[You have perfectly deceived both the lady and the demon.]

[The infamy of Frost Mane increases.]

The status window, acknowledging my performance, granted me a small reward.

As I nonchalantly shrugged my shoulders, Bathory sighed and then twisted her fingers through her hair.

“But what about your contract with me? You haven’t forgotten our deal, have you?”

“I’ve prepared some exceptionally potent blood for you.”

I pulled out a special gift to soothe her irritation.

Even the high and mighty nocturnal nobility couldn’t hide their honesty when it came to food.

Trying to act nonchalant with her arms crossed, she couldn’t help but keep glancing at the oak barrel I had brought out.

“It seems that even monsters become legendary creatures if they live long enough. This is blood from a centuries-old Yeti raised in the duke’s estate. I hope it suits Lady Bathory’s palate.”

“Hehe, certainly more useful than the blood of insignificant beasts. …This breaks my fantasy, though.”

Worried someone might steal it, Bathory quickly used telekinesis to float the barrel to one side of the underground passage.

Elizabeth shook her head as she watched this.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s just that… you know, when people talk about demons, they always say certain things. I always thought of them as enemies.”

The faint emotion reflected in her eyes as she looked at Bathory.

Sympathy.

The pitiful sight of Bathory, who had just a moment ago instilled fear as an arrogant and powerful being, now fluctuating over a mere barrel of blood, seemed to evoke pity.

‘Even so, Bathory could tear someone like Elizabeth apart with a flick of her finger.’

Being fooled by the fragile appearance of a demon, despite knowing her true nature, is a judgment typical of an inexperienced noble girl.

It’s not a bad development for me.

“Why don’t you, Lady Elizabeth, make a deal with Lady Bathory then?”

It was more akin to sponsorship than an actual trade.

Elizabeth, with her eyes wide open, questioned back.

“A deal?”

“She may seem like this, but she’s a vampire well-versed in magic. It could be a great opportunity for you, a wizard.”

From my perspective, Bathory and Elizabeth had a lot to gain from each other.

Elizabeth, unlike me, who had to be cautious even when losing a bit of blood, was a genuine lady with influence over a trading company.

Monster blood?

Of course, the blood had significant value as a material for scrolls.

But wouldn’t it be ridiculously cheap to hire a teacher of Bathory’s caliber with it?

However, based on the principles of supply and demand, for Bathory in her current situation, it would be an invaluable payment.

“But a deal with a demon…”

“Why are you hesitating? You’ve already joined hands with me.”

After all, the first step is always the hardest.

A little push was all it would take.

“Just do the math. Isn’t it more fitting for a northern noble to exploit a demon who is oblivious to her own worth in employment due to her obsession with revenge, to the marrow?”

At my whisper, her pupils shook violently. That’s when…

An icy voice cut through the air.

“Did you think I wouldn’t hear you whispering like that?”

“Oh, you heard?”

Trying to appear nonchalant, I shrugged as Bathory let out a sigh of exasperation.

However, her sharp gaze remained, soon turning into a piercing rebuke towards Elizabeth.

“Even in my pitiful state, I haven’t thrown away my pride. Do you think I have any magic to teach to a worthless human?”

Oops.

I clicked my tongue as I watched Elizabeth tremble.

‘I was going to explain it to her later.’

Since we had agreed to form an alliance anyway.

It might be a good idea to set things straight now.

I had no choice but to enlighten this naive and hasty being, who still couldn’t recognize who was really in charge and was blabbering away.

“I’ve seen the products sold by the Frontal trading company before, including blood from large monsters like Yetis and Trolls.”

“…Ahem! That can be handled with the help of your own kind.”

It seemed she, too, still harbored some reluctance towards humans, much like Elizabeth.

Though momentarily hesitant at the mention of the blood she so desired, Bathory shook her head vigorously and looked at me, her eyes filled with a belief that I could obviously do it. I tilted my head, continuing my point.

“Well, I can’t provide a stable and regular supply.”

“Hmm…”

“It’s frustrating. You’re talking about revenge but being picky about your weapon? You should use whatever comes to hand.”

But this aversion was a completely useless obstacle.

It was a matter of efficiency.

Bathory was like a hidden blade in this game, capable of confronting the final boss, the disaster.

Naturally, the quicker she regained her strength, the easier it would be for me to navigate through the perilous storyline.

“Well, the choice is yours. But at this rate, I wonder how you plan to exact your revenge on Turen?”

Flash.

With a slight provocation, her red pupils widened again, and the atmosphere shifted.

Rage was swirling within. A heavy murderous intent, like sharp fangs piercing the skin.

Drip.

A cold sweat ran down my back.

“Advice is often bitter to taste.”

But I couldn’t back down now.

If I showed weakness here, it would all be for naught.

I chuckled and closed my mouth.

Our gazes locked for a moment, sparks flying.

“Your point has some merit.”

Bathory was the first to look away in the tense atmosphere.

“It’s laughable when I think about it. I’m hardly in a position to be choosy, am I?”

-Click. Click.

The sound of her high heels echoed in the underground chamber, as she approached the person who had been left out of the conversation.

“Hey, young wizard. What did you say your name was?”

“…Elizabeth Frontal of the Frontal Count House.”

“Tch, that’s too long. I’ll just call you Elli.”

The vampire reached out her hand first towards the still hesitant noble lady.

“Teaching magic to a human doesn’t exactly thrill me, but I guess this is a problem a loser must endure. I’m counting on you.”

Soon, Elizabeth, seemingly having made up her mind, grasped her hand in return.

“I’m counting on you too. As for the blood, I’ll provide it after seeing the results of your training. I can get some from valuable monsters too.”

Even while trembling, she, like a true corporate entity, set the payment terms to be determined later, ensuring not to commit upfront – a certain deviousness in play.

Truly, being a merchant isn’t for everyone, I thought.

***

Ferno was baffled when he first heard the rumors.

“A thief ‘Frost Mane’ in the North? Already?”

Given that he was still being pursued by the Duke of Loberk’s house.

He had been so focused on covering his tracks that he hadn’t looked into the details, but what, was the Count’s vault a neighborhood storage unit?

Even the news reported in the newspapers was undeniably a significant achievement.

“I see he is doing well even without me. Let’s see how much he has grown.”

A deep smile, uncharacteristic for the dry face of a merchant suited for the desert, spread across his face.

He had business in the North anyway.

With his own affairs somewhat settled, it was the right time to visit the apprentice he had left on his own.

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