While we walked Hatsumi studied our surroundings.

  “So, how much do you know about the world? Is it overwhelming to suddenly exist?” I wondered.

  “It is overwhelming, in some way. It is also exciting! It’s hard to describe what I know. I think a lot of it comes from you, or maybe the whole group. You created me in a joint casting, after all. I know about tableware, weapons, the weather... there is a lot of information in my head. I know that we are in an academy, a place of learning. I know that this nation is called Nethena. But some information is vague. And knowing about something and experiencing it are different.” She explained.

  I nodded. “Knowing about something and seeing it are certainly different things. If you get overwhelmed and need a break, just let me know.”

  “Thank you for your concern, but it is fine.” Hatsumi replied. “But… I would like to try eating something.”

  “Let’s see if they have anything bloody.” I said.

  We arrived at the mess hall. It was mostly empty. Not a big surprise, it was too late for lunch. I walked towards the counter, which was always open. Having money to buy food was a great feeling.

  “Hi. Do you have anything with, eh, blood?” I asked the man behind the counter.

  “Blood? Oh, yeah we have a blood sausage. It comes with mashed potatoes.” He replied.

  “Great, I would like two portions of that.” I said. “Oh, and a large mug of ale, please.”

  It did not take long until my order was ready. Hatsumi had claimed a table and I brought the food.

  She frowned. “It seems wrong that you are serving me.”

  “Why? We are friends.” I declared and put the food down. “This is blood sausage! It’s made from blood, mixed with other stuff. I hope that does not ruin the taste for you. Does it need to be fresh?”

  “I am not sure.” Hatsumi picked up the sausage with her hand. Then she sniffed it.

  “Normally you use a knife and a fork.” I said with a smile.

  Stolen story; please report.

  “I seem to know that. Yet my instinct was to eat with my hands. Curious.” Hatsumi placed the sausage on the plate. Then she picked up the knife and the fork. After cutting a small piece from the sausage she gave it a try.

  I started eating myself while Hatsumi chewed.

  “I don’t think I can gain any benefits from this. It certainly lacks the power of real blood. But the taste is acceptable. I will pass on this potato stuff.” Hatsumi declared and took another bite of the sausage.

  I took a sip of my ale. “Maybe Cassie can create something to drink for you? Different flavours of blood?”

  “I think I would like that.” She replied.

  “Koyuki! I have been looking for you.” I heard Leo’s voice.

  I sighed.

  “Who is that? A relative?” He asked, as came closer. Then he stopped and stared, as he saw her eyes.

  “This is Hatsumi, my new tier three undead. Hatsumi, this is Leo Harold.” I introduced them.

  “A tier three undead? Why is she at the table, eating?” He asked.

  “Because she wanted to try food. I thought that was rather obvious.” I replied.

  Leo shook his head. “Your cat is bad enough, but this? She is your servant. She should not be at our table.”

  “The only one who is at this table uninvited is you.” I countered.

  “Mistress, he does belong at this table.” Hatsumi said, suddenly sounding meek.

  “See. She knows her place.” Leo replied, sounding smug.

  Then Hatsumi’s gaze changed. Her meek look disappeared and turned into murderous intent. “After all, he is food. Food belongs at the table.”

  She showed her teeth, then licked them with her tongue. Nyx was still on her head, and nodded, as if she was agreeing with her statement.

  Leo took a step back, his eyes were wide.

  “You can’t eat him!” I told her. I was not sure if she was joking.

  Hatsumi gave me a small nod. Then she took her knife and cut another small piece of her sausage. She did not pay any attention to Leo, who was freaking out.

  “What… what is she?” He asked.

  “A vampire.” I replied.

  “Now that you have grasped her greatness, you may leave.” Hatsumi said. The red in her eyes started to glow, slightly.

  “You… you created a vampire. A full vampire…” He stammered. Then he straightened and left.

  “What was that?” I asked Hatsumi, who was chewing a piece of sausage.

  “You clearly did not like him. Since I am not allowed to kill, I figured intimidation was the next best option.” She replied.

  “He is the son of a duke. Threatening him could be a problem.” I said.

  “Shall I dispose of him? I can catch him before he informs anyone. Nyx can consume the corpse.” She replied.

  “No! No killing.” I told her, again.

  She nodded. "As you wish. Are you asking me to be more polite to people who do not show you any kind of respect?” Hatsumi asked.

  I sighed. “Politics are complicated. We should at least try to not make too many enemies.”

  “I see. I shall try to become more… diplomatic.” Hatsumi replied.

  “There you are!” This time it was Helena’s voice.

  “Told you she would be getting food.” Skadi commented.

  “We should get food too.” Cassie stated.

  “I will order something for everyone.” Skadi replied and went towards the counter.

  “We saw Leo leaving, he looked rather pale. What happened?” Helena asked.

  “I explained to him that he was nothing but food.” Hatsumi answered.

  Helena blinked, then she started laughing. Cassie giggled.