How to Live As the Vampire Lord

Chapter 7

Greetings.

Eugene raised his hand in the same manner and greeted the mercenary.

Is the boy with you? May I ask for your destination?

Although they looked ordinary, the mercenary asked in order to accurately grasp the identity of the other group. Eugene knew from experience that if he lied or answered hesitantly, he could arouse suspicion. He answered with a nod.

That is correct. We are on our way to Lord Tywins castle.

Oh, is that so? What a coincidence. We are on our way to Lord Tywins castle as well. Do you think we could share the spot with you? We can provide drinks, water, and some lamb as well.

Hey captain, why are you being so respectful to a nobody? Oi, were going to set up a tent here. Do you have any complaints?

A younger mercenary stepped out while indicating with his head.

Shut your mouth and step back.

The young mercenary became startled when the captain growled with a completely different atmosphere. The mercenary captain immediately looked back towards Eugene with a good-natured smile, as if he had never scolded his subordinate.

Im sorry about this. Hes quite new. My name is Partec. What about you?

Eugene. Jan Eugene.

..!

Partecs eyes filled with surprise at Eugenes answer. In addition, the other mercenaries also became wide-eyed and stole glances towards Eugene and Partec. Those who had surnames and dressed in unusual outfits were usually knights. But it wasnt clear yet whether the man was just an impersonator or not, so they would follow the judgment of Captain Partec.

So it was Sir Eugene. I apologize once again for my subordinates rudeness. Lavan, apologize to Sir Eugene.

What? But how is that person a real knight in any way? He doesnt even have a horse or proper armor.

Lavan, you bastard, I will

Its fine since he just doesnt know. But you, stop testing my patience. You will die if you doubt me one more time.

What? But. Keugh!

Lavan did not get a chance to finish his words. Partec had punched his jaw with his fist.

Thud.

Partec bowed his head after turning his eyes away from Lavan. The young mercenary had fallen like a rotten log after being knocked out by the blow.

My apologies, Sir Eugene. We recruited him in a hurry because we didnt have enough people. He really doesnt know anything.

I see. You do not need to apologize anymore. You can take a seat.

Thank you. Bilmoa! Please give your greetings to Sir Eugene.

At Partecs words, a middle-aged man rushed down from the coachmans seat. He had been anxious ever since Eugene revealed his name.

I am Blimoa of the Palin Association, Sir Eugene. I apologize again for the hired mercenarys mistake.

Call me Jan Eugene will do. No more apologies are needed. You can set up your camp.

Yes. Then excuse us.

The mercenaries began to move busily under the instructions of Partec and Bilmoa, with the exception of Lavan, who was still out cold. One was setting up a tent after moving the carriage, another was starting a fire and gathering ingredients and water in a large pot, while yet another was scouting the area near the campsite with a torch and a weapon. Everyone acted with discipline and precision. It was evident that they were accustomed to working with each other.

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Everyone except the one who got knocked out is a proper mercenary.

And although he had never heard of the Palin Association, a mercenary group escorting a merchant and a carriage with an associations flag was surely experienced and capable.

But why did the Tywin family hire such scum instead of mercenaries like these?

Eugene thought back to the mercenaries he killed near the town of Broadwin. Mercenaries like Partec were much stronger and more reliable than mercenaries like them, so why were they recruited instead?

Or they could have sent their men as well. This is a little strange.

But Eugene did not bother thinking too much about it. His purpose was to safely escort Felid and to have his identity guaranteed by Lord Tywin.

If I want to avoid any suspicion, it would be best for me to prioritize becoming a knight. Lets focus on keeping Felid safe and meeting the lord.

After their rather awkward first meeting, Partec and the mercenaries purposefully avoided interacting with Eugene. Eugene reviewed what he had learned by going through the chiefs letter, and Felid tended to the fire while stealing glances at the mercenaries and Eugene.

About 10 minutes later, the mercenaries started conversing with each other. With his heightened senses, Eugene was able to eavesdrop.

***

What about that fucker Lavan?

Hes still out cold. Why didnt you go easy on him a little bit?

One of the mercenaries spoke while clicking his tongue, and Partec responded with a frown.

He shouldnt have acted like that in the first place. Cant you do your job properly? What are you teaching the kid? Hes been with us for over a month already. He should know how to take care of his own shit.

Ill make sure he learns, Boss. But Captain, dont you think that Lavan had a point?

What?

Partecs forehead scrunched up in response to the subordinates whispers.

Really though, think about it. That knight, even I think somethings strange about him. The knight is so silent, and the boy doesnt seem to be his child either. Besides, this is the first time Ive seen a knight carrying only a single short sword. Have you seen anything like that before?

No.

See? I think hes just an impersonator. He doesnt even take off his helmet when hes resting. Its suspicious.

You idiot. Look at the robe hes wearing. Its made of lycanthrope leather. What kind of a crazy commoner wears something like that? It must cost at least ten silver coins. And dont you see him reading the letter? He even knows how to read and write.

Uh Y-youre right.

Moreover, hes going to Lord Tywins castle. I heard they might be sending a group to a newly discovered dungeon soon. Hes probably aiming to join them.

Wow, I hear even knights have to risk their lives when exploring a newly discovered dungeon. I guess he must be quite skilled.

By the way, Captain. How is Lord Tywins condition really? I heard hes barely holding on.

Well. Theyre literally dumping mana stones on him, but his situation doesnt seem to be changing much. But since the Tywin family doesnt have that much money, they cant continue spending so much on buying mana stones.

I guess. If they discovered the dungeon just one year earlier, perhaps he could have lived a few more years. Dont you think so?

Tsk! Do you think its that easy? Even if you discover a dungeon, you need troops to explore it, and you need money to maintain the soldiers.

