[TS] Surviving in a Yuri Visual Novel

A corpse drained of all its blood was highly likely to be the work of a vampire.

It was said that there were two small holes on the neck, similar to those left by a mosquito. Was it a bite mark from a bat-like creature? In the first place, the only race capable of completely draining blood from a human body without leaving a drop behind was vampires.

Even mutant bats or mosquitoes wouldn’t be able to accomplish that. To drain all the blood from a human body is impossible. Moreover, vampires only need to consume a certain amount of blood, so there’s no need for them to siphon every last drop of human blood.

However, conversely speaking, it would be easier for a vampire to entirely drain human blood than for a baby to suckle from its mother. If they bit into the victim’s neck with their fangs and simultaneously covered the victim’s mouth with their hand, they could have silently drained the blood and disposed of the victim easily.

Even if they received training at the academy, training differs from actual combat. An academy student who hasn’t experienced war against the Mazoku would have great difficulty defeating a vampire head-on. They would have hardly been able to resist at all.

If they were ambushed at night, it would be even more challenging. Even if the vampire was relatively weaker, it would still be overwhelming.

Even if they suffered serious injuries, if they barely managed to survive, it would still be a tragic loss at such a young age.

The victim was discovered in an alley behind the academy, completely drained of blood and in a state resembling a mummy, so it seemed certain they had been murdered. However, there were odd aspects in Leticia’s account that made it strange to conclude it was the work of a vampire.

“Do you understand?”

“…I understand, but it doesn’t make much sense.”

In response to that question, I nodded and looked at Leticia with a puzzled expression, adding:

“First of all, I’m not defending them by saying half of the blood mixed with a vampire’s. But if it were the work of a vampire, they wouldn’t have left the body behind, would they? Normally, beasts take the corpses they’ve eaten with them.”

Beasts don’t leave their consumed prey lying in the street. If they had no intention of getting caught, they’d typically hide the mummified body in a place where it wouldn’t be seen after draining all the blood. But leaving the body behind felt strange.

If they hadn’t planned to get caught from the start, it didn’t explain their actions.

Moreover, it hardly seemed plausible that a vampire could infiltrate the academy, which symbolizes the empire in a different sense from the imperial court, drain a student’s blood, and then flee.

The capital’s security and the academy’s guards are hardly decoration.

‘…Even for the progression of the game, this is too forced.’

At the very least, there should have been one witness who saw the fleeing vampire. Given that a vampire not only infiltrated the imperial capital but also killed a student, the imperial court would not remain silent. If this became known, it wouldn’t be strange for the empire to be turned upside down.

If there’s one fortunate thing, it’s that Leticia was the first to discover the body. Thanks to that, it seems there were no issues in concealing the incident.

Those who knew the truth were just the Emperor, Leticia, the head of the academy, and Leo. They meticulously kept it hidden to the point that even nobles above the rank of duke didn’t notice. After all, there’s no benefit to making it known to the public. Rather, I was concerned about the treatment of the deceased student.

“Even if they distorted the truth and declared a closure to put out the fire, what about the empty place of the deceased student?”

“That conversation has already been settled with the headmaster. We’ll say that the student suddenly had a study abroad schedule and left for a neighboring country without having time to say goodbye.”

“…Do you believe that?”

“Apparently, they do. It’s unfortunate for the deceased student, but it seems they were a student who didn’t do well academically or socially.”

Leticia casually stated that there were no difficulties in manipulating information, and I silently wept for the dead student.

You were a loser, weren’t you?

“A teacher can’t take responsibility for every student.”

They were dead, yet they’re being dismissed again. Stop showing sympathy with an indifferent expression; that’s even more hurtful to the deceased student. I didn’t even know the student, so that was all there was to it, after all.

“So, to return to the starting point, this incident clearly has many strange aspects.”

I looked at Leticia with a bewildered expression.

“In a way, the sage of the hero party, who knows vampires better than I do, is sitting right there. There’s no way they wouldn’t recognize the actions of a vampire. But don’t you find it a bit strange?”

“If their intent was to destroy evidence, then clearing away the body would have been the right move. I also find that point odd.”

“But,” Leticia said.

“Upon examining the corpse, it matched how a vampire would drain blood.”

“…Then.”

“By the way, we are considering the possibility that someone might be trying to frame a vampire while investigating, but that would complicate matters.”

