"What is this place?" I asked as I walked out of the sarcophagus.

"We were at the estate in Tillerson, hostess. The largest and most expensive estate within a 100-mile radius! The furniture was made by a well-known Philadelphia craftsman, and it had no less than 40 windows. Note that beautiful Corinthian column on the front porch, it's so cute. Dalton said with a blank face.

I'm grateful that the vampire can get up completely awake.

"The Tillerson are very proud of this place, aren't they?"

"Yes, mistress. They explained everything in great detail. It took an hour. ”

"I think we've arrived safely at Barrington during the day, right?"

"Yes, mistress."

"We became their guests because ......?"

"Why, ma'am, how could Cornelius Tillerson allow such an act of kindness to go unpunished?" Of course, he had to show all his friends in high society the popular hero Sir Cecil Rutherford Bingle! We were invited to the ball. ”

"Loth can't leave?"

"I can't and I don't want to. We only arrived two hours ago so it was unreasonable to leave. Not to mention, it's suspicious. ”

"What's the matter with suspicion?"

"We don't all have the charm of Sir Bingle, ma'am. That brave man owes a lot of things to us. However, I'm not a hero, and Loth is a bit weird. Not to mention that there are several widows and old virgins who have a crush on him. I can tell you that it's not good to go and grab a woman on the first day you go to a new place. I hope you can use your legendary persuasiveness to settle things. ”

When he says "put things right," he doesn't mean killing everyone here this time.

"Good, but I'd like to clean it first."

"I told the servant to fetch water."

The bedroom I stayed in was small but well furnished. It's so impersonal and uncomfortable, but I can appreciate your efforts. As I plucked leaves and twigs from my hair, a grim-faced black woman dragged in a jug of warm water and left without saying a word. I've helped organize enough receptions that I know that improvising a reception is a tiring and thankless ordeal.

Thirst took me when I put on Nashoba's earrings and mother-of-pearl necklace. Unfortunately, this royal blue dress I wore was too practical and not elegant enough. At the very least, it's well cut and should work to its fullest.

I walked out of my bedroom and found myself in a rather large hallway, and I admit I was impressed. Tillerson's mansion is indeed large and expensive to renovate. I think the environment around us is investing more money than sanity. However, as a guest, I also appreciate their care and I will not comment.

Dalton has been faithfully waiting for me. I noticed that he was much more elegant than usual. He shaved his face clean, combed his hair back, and even waxed it. He has become a dark charm, the kind of man that fathers fear when their daughters become adults. A well-tailored suit helped him go from outlaw to prodigal.

Good. This image is more respectable than the previous one and should help him serve me.

"Give me your arm."

"Lover? You...... Thirsty?"

"Nope! Yes, but I didn't mean that. Stretch out your arm to me and let's go together. ”

"Ahh Of course. ”

I grabbed him, and we headed up a flight of stairs. I could hear a lot of people laughing down there, and I could hear the smell of wine, energy, and sweat. Kazuya......

I made a gesture to stop Dalton and knocked on a nearby door.

"I'm sorry! How are you?"

Soon, a ashamed man in a butler's uniform opened the door. One of his hands was hidden behind his back, hiding evidence of his crime: a half-bottle of fine Scotch whisky.

"Human resource management. Can I help you, miss......"

When our eyes met, I hit him with the full force of hypnosis. With a gentle push, he rolled back into the house.

To my frustration, his bow tie was blocking my way, so I had to eat his arm. Well, don't mind.

When I'm done, I'll go back to Dalton and leave my donor in the shadow of his hard search. Now it seems that no good help can be found anywhere. Oh well, I guess the food is ready tonight.

"Where the hell is Sinid?"

"Oh, he mentioned some filthy humans who made the air stinky and went to the forest. If you're lucky, you'll be eaten by wolves......"

"I hope not until I get paid what I deserve!"

"But I believe that after 9 months, some

Aïve's daughter would give birth to a child with strange hair. ”

“…”

It sounds very personal. I'm starting to think that someone in his family might have mixed the wrong breed in the haystack. Buzz. As we approach our destination, I'll save those thoughts for another time.

The banquet hall was at the back of the house, and it seemed that the party was in full swing. Crowds of revelers poured from the open floor-to-ceiling windows into the hall and garden. I noticed that the wealthy landowners wore conservative and expensive light-colored clothing, but there were also a few dark blue military uniforms that were actually quite close to mine. I wonder if Loth did it on purpose? I was not at all surprised that this was from the mouth of the cunning old fellow.

We were stopped at the entrance by a man in a butler's suit, who stood on his toes like a singing bird. The look of self-esteem that emanated from his sad face was striking.

