I was sold to a dangerous place in order to repay my parents’ debt, and I ended up being bought by a vampire young lady. I became the feed for the beautiful maid.

Kudos to her for her hard work

“Tsujizono-san told me that I’m not the kind of person who would harm others recklessly, right? But the truth is, it was already too late long before,” concluded Hizuki-san.

Her expression carried an indescribable sorrow that matched the somber content of her story.

The persecution against the half-vampire Vanpir was even more severe than I had imagined. 

The depth of resentment that had built up in just thirty years was unimaginable, especially given that even on Earth, over two thousand years hadn’t erased the prejudice.

Due to the absence of knowledge about her other than her irrational state, Hizuki-san was likely being overly guarded as well.

 No matter how calmly she attempted to converse, there remained a doubt that her rationality could vanish any moment, consumed by the bloodthirsty impulse.

No matter how calmly she attempted to engage in rational dialogue, there remained a doubt that  her rationality could vanish at any moment, consumed by the bloodthirsty impulse.

That’s why there were people who reacted with fear like Lady Cerise, others who sought exclusion like that maid, or those who distanced themselves to protect themselves, like I did.

If I had to place blame, it would be on the Demon Lord. 

Even though one might say that half-vampires were innocent, very few would genuinely nod along and say, “I understand” with no reservations.

To have the same emotions as humans yet be utterly ignored, to be scorned as a former threat to humanity. She, who had become a half-vampire out of necessity, had her very existence and life denied in a doubly cruel way with each insult.

I couldn’t help but sense that perhaps these instances were not being brought up in the conversation, yet Hizuki-san had undoubtedly faced such irrational treatment countless times leading up to this day.

“I’m grateful that Lady Elina stood up for me out of concern. However, at the same time, I can’t help but despise myself hopelessly. I’ve only been protected by the Scarlet family, and in the end, I haven’t changed since eight years ago. There’s no way I deserve their love…”

Tears welled up in Hizuki-san’s crimson eyes, as if they were on the verge of spilling over.

The guilt she felt toward the young ladies, the sense of alienation from those around her, the self-loathing… It seemed like all these emotions were contained within her gaze.

Hizuki-san’s distrust of humans was like an armor she wore to protect herself. 

However, that armor was not so impenetrable that nothing could get through.

The inside of the emotional armor she finally showed was so fragile, it seemed like it would crumble with just a touch, battered and wounded.

Her genuine raw expression, without any pretense or façade, made her seem like a lonely child left alone in a world beyond her own. 

Except for the Scarlet family, no one sees her as a human being. It feels somehow familiar, as if I’ve encountered this situation before.

Retracing my memories and thinking back…

“Ah.”

In an instant, a piece that had been nagging me at the back of my mind seemed to click into place.

The answer to why I had been concerned about Hizuki-san finally became clear, thanks to the questions posed by Elina-sama and Lilith.

As the cloud of uncertainty cleared, I couldn’t stand still anymore. I slowly placed my hand on Hizuki-san’s bowed head.

If I were the protagonist of a drama, I might have come up with some clever words to say. But unfortunately, I lack both the wit and grace for that.

“T-Tsujizono-san? Why are you petting my head?”

Hizuki-san, surprised by the sudden touch, looked at me with a puzzled expression, seeking the intention behind my action.

If this had been before she opened up about her past, she might have just slapped me without a second thought. 

The fact that our current distance allowed this interaction made me feel a bit relieved.

While firmly grasping the progress we had made, I opened my mouth to respond to her question.

“It’s like a reward for your hard work, Hizuki-san.”

“I don’t understand. Are you making fun of me by treating me like a child and praising my efforts?”

“I mean exactly what I said. If I were in your shoes, I would have given up long ago. But you’ve kept trying without giving in to despair. That’s something that no one else can imitate, and that’s why I’m praising you.”

“W-What is that?! Please stop with these words that sound like you understand and comfort me!”

Hizuki-san’s reaction to my words was a surge of anger, as if she was rejecting any cheap sympathy. 

I understood well that for someone like her, who had become distrustful of humans after enduring persecution as a half-vampire, shallow comfort would be the last thing she wanted.

But despite her reaction, I couldn’t help but feel the pain of the loneliness and alienation that Hizuki-san carried.

“I get it. Because I’ve felt something similar.”

“Huh?”

I abandoned formal language and repeated myself in a more natural tone. 

Hizuki-san widened her crimson eyes in surprise as she asked for clarification.

“You’ve heard that Lady Elina purchased me at a black market auction, right?”

“Y-Yes…”

“Well, the way the nobles and merchants bidding on me looked at me – it was as if they were looking at a toy or an exotic animal, not a human.”

“!”

As soon as he said that, Hizuki-san’s eyes widened even more.

Even looking back now, the sense of loneliness at that time was the worst.

Those sadistic eyes, full of thoughts on how to play and exploit me, held  no trace of pity or consideration for the fact that I had become a slave. 

Having just been sold by my parents, my heart was still reeling, and this treatment was more than enough to push me into the depths of despair.

Born into debt, working tirelessly while everyone else played, and still never seeing an improvement in life, only to be discarded by my parents… I had lost all sense of purpose for living.

Even when I was bought by the young lady, I remained in a state of pessimism. 

That’s why her treating me as a person, even though I was a slave, was the most comforting thing for me.

Having carried the loneliness of not being seen as a person and having been saved by another person who had gone through something similar, I had unconsciously felt empathy, and that’s why I was concerned about Hizuki-san.  

