A small, quaint two-story building sat between two taller four-story buildings. Shizuku stood in front of the sign with a cat hanging lazily off a half-moon. The words Sloth’s Inn were written in strange symbols that Shizuku could understand even though she had never seen them before, thanks to her language comprehension skill. Although she did not know how to open her menu just yet, she knew it was her skill being put to work.

Taking a deep breath, Shizuku walked up to the door and opened it. The small bell at the top rang, announcing her arrival. “Welcome!”

Shizuku froze when she saw a large, burly man with a beard walking over. It was not that face that got her or the man’s build, but it was the long hair that went to his waist and the pink dress he was wearing. It also did not help that he swung his hips with each step. Shizuku involuntarily took a step back.

“Oh! A cutie you are. A Vampire, I presume?” The coquettish voice sent a shiver down Shizuku’s spine, but she still forced a smile.

“Yes…. Hi… Ummm, Mitch recommended this place. He said you would not turn me away.” Shizuku was able to choke out.

“Of course, I wouldn’t send a cutie like you away! You are more than welcome to stay here. My name is Margret. It’s a pleasure to meet you…. Hmmm… what’s your name cutie?”  Margret asked.

“….”

“Cutie?” Margret looked at Shizuku, who seemed to be as stiff as a board, with a questioning look. “Do you need blood cutie? You can suck mine, you know.”

“Ah! NO!”

“Such a strong rejection. You hurt my feelings, cutie. But I will never force anyone to do such things.” Margret let out a small chuckle. “What’s your name?”

“It’s Shizuku. Nakasaki Shizuku. Sorry, my given name is Shizuku. My surname is Nakasaki. I know this world is on a first-name basis, so….” Shizuku replied. 

“Oh? Were you a summoned hero, cutie? I never thought they would summon a vampire.” Margret was quite shocked. From what she understood, all summoned heroes were supposed to be human.

“No. Well, I was human, but Goddess Yunni made me a vampire, and the church kicked me out for being a Fallen. But since I was transformed by their goddess, they could not kick me out of the kingdom. They are probably watching my every move. For all I know, they might even try to off me before too many people find out that the goddess of this world actually turned a human into a Fallen,” Shizuku sighed. This thought had been on her mind ever since she heard the priest’s words. She had a feeling she and the church of this world were not going to get along too well.

“Hmmm… someone dares to try to harm a cutie like you? Don’t worry. As long as you stay at my inn here, no one will be able to attack you in your sleep. I can’t do much while you are out and about, but I can swear on my name, Margret Jansel, that no one will be able to touch you while within my walls.” Margret’s overhwelming aura burst out of her shocking Shizuku. She had no idea how strong Margret was, but from the looks of things, it seemed she was truly powerful.

“Thank you.” Shizuku finally smiled. “If I may. Can I ask why everyone seems to know about the summoning?” 

“Ah. Because it is a big event and something those people who lead the church decided would win the hearts of the people since they have been talking about the calamity that would soon hit this world. With the summoning, they will gain great sway with other nations as well. So everyone in this city knows about the summoning. And to see a vampire with priestess robes proves you came from the cathedral.” Margret explained.

“I see. Umm, can I ask one more question?” Shizuku hoped Margret could answer this question of hers since it was something she really needed to know.

“Go ahead, cutie. I can answer any of your questions.” Margret smiled as she grabbed Shizuku’s hand and pulled her over to the counter.

“How do I go about opening my status menu? The priestess and priests only cared about kicking me out.” Shizuku held her breath after asking this question. She hoped Margret had an answer for her.

“Ah… for humans, we just have to say ‘Open Status’ to open the status menu, but for vampires, it's a bit different. You will need to draw some blood and say Open Status. But be careful that all status menus, vampire or human, are visible to others. You should only show it to those you trust. Of course, if you plan to go to the adventurers guild, then they will ask to see it. This is a rule that protects the guild.” Margret explained. 

Shizuku let out a sigh of relief. She had a feeling it was something along those lines, but now she was glad she asked. Since it was a little different for her race, she would not have expected that she would need to draw blood to open her status menu. 

“Thank you. I would not have been able to figure it out if you had not told me. I still have a lot to learn about this world. Since we are not able to be sent back, I want to live a full life.” Shizuku bowed her head in thanks, causing Margret to become flustered.

“Raise your head cutie. There is no need to bow to me. I am just doing what is natural. Anyway. Since Mitch sent you and you are a cutie, you can stay here for half price. Welcome to my Sloth’s Inn.”