Vincent wasn't sure what to expect when he first began his exploration of the underground city, but the decidedly mundane nature of it kind of threw him off. After all, it was an entire city filled with vampires! So why was it so normal?

  Sure the fact that it was basically a medieval fantasy town come to life was interesting for a while, but the mystique didn't last too long. Seeing a weapons shop selling swords and spears along with suits of armor was cool, but once the hype around pointy objects wore off, he realized it wasn't much different than visiting a gun store.

  Then there were all the food stands. Most of them sold normal food, like fried chicken, burgers, and hell, even hotdogs. That part threw him for a loop. No one expects to see a hot dog stand in their fantasy city. Sure there were some very vampire-esque treats as well, like Blood Apples and Blood Pops, but they were surprisingly few and far in-between.

  They sure were tasty though. When he asked the lady selling Blood Pops why there weren't more vendors catering to vampires, she told him that making them was very difficult, so most don't bother. Not to mention the price tag. If everyone was making something like that, the prices would be driven so low due to competition that there wouldn't be enough profit, and most would start to sell other things, bringing them back to square one.

  There also wasn't much of a demand for it, apparently. Most of the vampires seemed to enjoy indulging in what was essentially junk food. Sure the Blood Pops were about as sweet as can be, considering they were essentially candy, but for a vampire they still had quite a lot of nutritional value.

  Unlike the hotdogs. Guess vampires really aren't so different from humans after all. Both of our species preferred to shovel shit down our holes rather than eat what's good for us. It made him shocked that he hasn't found an obese vampire yet. Maybe their regeneration worked to keep them slim? Something to ask about later.

  Quite frankly, the whole trip had been underwhelming so far. Not that he wasn't enjoying himself, but he had hyped his visit up so much in his mind that reality was pretty dull by comparison. That'll teach him to get his hopes up.

  Sitting down on a bench overlooking a busy street, Vincent decided to people watch for a while. Or was it vampire watch? Either way, he was observing them go about their daily lives.

  In a totally non-creepy way of course.

  Most of what he saw was underwhelming. Just regular people doing regular things. Even the random scattering of weirdos made everything seem perfectly mundane. Just like in his old world, there was always a free spirited wackadoo or two walking around without fucks to give.

  Such as the lady wearing a very uncomfortable and unfathomably poofy looking dress with makeup caked on so thick you'd need a chisel to find skin. Add in the powdered wig, and you got one hoity-toity noble lady straight out of Victorian London.

  Now, he could have forgiven her for her abysmal sense of fashion. Everyone had their own personal style, you know? But what he didn't understand was the fucking parasol.

  They were underground!

  Sure if they were topside, he could imagine why a vampire would want a fancy umbrella. When the sun is a literal deadly laser, you needed some protection. But when that deadly laser didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of reaching you, it seemed rather pointless.

  Besides, he doubted the sun was much of a threat to that lady, considering just how much makeup she was wearing. It would probably act as a highly effective sunscreen. Hell, it even looked like it, given how white it was. Vampires were normally fairly pale but that took the cake!

  But it wasn't like she was the only odd one he's seen. Apparently, vampires had mimes. It was perhaps the most horrifying thing he's ever witnessed. Actually, scratch that, the vampire clown had the mime beat.

  Literally, in this case, as the two started a fight in the middle of the street, and that clown whooped his ass. It was… something. Vincent wasn't sure what, but it was certainly something alright.

  Maybe he should ask Gunther if there was some kind of clown vs mime gang war going on, or if this was just two street performers duking it out over territorial rights.

  Weird either way. Almost made the naked guy running away from the guards seem normal.

  Almost.

  But it was after that rather odd series of events that Vincent noticed something from the corner of his eye. Among the hustle and bustle of busy vampires going about their daily lives was a small, dirty girl sitting against a shop wall.

  Her dark hair was a frazzled mess, and her clothes looked like they were mostly made of mud and holes. It was a good thing the temperature of the underground city was so stable, else he would worry about her freezing.

  But it wasn't her state of dress or unkempt hair that drew his attention, it was her eyes. Or more specifically, the filthy cloth covering them. Was she blind? He could think of no other reason she would be wearing it.

  Unless she was trying to learn Magic Sense as well, but he somehow doubted it.

  He continued to watch her for a bit, frowning as everyone walking by ignored her existence entirely. Whenever someone approached, she held out a small, dirty red bowl, likely begging for food.