“The newly crowned Demon King desires peace.”

Naturally, there exist humans and Mazoku who seek not peace, foolishly. Both sides have lost so much to war that some demand a peace treaty while making displays of force. Leo, who had been silently listening to Leticia and me, suddenly interjected.

“Shouldn’t they be called the radicals? Those troublesome types. Instead of protesting peacefully, they do so through violence, and thus, many get hurt. The vampire that killed the student was likely a radical that broke free from the Demon King’s control.”

There are still many hidden dungeons left. They likely crossed over from the demon world through a dungeon we’re unaware of. Leo frowned and let out a short sigh.

“A bird that has never known war in a cage doesn’t understand how horrific the mire of war is. If they had seen the mountains piled high with the corpses of Mazoku and humans, their words would have changed, but it’s such a shame.”

“Leo.”

“I have to say this, Leticia. You should be aware of this opportunity as well. Even those called the heroes of war, including our hero party, are just slaughterers who have crossed over those mountains.”

Leo spoke calmly, but his eyes were hollow. Then he returned to his usual expressionless state and forced a weak smile. Even that, combined with the more refined appearance he had gained from becoming a woman, created a picture, but there was no one in this conversation who was so foolish as to ignore the atmosphere.

“…Leo. This isn’t the time for that. Keep in mind that capturing the vampire that caused this uproar is our priority.”

I hurriedly changed the subject as I noticed Leticia’s discomfort with Leo’s words.

“I would also like to see the scene, is that okay?”

“Hmm? The scene?”

“Wait a minute. For capturing the vampire, Leticia and I would be sufficient. The original purpose was to confirm whether I could lift my curse, so you don’t need to get involved in this incident…!”

“Okay.”

“Leticia!”

Leticia permit my request while Leo shouted that he couldn’t trust us. It was utter chaos. In a situation where I couldn’t force myself in, I just blinked from a distance.

At that moment, Leticia, wearing a sly smile, placed her hand on the desk drawer and pulled out an item.

“To make sure you don’t do anything strange, you’ll need to wear this around your neck as a condition. How about it?”

“…?”

In confusion, I examined the item Leticia handed me and displayed an expression full of countless question marks. Is this what I think it is? Regardless of Leo’s shocked reaction, Leticia spoke with an eagerly expectant look.

“What could it be? It’s a collar.”

“……I’m not unaware of that… wait. You want me to wear this around my neck?”

“Yeah. I thought it was better than a maid dress or handcuffs, right?”

“…What kind of collar is this? Ugh. I’ve said it many times: I’m not a dog.”

I’m not a pet. Yet, if I don’t wear this, the atmosphere from Leticia made it clear that she wouldn’t let me out of here, not just this time, but for my entire life. She smiled, but her eyes didn’t match that smile. Leo, too, seemed to notice Leticia’s expression and, unlike his earlier shock, was now silent, showing no expectation, but he displayed unexpected behavior.

“Leticia, even if this guy is a Mazoku, that’s crossing a line. He’s not a slave. There can’t be such conditions in the contract.”

Leo, you may be lacking in certain parts, but you’re still my buddy…!

[The specialty of the S type (yuri) is activated. The conversation progresses in favor of the player.]

“Still, a collar would suit you, wouldn’t it? If Leticia thinks so, I’m in favor.”

…What? Hey, who are you to agree? Why is the S type of yuri activating without my permission? Where did the tsundere hero who had been wrapping me in kindness until just moments ago go? I felt a sense of betrayal from Leo’s actions and silently clenched the collar in my hand.

A man has his pride. No way am I wearing this.

“….”

“Charlotte. Are you going to wear it or not?”

I bit my lip tightly. The contract stated I was the dominant party. I was clearly the one in power, yet this feeling of becoming the subordinate is perplexing. The contract terms were generally favorable to me, but if this continues, it seems pointless.

However, I still had enough pride as a man to refuse politely… but unfortunately, I had no right of refusal from the start. In a situation where Leticia was looking me in the eye, even without a quest initiated, I obediently clasped the collar around my neck that Leticia had handed me.

Yeah. It’s not like I’m going to die if I wear it. After fastening the leather collar around my neck and raising my head to Leticia, she smiled with satisfaction.

“See? It suits you well.”

How did I end up in this situation? I really want to die. Damn.

---