He clearly didn't trust Dalton. However, I seem to have passed some kind of test. In the South, a person's skin condition is an easy way to determine their social status. Anyone with fair, healthy skin hides during the day and sleeps at night. Therefore, they must be rich.

My clothes and understated jewelry, as well as my posture, only reinforce this image. In less than half a second, the janitor thought I was valuable.

"Who shall I inform, Miss?"

"Ariana Delaney".

"Oh! You are... Well. Forgive me. ”

The man was flustered by the violation of etiquette. Well, I can't blame him, because I can already hear Loth's growl.

"Miss Ariana Delaney!" The man declares to the crowd, to the indifference in general ...

Why is everyone looking at me?

"Miss Delaney, come here!" Bingle said in the center of the room.

I walked around a few groups of people and smiled and nodded to any guest who met my gaze. Dalton followed me like a shadow, then blended into the crowd, unnoticed.

Soon, I was in front of a group of people, who I guess were the initiators of tonight's unexpected celebration. I noticed in passing that Ruth wasn't in Binger's arms. I hope she hasn't been left out in the cold.

"Miss Delaney, it's a pleasure to see you! Here, let me introduce you to our finest and most generous host: Cornelius Tillerson,"

He was referring to a happy guy with a gray beard and mustache. His well-tailored suit had a hard time holding the intestines, his nose was already red, his glass was empty, and I bet he wasn't the first one tonight. The owner of this house seems to be a self-indulgent person.

“…… Lydia Tillerson ......"

His wife was much younger than him. She is also gorgeous and elegant. Her hair is slightly gray, which is a typical image of a mature beauty. Loth will be pleased.

She exudes a sensual vibe. It's funny because her husband doesn't.

"And their daughter Cecily!"

The last member of the convention had the misfortune of inheriting her father's qualities, though I had seen worse. She lacks beauty, but her self-confidence makes up for it, and her shrewd eyes hint at sharp intelligence.

After introducing myself, I curtsy just to get Cornelius to put his hand in my face.

I gave him a proper kiss in anticipation, and he gave it to me as if he were expecting me to spit out crude oil.

"Heroines now!" Bi

GLE mentions your courage here! You're a real proof of an American woman, not like those pale flowers that the British love, ha!"

"Haha. Of course, Mr. Bingle is exaggerating. He and my uncle did most of the work. ”

"He also said you were humble." He replied with a sly smile.

"Dear brother, don't pester that poor woman, you'll scare her!"

"Is it true that you lied to a room of guards and beat up one of them?"

Why did he say it so rudely?

"Well, there are two of them. The other guarded Dalton. ”

"Hah! Hahaha, God forbid, you missed one! Thank you, my girl, I haven't laughed so much in a long time. Right now. Why don't you and Cecily play with the young guys while we stubborn old guys reminisce about the past! If I don't give my son a chance to propose to you, my friends will never forgive me. Go now! Enjoy, come back to us after a lap!"

The young woman immediately shook my hand, while Cornelius and Bingle continued their previous discussion under the tolerant gaze of their hostess. She dragged me from group to group and introduced me to people I knew more than I could remember. I answered a series of repetitive questions with all my charm and patience. Am I engaged? No, but I have a future. Is it true that I manipulated a group of people and used violence against one of them to save my uncle and that adventurer? Yes, definitely. Someone heard that I shot someone in the face at close range with a pistol. The last rumor, which I diligently denied, made me popular among soldiers and young men, but not on the more conservative edges of the room. For some reason, women are especially enthusiastic about me. I bet quite a few of them would find it a therapeutic experience to swing a stick against an opponent.

As I was about to leave a group of sad-faced old virgins, I saw a warning sign out of the corner of my eye. Dalton frantically gestured in several directions.

Ah, it looks like I'm locked up. Several uniformed men were making their way through the crowd. I immediately recognized the leader, because his clothes were the brightest, and I turned around and stopped.

"What's the matter?" Cecily asked.

"Some people can't wait for their turn."

To my credit, my companion didn't follow the question. Instead, she moved closer to me and formed a united front.

After a while, a tall, clean-shaven officer with bright brown eyes appeared from the edge of a group of guests. Despite the sweltering heat, he wore a powdered white wig. I don't know if it's out of vanity or politeness. He looked at me with a frown.

Yes, I'm waiting for you. What I didn't expect was the sex and Lydia Tillerson smell of you. This is an abuse of his position as a guest. It made me want to kill him.

"Miss Delaney?"

"Really?"

"Can you ......?"

"Who are you?"

After being interrupted, the man's face twitched angrily. It's a trick I learned from my dad. People in positions of authority are not accustomed to opposition. If they are thwarted, their first reaction is almost always a threat.

