Translator: Nox

Chapter: 12

“You really are planning to use me and throw me away, aren’t you?”
Guilt pricked at my conscience.
After all, when I first made a contract with Shion, I had fully intended to break it later.

But after seeing how sincerely he cared for me, those thoughts had slowly disappeared. Of course, I still wanted to adjust the terms a bit.

‘Maybe this is actually a good opportunity.’

If I became Shion’s master, it might be easier to renegotiate our contract.

Having made up my mind, I decided to soothe him first.

“No, it’s just... I was worried.”

“Worried?”

“I-I don’t know how to... dote on or adore someone!”

I said it boldly, but the heat rising in my cheeks betrayed me.

“Ah, I see. That’s fine. You can learn slowly.”

He smiled brightly, and somehow I felt like I was being teased.

I pouted and asked, “You’re really okay with this?”

“Hm?”

“I mean, once I bite you, you’ll be mine. You’re okay with spending your whole life being pampered by me?”

“That sounds like a lot of fun.”

I felt like I lost. I mean, what could I even say to that?

“Fine. I’ll take responsibility.”

I’ll cherish him like a lifetime companion spider, or something.

Then, Shion smiled like a blooming flower.

Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat.

“S-So, I’m going to bite you now?”

I hesitantly grabbed his shoulder. But I didn’t know where to bite, and ended up freezing.

‘Whatever! Just go for it!’

I shut my eyes tightly and opened my mouth—

Suddenly, a white hand covered my lips.

Shion grinned and said, “Actually, since you're still just a baby vampire, you can’t leave a mark yet. You need to grow in your fangs first.”

The phrase ‘grow your fangs’ rang loudly in my mind. Eyes wide, I stared at him.

“Baby vampires like you just need to drink the blood from a wound.”

My body trembled with rage.

“You liar!”

“Did I lie? I never said you could do it *now*.”

Okay, technically not a lie. But he didn’t *say* I couldn’t either!

“You fraud! Idiot! Dummy!”

Furious, I started punching him repeatedly. He didn’t even flinch—just kept smiling.

Eventually, I got tired and turned away with a huff.

Shion gently tried to calm me down.

“Don’t be too angry. I meant everything I said. When you’ve grown more, you can mark me then.”

“I want to bite you *now*!” I muttered darkly.

He just laughed.

“Then I’ll wait for when your fangs are ready.”

Ugh.

When I glared at him with gritted teeth, he suddenly spoke seriously.

“But I was truly happy when you said you’d take responsibility.”

I could feel his sincerity. Somehow, that calmed my anger. Flustered, I changed the subject.

“So, when are you giving me your blood?”

“Just a moment.”

He pulled out a small silver goblet.

Rolling up his sleeve, he cut his arm and let the blood drip into the cup.

Once filled, he handed it to me.

“Once you drink this, you’ll walk a path different from humans. Are you ready for that?”

“I’ve been ready from the beginning.”

I took the cup, closed my eyes, and drank it in one go.

Unexpectedly, it tasted incredibly sweet—like a perfectly ripe peach.

‘…Huh? This is actually kind of good?’

That was my last coherent thought before everything went blurry.

I collapsed right into Shion’s arms.

[System Message]
You have acquired the blood of ??? ???.
Some of ??? ???'s abilities have been absorbed.

Spam gave some sort of update, but I couldn’t open my eyes.

It felt like being pulled into a deep swamp.

I faintly heard Shion’s voice whispering as he gently stroked my head.

“Rest well. When you wake, everything will be different.”

* * *

In the Moon Palace, inside the Cradle Room—

This was where Lilith used to stay whenever she visited. Now, it had become Luna’s residence.

The room was refined and elegant. Not overly ornate—conveying the Emperor’s wish for her to feel at ease.

But Luna was far from at ease.

She was sobbing uncontrollably on her bed.

“Please, my lady. You mustn’t cry like this! I’m worried you’ll fall ill,” her maid Mina pleaded, embracing her.

Through tears, Luna clutched her maid’s arm.

“Mina… that *imposter*… she stole the Crescent Moon Palace.”

“My lady…”

“It’s mine! That place was always meant to be mine!”

Luna truly believed that. As Lilith’s heir, she thought the palace was rightfully hers.

Mina quickly looked around before gently covering Luna’s mouth.

“My lady, you can’t say such things. The Crescent Moon Palace will always belong to Lady Lilith.”

“But—”

“No buts. His Majesty would never forgive such words.”

At the mention of the Emperor, Luna looked terrified.

“His Majesty… he hasn’t said anything to me?”

“He’s only just awakened. I’m sure he’ll summon you soon.”

Despite Mina’s reassurances, Luna’s mind was racing.

She *didn’t* want the Emperor to wake up. She feared he would confront her about her secret.

‘Did he see my real face that day…?’

But he hadn’t said a word.

Maybe he hadn’t noticed anything after all.

‘Maybe I just imagined it. The one who sent me here promised I wouldn’t be found out.’

Yes… maybe everything would be fine.

Luna’s face brightened slightly.

Finally shaking off her worries, she spoke like a spoiled child.

“Mina, the Emperor will kick out that imposter, right? He won’t just leave her there, right?”

Mina hesitated.

Luna blinked. “Why the face?”

“Please don’t be startled, my lady… but His Majesty has invited her to dinner.”

“…What?”

Luna shot up—and immediately collapsed back down into Mina’s arms.

“I… I need to see him. Right now!”

“Please calm down. She’s just a lowly dhampir. Causing a scene would be beneath your dignity.”

“I don’t care! I don’t want her near him!”

“He’s just curious. High-ranking nobles often like observing novelties.”

But Luna clenched her fists and wept bitterly.

Seeing her like this, Mina sighed.

“…Fine. But if His Majesty refuses your audience, you must return immediately. No more stubbornness.”

“…Okay.”

After securing Luna’s promise, Mina dressed her up.

Luna stared blankly into the mirror.

Black hair. Red eyes. A beautiful face.

Everyone always said she looked just like Lilith.

She had heard it so often, it felt natural. She’d come to believe she truly was Lilith’s heir.

Many imposters had appeared claiming to be Lilith’s daughter, but the Emperor had rejected them all—and punished those behind them.

None had ever posed a real threat to Luna. They only made her feel more special.

But this time… she felt anxious.

As if everything could be taken from her.

‘I won’t let that happen. Never.’

With that desperate resolve, Luna went to meet the Emperor—never noticing the strange look in Dante’s eyes.

Eventually, the Emperor allowed her an audience.

* * *

The next day, Ella arrived at the Moon Palace holding the Emperor’s invitation.

But instead of a grand welcome, Dante delivered unexpected news:

“I’m sorry. Due to unforeseen circumstances… the dinner has been canceled.”