  His stomach twisted in knots as he observed. The girl was clearly homeless and hungry and yet not a single person bothered to lend a hand. Vampires really weren't any different from humans, no compassion whatsoever.

  The one lady, the one with all the makeup and the stupid parasol, made a disparaging remark when the little girl raised her bowl towards her. "Ugh, how disgusting! To think our beautiful city must be besmirched by retched urchins like you. If you had any class at all you would disappear. No one wants to look upon something as unsightly as you."

  Vincent's fists clenched tightly as he attempted to control his rage. As much as he would like to run over there and piledrive the bitch, he couldn't. His every action reflected on Luminous, so he had to be careful about the way he acted.

  Didn't make him feel any better about himself though. He remembered being bullied as a kid (and as an adult, truthfully) all because of his, as that bitch would put it, unsightly appearance. Although, the anime obsession probably didn't help much either.

  Didn't mean he deserved the swirlies. Or the wedgies… Or the titty twisters…

  Shaking those thoughts from his mind, he saw the poor young thing flinch back, trying to make herself as small as possible. It was hard to believe that a grown ass woman would get her rocks off by verbally assaulting a child. Back home, they had a word for people like that.

  Cunts.

  And it seemed like this cunt wasn't fixing to stop anytime soon. It was starting to look like he was going to have to do something after all. But what? As satisfying as it would be to superman that hoe, he needed a way to diffuse the situation and chase off the lady without resorting to his pimp hand.

  Looking around, scoffing at all the pissants just standing around and watching, he spotted a familiar stand. That gave him an idea. With a smile, he set off to kill two birds with one stone.

  *Line Break*

  "Well, what do you have to say for yourself!? Looking at you has ruined my shopping trip! How will you make it up to me?" screeched the woman, glaring down angrily at the poor girl, who, not for the first time, lamented her sightlessness.

  She was certain if she had the ability to see, she would have never offered her bowl towards the lady. But seeing as she couldn't see, she basically begged anyone who came near her, holding up her bowl, hoping for just a few drops of blood to get her through the day.

  It wasn't easy, living off the kindness of others. Most people weren't very kind at all. But at the same time, some people were. It was the only reason she survived this long after all. If there weren't kind people in the world, she would have died long ago.

  Maybe she should have. She honestly wasn't sure what the point of living was anymore. Everyday seemed to be more difficult than the last. It's been days since she's had even the smallest amount of blood, the pain in her stomach was becoming unbearable.

  As the woman kept screaming about how she ruined her day, the blind girl cast her "gaze" towards all the people she could hear around them.

  "Why won't they help me?" she thought dejectedly. It wasn't the first time she's asked herself this question and she doubted it would be the last. Was she cursed? Is that why she had to live this way? Is that the reason her mommy and daddy had to die?

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Was it all her fault? Was that the reason no one helped her? Because she didn't deserve it?

  The whispers of the people started to surround her, their words cloaking her in despair. It choked her like a poisonous fog, stripping her of breath.

  "Look at her."

  "Disgusting."

  "Filthy."

  "What a disgrace."

  "Hey, are you ok?"

  That last one made the rest of the words stop. They still surrounded her, waiting to strike her down, but they seemed… hesitant. Almost as if they were afraid. But why? What could stop them from continuing their assault?

  She "looked" up, not knowing what to expect. What she "saw" however, left her breathless in an entirely different way. The person in front of her was so bright, it was almost blinding.

  And no, the irony was not lost on her.

  Not only that, but the presence was so warm and soothing it drove away the despair like it was never there. The poison filling her heart cleared, and her rapid breathing evened out.

  Who was this person?

  "And just who do you think you are!?" shrieked the woman, her banshee-like voice causing the young girl to flinch back. But the man's aura, the one with the kind voice, wrapped her up in a protective cocoon, driving back the spike of fear that penetrated her heart.

  But rather than answer the annoying woman, he once more spoke to her, like she was more important. It left a weird feeling in her chest.

  "Hey, you're ok. I saw you from across the street and you looked pretty hungry, so I went and bought you this," he said, confusing her. He bought her something? Why? Because she looked hungry? That didn't make any sense. People don't buy her things.

  Part of her thought this was some elaborate scheme, that his aura was only there to trick and deceive her. But as her stomach growled, threatening to eat itself, she found she didn't care. Even if whatever he was offering to her was poisoned, it would be worth it to end the gnawing pain.

  One way or the other.

  She reached her hands out, slowly, unable to stop them from shaking. She felt his own hand gently grab hers. It was soft and warm, like his aura took physical form just to comfort her even more.