"I'm a captain in the U.S. Army, you'd better come with me."

"What's the problem, Jonas?" My neighbor asked.

You've just lost home advantage Jonas and see if I can take it for myself.

"I have a few questions for your guests, and I assure you it's not a serious one." The officer said with a reluctant smile.

"Then you can certainly ask them here." I advise loudly. Some began to turn to us, feeling the tension of our respective postures. Cecily supports me over the people she lives with, and I should be surprised. I'm not. My experience in Lancaster has taught me that people are always eager to hire new people as tools in ongoing conflict. This stern officer doesn't seem to be the first time he's committed a crime, and Cecily isn't someone I can easily offend.

Now see if he stays or leaves.

"Miss Delaney, I am very impressed by your uncle's story. There is no need to be hostile. I just wanted to clarify a few points. As a law enforcement officer in this wild land, it is my duty to expose your extraordinary experience. ”

Lovely preservation, mortal.

"I noticed you haven't asked questions yet."

"Miss Delaney, your aggression is almost suspicious of you."

"I confess, I feel guilty for losing patience. Ask questions and go, Jonas, we still have a lot of guests to entertain. ”

Poor Jonas. You can't touch me, we all know that.

“… Very good. What is your relationship with the outlaws known as the Heroic Companions?"

"Nope."

"Really?" He laughed. "Can you explain why you and one of the members are here holding hands?"

"Who's that?" I answered immediately. The immediate riback caught him off guard. If he expects guilt and fear, I'm going to let him down.

"Don't be cowardly. I'm referring to Mr. Dalton. ”

"Is he a member of the Heroic Companions?"

“… Really?"

"It's weird, I thought he was going to be locked up because he's a fugitive. Nope?"

Silent.

I know I'm playing a dangerous game. The best thing to do is to avoid conflict. That means they're trying to push me into a corner for the rest of the night, and I'm not going to let that happen.

"Mr. Dalton's forgiveness does not absolve him of his sins before God"

"I guess that's between them, is there anything else?"

“… Yes, in fact, there is. I have a hard time believing that a woman with an interest in ancient writing could manipulate a room full of guards and then knock one out with a single shot. ”

"You're wrong, sir. I have a lot of experience and can get people to listen to me. ”

This made more and more people laugh along with my communication. Wit will triumph over honesty.

"As for dealing with the guards, I'm part of a group of hunters. The nape of the neck has always been a delicate area. ”

"Definitely. You two are such an interesting couple. Say ......"

The officer asked a whole bunch of questions about Rose, myself, our relationship, and so on. I'm not sure what he expected. I created Ariana Delaney just over six months ago. I know the role like an experienced actor knows their favorite role.

After asking six questions, the man changed his mind and politely said goodbye. I watched his back retreat into the crowd, and the bystanders we were arguing with returned to their ranks. We're leaving here tomorrow, so it should be fine.

"Are you alright, Ariana?"

I sighed deeply.

"I apologize for this display of hostility. I didn't want to spoil the atmosphere of the party, but I couldn't stand there and endure those outrageous accusations. ”

"Please, my friend, it's me who should apologize. Captain Lannis's erroneous enthusiasm has caused us endless trouble. His approach to every issue was rigid and sluggish, which frustrated everyone. As long as his precious law is kept, he does not want to spread strife and suffering. ”

“Fiat justtia, Ruat Caelum?”

"Exactly. In my opinion, justice should serve the public good. If we can redeem at the same time as punishment, the world will be a better place for it. His way we lost our teeth and eyes. ”

We continued to make our rounds, but I noticed that Cecily's mood plummeted after we talked. Her disgust was deep.

We had just left the drunken "uncle" with three mature women when Dalton appeared right in front of us.

"Sorry to bother you, ma'am. Ross needs your help. ”

"What about her? Cecily, I must ask for your forgiveness. ”

"Oh, don't mind me, Ariana, I've not been a good host for the past hour. A breath of fresh air is good for me. Take care and enjoy the party!"

"Thank you, Cecily, we should meet again later."

Dalton led me through a maid's passage to a kitchen packed with hurried staff and a side hallway. No one questioned our article.

"Are you familiar with the people here?"

"Yes, I helped them prepare the party before you came."

"Well done, vassal."

Dalton shuddered.

"Thank you, ma'am. It's over there. ”

I followed Dalton into a room that looked a lot like my own. We were still on the ground floor, which means here are the rooms. I was surprised to see a timid young woman in a gray dress beside Rose, sitting in a large armchair. As I entered, Rose awkwardly patted her companion's hand in an attempt to comfort her.

