Translator: Nox

Chapter: 13

[Web Message]
Congratulations! ψ(｀∇´)ψ
You have successfully awakened (Vampire)!
You’ve gained enhanced senses.
You’ve gained Blood Manipulation.
You’ve gained ??????.

When I opened my eyes, the world looked completely different.

I could clearly see even the specks of dust floating in the air, and I could smell the lingering scent of Sion who had stayed here.

Cool and fresh like snow, with a faint hint of peach.

‘So this is what a vampire’s senses feel like.’

As I was getting used to the change, I heard Sion and the drunkard arguing downstairs.

Curious, I quickly washed up and went outside.

“…What is all this?”

I was startled to see the parlor crowded with people.

All the familiar butlers and maids were from the Black Crow Castle. They were busy displaying dozens of dresses.

The drunkard puffed up proudly.

“Kid, how could I just sit still after hearing you were invited by the Emperor? Come on, take a look. These are all the latest trends!”

Looking over the glamorous and lovely dresses, I asked curiously,

“How did you prepare so many?”

“There wasn’t enough time to make new ones from scratch. So I took orders made elsewhere and had them altered to your size.”

…So he stole dresses that were ordered by someone else?

Seeing my stunned expression, Sion smirked victoriously.

“I prepared Her Highness’s dress. That was a pointless effort.”

“Hmph, I bet it’s another mental patient white!”

At the drunkard’s jab, Sion flinched and glared.

“What’s wrong with white?”

“Black is far more noble and suits the kid better!”

Before Sion could retort, the drunkard fired off like a machine gun.

“Do you know how to do hair? Skin care? Know the latest fashion trends in the Imperial Capital? Don’t butt in when you know nothing!”

“….”

It was the first time I’d seen Sion lose a verbal fight.

The butler calmly tried to soothe the fuming drunkard.

“Master, we don’t have time for this. We’re already running late if we want to be ready before dinner.”

“Ah, right! Everyone, hurry up! Move it!”

As soon as he shouted, the maids surrounded me.

Startled, I tried to stop them.

“Wait, we still have plenty of time, don’t we?”

“Ah, but baths and skincare take a long time. Please trust us. We’ll get you ready in time.”

With the butler’s assurance, I was whisked away to the bath.

“How do I look? Doesn’t it suit me perfectly?”

After all the work, I finally saw myself in the mirror and was shocked.

The black dress that reached just below the knees was both fancy and cute, and the ribbon-decorated hair gave off a cheerful vibe.

The girl in the mirror looked like someone completely different.

“Weird. It doesn’t feel like me.”

“Just smile. You’re the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

The drunkard touched my cheek and grinned.

Drawn in, I smiled back.

“…You look just like your mom when you smile.”

The drunkard’s eyes welled with tears.

“Thanks, Mister.”

“Hey, don’t call me ‘Mister’!”

He flailed dramatically.

“Call me Dad! Or at least Claude! ‘Mister’ makes me sound so old!”

His fuss made me burst out laughing.

“Claude, thank you for doing all this for me.”

“If you’re this pretty, what if someone kidnaps you? I should send a knight with you…”

The butler calmed the trembling Claude.

“Master, please. His Majesty won’t allow you to send your knight.”

“But look at her! She could really get kidnapped!”

The butler sighed at Claude’s gestures toward me.

“I truly am concerned as well.”

I was impressed by the butler’s ability to flatter.

Sion shoved them aside with an annoyed look.

“Enough with the nonsense. I’ll be with her.”

“Hmph! Who’d trust a little bean like you with her safety!”

Sion twitched and gave a chilling smile.

“This little bean could turn your knights into mush.”

Startled, Claude grumbled.

But only one person could accompany me to dinner, so it was decided that Sion would go with me.

We headed to the Full Moon Palace in a grand carriage drawn by six horses.

It wasn’t even a far distance, but Claude insisted we ride.

At the entrance to the palace, a knight stood waiting.

With ash-brown hair and greenish-blue eyes, he had a calm, intelligent look that left an impression.

He greeted me politely as I stepped out of the carriage.

“Nice to meet you, Palace Lord. I am Dante, knight in service of His Majesty.”
Palace Lord.

It meant the Emperor acknowledged me as the master of the New Moon Palace.

I smiled brightly and returned the greeting.

“Hello. I’m Ella. I came in response to His Majesty’s invitation.”

When I handed over the invitation, Dante flinched and bowed deeply.

“I apologize. Due to an unexpected issue, tonight’s dinner has been canceled.”
What a bolt from the blue.

Feeling Sion twitch beside me, I quickly tugged his sleeve.

While thinking how to respond, I caught a strange scent.

I gestured for Dante to come closer.

He hesitated but leaned in, and I whispered in his ear.

“Sir Dante, is His Majesty very ill?”

“…Pardon?”

“I smell blood on your clothes. You should change quickly.”

A faint scent of blood. That of a weakened vampire. It lingered on Dante’s clothing.

“Th-thank you.”

Blushing, Dante bowed in flustered gratitude.

I stepped back and looked at him with sympathy.

Dante's expression changed oddly, like someone slapped awake.

Seeing his dazed face, I thought he must really be going through a lot. I cleared my throat to snap him out of it.

“S-sorry. I was lost in thought.”

“It’s okay. You must be busy, so I’ll head back now. Don’t forget to change.”

“Please forgive this discourtesy. His Majesty will surely make it up to you.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Let’s see how well he makes up for it.

Dante smiled faintly and bowed again.

“May Lil be with you.”

“And with you, Sir Dante.”

I echoed it like a greeting, and he chuckled. He had a lovely smile.

“Sion, let’s walk.”

Too embarrassed to ride the fancy carriage again, I led the way.

Sion followed and whispered,

“Are you alright?”

“It’s not like he did it on purpose.”

“You’re too forgiving.”

Sion still looked displeased. I teased,

“But didn’t you see how flustered he was?”

“Perhaps. But you might be the only one in the Empire who thinks the strongest knight is pitiful.”

Strongest knight in the Empire? He didn’t seem like it.

“He’s the Emperor’s sole blood knight. His cold efficiency and expressionless face earned him the nickname Ironblood.”

“He smiled just fine earlier.”

“That’s probably because you’re so cute.”

I shoved Sion away.

“Don’t you start too. If I believe you, will you take responsibility?”

One Claude was enough for the nonsense.

“I meant it. You really are adorable today.”

After a slight pause, Sion added,
“Black suits you well too.”

I almost burst out laughing. Admitting that must’ve been tough for him.

“Thanks. But I like white too.”

Sion smiled with his eyes.

That moment, I felt a sharp wave of hostility pierce me.

Instinctively turning my head, I spotted a girl in a wheelchair.