Unfair Contract – After Sending Off the Noblewoman with the Tricky Name, Roselia? Rosalio?
After sending back the young lady with the difficult name—Roselia? Rosalio?—
"Urghhh."
I'd dragged the rampaging vampire here, trussed up tight. Unfortunately, there weren't any decent ropes in the convenience store stock, so I'd just wrapped him up in regular cord. Sure, he'd probably break free with mana in no time, but if he did, I'd just give him a proper thrashing. A fist is closer than a rope, right? He'd feel it right down to his bones.
"You awake?"
"Gasp!"
The vampire inhaled sharply as he came to. Ignoring that, I crossed my legs, sat down, and glared at him.
"Better not try anything stupid."
He nodded frantically, like his neck might snap. Smarter than I expected. Unlike the aggressive monsters you hear about, this one seemed to value his own hide. If he hadn't, he'd be dead already.
"Name."
"D-D-Dmitri, sir."
"D-D-Dmitri? That's a pretty stuttery name."
"N-No, sir! Just Dmitri!"
This guy...
"Stutter again, and I'll yank those fangs out. Answer properly."
"Understood!"
I'm not exactly known for my patience. Alright, next.
"Occupation."
"...Unemployed."
"Age?"
"Not of age yet."
"Know anything useful? Gender?"
"Male."
"Where do you live?"
"I was residing in the forest on the outskirts of the capital Oscar, but I have no fixed abode now."
"Why'd you set up that magic circle?"
"To avoid drinking blood."
"Avoid drinking blood?"
"Yes. I used to survive on animal blood, but even that became difficult, so I researched and created that magic circle myself."
"The one that sucked the forest's vitality and turned it into magic stones?"
"Yes."
He answered every question like a vending machine spitting out responses—made interrogating him downright enjoyable. That's more like it. Way better than him clamming up, picking a fight, and ending up in a world of hurt. Peaceful for both sides. No hard feelings.
"Why make it?"
"Because of a promise. I swore I wouldn't suck blood."
I didn't ask who. His face twisted in agony at the memory. Everyone has secrets they hold close. Sentient beings and all that—it's only natural.
"I warned you it was dangerous. But that young man..."
Dmitri sniffled and wiped away tears. A vampire crying like a faucet? This guy was basically a leaky tap.
"So, to sum up: You promised not to drink human blood, made the magic circle to enforce it, I broke the circle, and you drank blood?"
He nodded vigorously. Sounds like a vampire vegan. Like some vegan who swore off meat, finally caves and chows down, then sobs in remorse over the steak. Unnecessary thoughts.
"So it's my fault you drank blood?"
Dmitri couldn't respond. Creak. His neck strained ominously. With great effort, he shook his head in denial.
"No! It was my failing—I couldn't control the impulse."
He bowed his head deeply. Good attitude, owning his mistake. Seemed perceptive enough.
"But sir, how have you managed to blend into this empire...?"
"Not 'sir.' I'm a fresh 28, in the prime of youth. Call me store manager."
"Ah, yes. My apologies."
He was mistaking me for something else, but I let it slide. Could work in my favor all around.
"Normally, I'd hand you over to the Imperial Guard or the Inquisition right now. Monsters are humanity's enemies, after all."
"...I know."
"But if you meet one condition, I won't."
"What is it?"
"Work night shift at my convenience store."
"Pardon?"
"Not repeating myself. Work here."
He blinked his wide eyes. At first, I pondered options: Send him to Crown Prince Astur? Inquisition? Magic Tower? None appealed. Releasing a potential threat into the wild was risky too—if he got thirsty again, trouble. Kill him? Viable, but maybe useful. Vampire. Night-dweller. Intelligent enough for magic, potent mana, active at night unlike the dawn-averse stereotype. But not aggressive—crybaby, passive, almost dim. Nothing like the bloodthirsty legends. Sure, he wrecked the forest, but no human casualties. Even that was for his no-blood promise. No deaths, goal wasn't empire-toppling—just hunger. Prince Astur's errand could be brushed off. Solution? Keep him. As night-shift help. Employing a vampire for nights? Not bad. Security sorted—thieves wouldn't stand a chance. And with him manning the fort:
No need to close shop at night.