She was worried, the girl was scared. I can see it, smell it. Curious.

"What's going on?"

"Ross ......," said the newcomer. I thank you, but I have to beg you to ......."

"Yes, yes, I'll do as you say, although I don't approve of it. Ariana, I've handed this young lady over to you, and I'm going back to the ballroom. Please let me know the outcome of the matter. ”

Rose left and closed the door casually. I didn't say anything because her perfume left me without any doubt. That girl is also a vassal.

After six months of quarantine, I was finally found.

Before I could decide what to do, the young woman stood up, summoned up the courage to kneel on the ground, bared her throat, and made the traditional gesture of pleading. How could I not notice the two thin scars on her jugular veins? Why is she looking for me?

Can a vassal be someone else's supplicant? Is this adultery? The princes were special, they were not cattle or prey, but trusted deputies and assistants. I felt about her the same way I felt for Baudouin: the reluctance to hurt her, as if touching her was a taboo. I now understand the most important aspect of their character: vassals are willing. Dalton chose me voluntarily, he knew exactly who I was, what I was, and so did this woman. She asked for my help because I was a vampire and for her, vampires could be trusted. It was decided that if I could keep me safe, I would help her. A good vassal is a precious thing, and protecting a fellow man at night is a problem...... Let's just say professional and polite. Although nothing compels me to do so, as long as it gives me a good impression, I will help you.

Yes, I can feel it from the depths of my soul. I'm no longer in danger. Supplicants are harmless to me because they seek my power, and in exchange I am always able to ask for enough to protect myself.

"Speak."

"My name is Inez. I have come here as my Master's messenger to take care of some business. Unfortunately, my ex-husband followed me. ”

Fear, no, it was naked fear that stained her face. Now that I looked further, I noticed that she had a scar on her right forehead, and the bones were badly fused. She also has faded marks on her left cheekbone and lips. I didn't need to look at her body to know that she had been horribly abused.

"I don't think you broke up amicably, did you?"

Inez let out a choked laugh that quickly turned into a sob. Annoying. Weak vassals. People were injured. I can protect her, calm her down, and I even know what to do.

I approached the woman and put my hand on top of her head. I gently stroked her skin and ripped her hair through her claws with my paws. Slowly, she regained her inner peace.

"Thank you, ma'am. I, he, he's coming for me. and his brothers and servants. I saw him. I'm hiding, but he'll find me. He'll never let me go!"

"Shhhh I suppose your master is protecting you, right?"

"Yes. Rodrigo was warned and even punished, but he never accepted rejection and never will. Oh, it doesn't matter if my master hears that. My enemy is coming. I will not live to see revenge, because his twisted sense of honor demands that I die! "If I don't belong to him, then no one else can have me," he said.

"Focus, Inez." I quickly added. "Please do me a favor."

"Madam, I cannot ask for the protection of mortals. Most judges believe that marriage is to death and many will send me back to my husband to be punished! Please protect me!"

As expected.

"If I promise you safety tonight, what will you give me?"

"I can't ...... without blood I don't have anything.... Madame, do me a favor? Please. Lord Suarez will always pay his debts. ”

I've never heard from this man, which means he could be one of Charleston's vampires. I'm in a special position right now, to create a bond that might be used in the future, at a low cost, to protect this mortal. This may well be a good thing.

"Please do your master a favor and keep it a secret. I don't want anyone to know I'm here. ”

"Yes, I can guarantee it. If you save me, your secret won't be revealed! Lord Suarez will agree, I'm willing to bet with my life. ”

"Agreed. Now get behind the bed. So are you, Dalton. Right now. ”

They obey as swiftly as real subjects. I sighed, unbuttoned my skirt, and slipped it off my shoulders. Where did the relaxing nights go? Is this a continuation of the Bingle effect?

Can this person be contagious?

Footsteps were closing in on us, the same footsteps I had heard for the past minute from the noisy checking room. My door was slammed open by a tall man dressed in black. I put on my warm brown eyes, mustache, anchor beard, and turned to cover my bare chest with a fabric.

"Oh no! Lo Sie

to !”

It's a little late to apologize now, sir.

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK ! !”

The intruder slammed the door shut and left, leaving behind his booty and dignity. We want to make sure he doesn't come back.

"Perverted! Help! HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP !”

I heard expletives in the distance. I rushed to the window and saw a figure disappear into the bushes in a corner of the manicured garden.

I buttoned up my clothes, and the princes came out of their hiding place. Dalton looked proud.

"Ma'am, I don't think we'll see him again tonight."

