Board Thread:What Would You Do?/@comment-36855838-20200229040823/@comment-44464716-20200229212824

I don't like the idea, but I've been too busy working and barely making enough money to eat, and I owe my friend, so I agree to meet with them; hoping that I can politely decline if it's clear that it wouldn't work between me and the Eldest Daughter of House Draq.

Once we get off the trolley, we find somewhere where I can change into the fancy clothes. I do hope to make a good impression, but I have no idea what I'm doing, and I have no idea what to expect. "More human-like" That could mean a lot of different mamono.

As we head to the home of House Draq, I begin to wonder which kind of mamono exactly that they are. I look back at my friend, and I notice for the first time that he always has his shirt collars much higher than most people's.

Oh, no. They're vampires; aren't they?

Well, their estate certainly didn't help; it would blend right in if placed in a Castlevania game. I begin weighing the pros and cons in my head. Cons: given what I've heard about vampires, I would likely end up treated more like a household servant than a husband for at least the first several years as I get repeatedly drained of blood. Pros: that's probably better than my current job.

As we approach the entrance, I ask my friend, "What have you been told about their eldest daughter that I'm supposed to meet?"

He knocks on the door before looking back at me. "I think you would like her. Don't worry; just stay calm and be polite."

The door opens for us, but, as we walk inside, I notice that there was no one who could've opened it. Must've been magic. Just as the door completely shuts, a young woman in a long black cloak appears out of nowhere in front of us; completely spooking me.

"Welcome back." She tells my friend before turning to me. "Is this the young man you recommended for my eldest daughter?" As she spoke, I noticed her fangs. Yep; she was definitely a vampire. I try to gulp as subtly as I can.

"He is," My friend tells her. "Where is she anyway?"

"Outside in the backyard; training," The woman; presumably the matriarch of the family, answers. Outside? I think back; it was completely sunny all day today, with not a cloud in the sky. I was at risk of burning in the sun; how would the eldest daughter in a vampire family survive? And just what exactly was she training in?

We head to the back door of the estate and head out into the backyard, but neither the matriarch, nor my friend, follow me out. Instead, the moment I am outside, they slam the door behind me. As I step out, I see a flurry of cuts and thrusts as undoubtedly the most beautiful woman I have ever seen practices her swordsmanship against tatami mats and water bottles. I can do naught but watch as she darts to-and-fro; her long red hair flowing in the wind she creates with every cut and every lunge. Eventually, she sees me, and stops practicing. I try to speak, but I'm too amazed to think straight.

"Um, hi."

She just smirks a little. "Hi." She then sheathes her sword. "If you're here because of some arrangement with my family, then my sympathies. My sisters are like every bad vampire story you've ever heard."

"...Actually," I inform her, "You're family's arranging me with, well, you. You are the eldest daughter, are you not?" Just as I ask that question, I realize what she is: a Dhampir.

"...I am. Wait; what? My mother never arranges anyone for me. 'I'd rather the estate burn down than see my daughter produce more half-breeds.' Those were her words to my father on the day I became an adult."

"I guess she must've changed her mind." After a moment of awkward silence, I ask her, "...Would you like to go to a restaurant? Get to know each other away from your family?"

She smiles. "I would like that very much." The wedding happens three months later.