As usual, Cardman City is peaceful today. Though the specter of war looms close, considering that this bloody conflict has dragged on for nearly a decade, the citizens - acclimated to the rationing system - report stable moods today.
What can they do even if they are unstable?
Rebel?
The vampire lords residing in the city have long been waiting for just this kind of unrest. Who would have thought? These damned leeches, in the figurative sense, are currently desperate for some cannon fodder to be shipped to the front line. The smart people, of course, won't just play into their hands.
"Look, that destitute vampire is back to mooch off the relief aid again!"
"Hush, lower your voice. Don't let him hear us. Regardless, he's still a formal member of the Blood Vulture Clan."
"Afraid of what? I heard from my neighbour's uncle's cousin's next-door roommate, who works in the city hall's restaurant pantry, that this young man and his privileged elders are famous 'Blood Vulture Wastes'. I also heard he's just one step away from being expelled from the family. What can he do even if he overhears us?
Even his fellow vampires don't consider him. What good face we, the tormented plebeians, have to give him?"
"Exactly! Such a lofty vampire is now here, vying with us commoners for relief goods. What a shameless act! Even the escorts of the desolate Knights who fled from East Prussia, who also come for the relief goods, know better to cover their faces! Unlike him, so nonchalant, it's a disgrace really!"
"But let's not lie, the lad's handsome..."
"Nonsense! Without being handsome, could he have captured the attention of 'money-grubbing Cui Si'? I heard that this young man used to be a 'little white face' who could swoon thousands of young girls... Uh, he's looking this way, quick!
Smile!"
As Murphy turned his head towards the crowd, the gossiping chatterboxes immediately put on pleasing and sugary smiles - much like they always do in the presence of other Blood Vulture Clan members: a mix of respect and hypocrisy.
"Good morning, gossip-mongering assholes!"
Murphy returned their greeting with an impeccable smile, throwing in an affectionate greeting in his "hometown dialect."
Even though they seem to appreciate his nodding and bowing in return, it feels somewhat dull always picking on these Another World inhabitants who don't understand the language.
The main reason is probably that even the most entertaining of games could become dull if played continuously for a month. Murphy was kind of numb now.
But his shoulder-length black hair, talkative eyes, sharply defined in black and white, along with his androgynous facial features had all the girls in the crowd swooning. It's a pity that his excessively pale skin and the hint of bloody glow in the depths of his eyes make them hesitate.
Vampire...
The legendary superior being.
Being dark and nocturnal, these creatures often engage in dreadful activities such as capturing and training others while indulging in blood play. This has resulted in their terrible reputation across all continents. However, here in Transylvania, Posya Confederation's territory is controlled by the vampires and therefore, their reputation here is slightly better.
Well, by "slightly better," I mean that the public won't openly curse them and greet them with poop-pricked pitchforks, but it's unavoidable that they'll become the subjects of backbiting talks, like what just happened.
After all, the haunting tales produced during the Blood Vulture Clan's four-hundred-year reign in this region outnumbers those of any other continent. Besides, the number of people going missing around Cardman City every year could form a strong battalion of its own. Under these circumstances, it would be really outlandish if the common folks and vampires could share mutual affection.
Murphy had already become accustomed to these hushed whispers.
As a vampire should, he disregarded the assorted stares around him and respectfully joined the queue. He patiently waited and even gave up his spot to a lady holding a hungry child.
This act kindled positive views about this young vampire amongst a few men dressed as scholars in the crowd. However, even Murphy himself was unsure about the use of their goodwill?
Emmm, let's put it aside whether it's useful or not, getting good reviews could be considered good karma.
"Two portions of type A ration please, thank you."
When it was his turn, he gracefully spoke to the soldiers distributing food with a warm voice. His presentation was flawless, maintaining an air of nobility even while receiving ration, just like a courtier meeting a king.
The prevailing vibe was elegance.
However, the "king" before him wore an expression as impassive as a corpse, hastily shoved two rough bundles to Murphy, without bothering to spare him another glance.
Even though the badge on the soldier's uniform signified his status as a 'Blood Servant', essentially a servant of a vampire, who theoretically should reverence every vampire.
Regrettably, it's clear that Murphy is not on his "Respect list".
"Little Murphy, looks like your 'good times' with Lady Cui Si are coming to an end."
Just as Murphy was about to turn around and leave, a derisive voice echoed in his ears, like a whisper. He glanced back to see a vampire sitting in the shadows behind, supervising the food distribution while wearing a hypocritical smile.
Murphy didn't recognize this jerk. After all, he had just "arrived here" a month ago.
Perhaps the residual memories in his mind held some information about this guy, but Murphy couldn't be bothered to look for clues, mainly because his new identity was quite awkward.
Renowned as the "famous waste" of the Blood Vulture Clan and an accidental offspring that Lady Cui Si gave birth to due to a severe bout of intoxication, Murphy's position in the family could evoke pity in anyone who hears about it or bears witness.
Ever since he became a vampire, this poor guy was rarely seen in Cardman City's "Blood Eagle Corridor". He didn't even get an invite to any family parties, let alone interact with other vampires.