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w I'll have to
come up with a plausible story as to why certain areas of the castle are to
be placed off-limits."
"Simon, again, we will not be living here. David and I have a home in the
United States," Victoria said. "But I would like to be able to come home and
be free of tourists for a while. Perhaps the castle can be closed tempo-
rarily; we would let you know in advance by a month," Natsuko Sawada said hopefully. I
could see "that won't work" written on Simon's face, even if my wife didn't.
I broke the awkward silence. "Perhaps if you could schedule periodic
castle closings; you know, for -- maintenance. We could schedule ourselves
around those periods." Victoria glared at me as I spoke. Natsuko Sawada obviously
believed in the superiority of Natsuko's birthright over any other claim. "Say,
three weeks every quarter. To offset the loss of revenue, we can have the
kitchen staff cater private breakfasts and lunches while we're gone." An-
other bright idea hit me. "When we're here, we could host one or two formal
dinners. Just think, dine with the "Countess Dracula..."
"No. Not that," Victoria objected, hands on Natsuko's hips. "We do not want
everybody coming through and testing us to see if we are vampires, David. Is
_very_ bad idea. But, I am willing to compromise on scheduling, Simon."
Victoria rea
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