"Then you are wrong, my dear Dalton. People like him don't give up. ”

We dragged Inez to the opposite bedroom, which was thankfully empty, and we ordered her to lock herself in until she heard from us. As we finished eating, the butler who introduced me was angrily walking towards us.

"Is that what you scream?" What happened?"

"A stranger came into the bedroom where I used to organize my clothes!" It's a shame!!"

I describe the invaders with pleasant anticipation. Of course, I can stalk the person, incapacitate him, or even kill him. Even if the body disappears, there is a risk.

It is not necessary, however, I don't even need to get my hands dirty. There will always be opportunities for violence and hunting. Now it's time to come up with an elegant solution.

"You mean someone broke in?" Is it here? At the Tillerson house? The butler replied angrily.

"I looked out the window and saw a shadow approaching the wall, sir. I'm so scared!" Aren't we safe in this beacon of civilization?"

If this man puffs out his chest again, he will definitely explode.

"It's untenable. Rogers, for me, let's see what the hell is going on. ”

"I beg you, sir, be careful!"

We went back the way we came. Before reaching the kitchen, we turned to a side door, apparently for takeaways. While I was waiting on the sidelines with a few servants, the butler, a strong old man, and Dalton stole into the woods.

Less than a minute. We saw them rush back.

The housekeeper walked up to us and looked a little lost. My ever-useful servant takes the lead.

"There's a whole carriage, Mrs. Ariana, and several horses. I counted four people, and probably more. They have sticks and sticks. ”

"We are surrounded by robbers!" I must warn Mr. Tillerson. ”

"No, they're not robbers. They only sent one person to look around, and they had weapons to fight, not kill. They're looking for someone. "I added.

The butler looked at me with a puzzled look on his face. Before investigating my expertise in illegal activities, I took the topic to something more interesting.

"It's time to call for reinforcements, sir. I suggested that we turn to the soldiers for help. With that, I turned and left. Dalton followed, and the poor man was carried up by a small group of servants we had gathered. People began to talk excitedly.

We turned a corner and walked to the back of the house. As expected, the party was over, and a large group of drunken soldiers and male landlords were watching a cunning corporal in ill-fitting uniform wielding a staggering number of knives.

"Well, gentlemen, please!"

More than two dozen people have expressed concern about me.

"I'm so sorry we had to disturb you at night, but the situation requires us to request your help." I meekly added. Then I turned to the butler beside me.

"Human resource management, yes! Gentlemen, my name is Jonathan and I am the steward here. We've found a bunch of malicious ......"

I watched as he recounted his findings, and the drunken minds of the group turned to violence at an admirable rate. I'm on track of my goal, and I haven't used my vampire abilities yet. It's fun and likable! As soon as the housekeeper was over, I decided to steer the crowd in the right direction.

"Brave soldiers, will you defend us?" Who knows what those hooligans want? They may have come to kidnap women!"

"A threat! A challenge! That's the kind of party I love! A red-haired lieutenant with a mustache shouted. "Wilkins, take your men to the back door and go around. Jackson, you and your people do the same on the delivery route. For the rest, follow me. When we start the game, skip them. ”

"Yes, sir!"

The most drunken group went straight ahead with amazing stealth. I followed from a distance, while Dalton and the butler, along with a few civilians, joined their makeshift squad.

After a while, the group disappeared into the woods, leaving only a cunning man to climb one of the trees. A minute passed, and my ears heard rapid breathing and rustling, until the lieutenant's voice broke the relative silence

"Hey, good evening, guys!"

Immediately after that, the sound of war sounded, and the charge, the counter-charge, a merciless melee began, ending within the range of 20 heartbeats. It didn't take long for a group to return from the garden gate. The soldiers lined up with a few bound captives in the middle, and I took the time to congratulate them and listen to them boast one by one. Well done, puppets. I am happy. Yes, I'm happy. The operation did not cause serious injuries to anyone. Poor Jonathan began to suffer severe contusions, but this did not seem to diminish his pride in any way. Well done, my minions, well done.

"You're mistaken!" We are here for honor to get back a liar and a prostitute! She can't escape her fate! Inez's ex-husband said.

"So you're looking for a woman!" Before he could take control, I retorted. The accusation was answered by the righteous cry of the congregation. Yes, how dare they sneak up on your woman......

"Don't worry, friend, you'll tell us everything you want to know soon." Let's go, guys, go to the barracks!"

With the cheers of victory, the soldiers left, and the happy civilians toasted to their victory and the valor of the battle. Soon, the enemy's army numbered several dozen people, all the size of Goliath, carrying enough swords to equip a regiment of hussars. When men's pride and wine are intertwined, what a wonderful story we will hear.

I folded my arms and was satisfied. Like they say, that's it.