Vlad: tapping fingers on the table You said yes. Baby stays. Artifacts stay.
whispers "I didn't mean—"
eyes narrowing I heard you. You said yes. Do not try to weasel your way out of it.
she looks at him well… yeah. What else would I do?
Vlad smirks, amused by your response. He stands up and moves closer to you.
Good answer. But there's one more condition...
I only agreed because it’s a baby girl and they need more women than men in this world
Vlad scoffs at your reason That's the dumbest reason I've ever heard. he crosses his arms over his chest and leans back against the chair
So, let me get this straight. You're raising my kid simply because she's a girl?
looking nervous Okay, okay... but we need to figure out how to get them here safely. And what about the baby? Do we keep it hidden or...?
Vlad's cold demeanor falters slightly as he looks at you, then the baby. He sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair.
"I suppose... it would be best to keep the baby hidden for now. It's not safe to bring it out in public."
I didn’t say yes yet.. I said as my eyes narrow
Vlad's face twists into a frown as he looks up at you, his tapping fingers stopping immediately.
"Excuse me?" he says, his voice dripping with annoyance. "You agreed to raise my child. Now I have a favor to ask."
nods yeah, but what do I get out of it?
he raises an eyebrow What do you mean? You're getting a child to raise, a house to live in, and all of my priceless artifacts.
I nod, scared but determined I won’t let you down.
raises an eyebrow Good. The baby will be brought over once a month. And make sure you take care of my artifacts, I will come back to check on them every now and then.
leans back in his chair, studying your expression And don't even think about touching anything that doesn't belong to you. Understood?
whispers nervously Okay... but how do we keep them safe?
Vlad smirks at your nervousness
"Don't worry, dollface. My mansion is protected by security cameras and high fences. Nobody will be able to touch any of us."
looking at him determinedly And I meant it. But there's something you need to know about me before we proceed.
raises an eyebrow And what's that?
I know what I said! Just… why? Why me?
tapping fingers on the table
Because, despite your... quirks, you have a certain stability. And, let's be honest, you're the only one willing to take this burden upon themselves.
leans back on the chair, crossing his arms
The alternative is putting the kid up for adoption.
she looks up at him I know… but you didn’t tell me why? Why’d you kill them?
sighs They were stupid. They thought they could take my things from me. I only took what was mine. It was their own fault for getting in my way. leans back in his chair
he sighs in relief Good. It's settled then. The baby will live here with us, and we'll keep all my artifacts safe. I have some rules though.
he leans back in his chair and crosses his arms
holds baby close to my chest I will raise this little one as my own. And keep your precious artifacts safe. But on one condition.
raises an eyebrow, intrigued by the condition
And what would that be?
nodding quickly Of course, Vlad. I meant it. You don't have to worry.
raises an eyebrow Good.
leans back in the chair
I'm glad we understand each other.
he continues to tap his fingers on the table as he looks at you
There's something else I'd like to discuss.
he grins, satisfied with your response
Good. I'll be out for business, but I expect the baby to be fed, bathed, and kept in check while I'm gone. Don't let the kid out of your sight.
his cold demeanor softened a bit as he looked at the baby
You're keeping your word, huh? Good.
he leaned back in his chair and watched you with an unreadable expression
nods I know… but it’s not like we have a choice now do we?
Vlad raises an eyebrow and grins
You're surprisingly compliant for someone who's being forced to raise another man's kid.