People would come regardless, open or not. Better to hire help. Taming this loose-screw vampire? Easy.
"Your choice: Get dragged to the palace, Inquisition, or Tower for dissection and torture? Or cozy night shifts with full belly?"
And honestly, I wanted nights off sometimes. One day a week? I'd drop dead otherwise. But a night-owl who needs to stay up? Perfect legit slacking—with minimal hourly pay.
"Feels like only one real option."
"Gave you four. Complaints?"
"No! I'd love to work here. But..."
Dmitri glanced around the store.
"What is this place?"
"A 24/7 convenience store. Legal shop open at night."
His eyes sparkled.
"Ah, store manager! You had deep foresight! Better to walk tall in the empire's shadows than skulk."
Whatever he misunderstood, he was hooked. Inquisition's no joke—I'd been there. Brutal pros at torment. Paid them back, but still soured the mood.
"Shifts: 10 PM to 6 AM weekdays. Winters vary—sunset-based."
"Yes, sir."
Dmitri gazed at me in awe.
"Pay: 50 silver per hour, night premium included."
"Thank you."
"And one of these daily."
"What's this?"
I handed him crimson juice. He flinched, suspecting blood, but reached out.
"Tomato juice."
"Eh?"
Not ordinary—occasional magic item from orders. Tastes tomato-y, restores HP and mana like a potion. If he couldn't recover via blood, substitute works. No human raids.
"Drink."
I passed it over. He eyed it suspiciously, squeezed his eyes shut, and gulped.
"Huh?"
"Good?"
"W-What is this...?"
Color returned to his face. Still pale, but far from starvation's brink.
"One daily from the fridge."
That's why pay's a measly 50 silver. Not exploiting him for being non-human. Really.
"Thank you!"
"Sleeping spot..."
Needed quarters, but not near the girls' dorm—too risky for quick response.
"Anywhere light-proof works."
Light-proof? Perfect spot. I led him to the storeroom.
"Here."
"Ooh."
His eyes lit up at the spacious corner.
"My new home!"
"Bed?"
"No need! A big enough box for covering up."
"I'll grab one."
He bowed deeply.
"Humble Dmitri awakens thanks to you, store manager! This is how to thrive—blending in! I'm in awe!"
I got the misunderstanding: He thought I was kin—dark mana like demons, blackest for demon lords. Most die facing true black. My navy mana fooled him. Fine for now.
"Sign here."
Party A: DG Convenience Store Manager
Party B: Dmitri (Vampire)
Terms: Night shifts (10 PM - 6 AM), no human blood consumption, full compliance with store rules.
Compensation: 50 silver/hour + daily tomato juice.
Penalty for breach: Immediate handover to Imperial authorities.
"What's this?"
"Our get-along contract."
"Ah..."
"Read carefully. No whining later."
"Got it!"
Dmitri signed. This'd be his leash against mischief. Unbeknownst to him. Always read contracts closely, folks.
"Do well."
"Yes, store manager!"
One more night-shift hire.
-You handled that well.
"News reached you already?"
-I watch all empire affairs.
Crown Prince Astur's face brightened in the crystal orb.
-Surprising, though. Knew it was a monster, but a vampire...
Relieved, he leaned back.
-Planning to keep it at the store?
"Yes. Too much hassle to kill."
-Why?
Regal gaze. The emperor-to-be who'd behead ambitious retainers without hesitation. His thick killing intent pierced the orb.
"Tempted by 'Vampire Slayer' title, but I need eager night worker more."
-Refused when I offered.
"Don't like palace eyes on my shop."
-Kekeke, think there's anywhere my sight doesn't reach?
"Scary talk."
I flashed a cheeky grin. Smiles disarm. Can't spit on a smiling sickle.
-You hold my debt, resolved this nicely. I'll overlook the vampire.
"Thanks."
-Visiting soon. Father's hooked on some 'Mark Regular' or whatever.
Off to eat that. He'll balloon. Lowborn.