Murphy navigated the ration-controlled city with ease and found the underground black market to do some shopping. He spent all his money on a pile of items which he brought back to the mansion.
The reason he did not leave any money for Cui Si was simple.
The woman would certainly spend it all on alcohol, then rely on the long standby time of being a vampire to combat hunger while being inebriated. She proudly stated once that she had survived this way for a full sixty years.
Murphy suspected that this was the main reason why Cui Si was so weak.
What a waste of a pretty girl, she had practically starved herself silly.
As Cui Si was still resting upstairs, Murphy did not disturb the ill woman. He placed the sliced bread and some canned food into the whirring mechanical fridge.
If Murphy remembered correctly, this big, clumsy piece of equipment in front of him was said to be a model called 'Steam 800', a creation unique to this world because of its 'steam mechanic' characteristic. It was supposedly invented around the year 800 by the Pseudo-body Man of Xialdu's mechanic.
To be honest, Murphy could understand the principle of using steam to heat food, but he couldn't comprehend how steam could be used for refrigeration.
But now was not the time to delve into the fantastical physics of another world and scramble his brain in the process.
The unfortunate vampire packed enough food for three days and some odd items into his bag, then wrote down the preparation steps for a small meal on a piece of paper. The process was detailed enough that as long as Cui Si hadn't drunk herself senseless, she should be able to prepare the meal successfully.
Lastly, he took out his worn pocket watch to check the time.
It was almost dusk, time for him to depart.
The room behind Murphy was dim due to the blocked window. Not turning on the ancient gas lamp, he slowly walked out of the place where he had lived for a month.
The punctuality of vampires was evident at this moment.
As Murphy reached the door, the sound of horse bells rang out, and a black carriage emerged from the alley opposite, pulling up in front of the mansion.
It was not anything extravagant, just an ordinary four-wheel carriage used by traveling merchants. Inside the carriage were eight haggard and skinny Blood Servants, which made Murphy frown.
'Blood slaves' would probably be a more fitting term.
At a glance, they were clearly the seriously ill type that had been kept in captivity and bled for a long time until they became foolish. Forget about going to war or completing a task, if they could make it to tomorrow morning without dying in front of Murphy, that would be a great success.
The driver was a robust man with a hood covering his face. He was the only one of the "kind-hearted" Clan Leader's guards who Murphy found presentable from the help given to him.
Healthy, tall, and muscular, his presence was reassuring.
Upon seeing Murphy, this man immediately greeted him, saying:
"Greetings, Mr. Murphy. We are the servants sent to assist you by Sir Jed. The armor and weapons you need are in the carriage. Shall we depart now?"
"So, that guard's name is Jed."
Murphy made a mental note of this name.
Although it was most likely out of pity that this man gave him these "aids", a favor is still a favor. Even though he was down on his luck, he didn't owe anyone anything.
If he could return, he would make sure to find a way to repay this favor.
He nodded at the driver but didn't sit in the narrow carriage. Instead, he took the bag that held the armor and weapons.
Finally, he sat down next to the driver.
The position had a good view, it was well ventilated, and in case of danger, he could flee immediately.
"Let's go."
Murphy pulled down his hood, covering his cheeks, and said to the driver. But the latter didn't crack the horse whip. Instead, he spoke softly:
"Sir, your elder is over there!"
"Hmm?"
Murphy turned his head in surprise, only to see Cui Si, who was resting just now, now standing barefoot at the garden edge of the shabby courtyard, wrapped in a red cloak silently watching him like a mother bidding farewell to her child.
"Wait a moment."
Murphy said to the driver, then hopped down from the carriage and quickly walked to Cui Si's side. He frowned and said:
"Why are you outside barefoot?"
"So, is that what you wanted to say to me before your departure, little Murphy?"
Cui Si flipped her long hair, rolling her eyes.
She shook her head, reached out and helped Murphy adjust the hood and mask on his face to the appropriate position. During the process, Cui Si looked at him very seriously, her crimson eyes dancing with a sparkle that Murphy found strange.
She patted Murphy on the chest and whispered:
"When you're gone, don't come back! Use this opportunity to leave Cardman City, to completely escape the territory of the Blood Vulture Clan!
Whether you go to the Nordtoff Kingdom to the north to seek shelter with the Thorn Clan, head south across the Dark Mountain Range to join the Blood Fear Fleet at the Misty Sea coast, or even seek the Blood alliance knights who are roaming and avoiding the Dark Mountain Range.
No matter where you go, it's better than staying here! Of course, remember to avoid those thugs and hooligans of the Wolf Poison Clan.
When you've found the Clan Leader or elder of the clans, tell them my name.
I will only say it once!
My full name is Cui Si·Carvendina·Ga·Lorin·Lusenbura.
Though in Cardman City, I'm only a disregarded, forgotten rubbish who is declared dead to the public, I still have some reputation among other clans. If those old men and women of my era are still alive, they will accept you.
Little Murphy, listen to me carefully!
The Blood Vulture Clan is beyond saving.