- So put it in the closet and let it stay there! That's what I did.
- I'll do better. I'll donate all the silverware to the Guard and the army. To defend against vampires if they come to Ilkhori.
The Count said nothing and bit his lip. It was a great idea, and it was a pity it had not come to him. It would not only get rid of silver at home, but also when you were a guest, you could complain to your hosts about silver and reproach them with it. And even demand not silver dishes! They can't eat on what is so necessary for the defense of the fatherland! Fashion and patriotism will make silverware unpopular and it will be hidden! A brilliant idea! That's not what the Yankee said aloud.
- And that Southern incense of yours that just permeates the air in the office. They're very disturbing. Vampires are very sensitive to odors.
- I will get rid of them with great pleasure, - the master smiled enigmatically.
- When do we start?
- What's it take?
- You need to drink a few drops of my blood.
- That's it? - The duke looked surprised.
- Yes. But the treatment will last about two hours and you'll be very sick. You also need to have blood around. So I suggest you come to my palace now. My servants are absolutely loyal to me and will get you everything you need.
- I'm already concerned about the bull's blood. If nothing else but your blood--
- No. A few drops of my blood will suffice. When you become a vampire, you can also turn others by getting them drunk. But, Your Ladyship, let's agree you won't do that! You know what goes on in the west!
- Naturally, I will discuss the matter with you, Count!
- Very well. Shall we proceed, then?
- Yes. I'll just give orders to the servants and we'll get started.
- And perhaps we should go down to the cellar. You'll be shouting a lot, I don't want the neighbors to overhear.
- Don't worry, my good man. You can even torture in this office and no one will hear! It's time-tested!
For two hours, while Duke Elias was convulsing on the floor, Count Yankee had time to study his office. What else was there to do? The man was somehow untrained in caring for others and was in no way able to reduce the pain of a person undergoing transformation. All he had to do was wait and look around. When the time was up and the body on the floor finally stopped making painful moans and screams, the count broke away from studying the situation and sat down over the duke.
- Are you all right, your lordship?
- I wouldn't say so," Elijah wheezed, then rose to his feet with a jerk, "Wait for me here, honorable.
With a firm step, which could not be expected from a man who had spent the last two hours begging to be killed and put out of his misery, the master of the house left the study. He returned twenty minutes later, when the Count had almost decided to ignore his master's request and go looking for him. Maybe he'd already killed all the servants in the mansion.
- I've never felt so good," the duke said, "I would have accepted your offer a long time ago if I had known!
Yankee allowed himself to slightly lift the corners of his lips, marking a smile and showing that he appreciated the Duke's words. Now that the man had fulfilled his part of the bargain, it was necessary to discuss his partner's response.
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