―23― Let's Try Negotiating
Attempt number approximately 530.
I repeatedly attempted to strategize using the Parasitic Sword Marionette.
Yes, again and again.
No matter how many times I tried, I would ultimately be killed by the vampire Yudith.
Or rather, that's not always the case.
When the Marionette grows to a certain extent, my consciousness fades.
Likely, the fully grown Marionette has completely taken over my body.
This means that even if I successfully repel Yudith, there's no point if my consciousness is overtaken by the sword.
"Why are you here...?"
This time, my consciousness hadn't been overtaken by the Marionette.
At that moment, Yudith appeared before me once more.
For no particular reason, I asked her. There was no deep motive. I had simply been worn down by constant battles.
Even if she was the entity that would kill me, I wanted to try having a conversation.
Why does she live in this dungeon? It piqued my curiosity.
"Tch, quite rude, aren't you? You don't seem to be showing the proper respect for a grand true ancestor like me."
Rude...
Come to think of it, when I first met her, she called me "rude" before killing me.
"I-I apologize. I'm just a country bumpkin. So, could you kindly enlighten me? Who are you and why are you here?"
I asked again more formally.
"Very well, I shall indulge you with some knowledge as a memento for your journey to the afterlife. I am Yudith, the true ancestor vampire. The most noble existence in this world."
With those words, I was killed.
---
"I guess it's impossible..."
After returning from death, I muttered in a resigned tone.
How many times had I attempted to strategize using the Parasitic Sword Marionette? No matter how many times, I would be killed by Yudith.
There were moments when victory seemed close.
But invariably, the Marionette would fully take over my consciousness.
Being completely possessed by the Marionette, I must look horribly repulsive.
Even if I manage to escape this dungeon in such a state, it would be utterly pointless.
I should give up trying to use the Marionette for strategy.
But even if I say that, I can't think of any better options.
No, there's one idea I might try...
"Maybe I should negotiate with the vampire Yudith."
Initially, I had considered her nothing more than a monster with whom conversation was impossible.
Though my impression of her had changed somewhat since, I wondered if there was a chance for a conversation to take place.
"I'll try as a last resort..."
My life had already been lost multiple times.
At this point, there's no reason to fear death anymore.
---
At the second teleportation gate, Yudith was seated at a table, elegantly enjoying her tea.
"Oh, how unusual. An intruder coming into this place. So, what brings you here?"
I recalled being asked this before.
Yes, she wasn't as savage as to attack immediately upon meeting. She consistently initiated conversation instead.
This might be proof that there's room for negotiation.
"I have a request for the esteemed true ancestor vampire Yudith."
As I said this, I knelt down.
Lowering my head, I made my plea.
"Please consider making me a disciple of Yudith-sama."
I felt I had given the minimum courtesy.
Now, let's see how she responds.
"Hehe, my disciple, you say? Quite an amusing proposition."
She said this, sporting a sly smile.
Surprisingly, her touch was pleasant.
Becoming her disciple is my request. To escape this dungeon, I need to become stronger than I am now.
So, the idea of becoming a disciple of the vampire Yudith had occurred to me.
"What benefit would I gain from making you my disciple?"
"Benefit...?"
"Yes, I'm the type who doesn't do things without personal gain."
Even though I was asked, I couldn't immediately think of the benefits Yudith would gain from having me as a disciple.
Still, I had to say something.
"If you were to make me your disciple, I would become Yudith-sama's hands and feet, obeying any command. I promise to be of great use, so please, consider it."
With these words, I lowered my head again.
It was the only idea that came to mind, to pledge my loyalty.
"How uninteresting."
"...Huh?"
In the next moment, Yudith slashed me with a blade made from fresh blood from her right wrist.
My life faded away.
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