Chapter 226 - He Has A Mascot

Name:My Vampire Assistant Author:Garessta
The auction took place in a small palace that only someone prone to understatements could've called a mansion. It had all things a palace should have: palisades, columns, a garden, and, of course, servants and guards.

And, today, guests as well. I and JJ were greeted and led inside towards the by one of the many people whose only purpose today seemed to be guiding all the arrivals. There were so many of the people who came to the auction's opening, too… Much more than I expected.

With a sudden sharpness, I realised that this was nothing like the modest galas I accompanied by dad at. I fought nerves by clutching tighter at JJ's elbow. He, contrary to me, looked as calm as ever, if only a slightest bit tense. I didn't miss the way he scanned our surroundings as we walked.

"Any fighting or usage of supernatural abilities on the grounds of the auction's house is strictly prohibited. The violators of that rule will be shown out and banned from coming back ever again. To help our vampire guests to cope with this, there's a spell put on the grounds that will ensure your calm," our guide explained on our way in clean Russian. "We have refreshments of all kinds, and for our vampire guests, there are volunteering donors present. You can recognise them by these pins," he pointed at the jewelled pin shaped like a red chrysanthemum on his lapel. "The auction itself will start at midnight."

I could see the spell he was talking about. We were warned about it, but it was another thing to see it with my own eyes. It was… too crude for my liking. Like an oppressive cloud. It didn't affect me—it was selective, at least—but I didn't like the way it pressed down on JJ's aura. He fought it back, though.

"How thoughtful of our host," JJ said. "So you are a donor, too? Did you work a long time for Cornellio?"

"Eight years, but my primary position is in another place. Master Loistava owns several hotel properties, which is where I work most of the time. I was called in today because there weren't enough hands."

It didn't seem to me that our guide was scared of Loistava any more than it was normal for a person to be afraid of vampires and bosses in general, or that he was abused in his main or temporary position.

"Do you get a bonus for being a donor?" My question brought a momentary surprise to the guide's face.

"I do." He paused, then added somewhat unfriendly, "Did you expect otherwise, miss?"

"As of now, I expect nothing." I smiled at him placatingly. "I didn't intend to imply anything."

I was spared any further awkwardness when we reached the gala's hall and the guide had to bid us goodbye. Instead, we were immediately greeted by a person who could've been no one else but Cornellio Loistava himself.

He was a tall and lean man, with eyes so clear blue they looked almost unnatural. His blond hair had been cut short and slathered with a hair gel that put it flat on his head. He was smiling at us wide enough to show fangs.

Most notably, next to him stood a perch on which sat a small white owl. At our appearance, it ruffled its feathers and sent us an unfriendly look of a person bothered by all the noise. It was just so cute.

"Miss Daraeva, Dragonslayer," Cornellio approached us and made a gallant bow. "I'm delighted to see you today, after all."

"It's our pleasure." JJ returned Cornellio's bow with his own; it all looked so natural in their execution that I felt like someone watching a scene from a movie about Renaissance. And, just like that someone, I had no idea what would be proper for me to do.

"Pleasure and honour," I added with a smile, because that was the best thing I could do. Cornellio, though, didn't seem to mind my lack of knowledge.

JJ nodded. "Your initiative, Cornellio, is the one that can only benefit our society by promoting more interaction between supernatural beings. And interaction brings out cooperation, something that we desperately need in these trying times."

"I'm so glad you understand," Cornellio grinned almost boyishly. "So many only see the profits of the business I organised, but not the social ramifications. Like that spell that lets us stand and talk without having to suppress murderous urges." He made a vague gesture around. "I had it custom-made for this occasion."

"May I ask, was it done by a seal, or there's a witch somewhere who needs to constantly support it?" I wondered. "This is almost a professional curiosity for me, you can say."

"I understand. Of course, someone like you would want to copy my success here." Cornellio chuckled amiably. "It's not a secret. Both are necessary. The seal acts as an anchor, while the witch guides the spell, though the further details are unknown to me. There are only so many technical details I can understand while not being a witcher myself."

After I thanked Cornellio for his answer, he excused himself to grit another guest, leaving me and JJ on our own. I looked at the groups of people, feeling both crowded and lost at what to do. Contrary to me, JJ, when I looked at him, seemed excited.

"So many familiar faces. Ma chèrie, let me introduce you to some people." At my surprised look, he grinned. "They all will be decent, I promise. Then, when some of these faces won't look as unfamiliar as they did before, you will feel better."

"You read my thoughts once again. Is my nervousness too obvious?" I averted my eyes, but silently put my hand in his. "What a paradox. I feel more anxiety than anticipation or elation right now, which is a complete opposite of what I felt before we got there." I took another look at the guests, this time looking closer at the female ones specifically. Especially vampires.. "Maybe it's all because most of them seem to be prettier than me."