And…

“By facing the contempt from those around you and continuing to stand strong, Hizuki-san, you’ve become strong. If I had been like that, I might have cut ties with my parents much sooner. So, I seriously think that Hizuki-san, who has been working hard like this, is really amazing.”

“…I understand what you’re trying to say, Tsujizono-san. But still, I can’t bring myself to believe that I’m strong. I just can’t seem to trust anyone no matter what.”

“It’s fine to stay as you are. Forcing yourself to get closer to others will only exhaust you. And more importantly, it’s much more enjoyable to be with people who treat you well, like the young ladies, than with those  who don’t even treat you as a person.”

“That’s…”

Hizuki-san, who had been responding with nonchalance, stumbled over her words

She probably didn’t expect to be told that she didn’t have to fix her lack of trust in others.

While I believe it’s better to overcome such issues if possible, in Hizuki-san’s case, it goes beyond that category. 

So, embracing this aspect might be more liberating.

“It’s your freedom to decide who you want to interact with and how.  There’s no reason for you to care about what others say. Personally, I don’t want to have anything to do with people who belittle me because I’m poor. And you, Hizuki-san, don’t want to interact with people indiscriminately. But if you can still have meaningful relationships with the people who are important to you, doesn’t that make you more fortunate than having a normal life?”

“More fortunate than a normal life…”

Hizuki-san mumbled as if a revelation had dawned upon her.

Certainly, the path she had walked wasn’t overflowing with happiness. 

But there was the young lady, Lady Silvinia, and people like Lilith and Jajimu-san who treated her warmly.

“You said you couldn’t be loved, but from my perspective, Hizuki-san, you are loved and cared for. You’ve worked so hard for that, so it’s only natural to commend you,” I concluded.

As I said this, I continued to stroke her head, moving my hand gently. 

I didn’t think that simply doing this would heal the scars of a heart that had kept enduring and getting hurt. 

However, I hoped that even if it was just a little, it could make the wounds a bit lighter.

After about a minute, Hizuki-san suddenly leaned her head against my shoulder.

I was taken aback by this abrupt closeness.

“Ah, Hizuki-san…?” I stammered in surprise.

“I just thought it would be easier to pet like this. I meant no other intentions,” she explained.

“I see.”

Although her tone suggested no hidden meaning, her voice trembled faintly. I was curious, but if that’s how she felt, then I would take her word for it.

How long had we been like this?

Eventually, Hizuki-san lifted her head from my shoulder, and I stopped stroking her head.

Looking at her again, she had a slightly embarrassed, reddened face. 

But there was also a sense of relief in her expression. I silently breathed a sigh of relief, glad that my efforts hadn’t been in vain.

On the other hand, I found myself in a slightly awkward situation regarding what to do next. 

While it was an impulsive act to stroke a girl’s head, there was a potential risk of it being considered harassment. 

Fortunately, Hizuki-san didn’t seem angry, so I doubted she would report it. Still, I felt a different kind of discomfort compared to before.

Should I leave the kitchen now? 

As I was thinking this, Hizuki-san suddenly called out to me, “Tsujizono-san.”

“I originally intended to just have you listen to me, so I apologize for inconveniencing you.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine. I don’t mind at all if it helps alleviate even a bit of what you’re feeling, Hizuki-san.”

“…”

She fell silent.

“Hizuki-san?”

For some reason, Hizuki-san was the one apologizing, so I instinctively assured her that it was alright. 

However, Hizuki-san looked like she wanted to say something as she gazed at me.

“…Your way of speaking,” she began.

“Huh?”

“There’s no need to use formal language. I’m accustomed to it, so I can’t change, but being addressed so formally makes things a bit stiff…”

“Oh, well, if you’re okay with it, Hizuki-san, then I’ll address you more casually…”

“Yes, please do.”

Despite feeling a bit flustered by this unexpected closeness, I accepted her request. 

She seemed satisfied with my response, and her aura seemed to lighten somewhat.

What’s with this? It’s a bit embarrassing. It’s about as exciting as when Lillis called me “Ikkun.”

This is a bit nerve-wracking.

Just as I was struggling to contain this odd sense of bashfulness and considering changing the topic, something unexpected happened.

My hand was suddenly pulled by something.

Turning my gaze without thinking, I found that Hizuki-san had a grip on the sleeve of my clothes.

“Ah, Hizuki-san…?”

Caught off guard by this unexpected gesture, I looked at her, and she met my eyes with determination.

“Tsujizono-san, could you spare some time for me now?”

“Right now?”

“Yes. I… I want you to let me… feed on your blood.”

“!”

What? 

At that moment, I understood.

The pivotal moment of whether Hizuki-san, who had difficulty trusting people, would trust me or not had arrived.

I had heard her story, from learning she was a half-blood vampire persecuted in another world to her past leading up to now. 

After all that, to express her desire to feed on my blood must have taken immense courage, more than words could convey.

Most importantly, the fact that she had approached me brought me immense joy. Unable to contain my smile, I responded:

“Of course. I’m here to provide for you, Hizuki-san.”

“! …Thank you.”

From the start, my role was to be her sustenance. Rejecting her request was never an option.

The moment she realized her request was granted, Hizuki-san’s face blossomed into a graceful smile.

And thus, for the first time, I witnessed her smile—so incredibly beautiful that I almost found myself captivated by it.

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