As night fell and the streets were deserted, I left the inn alone.

　The town was in the countryside, so there were hardly any pedestrians. Still, I tried to be as inconspicuous as possible as I headed for the meeting place written in the letter.

　A half moon was floating in the sky. In terms of the age of the moon, it was neither good nor bad. But now my body was full of power.
　Maybe even more than when I first encountered Epe. I was so comfortable that I was even humming.

　I've been given Senri's blood. I had just been given some the other day, but this time I took a little more than I should have. It took some coercive persuasion, but I really needed the power to make the deal.
　I didn't suck blood to suppress the urge to suck blood. It was to increase my power. The power and pleasure I gained was nothing compared to the small amount of blood I was getting from my fingertips.

　The meeting place written in the letter was a large tavern. Even though it was late at night, the place was crowded with customers.
　Probably to let my guard down a little. They are saying that they are not worried about attacking me in front of a large crowd of people.

　The letter, inscribed with a crucifix and full of hostile intent, however, was a request for negotiations with me.

　The sender was not the Knight of the End, but a vampire hunter who had been commissioned by the Knight.

　I expected to be pursued, but I didn't expect to be caught up.
　They must have pulled away a long time ago, but how did they catch up and what should they do to escape?

　The letter said that he would come alone, without informing Senri, and that he had a condition for negotiation: a jewel that hid negative vibes (called a night crystal).

　I read it, and after much deliberation, I decided to take a chance. He already knew where I was, and he was already holding me by the neck.
　At any rate, I don't think he will kill me the moment he sees me. If they do, they won't give away their tracks, and they'll try to take us by surprise.
　Above all, the Night Crystal was what they needed most right now. According to Senri, it was quite rare.

　It's also good that he's hunting vampires. The Knights of the End would never allow the Dark Ones, but if they were just hunting vampires for money, they could still negotiate. I don't know what they are going to ask for, but I have a pretty good idea.

　I walked through the bright lights and entered the store to look for a negotiator.

　The negotiator is easy to find.

　The vampire hunter was dressed in an outfit that was easily recognizable, even in the public eye.
　A large man in all black and a girl in all black. A large cross pendant hung from their chest. It's so obvious it's almost funny.

　Crucifixes are weaknesses. But not to the point of turning to ash if you get too close. And the effect on me, as a subordinate, is not that great.
　I make up my mind and slowly walk over to the table. The man's wild black eyes and the woman's beastly wild eyes pierce me.

　Human. The two of them don't have the energy of a demise knight.
　I've heard that a vampire hunter is someone who hunts vampires in human form. ...... That's really great courage. I'm a lowly vampire and I can't even imagine hunting a vampire, but to do it with a vulnerable human being is .......


　This is a tricky one.


　This is the first time in a long time that I have been able to quell my raging spirit with a violent act of bloodsucking, and I put a smile on my face.
　These two guys give me a bad feeling. Perhaps that impression is the same for the general public. They have been monopolizing the attention of the people around them for a while now.

"You're the ...... end?

　The girl says in a voice filled with rage that makes me shiver.
　She has dark hair and dark eyes. She looks younger than Senri, but she is no less intimidating. She's like a wounded beast. I wonder if she has something against me.

I'm honored by your invitation. It's an honor to be invited, and you've taken such good care of me.

"...... Have a seat. I'm not here to fight. I'm not here to fight. I'm here to ...... do what needs to be done.

　The man narrows his eyes and gives you a reproachful look.
　He's a clever guy. However, the light behind his stagnant eyes is not the kind of light you would expect to see on a human being.

　I followed his advice and cautiously took a seat in front of him.

"I see you've come alone, as promised. You haven't spoken, have you?

"I've answered in good faith. Besides, Senri is a bit tired at the moment. ......

　The man of indeterminate age twitched his eyebrows at my words and nodded, "That's exactly what I was told.
　Apparently, I was being watched. He even knew where I was staying, which was to be expected.

　I'm full of power. Everything is as I imagined.


Her name is Arbatross. I'm ......, or 'Kainushi' as they call me in these parts.

"Cainusi ......?　What do you have there?


　The man who called himself Kainushi smiled without saying a word and took a piece of paper from his pocket.


　He took out a pen and slid it across the table with him. Then, without even asking for food, he said plainly.



"I have only one request. I want the princess of Epe, whom you seduced, back.

What will you give me in exchange?

　In response to my question, Cainusi's smile deepened and he said in a whispered voice.

"Total freedom. In exchange, I will give you complete freedom. I will give you the Night Crystal, which conceals negative energy, and the ...... Order of the End will never pursue you again. I'm ...... just a go-between. They can't help but kill the undead when they see them. Not a bad deal, don't you think?


　Well, ......, there you go.