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Did you have any policies that benefited the people of Wallachia?

      Dracula: Of course, I did. I implemented several reforms that aimed to strengthen the economy and infrastructure of Wallachia. I also introduced a system of justice that was fair and impartial, regardless of a person’s social status. And let us not forget that I fought against the Ottoman Empire, which was a threat to the entire region. My actions were not only for my benefit, but also for the benefit of my people.

      Fose: But what about the stories of your thirst for blood and your immortality?

      Dracula: Ah, the stories. They have been greatly exaggerated over time. Yes, I a vampire, but my need for blood greatly exaggerated. As for my immortality, it is true that I do not age, but I am not invincible. I can still be killed like any mortal.

      Fose: And what do you say to those who fear and despise you?

      Dracula: Fear and despise me all they want. It matters not to me. I am who I am, and I have done what I had to do to protect my people and maintain order in my kingdom. Whether they love me or hate me, it is of little consequence. For in the end, I will endure, while they will fade away into obscurity.

      Dracula’s relationship with the Ottoman Empire

      Fose: Dracula, it’s been said that you had interactions with the Ottomans. Can you tell us more about that?

      Dracula: Indeed, I had dealings with the Ottomans. But it was not always a peaceful coexistence. They were a threat to my people, and I had to take action to protect them.

      Fose: Can you give us an example of how you protected your people from the Ottomans?

      Dracula: Yes, I can. In the year 1462, the Ottomans invaded Wallachia, my homeland. They wanted to take control of the region and make it part of their empire. But I wouldn’t let that happen. I fought back with all my might, and I defeated them.

      Fose: How did you manage to defeat them?

      Dracula: I employed a tactic that some might consider extreme, but it was necessary. I impaled the Ottoman soldiers on stakes, and their bodies were left to rot in the sun. It was a gruesome sight, but it sent a clear message to the Ottomans that I would not back down.

      Fose: That sounds like a brutal way to deal with your enemies.

      Dracula: Brutal, perhaps. But it was effective. The Ottomans never invaded Wallachia again while I was in power. And I made sure to reinforce the borders to prevent any further incursions.

      Fose: Did you make any agreements or treaties with the Ottomans during your reign?

      Dracula: Yes, I did. At one point, I had to make a deal with them to secure the release of my brother, Radu. He had been taken captive by the Ottomans, and they were holding him as a bargaining chip. I had to agree to pay a ransom for his release, and I also promised not to interfere with their affairs in the Balkans.

      Fose: How did you deal with Ottoman envoys who came to negotiate with you?

      Dracula: I treated them with respect, but I also made it clear that I would not tolerate any threats or disrespect towards me or my people. I was always cautious when dealing with them, as I knew they were not to be trusted.

      In the end, my interactions with the Ottomans were a mix of violence and diplomacy. It was a tumultuous time.

      Dracula’s views on religion

      Fose: Dracula, can you tell us about your religious beliefs and how they informed your policies as a ruler?

      Dracula: Ah, religion. A topic that has haunted me for centuries. As an immortal being, I have seen religions rise and fall, gods come and go. And yet, I remain unchanged.

      My beliefs, if you can call them that, are a mix of pagan rituals and Christian dogma. I was baptized in the Orthodox Church, but my mother was a follower of the old ways. She taught me the importance of respecting the forces of nature and the spirits that dwell within them.

      As a ruler, I saw religion as a tool to unite my people. I knew the power it held over their hearts and minds. So, I used it to my advantage. I supported the Orthodox Church, built monasteries and churches, and even made donations to the Pope in Rome.

      But, at the same time, I was also known for my cruelty towards those who defied me. Some called me a tyrant, a monster. But, I saw it as a necessary evil. To maintain order in my land, I had to show strength and resolve. And, I found that religion was a useful justification for my actions.

      However, my relationship with religion was complicated. While I used it to control my people, I also feared its power. I had seen firsthand how it could turn people against each other, how it could be used to justify atrocities.

      And so, I walked a fine line. I used religion when it suited me, but I also kept a distance from it. I never fully gave myself over to it, never let it consume me. I remained a skeptic, always questioning, always searching for the truth.

      Religion is a complex and messy topic. It has caused wars, divided families, and led to countless deaths. And yet, it continues to be a part of human life. As an immortal being, I have seen the best and worst of it. And, I can say with certainty, that it is a force to be reckoned with.

      Dracula’s policies and reforms

      Fose: Dracula, many people see you as a bloodthirsty monster, but few know about your efforts to improve the well-being of your people. Can you tell us about your attempts to improve trade and commerce in Wallachia?

      Dracula: Ah, yes, my attempts to boost commerce in my land were not without their challenges. The merchants of the time were a fickle bunch, and it took quite a bit of persuasion to get them to invest in our economy. But I was undeterred, and I did everything in my power to make Wallachia a hub of trade and commerce.

      Fose: And what about your efforts to reform the legal system?

      Dracula: My legal reforms were a matter of great importance to me. I wanted to ensure that justice was served to all, regardless of their status or wealth. It was a difficult task, but I managed to weed out corruption and implement a fair and impartial legal system.

      Fose: And what about your construction of new fortresses and roads?

      Dracula: They were crucial to the defense and prosperity of Wallachia. I had to ensure that our borders were secure, and our people had access to the resources they needed to thrive. The construction was no easy feat, but I was determined to leave a lasting legacy that would benefit my people for generations to come.

      Fose: It seems like you had a lot on your plate during your reign. How did you manage to accomplish all of these feats?

      Dracula: My determination and love for my people drove me to accomplish these feats. I knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but I was willing to take on any challenge to make Wallachia a better place. It wasn’t easy, but the rewards were worth it.

      Fose: It’s clear that you have a deep sense of commitment to your people. Do you have any final thoughts on your legacy?

      Dracula: My legacy is one that I am proud of. I may have been seen as a monster by some, but my efforts to improve trade and commerce, reform the legal system, and construct new fortresses and roads have left a lasting impact on Wallachia. I may be immortal, but my legacy will live on long after I am gone.

      Chapter 2: Becoming a Vampire

      Turning Vlad into a vampire

      Vlad’s encounter with the vampire who turned him

      Fose: So, Dracula, can you tell me about the first time you encountered the vampire who turned you into a vampire? Did you seek him out, or did he come to you? And what led to your initial meeting?

      Dracula:

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