It was past midnight and, as is their wont, most aristocracy had retreated to their bed chambers to sleep. Even the common folk nestled in their not-so-cozy rooms to rest.

Yet at the balcony of the estate of Lord Sanguis, its owner and his guest were still chatting.

“We have been talking for four hours now, Julie. Do not misunderstand, I enjoy our quality time together, but a young girl such as yourself- the daughter of the Baron- no less, shouldn’t stay outside for long.”

“Ehm…”

Julie lowered her head, her fingers rubbing against each other in nervousness. She did not want to return home but did not have the courage to say it.

After a momentary silence, in which Arthur scrutinized the girl’s unusual but expected behavior, he spoke again,

“I believe that my stories pleased you, fortunately. Now, your reluctance urges me to know a story of yours, if you don’t mind.”

The girl did not understand his meaning, her head slowly rising and her barely seen eyes, hidden under the hood, were intensely staring at him.

“For example, if you would indulge me about your scars and wounds? Those you clearly failed in hiding.”

Arthur chuckled and paused for a couple of breaths as he saw her body twitch and her hands rise toward the hood, vainly trying to hide herself.

“It seems I have yet to earn your trust, Julie. But it begs the question: Why would you come here? To just talk about romance stories?”

Arthur glanced at the ever-silent Evelyn, who has yet to grasp the situation. Of course, she noticed Julie’s wounds but chose not to comment or interfere in matters that did not concern her, at least not until her master ordered it.

“L-Lord Sanguis, you are right. It has g-gotten late and I need you to return home…”

Julie stood up and was preparing to leave but she had scarce taken a step only to stop when hearing his next words,

“I know you won’t tell me, but I have a couple of guesses. Would you like to hear them?”

“...”-Julie

“They go as such; You, Julie, the daughter of the Baron, through a series of unfortunate and- I’m sure- through no fault of your own, got bitten by a Vampire. That’s what the rumors circulating around the town say. They also add that you’ve become a Vampire and that your esteemed father brings you fresh blood every night and hides you in the manor, never letting you out of his sight.”

“That… is not true!”

Julie turned around and tried to obfuscate the truth, but nothing could change Arthur’s mind.

“I think that some details of the rumors hold some truth. You are undergoing Vampirism, right? I do not know what caused the scars on your neck and jaw, but, frankly, it’s not difficult to speculate. Mayhap you thought your condition was kept a secret but I’ve no doubt in my mind that not only I, but a couple of the Lords of Wilsden know a thing or two.”

Sensing that the girl was panicking and could run out at any second, Arthur stood up and approached her.

“Calm down, Julie. Though we met recently, I mean you no harm. If you’re willing to accept it, my help is yours.”

He softly patted her shoulder and made her sit again. There were sniffing sounds as she held back her tears and, at last, pulled down the hood.

It’s not easy to trust someone, especially one you met very recently. However, Julie was a young girl, still innocent and not as mistrustful of strangers. Moreover, her desperation and want for help are, partially, what instinctively led her to Leonis Sanguis, the man she befriended a few days ago.

“As it happens, I am studying Vampirism but I’m no expert. Nevertheless, I believe I can offer you the help you need.”

Arthur turned his head to Evelyn and said, “My dear Evelyn, won’t you bring us more snacks and hot Black Tea? Do add some lemons this time, though.”

The maid solemnly nodded and was about to leave only for her master to teasingly add, “And no rabbits, please.”

A barely audible snort escaped her mouth, her back facing him as she continued her steps.

“It’s going to be a long night, Julie. My ears are perked and my attention is solely focused on you. Pray, recount to me what misfortune befell on you.”

Now that part of the truth was said, Julie gave up on her hesitation and, with a stuttering and not-so-energetic tone, recounted her unexpected and terrifying encounter with a Vampire.

It wasn’t a particularly complicated or long story. It all began one month ago, when, on the full moon, she wanted to visit a popular waterfall South-West of Greenbell Forest. It’s a good spot for couples and the path leading to it is relatively safe, but, as luck would have it, she accidentally met a rogue vampire.

He had been on the run; Hungry, injured, desperate, thus she offered him a helping hand despite the objection of the guards that came with her.

Soon, her actions proved to be her downfall. When it recovered, the Vampire attacked her and the guards at night, killing two and biting her in the process. Although he was killed, the mark he had left on her was nothing short of a frightening curse; Vampirism.

“And your father, in his infinite wisdom, did not think to call upon a High Priest?”

Julie, who knew close to nothing about her condition, shook her head in silence. Clearly, she did not know that a capable High Priest could bless the victim of a Vampirism to forestall the transformation. A Priest strong enough could even eradicate it… then again, such individuals will not come to a backwater town on the behest of a Baron.

“Each week, for a day or two, you are locked in the basement cell. Now, that’s not very kind of your father, is it?”

Evelyn, as instructed, brought the food and Black Tea then resumed standing close to her master. She could not comprehend why he was interested in Julie, why he wanted to help, or why his tone contained a hint of sarcasm and mockery instead of the expected sympathy.

“First and foremost, we must do something about your condition. At this rate, you either transform into a complete Vampire or an abomination. For the former, you will need to suck the blood of 50 humans, which is a lot, I admit. However, I will try to procure either that or an alternative solution that would forestall your end.”

With teary eyes and slightly trembling body, the young girl nodded her head. After the passing of a brief silence, she asked with a low voice

“L-lord Sanguis… why are you helping me?”

“You came to me for help. How could I refuse? Also, we just became friends and it would sadden me to lose such entertaining company.”

“...”

“Anyway. I know that you don’t want to return, but I suggest you go back home. You need not do anything special, just act oblivious.”

“Thank you.”

“Bah! Don’t fret it. It isn’t a big problem to begin with. Before you know it, you’ll be healthier than a bull and, hopefully, we will have regular nocturnal meetings like this.”

“Y-yes!”

Arthur stood up and helped the wounded girl up. He escorted her to the carriage and reassured her a second and a third time.

When the carriage finally disappeared from view, heading straight to the Lernon Estate, Arthur sighed and was about to return to his manor only to find Evelyn blocking his path.

“Why did you do it, Master?”

“Do what? Vague questions like this will get you nowhere.”

Evelyn intensely stared at Leonis Sanguis, trying to read through his fake smile.

“Why did you lie to her about Vampirism? There’s no cure, not when she’s already in its late stages.”

“Oh my! Would you look at that, my dear maid does know a thing or two.”

Arthur chuckled and approached the maid, stopping right before her. He leaned his head down and gazed back at her jet black pupils, which were unperturbed yet containing curiosity and confusion.

“You need not worry, the words I spoke to her were genuine. I do intend to, but I will not divulge my plan just because you asked. Now then, I’m tired and my throat hurts from all the talking so I will go to sleep.”

He backed away and did a swift stretch before walking away. He stopped after three steps and half-turned toward the silent maid.

“By the way, I want you to begin the liquidation of my most expensive belongings. I want everything turned into tangible money… Gold, basically.”