210 Vampire Master Pacification Operation

"Then, young lady. Are you a reincarnated soul? Answer with a checkmark or an X."

The Demon King mentally queries the awakened Vampire Child.

I already know the answer, but having the subject state it directly is the quickest way to satisfy Melia.

A silence persists.

During this time, the prepared meal is consumed.

Hmm.

Not bad.

But whether it's delicious is debatable.

I just added seasoning at random.

I should learn proper cooking techniques when I have free time.

Mm.

What went wrong?

Was the meat too bland?

Maybe I should have eaten more vegetables, as per fantasy setting conventions?

Removing the blood was not a mistake—considering the two vampires who would consume it.

Perhaps I should have made a marinade and let it sit before grilling?

‘W-what are you going to do with me?’

While pondering the shortcomings of the meal, the Vampire Child spoke with resolve.

No mouth movement—this was telepathy.

‘Yes, no! You were told to answer with a check or cross!’

The Demon King drew a large X in the air with one arm and pouted.

‘Honestly, right now your life or death is in my hands. I’m not your enemy, so I won’t harm you. But I’m not your ally either. If I’m displeased, I might just leave you in the deep forest with these monsters… who knows where I’ll go?’

Though he had no intention of doing such a thing.

Still, the effect was immediate.

Unease flickered across the Vampire Child’s face—impossible to hide.

Seeing that anxious expression—more precisely, the moment the Vampire Child responded to the conversation via telepathy—Mera stood frozen, mouth agape.

The vampire child's reaction increased the credibility of the demon lord's statement.

I understand it intellectually, but my mind refuses to accept it.

And so, the outcome froze.

Well, it depends on your attitude.

Understood. The answer to your earlier question is, Maru.

The Demon King smiled faintly at the response. Melia looked up at the sky.

Then, give a brief introduction? Ah, make it clear for Melazofis too.

Y-yes.

A pause followed. The Vampire Child began speaking in scattered fragments.

My name is Sophia Kelen. My previous name was Nogishi Akiko.

Uhn. So?

A child, approximately one year and two months old.

One year in this world consists of four hundred eleven days. The month is defined as one-tenth of that cycle.

Thus, forty-one days equal one month.

The remaining day is called the New Day. It is treated as a special day, unassigned to any month, marking the first day of the year.

According to this world's calendar, two months into the year equates to four months on Earth.

— Uh-huh. And?

— Huh? And... um...

— You're hiding something important, aren't you?

— Ah, uh, yes.

— Then spit it out.

The Demon King waits, smirking, for the Vampire Child’s reply.

He wants the child to say it aloud—vampire—but acts coy despite knowing. A curious personality.

Or perhaps the elf mentioned it clearly during the earlier commotion. Didn’t hear it?

Or did hear it, but was too distracted to remember?

The Vampire Child glances sideways at Mel.

Mel does not look away. Stares directly back.

—I am a vampire.

Eventually, the Vampire Child admits it, resigned.

— Uh-huh. I know.

— Huh?

‘By the way, I just explained that to Melazofis too.’

‘Eh? Eh?’

The Vampire Child panics intensely.

Is this guy really okay?

Mel’s a vampire now—how could he not realize?

‘Miss, I am aware that I have become a vampire. I also understand that you are a vampire.’

Mel speaks aloud, not through telepathy, to the Vampire Child.

‘I’m sorry. At that time, I couldn’t think of any other way.’

‘Please don’t apologize. If anyone should, it’s me.’

‘Eh?’

‘I failed to protect you. I apologize.’

Mel kneels in a full bow.

This world really does have a kneeling culture.

‘Besides, I would have died otherwise. I feel only gratitude. No resentment.’

‘But you’re a vampire. You can’t live as a human anymore.’

I am prepared. If protection of the young mistress requires it, this may be precisely the right course.

'Melazofis. You still...'

'I have been entrusted with the young mistress by my lord and lady. Therefore, until my life ends, I will protect you.'

'Melazofis.'

That's quite a fine arrangement.

Huh? Is the Demon King crying?

Can this really move someone?

Huh.

Maybe my sense of sentiment is off.

'I have heard your words! Come to me, all of you! I will take full responsibility and protect you!'

Ah.

The Demon King seems to have flipped a switch.

Well, whatever.

Since I did rescue them, saying goodbye here feels... odd.

Not a bad proposition, I think. After all, I am the Demon King. Let me make this clear—there's almost no one in this world who can defeat me. So, being protected by the strongest being around? That’s a good deal. As long as I’m watching, those who attacked you won’t be able to touch you. And besides, you two won’t be able to live normally in human society anymore. So why not come with me to the Demon Clan’s territory?

The Vampire Child and Mel look at each other.

"I follow Lady Sophia’s decision."

"Understood. But… let me think about it for a moment."

"Sure, sure. Think all you want."

"Also… could you tell me more about things? I’d like to hear about them."

"Anything I can answer, I will."

"Then… um… what exactly do you eat?"

"Hm? Shiro’s cooking. The menu is Elf Meat and Vegetable Stir-Fry."

The Vampire Child’s face twists violently.