I-is that so?

Thats right. And what if you send in some soldiers and they never return? The estate could collapse in an instant. They know that, which is why theyre being so careful in opening it. And after Lord Tywin collapsed, the second son is the only knight left.

Welp, no matter how good of a knight he was when he was younger, I guess it doesnt matter now that hes old and sick. That familys complicated too, huh. Hmm? The knight is standing up.

The subordinate gestured with his gaze while clicking his tongue, and Partec slightly turned his head. The self-proclaimed Sir Eugene stood up from his seat, then slowly took off his helmet.

Whoa

Everyone became astonished at the sight. Although they had wandered around quite a bit and seen a lot of people, they could not help but be shocked by the handsome face that was revealed under the helmet.

***

They should believe me now, right?

Eugene became completely relieved after seeing the mercenaries reaction when he took off his helmet. Originally, he planned to take off his helmet as soon as he heard them mention it. He had to show them that he wasnt suspicious at the least.

But as he continued listening to their conversation, while other mercenaries seemed to doubt him, Partec seemed certain of his identity. It certainly had been worthwhile buying and adorning an expensive robe, as well as learning how to read and write. He had taken off his helmet to cast away any remaining doubts they might have had.

Their conversation regarding the Tywin family piqued his curiosity.

The lord is on his deathbed?

Of course, the talk regarding the dungeon was interesting as well, and the mercenaries seemed to show more enthusiasm for it as well. But for Eugene, it was more important that Lord Tywin, who was believed to be simply sick, was actually in a much worse condition than he previously thought.

Will he still be alive when we arrive? He cant already be dead, right?

Eugene sank into thought. Then, he noticed that Felid was staring up towards him with his mouth agape.

Whats wrong?

What? Oh, i-its nothing.

Felids cheeks seemed to reflect the redness of the fire as he lowered his head.

Is he actually a weirdo, like Mirian said?

Satisfied that he had proven his identity by showing his face, Eugene returned to his seat.

Uagah!

The fainted mercenary jumped up with a loud gasp.

Youre finally awake. Drink some water and sit down. We finished setting up camp.

Did that bastard get knocked out on purpose because he didnt want to work?

Its much better to take the night shift for three days in a row rather than getting your jaw knocked in by Captain Partec.

You should know. As I would expect of someone whos been beaten up by the captain before.

Lavans face turned bright red as his colleagues giggled over the matter. Then, his gaze met with Partecs.

What? Is there a problem?

N-no, not at all.

If there isnt, then eat. I restrained myself, so your face should be fine after a couple of days.

Yes.

Lavan was about to sit down with a sullen expression, then suddenly turned his head towards Eugene as if remembering something.

Well see what I do with that fucking Huh!?

Lavans jaw dropped to the ground with shock when he saw Eugenes face, which was faintly lit by the dying fire.

H, hes fucking handsome

Right? Thats the guy that a young, hot-headed mercenary tried to pick a fight with not too long ago. In case you didnt catch on, Im talking about you. You.

..

Partec poked at Lavans temple while speaking, but the latter could not find a response.

Lavan, you bastard, consider yourself lucky. If you had spoken one more word then, you could have lost your head.

Huh? What kind of a joke

You bastard. Do you even know the stance that the knight had been taking when you were speaking? His right hand was inside the robe, and his left foot was pulled back slightly.

I-is that so?

Thats right, you punk. And knights can narrow a distance like that in the blink of an eye. And then, slice. Your head would have dropped on the spot.

Does that mean hes stronger than you, Captain?

Probably so.

Lavan inhaled sharply when the captain answered without hesitation. He asked away, stealing a glance at Eugenes face.

What if we all came at him together?

Either we all die, or if were lucky, Ill survive along with maybe one more.

..!

Lavans eyes became colored with bewilderment. He was well aware of the skills of his seniors and Partec.

Partec spoke in a cold voice.

Listen carefully. In our line of work, if you run amok, you could easily end up dead. Of course, we will kill anyone who attacks first, but we want to avoid unnecessary clashes as much as possible.

..

Do you want to pick a fight with anyone you see? Then feel free to join a bigger mercenary group. You can participate in real battles and wars. Fight with your life on the line and loot as much as you want. If youre lucky enough to last five years, then who knows? Maybe you can climb your way up to become a mercenary captain and serve some noble.

Keke! Only if it was that easy. Why do you think all of us are here?

Lavan, you really should count yourself lucky. I havent heard of most of those who started working at the same time as us. Were the only group without a single death in three years.

All right, I get it. Thats enough. Im going to eat.

The mercenaries conversation ended in laughter.

Eugene felt a sensation coming from his waist.

Tap Tap! Tap Tap Tap Tap!

Mirian was asking him to open the pouch. Thinking that she had been locked up in the pouch for long enough, Eugene removed the cap.

Mirian flew into the air with a sullen expression.

How ignorant! It was for me to talk so much without knowing my place, sir. Im so ignorant! Im so ignorant that I cant tell when to hold my tongue and when to talk. I will try my best to not be so ignorant in the future and become intelligent! I will be an intelligent spirit who can be of help to Sir Eugene.

Help?

Yes, yes. I will be reborn as a spirit to be of great help to you and no longer be so ignorant! Huh? Hey! Where are you going?

Eugene suddenly stood up and started walking. Mirian flopped down onto his shoulder.

Excuse me for a second.

The mercenaries took on anxious expressions as Eugene approached them. Partec also became nervous, but he took on a keen expression and responded.

Do you need anything from us, Sir Eugene?

Didnt you say your destination was Lord Tywins castle? I was thinking if we could travel there together.

..!

They were now convinced that he was a knight. Perhaps he could join them.

They have access to quite a bit of information. Im sure it will be of great help.