“Alright, Pops, let’s head back together~”
Baining reached out her hand, her fingertips carrying the faint chill unique to Vampires.
“Um…”
Bai Li hesitated for a long time, shuffling his feet, but eventually and reluctantly reached out.
Two fluffy white-haired figures walked side by side, hand in hand.
The scene was heartwarming, yet it also carried an inexplicable sense of the ridiculous.
He knew in his heart that he would have to get used to this total reversal of his identity…
‘Back then, I was the one who would take that little white-haired runt’s hand, protecting her while we explored everywhere. Now the tables have turned, and it’s my daughter taking the initiative. This gap is really… sigh.’
“By the way, Pops, once we’re back in the Blood Kingdom, you have to be on your best behavior~ Otherwise, if my maids and subordinates see you acting out, they’ll think I wasn’t raised well. I’d lose all my prestige as the Queen~”
“I know, I know. I’m your father, after all. I have some sense of propriety…”
To be lectured like a child by his own daughter made Bai Li’s cheeks flush red, and he even started to stutter.
“Wrong, wrong! Pops, you need to adapt quickly. Once we’re in the palace, you have to call me ‘Empress Mother’~”
“…Ugh, Baining, do we have to be so literal? Calling my own daughter ‘Empress Mother’ is way too embarrassing…”
“No, it’s a must! Otherwise, where would my majesty as a Queen go? How could I ever stand tall before my subordinates? Just bear with it for a bit, Pops. Think of it as doing your daughter a favor~”
“Tsk… Fine, fine. I can’t do anything with you…”
Bai Li wailed in his heart.
He felt his life as a father was becoming far too miserable.
He hadn’t expected to endure the same kind of shame with Baining as he did with Longjiu.
There was truly no one left to save him.
—
Stepping out of the cave, Baining didn’t say another word before picking Bai Li up by the waist.
She carried him steadily on her back, spreading her bat-like Vampire Wings as she soared into the sky.
“By the way, Pops, once you’re familiar with your power as a Vampire, you’ll be able to fly on your own, too~ I’ll teach you slowly once we’re back. I guarantee you’ll learn~”
“Flying? That actually sounds pretty interesting.”
“Right? That’s why I said becoming one of the Monsters isn’t so bad~”
“Baining! Stop saying things like that! You have to find a way to turn me back!”
“Sigh, I know, I know, Pops~”
“Hmph, you sound so dismissive. I’ll find a way myself later!”
“I’ll definitely help you, Pops~”
Amidst their bickering, her wings sliced through the night sky.
It wasn’t long before they arrived at the magnificent Palace of the Blood Kin.
The palace was built entirely of obsidian and adorned with dots of glowing fluorite.
It looked like a pearl in the dark night — mysterious and grand.
“Your Majesty, you’ve returned! This is…”
A capable-looking woman dressed in a black lace maid outfit walked forward quickly to greet them.
It was the famous Head Battle Maid of the Vampires, Fei Yi.
Her gaze landed on Bai Li, her face filled with confusion.
“Ah, Fei Yi, this is my daughter, Bai Li. Since you’re here, you’ll be responsible for serving her from now on~”
‘Her Majesty has a daughter?’
Fei Yi’s heart was in a state of upheaval, yet her face remained respectfully composed.
“Understood, Princess. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Fei Yi, the Head Battle Maid of the Maid Combat Unit. From now on, I will be fully responsible for your daily life and needs.”
“Um… okay! I’ll be in your care, Fei Yi!”
Bai Li forced himself to respond calmly while feeling shocked in his heart.
‘Whoa! A real-life battle maid! In all my years, this is the first time I’ve ever been served by a maid…’
Speaking of which, that girl Longjiu was a leader of the Dragon Race, yet she didn’t even have a single maid.
Every little thing in her house was handled by army soldiers.
It was truly bizarre…
‘Is this what they call a military state?’
Bai Li grumbled inwardly.
“Fei Yi, go and prepare Bai Li’s room first. While you’re at it, organize a new daily schedule and bring it to me~”
“Understood, Your Majesty. I will see to it immediately.”
Bai Li watched silently and noticed that Baining’s interactions with her subordinates were gentle and harmonious.
She didn’t have that intimidating pressure that Longjiu possessed.
The soldiers under Longjiu felt more awe and fear toward her.
Likely, this was the difference in their management styles.
“Alright, daughter~ Your room isn’t ready yet, so you’ll sleep with your Empress Mother for the next few days~”
As Baining spoke, she shot a secret glance toward the entrance.
Two Vampire guards were standing watch there.
She had clearly said it for their benefit.
“O-okay, Empress Mother~”
Bai Li’s cheeks instantly turned crimson.
Perhaps it was a lingering side effect of his experience with the Dragon Race, but his body had unconsciously responded in a sweet, sugary tone.
The soft, gooey voice gave even him goosebumps.
Baining’s eyes widened in surprise on the spot.
‘That voice, soft enough to melt bones… it actually came from Pops?’
It seemed that Longjiu had put quite a bit of effort into her father before…
“Good girl. Come, follow me~”
Baining suppressed her laughter and waved for Bai Li to follow as she began to give him a tour of the palace.
“This is the Meeting Hall. Usually, Vampire affairs are handled here. Over there is the Banquet Hall for entertaining guests. This way is the Music Hall. Do you see that pipe organ? Your Empress Mother is quite the skilled player. I’ll play it for you when there’s a chance~”
“Oh, wow, how impressive…”
Bai Li responded perfunctorily, but his eyes were drawn to the simple yet magnificent pipe organ.
“Alright, this is my bedroom. Little Bai Li, you can come here whenever you want to play with me~ Come, let’s head inside.”
“Um…”
Hearing Baining speak to him in a tone used for coaxing children made Bai Li feel a whirlwind of emotions.
Still, he could only obediently comply.
After all, when one is under another’s roof, one must bow their head.
“Alright, it’s time to talk business, daughter~”
Baining pulled Bai Li down to sit on the soft velvet bed, her expression suddenly turning serious.
“Business?”
Bai Li looked bewildered.
“Yes. Since you’ll be living here as the Princess of the Vampires from now on, I need to teach you the proper etiquette and lifestyle habits. We can’t let others make a joke out of you~”
“It’s actually that much of a hassle…”
Bai Li’s small face slumped, looking ready for death.
“You’ll get used to it~ Here, put on this ring, bracelet, and earring~”
Baining took a set of exquisite accessories from a jewelry box.
They were inlaid with dark red gemstones, looking both noble and elegant.
“What? I have to wear these, too? They’re… they’re too feminine!”
Bai Li looked at the glittering jewelry and instinctively shrank back.
“You must wear them~ They’re symbols of your status as a Princess. If you don’t wear them, my subordinates will think I’m neglecting you~ Come, be good~”
Refusing to take no for an answer, Baining carefully put the earring and bracelet on him.
Finally, she picked up the ring.
Taking advantage of the moment while Bai Li was still distracted by the accessories, she quietly slipped it onto his middle finger.
The moment the ring was on, it emitted a faint red glow that vanished in an instant.
‘Hehe, Pops~ This way, you’ve entered an Engagement Contract with me~’
Baining thought craftily to herself.