  Then he placed something in her hand, something that felt like a wooden stick. It confused her, and she involuntarily tilted her head. She heard the man give a chuckle at that, his deep, smooth voice reassuring her.

  "It's a Blood Pop. I had one earlier, they're pretty good. I'm sure you'll like it," he said. His hand left hers, and she lamented the loss of warmth. But the sudden weight in her hand took precedence.

  She reached out her other hand so she could feel the object she was holding. It was smooth, and just a little bit sticky. The whole thing was bigger than her hand, and she swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. If it really was what he said it was, then this would be the most food she's had in months.

  She'd heard of Blood Pops before but she's never had one. How could she? Not like there were people lining up to give a homeless girl like her an expensive treat. But hearing children yell about how yummy they were made her wish she could try one of her own, but she figured she'd never get the chance.

  But now, apparently, she would. Hard to believe she was getting yelled at not even a minute ago and now a lifelong dream would be realized. She could feel her saliva thicken as she opened her mouth, tentatively taking a lick.

  "So good!" she thought to herself, a happy grin stretching across her face. It was so wide it made her cheeks hurt, but she couldn't stop. The Blood Pop was just so sweet! It was everything she expected and more!

  "See, I told you it was good," chuckled the kind voice.

  "Ah… ah," she agreed, unable to speak. But in her mind, she was shouting loud and clear.

  "Yes! Yes! It's so good! I love it! Thank you so much!"

  But of course, the universe conspired to snatch away any brief happiness she could find.

  "Excuse me!? I asked you a question! Who do you think you are!?"

  It was her again, the mean lady. But this time, the blind little vampire didn't flinch away. She had no reason to. Even if she couldn't see, she could feel the sheer presence of the man shielding her from the woman's venomous words.

  "Who, me?" asked the kind voice, confused. She felt him stand up, turning to face the angry woman and the crowd of curious onlookers.

  "Yes! Who else would I be speaking to? Do you even have a name?" the woman huffed, her question full of smugness. After all, not many monsters had names, and many of the vampire nobility preferred it that way. Kept the riff raff from getting too much power and thinking they can stand beside their betters.

  Like equals. The very thought repulsed her.

  "You know, it's considered impolite to ask for someone's name before giving yours," he responded. While the little girl couldn't see it, she imagined the lady's face turning bright red from anger.

  "Who do you think you are, lecturing me!? Do you have any idea who I am!?" she shouted.

  "How could I? You haven't told me your name," replied the man, sounding like he was speaking to a child. It was almost enough to make the blind girl giggle. But she knew if she did, the lady's attention would probably return to her, and that's the last thing she wanted.

  "Very well, if you must know, I am Baroness Iriella," she responded, in a haughty, superior tone.

  "Baroness? Kind of a weird name…" he muttered, infuriating the woman even further.

  "Baroness is a title you uncultured swine! It means I am part of the upper class! Nobility! You should be on your knees thanking me for the privilege of speaking to me!"

  "Oh, well I'm Vincent. Nice to meet you," he said, doing his best Luffy impression. The kind that said he didn't give a flying fuck about who she was. But there was someone who cared a great deal about who he was.

  "Vincent? That's his name?" the little vampire girl thought, finding she liked the name. She liked it quite a bit. She'd remember it for the rest of her life, no matter how short a life that might be.

  As for the man in question, he was having a wonderful time. The lady in front of him looked like she was about to lose her shit. Hopefully not in the literal sense. He wasn't entirely sure this was a good idea, but he somehow doubted Luminous would be upset about him giving candy to a little girl.

  An action that, for some reason, infuriated the psycho in front of him.

  "I see, Vincent," she drawled, like saying his name left a bad taste in her mouth. "I'm willing to forgive you this transgression if you divest that filthy urchin her sustenance this instant."

  Vincent couldn't believe the audacity of this woman. This was the absolute pinnacle of pettiness. In fact, he was so astounded by her order, that he simply had to ask for clarification.

  "Let me get this straight. You want me to take away the food I just gave her?"

  "Are you deaf? Yes! And be quick about it, I have things to do today."

  He was quiet for a moment. But just a moment.

  "...Are you retarded?" Vincent asked in disbelief. He didn't exactly mean to sound so rude, given the lady was nobility, (or so she claimed) he didn't want to create any headaches for Luminous. Even if she was the biggest tease in the world, adding extra stress to her life was the last thing he wanted.

