Once, humans were at the apex of all living things. With their overwhelming intelligence, technology, and cooperation compared to other races, they solidified their position at the top. At least, until we woke from our slumber.

Humans couldn't stop us. Their brilliant technology and civilization withered helplessly before our blood magic. However, we took note of their advanced tech—from the glowing boxes that emit light (TVs) to the bricks that allow contact with someone far away in a single second (smartphones).

And so, we offered the humans a compromise.

"There will be no more indiscriminate killing. In exchange, humans shall submit to us and provide fresh blood and technology."

Well... the humans didn't exactly have a right to refuse. For them, our proposal was likely the best choice to at least maintain their way of life.

Thus, we decided to live alongside humans. Of course, the Kin live as first-class citizens receiving the highest treatment, while humans live lives of exploitation as second-class citizens.

Several years have passed since humans were brought under the Kin's rule. Humans have gradually grown accustomed to their exploited lives, and the Kin hold their festivals every day. And then, the first Dhampirs were born—the children of Kin and humans.

The Kin do not feel sexual desire for humans. To them, it's like looking at a pig in a pen. But just as there are humans with bestial fetishes, there are Kin with human fetishes.

There were Kin with the peculiar taste of being attracted to humans, and they fell in love. Since they are different species, the probability of pregnancy was extremely low... but in the end, it proved possible. Thus, Dhampirs were born. Naturally, their numbers remain very small.

I am Mercedes Lilith. I am a vampire of the highest rank among the Kin. As usual, I was attending a lavish party and enjoying myself. Today, however, is a day for a special auction.

The lights in the banquet hall dim, and a spotlight focuses on the stage. Soon, a box covered by a cloth is brought in, and the host speaks loudly into the microphone.

"This next item is... an incredibly rare hybrid of human and Kin. A Dhampir!!"

Then, the cloth covering the iron cage is pulled down. Inside the cage is a human. The host makes a small cut on his wrist to draw blood. A sweet scent of blood, worlds apart from that of a normal human, wafts out. That fragrance is enough to leave me utterly captivated by him.

Immediately, cheers erupt from the Kin, and the hall echoes with the sounds of people shouting their bids. Then, my single voice is enough to silence all the commotion.

"12 billion."