3 Chapter 3 - The Count in the Nude

" Yea right, what kind of humble abode is bigger than a small town, "

Cleff muttered under his breath as he made his way over the drawbridge that lead into a sprawling courtyard. Many pairs of eyes peered out from the darkness and rested on his thin figure.

Cleff didn't know if they stared because they were hungry or curious but he wasn't in the mood to find out.

" Ah yes, puny human scum. Have your mind blown by the vastness of my master's estate. I will allow your feeble human figure to fall to the ground in shock. "

Veinessa of course had to reply with one of her usual remarks that just oozed prejudice.

After three days of traveling around with the bloodsucking hag, Cleff had gotten quite used to her usual biting remarks.

" Veinessa we talked about this, not all humans are as puny as me. I'm just weak because I'm an artist and can't upgrade myself through the Magica. "

" Silence fool! With or without the Magica us vampires are superior! "

" Who cares about superior, at least I can survive a sunburn, "

* Slap

" Shut up, I better not hear any of your remarks as we make our way to the count, "

" Of course your paleness, that's ten points for humanity three for vampires "

* HISSSSSSSS

Even a passing vampire that was " gracefully " gliding around the castle under the light of the full moon turned to hiss at Cleff.

" If not for the fact that the count wants you alive you'd be nothing but a late-night snack feeble artist, "

And so bickering the entire way Cleff was lead through the castle by Veinessa.

Even though the vampires were a tiny bit speciest Cleff had to admit they knew how to live in luxury.

Cleff found himself being lead through what felt like miles of opulent mirror-covered hallways filled with beautiful stone arches and fountains. Chandeliers powered by crystals that amplified moonlight sent cascades of silver light through the hallways and hundreds upon hundreds of impressive decorative weapons and armor lined the walls.

Interestingly enough there were many large crates littered throughout the castle. Taking a quick peek into a few of them as they passed by Cleff saw many interesting and luxurious fabrics.

" Get your grimy little fingers off our merchandise you inferior being. "

" Rude, "

" No, just superior to you my little human friend, "

Noticing Cleffs interest in the many crates of fabrics Veinessa sent one of her usual remarks his way before pausing and proudly explaining what they were.

" You see slimy human, our amazing Master had the amazing idea to get into the fabric industry a few thousand years ago. Five hundred years later he became the number one authority on fabric trade within one hundred miles of this castle. And today he holds an absolute monopoly on expensive luxury fabrics within this country. "

Cleff was actually impressed for a moment. Well he was impressed before he realized it took the Count a good thousand years to actually take over the luxury fabric market in just one country.

You had one thousand years to do anything and that was your crowning achievement ???

That was just biting, wasn't it?

If Cleff took that long to create a reputable business along with supernatural powers he would have run off to hide in his crypt for the rest of time in shame.

But who was Cleff to judge, after all he was just a weak puny artist. A human one at that.

Continuing their journey to the heart of the castle Cleff and Veinessa meandered through a series of winding corridors until they found themselves in front of a pair of crimson red double doors.

" The Count is in this room, you remember everything that ive told you ?? "

" Yes Marm, "

Cleff nodded enthusiastically as he looked Veinessa in her red eyes.

" Good, now be on your best behavior and as not to get eaten. Even though your an inferior human your presence has grown on me and it would be a shame to see you die, "

" Awww I always knew you had a soft spot for me. "

Leaving a hissing Veinessa behind Cleff steadied his breath and readied himself to meet his first big client.

Grasping the straps of his backpack for self-reassurance and making a last-minute adjustment to his hair Cleff stepped through the door to find himself in an enormous study.

The room was filled with bookshelves and strange animal corpses that were stuck behind glass.

Each one was placed in the center of a glass cage in strange aggressive positions, held in place by wires and string.

And at the center of it all was a man.

The man was tall with black hair and red eyes. He had a sharp angular face that was accentuated by a little stubble and a presence that filled every corner of the room.

Cleff found himself taking a hesitant step back, his backpack bumping into the closed doors behind him.

The man turned around and stared right into Cleffs soul. Or at least that's what it felt like.

" Ah great its the artist Ive commissioned to paint my nude portrait. How was your journey Mr Cleff, I am Count Von-Vlad-Nosferatu, you can call me Count Von. "

" Your what ?? "