  But this lady in front of him was just too much. She actually thought that he would turn around and just yoink the food out of her hands, all to appease her. Not to mention the sheer arrogance to say she had things to do, when she was the one to stop and terrorize a blind child!

  If she wasn't at least a little retarded, he would be very surprised.

  "I beg your pardon! How dare you say such a thing to me! Do you have any idea who I am!?" she shouted, spittle flying from her mouth.

  "Geez lady, say it don't spray it," he commented, cleaning out one of his ears. If she continued to shriek like that, he might find himself with tinnitus. Hey wasn't sure if vampires could even get tinnitus, and he didn't particularly wish to find out.

  "And yeah, I know who you are. You just told me. Is your memory that bad, you old hag?"

  "Old-old hag! How dare you! Guards, arrest this man!" she shouted, looking towards the crowd. To Vincent's surprise, there actually were some guards watching. Lovely. They must have caught the naked man.

  "What are they going to arrest me for, feeding the needy? If anything, they should arrest you for disturbing the peace," Vincent shot back. She returned her glare to him and he was sure if he were a lesser man, he would have flinched back.

  There was an awful lot of hatred in those eyes for someone he barely met.

  But thankfully, he was not a lesser man, and he would not back down from this woman, even if it killed him. So as one of the guards tepidly approached, he stood tall, projecting an air of absolute calmness.

  "Um, forgive me Baroness Iriella, but the man is correct. He has committed no crime," the guard simpered, flinching back as her gaze shifted to him.

  "What!? I don't care about any crime! Just do as I say, arrest him!" she yelled, making Vincent sweat drop. Did she really want him arrested for committing no crime at all? Did she not know how the law works, or did she think she was the law?

  Actually, considering she fancied herself a noble, that's probably exactly what she thought.

  "I'm sorry ma'am, but there's nothing we can do," the guard stated. So encompassed by her blistering anger that the make up she troweled onto herself started to melt. It was like looking at a wax figure under a heat lamp.

  "You heard the man, there's nothing he can do. So why don't we just go our separate ways and enjoy the rest of our day, hm?" Vincent asked, trying to be the voice of reason.

  Unfortunately for him, he wasn't speaking to someone reasonable.

  "I'll make sure you regret this, do you hear me!? Just wait until my husband hears about this!" she screamed before turning on her heels and storing off.

  "What a pleasant lady… Name should be Malfoy though," Vincent muttered under his breath. Once the crows realized the show was over they dispersed. Damn jackals.

  He turned around, giving a soft smile towards the young girl. He knelt back down as she "stared" at him with curiosity.

  "Sorry about that. Some people are just the worst, aren't they?" he said. The little girl in front of him didn't say anything, and he wasn't sure she could. A blind mute girl alone on the streets…

  "How the hell did this happen?" he thought. Luminous didn't seem like the kind of leader who would let something like this stand. She was too kind for it. Or perhaps, that was just the way she was with him and those closest to her?

  Either way, he would have to make sure to talk to her about it. So far, she was the only homeless person he saw, so maybe there was something else at play here. Given she was pretty hands off with the whole, ruling thing, he wouldn't be surprised if someone was taking advantage of that fact.

  And this little one suffered for it.

  Yes, he'd speak to her as soon as he got back. He'd call her now using Blood Mirror, but he knew she was busy. Besides, this might be a conversation to have in person.

  "Well, it's about time for me to get going. But you enjoy that Blood Pop, and take care of yourself, alright," he said, rubbing her head affectionately. She made a soft noise, seemingly enjoying the attention, before he stopped, standing back up.

  "See you around kid," he said, before turning around and leaving. He wanted to tell her that he was going to get her help. That everything would be alright, but he couldn't. He didn't want to give her any false hope. Better it be a pleasant surprise.

  For now, he had a few more hours to kill before he needed to return, might as well go back to exploring the city. Who knows what other trouble he might get into? And he hasn't been to the park yet, so maybe he would check that out.

  As he left, the small girl reached out her hand, desperately wanting him to come back. To stay. She could feel that warm, comforting aura of safety slowly disappear as he moved further and further away, making her shiver at the sudden feeling of cold.

  But as much as she wanted him to come back, she knew it was better if he stayed far away from her. He already did so much for her, giving her food and standing up to that mean lady, she didn't want him to suffer because of her.

  Because she was cursed, and if he stayed around for long, he would only be met with ruin. And she didn't want that for someone who was so nice to her. The best thing was to let him go and simply enjoy the treat he got her.

  But she would make sure she never forgot him either. The nice man named Vincent.

  Her hero.