With the instructions given by the barkeep, it doesn't take long for Gale to approach a large mansion on the outskirts of town. Seeing such a place exist was interesting because of how low-class the village was. The homeless and lost adventurers wound up in the owner's care. If they could produce any room for the Phantom Blades, it might as well be them.

As Gale approached the front door, the mansion loomed large, its dark wood and stone construction giving it an ominous yet intriguing aura. He announced himself with a knock, the sound reverberating through the floorboards. Footsteps approached, and the door creaked open after a series of clicks from the locks being removed.

Standing within the doorway, a lengthy pale figure with dirty blonde hair and an unkept bearded man stared at him with slightly bloodshot eyes. "What is your place of business at this hour?" His voice was deep with a hint of cracking. His entire frame was slim and bony. Gale held his breath for a moment before coming to reply.

"I was told that the owner of this place was generous and would make room for those in need?" The pale man squinted at Gale momentarily before turning his head to the side. It seemed like he was examining Gale. With a soft nod, the figure stepped back.

"We have room; what is the reason for your stay?" He looked at Gale again, leaning his head close to hear Gale's answer.

"A few of my party members were suffering from illnesses and needed a place to recover in the local clinic. I am hoping the rest of my party who don't need the clinic could stay here until our companions are fit and able to continue to ride." Gale spoke with a courteous tone and respect. The man raised his hand to stroke his dirty beard.

"I shall ask the master; give me but a moment." Gale bowed his head softly before the door closed in front of him. Just moments later, it was opened once again. The same pale man appeared. "Master Cornelious has allowed your group to stay for the time being. How many will be joining?"

"Four, including myself," Gale answered quickly. His hands were clammy, and his throat dry. There was an uneasiness stirring his insides.

"You will all share a room; there will be enough space for you to sleep, but don't disturb any other residents. Do not follow these instructions; you will be removed." There were slight pauses for the man to speak. He cleared his throat before finishing his words.

"That is completely fine. I accept these terms."

"Very well. Go and retrieve your companions; I shall prepare your room by the time you return."

Gale smiles and excitedly speaks. "Thank you very much! I appreciate your generosity." The door closes with a loud thud. Turning away, Gale leaves the grounds to head back to town to retrieve the rest of his party.

During his travel back, a lone man with glasses passes by him. A stern look from his gaze trails Gale. Feeling his eyes upon him, Gale stops to ask about his business with him. The man stops and turns; Rys sighs deep, tiredly.

"Did you register yourself to Master Cornelius's residence for stay?" Gale blinked for a moment before responding.

"That is correct. My party just arrived with some ill members. They are being treated in the local clinic. Do you live in the mansion?" Gale fully turns to the man; his long white coat is dirty with dry blood stains.

"I am the main physician at the clinic. I attended to your friends. They will be just fine as long as they do not remove themselves from their beds." Rys adjusts his glasses and wipes off specks of dirt from his shoulder.

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"I must offer my sincere apologies for the trouble, but I thank you for taking in my companions."

"It isn't much trouble. I understand you are in need of shelter of some kind. I aid in treating the residents of the mansion under Corneilius's gaze. My hands are pretty full."

"I'm sorry for bothering you, goodbye."

"Farewell." With the final word, they walk in opposite directions. Gale returns to his companions to tell them of the news. By the time they reach the mansion, night has fallen. The door opens from the same pale man as before.

"Your room is on the next floor; it has been cleared out for your time being."

"Thank you, uh...sir?"

"I am but a humble servant...but if you must use my name, just Bozem will do."

"Bozem, very well. Lead the way."

Taken to their room, it is humid and relatively clean. Four beds are lined close to each other for barely enough room for anyone to get off. Yann sits down on his and takes off his gear, yawning in the process. Ivian removes his cloak and hangs it up, stowing away his daggers; he feels more relaxed. Herk and Gale feel slightly uneasy and hesitant to immediately rest...

*

Resting silently in bed, I hear the soft sounds of footsteps and whimpers across the hall from our room. Lukia was still in a deep sleep; the medicine Rys gave us had cured most of my fever. Lukia already seemed to look much better. But we were still some ways away from a full recovery.

After resting for so long, I couldn't fall back to sleep. My body was restless, and the humidity of the clinic made it much more difficult. Not to mention, the sounds outside were just loud enough to catch my attention. Despite being told to stay in bed for rest, I needed to investigate what was going on to satiate my curiosity. With a simple twist of the doorknob, I slip past the crack of the door so as not to make much noise. Only wearing my nightwear, I didn't have anything to cause noise other than my breathing.

A sweet aroma filled my nose. It made my head swirl a bit, making me dizzy. My hand drew to my nose, and I continued forward in the dark halls of the clinic. Just walking past the reception desk, I make my way to the other side of the clinic. Most of the doors were closed and locked upon inspection. The noise must have been coming further down. I find a double-door room in the next corner to my right. It could only be pushed to open. I held my breath at the moment I heard the noise.

Drips of liquid splashed across the floor; the dimmed light coming from the moon wasn't enough to reveal the floor. The sweet aroma was more potent than before. Whatever was producing such a smell was undoubtedly coming from this room.

I gently pushed the door, which slowly opened, and a small light gleamed across the floor. Peering through the door, I noticed a figure of a person next to a table. I couldn't make out what was going on, but the sounds of someone sucking or drinking some kind of liquid were more evident. The sweet aroma started to get far too strong for my senses, and I had to take a deep breath to expel it. A slight cough escaped my mouth, and I quickly stopped all my movements and held my breath.

The figure immediately stopped and turned its head to look in my general direction. The figure let out a huff and slowly stepped into the dim light of the moon. My eyes widen at the sight of a pale-looking man wiping blood from his mouth; fangs bared long and sharp. My heart instantly sank at the sight of what was a vampire.

A creature born from a humanoid who willingly accepts the blood of a vampire after having their own consumed by the creature. Their pale skin and fangs, while creeping in the night, gave them the strength to hunt efficiently if they weren't discovered. And now one was staring at me through the dark, his appetite not satisfied.

I didn't hesitate; I didn't think; I just turned and ran. Using all of my energy to escape, I quickly raced down the hall back toward me and Lukia's room where my weapons and gear sat. Weirdly, the vampire did not give chase. Did he maybe ignore me to finish his meal. If so, I needed to hurry before he could have the chance to attack. Reaching the hall where the room was, I reach for the door only to find it wide open.

"I didn't leave it open that wide..." The words escaped my lips as the sweet aroma again filled my nose. The sound of a creature licking blood from its lips stopped after sensing my presence. A woman wearing one of the nurse's uniforms held Lukia's arm to its fangs. She licked the blood off her mouth before gently placing her arm back and turning her attention to the new morsel that I set myself to be.

"A young boy... I love young boys... THEIR BLOOD TASTE THE BEST!!!"