The sound of glass cups hitting each other echoed throughout the kitchen as the maids were setting the plates on the dining table.
While that was going on, Sato, Erza, and Vlad sitted in the outside setup room that was designed for guests.
There were multiple of patios positioned horizontally in the garden, filled with different colorful flowers and trees.
Sebastian, Elena, and Yuri were also seated on one of these Patios. They were keeping an eye on Sato and Erza from afar while trying their best to listen in on the conversation.
"Damn it, I can't hear anything!" Yuri pouted before resting her head on the table, giving in to the stress she was feeling.
"Unfortunately, I can't either." Sebastian added while tapping his finger on the table, "I'm deeply concerned… what if the Master does something".
Yuri stared at him for a while, ignoring his comment before changing her focus to Sato, "I could've just stayed in your shadow." She muttered to herself.
Elena didn't add to anything, instead, she had her eyes scanning the whole place at all times, making sure she caught glimpse of everything with her eye Skill.
She noticed the maids all had their eyes on Sato and some Vampires were moving into the other side of the garden in large numbers.
"Hey, Yuri?" Elena called out.
"Hmm?" Yuri responded, looking at Elena with her head still on the table.
Once Yuri locked eyes with Elena, she was able to understand why Elena called her name.
'Oh?' Yuri uttered, she looked to her left and noticed the vampire's movement also.
All the Vampires were dressed in white uniforms and red belts around their waists, and from what Elena and Yuri observed, they were all moving to a particular location.
It didn't take long for Yuri to also pick up on this, and she knew exactly what the next step would be.
With a sigh, Yuri stood up from her chair and walked right in front of Sebastian, blocking his view.
"Can I help you with something… witch?" Sebastian asked assertively.
"Witch? Ouch, that's a mean thing to say to a guest." Yuri uttered, with her right middle finger placed on the tip of her lips.
"Look I don't have time for your …."
"I need to use the bathroom." Yuri voiced out.
Sebastian went quiet for a while before sighing, "Fine, I'll show you where the restroom is." He uttered, standing from the chair and walking toward the mansion.
With a smile on her face, Yuri ran behind Sebastian, "You, know, maybe you're not such a bad guy after all".
"Shut up… Witch".
As soon as Sebastian and Yuri walked inside the mansion, Elena stood up from the chair.
She had her eyes on Sato before she got ready to make her advance, "I won't fail this." Elena uttered.
She pulled the black cloth that was wrapped around her neck and covered her nose with it before running straight into the garden.
Sato, who was seated far away from there on the other Patio with Vlad, could tell what both Yuri and Elena were up to.
Seated on the two-seater couch with Erza beside him, Sato zoomed his eye focus to the garden and could also see the Vampires.
'I see they've picked up on it, I'm impressed.' Sato said to himself with a smile as he watched Elena run.
<<Tracker activated… The Subordinate's position is been followed>>
'Nice, vampires are tricky…. I'd hate to lose any one of my people.' Sato expressed.
<<Affermative>>
"Sato Inugami, am I right?" Vlad questioned, he sat down on his single-seater gallantly as he faced Sato.
"You are correct." Sato responded, 'Wait… I don't think I told him my name'.
"From what my daughter told me, you saved her from her kidnappers… I must thank you for that." Vlad voiced.
"That said, there was something she mentioned that really came as a shock to me… She claims you are her fated one, a vampire getting a fated one hasn't bee heard in years, so you can imagine my surprise." Vlad put forth with a straight expression.
'Depending on how I answer, my plan might either fail or move up to the next stage.' Sato thought to himself while looking at Erza.
With a deep breath, he replied, "I believe so, but, I do feel honored to be her 'fated one' and would love to be engaged to her".
Vlad hummed in response to what Sato said, "Are you aware of the vampire's tradition? Erza is soo to get engaged to someone before, if you hope take his place… I believe you know what must be done?" He asked.
Sato went silent, looking at Vlad and Erza who both had their eyes on him in anticipation of his answer.
"I believe to take his place, I have to battle him in a test of strength," Sato hinted, "If that's the case... then I'd gladly do so".
"Even though you haven't met him before?" Vald asked.
"That wouldn't change anything." Sato replied.
"You sure are a brave one, or maybe you're just stupid." Vlad uttered before bursting into laughter.
"Very well then." Vlad said before standing up from the couch, "The battle will hold tomorrow, I hope you are prepared".
"Wait, that's it?" Sato asked with a puzzled expression on his face, "You don't need my introduction or anything?".
Vlad smiled, "I'll see you tomorrow… Sato Inugami." He uttered before walking away.
As soon as Vlad left the Patio, Erza dropped to the ground on all four with a reliving smile leaving her mouth.
"Are you okay?" Sato asked.
A wierd smile made its way to Erza's face as she looked at Sato while still on the ground.
"That went smoother than expected." Erza uttered, "Ahhh, I'm glad that's over".
….
...
"Do you hate the person you are currently engaged to?" Sato asked.
"Hate?".
"I mean, you were quick to ask me to get engaged to you just because you saw this tattoo with me…. I don't think one falls in love that quick….".
"But Vampires do," Erza chimed in, "The moment we take in our fated one's blood is like being addicted to your favorite thing".
"Addicted uhn?" Sato said, resting his head on the couch more as he looked to the sky.
"Yes." Erza voiced, standing up from the chair and immediately grabbing Sato by the throat before sitting on his lap.
"Why so violent." Sato uttered calmly.
"Look at me." Erza said, pulling her face closer to Sato's, "I'm yours, I need you to understand that, so… don't even think about doing anything with any other woman besides me, you understand don't you?" She asked with a smile.
"Cross my heart." Sato responded, 'Yandere vampire? Interesting.