“Alright, Father, let’s head back together~”
Bai Ning reached out her hand, her fingertips carrying the slightly cool touch characteristic of a Vampire.
“Um…”
Bai Li hesitated for a long time, dawdling, but finally reached out her hand reluctantly.
Two fluffy white-haired figures walked side by side, hand in hand.
The scene looked both heartwarming and strangely comical.
***
‘I’ll have to get used to this complete reversal of roles from now on…’
She knew it in her heart.
Thinking back, she was clearly the one who had taken the initiative to hold that white-haired little brat’s hand, protecting her as they ventured everywhere.
Now, the tables had turned, and her daughter was the one taking the lead.
This gap was really…
*sigh*.
“By the way, Father, once we return to the Vampire Kingdom, you have to be obedient and listen to me~ Otherwise, if my maids and subordinates see you, they’ll think I have no upbringing. It would be quite embarrassing for me as the Queen~”
“I know, I know. I’m your father, after all. I have at least that much sense…”
Being lectured like a child by her own daughter made Bai Li’s cheeks flush slightly, and her speech became a bit stilted.
“Wrong, wrong! Father, you need to adapt quickly. In the palace, you have to call me ‘Lady Mother’!”
“…Ugh, Bai Ning, is there a need to be so serious? Calling my own daughter ‘Lady Mother’ is just too shameful…”
“No, you must! Otherwise, where is my dignity as a Queen? How can I maintain my standing before my subordinates? Just endure it for a bit, Father. Consider it a favor to your daughter~”
***
“Tsk… Fine, fine. I really can’t do anything with you…”
Bai Li wailed internally, feeling that her life as a father was far too miserable.
She hadn’t expected that she would have to endure the same kind of shame with Bai Ning as she did with Long Jiu.
She was truly helpless.
Walking out of the cave, Bai Ning picked up Bai Li by the waist without a word, carrying her steadily on her back.
She spread her black, bat-like wings and took to the sky.
“By the way, Father, once you become familiar with your Vampire powers, you’ll be able to fly on your own~ I’ll teach you slowly when we get back. I guarantee you’ll learn~”
“Flying? That does sound quite interesting.”
***
***
***
***
“Right, right! So, becoming a Magic Creature isn’t so bad after all~”
***
“Bai Ning! Don’t bring that up again! You have to find a way to turn me back!”
***
“Sigh, I know, Father~”
“Hmph, you sound so dismissive. I’ll find a way myself later!”
“I’ll definitely help you, Father~”
As the two bickered, their wings sliced through the night sky.
Before long, they arrived at the magnificent Vampire palace.
***
The entire palace was constructed of obsidian, adorned with the faint glow of fluorite, like a pearl in the dark night — mysterious and grand.
***
“Your Majesty, you have returned! This is…”
***
A capable woman dressed in a black lace maid outfit walked forward quickly to greet them.
It was the famous Head Combat Maid of the Vampires, Fei.
Her gaze fell on Bai Li, her face full of confusion.
“Ah, Fei, this is my daughter, Bai Li. Since you’re here, you’ll be responsible for serving her from now on~”
‘Her Majesty actually has a daughter?!’
Fei’s heart was in turmoil, but her expression remained respectful and composed.
“As you command, Princess. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Fei, the Head Maid of the Vampire Combat Maid Unit. From today onward, I will be in full charge of your daily life.”
“Um… okay! I’ll be in your care, Fei!”
Bai Li responded while forcing herself to remain calm, though she was secretly shocked.
‘Wow! A real-life combat maid! In all my years, this is the first time I’ve ever been served by a maid!’
‘Speaking of that guy Long Jiu, even though she was the leader of the Dragon Race, she didn’t even have a single maid. All the trivial matters at home were handled by army soldiers. It was truly bizarre…’
‘Is this what they call a stratocracy?’
Bai Li grumbled inwardly.
“Fei, go and prepare Bai Li’s room first. Also, organize a new daily schedule for her~”
“Understood, Your Majesty. I shall see to it immediately.”
Bai Li observed everything silently.
She noticed that Bai Ning was gentle and harmonious when interacting with her subordinates, lacking the intimidating pressure that Long Jiu possessed.
Long Jiu’s soldiers felt more awe and fear toward her.
Presumably, this was the difference in their management styles.
“Alright, daughter~ Your room isn’t ready yet, so for the next few days, you’ll sleep with Mother.”
As Bai Ning spoke, she peeked toward the doorway.
There were two Vampire guards standing watch there; she was clearly saying it for their benefit.
“O—Okay, Lady Mother~”
Bai Li’s cheeks turned crimson instantly.
Perhaps due to the lingering trauma from her experiences with the Dragon Race, her body unconsciously responded in a sugary-sweet tone.
That soft, gooey voice gave her goosebumps.
Bai Ning’s eyes widened in surprise on the spot.
‘That voice, soft to the core… did that really come from Father?’
‘It seems that guy Long Jiu must have put a lot of effort into Father previously…’
“Good girl. Come, follow me~”
Suppressing a smile, Bai Ning gestured for Bai Li to follow as she began to lead her on a tour of the palace.
“This is the Council Hall, where Vampire affairs are usually handled. Over there is the Banquet Hall, used for entertaining guests. This way is the Music Hall. Do you see that pipe organ? Your Mother is quite skilled at playing. I’ll play for you when I have the chance~”
“Oh, oh, how impressive…”
Bai Li responded perfunctorily, though her eyes couldn’t help but be drawn to the ancient and gorgeous pipe organ.
“Alright, this is my bedroom. Little Bai Li, if you want to come play with me in the future, you can come by anytime~ Come, let’s go inside.”
“Um…”
Seeing Bai Ning speak to her in a tone used for coaxing a child, Bai Li felt a mixture of emotions.
However, she could only comply.
After all, when one is under another’s roof, one must bow their head.
“Alright, now it’s time to talk business, daughter~”
Bai Ning pulled Bai Li down to sit on the soft velvet bed, her expression suddenly turning serious.
“Business?”
Bai Li looked bewildered.
“Yes. After all, you’ll be living here as the Vampire Princess from now on. I need to teach you proper etiquette and lifestyle habits so others don’t make a laughingstock of you~”
“It’s actually that much trouble…”
Bai Li’s face fell, looking like she had lost all hope in life.
“You’ll get used to it~ Come, put on this ring, bracelet, and earrings~”
Bai Ning took an exquisite set of jewelry from a box.
They were inlaid with dark red gemstones, looking both luxurious and elegant.
“What? I have to wear these? They’re… they’re too feminine!”
Looking at the sparkling accessories, Bai Li instinctively shrank back.
“You must wear them~ These are symbols of your status as a Vampire Princess. If you don’t wear them, my subordinates will think I’m slighting you~ Come, be good~”
Ignoring her protests, Bai Ning carefully put the earrings and bracelet on her.
Finally, she picked up the ring.
Taking advantage of the moment while Bai Li was still fussing over the jewelry, she quietly slipped it onto her middle finger.
As soon as the ring was on, a faint red glow pulsed briefly before vanishing.
‘Hehe, Father… with this, you’ve entered a betrothal contract with me~’
Bai Ning thought craftily.