Humans are skilled at using plant-based spices to season meat, a culinary art that the Vampires have never explored.
Vampire preparation of meat is not as refined as that of Humans. In other words, Vampires do not eat like Humans do.
The mushroom-stuffed meat rolls Lorevil mentioned were the signature dish of a restaurant located on the edge of the Noble District in Holy Blood City. Occasionally, Vampires curious about Human cuisine would visit.
It was also a delicacy that, according to her memories, Mahina loved to eat.
Inside the restaurant…
A fresh aroma, distinct from the typical Vampire diet, wafted through the air, accompanied by the faint sizzle of oil from the kitchen.
“Please enjoy your meal, ladies.”
Soon, the waiter served two plates.
In the white porcelain dish before Mahina lay three golden, glistening mushroom-stuffed meat rolls.
The outer layer consisted of giant mushrooms roasted until crispy, stuffed with meat and minced herbs, all coated in an amber-colored sweet berry sauce.
The side dish was a soft, mashed roasted pumpkin.
“I’ll also have a glass of blood wine,” Lorevil added to the waiter. “And she will have a glass of iced berry juice.”
A Vampire’s constitution could not truly function without blood. A mild blood wine could quench thirst without ruining the current dining atmosphere.
“Certainly, Miss. One moment.”
Mahina could not wait to pick up her fork, stabbing a small piece of the meat roll and bringing it to her mouth.
“Mmm…”
As soon as her teeth broke through the crispy mushroom skin, the juices burst forth, filling her entire mouth. The sweet and sour notes of the berry sauce perfectly neutralized the greasiness, creating a texture so rich that Mahina could not help but squint her eyes.
Mahina’s first bite was undoubtedly pure bliss.
“Don’t rush. Swallow first, and then take a sip of the iced berry juice.”
Looking at her wolfing down the food, a flash of heartache crossed Lorevil’s eyes.
“It’s so delicious, Lord Lorevil.”
Mahina obediently swallowed her food, took a large gulp of the iced berry juice, and let out a pleasant burp.
Lorevil smiled.
She had specifically instructed the chef to add extra filling, making the meat rolls twice as thick as a regular serving, just so Mahina could have a good meal.
If this were her past life, an iced tea paired with an extra-large portion of pork trotter rice would have also been a good combination.
“From today on, call me Lorevil or Miss Lorevil. There’s no need to call me ‘Lord,'” Lorevil said softly, accepting the blood wine handed to her.
“But, Lord Lorevil…”
Mahina wanted to say more.
In her heart, Lorevil was the Vampire who had saved her, an existence high above.
“If you don’t agree, I won’t meet with you ever again.”
Lorevil intentionally put on a stern face. She knew Mahina feared abandonment most; this tactic was sure to work.
“Lorevil…”
Mahina repeated the name, her eyes unconsciously filling with tears.
Lorevil picked up a napkin from the table and handed it to Mahina.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken to you so harshly just now.”
Although it was for Mahina’s own good, Lorevil had overlooked Mahina’s past traumas. Uncovering those painful memories was not her intention.
“No, you were right. I’m just too cowardly,” Mahina said, shaking her head.
“It’s not cowardice; it’s that you’re too afraid.”
Lorevil looked into her eyes and said seriously, “Anyone who went through what you did would be afraid.”
“But you are brave. You didn’t give up on living. You escaped from the village and worked with your own hands to fight for your life. You are stronger than many people.”
“Lord Lore… Lorevil, you’re too kind to me,” Mahina said. “I like you so much.”
Mahina liked… her?
Lorevil didn’t have the heart to tell Mahina that her predecessor had only acted on a whim, merely lusting after Mahina’s body.
And she was only doing her best to make amends.
As for how she should respond to this poor girl who saw her as the only anchor in a dark life… Lorevil found herself stuck, her expression flickering with uncertainty.
Taking a sip of the blood wine, Lorevil decided she could only take things one step at a time.
“Since you’ve been fired, I’ll see if I can find you a new job tomorrow. Let’s call it a day for now,” Lorevil said, considering Mahina’s current situation.
She realized that finding Mahina a new job might be even more important than a house.
As long as a person stayed busy, they wouldn’t dwell on the past for too long.
“Understood,” Mahina said, suddenly turning shy. “Can you… sleep with me tonight, Lorevil?”
‘Tomorrow is Madam Sharon’s ball!’
‘And I promised my fiancée I’d be home on time tonight.’
Lorevil hadn’t expected her schedule to be so packed. She felt as if she were truly turning into a scumbag after this.
At that thought, Lorevil’s expression shifted. “I just remembered I have things to do. I’m a student at Holy Blood Academy, and the teacher assigned some tasks. I probably won’t have time for the next few days.”
“I’m sorry, Mahina.”
“Okay then. I’ll see you next time.”
Mahina sounded a bit reluctant.
—
After parting ways with her cute, scissor-wielding girlfriend, Lorevil immediately used a communication blood crystal to message Madam Sharon.
“Madam, are you there?”
“I am.”
Madam Sharon’s reply came quickly.
“I’ve thought it over. I can attend the ball with you, but in return, I want you to help arrange a job for a friend of mine.”
“…”
There was a pause before Madam Sharon replied. “Is it a girl?”
“Uh, yes.”
“Fine. We can talk about it after the ball. That’s easy enough.”
The reason Lorevil sought out Madam Sharon was because of her wide network of connections.
Additionally, she knew better than to put all her eggs in one basket.
If Mahina’s job were arranged through the family, she would inevitably cross paths with Noxia.
She had to do everything in her power to prevent the two girls from meeting; otherwise, all her previous efforts would go to waste.
She would wait until Mahina had a job to focus on, became truly independent, and could live a good life on her own before bringing up a breakup.
Perhaps that would minimize the harm. This was the most stable plan Lorevil could think of for now.
After sending the message, she caught a carriage and returned home.
She had promised Noxia she would be back in time for dinner.
However, the delay caused by Mahina’s request meant it was now starting to get dark.
Noxia must have been waiting for a long time.
“Lorevil, you’re back!”
Her virtuous fiancée, Noxia, opened the door, her eyes brightening the moment she saw Lorevil.
“The blood mushroom soup and blood steak have been reheated twice already. I thought you weren’t coming back tonight.”
Lorevil walked inside quickly, closing the door behind her.
“Sorry, sorry. I got delayed by something on the way.”
Lorevil felt a twinge of guilt.
She was hiding so many secrets, even calculating how to break up with another girl.
Noxia’s gentleness and consideration made her feel like a total scumbag.
Lorevil’s gaze swept over Noxia’s fingers and noticed a white bandage wrapped around her fingertip.
Clearly, she had accidentally injured herself while preparing dinner.
“Didn’t I tell you to find a capable servant to wait on you?”
Lorevil frowned, taking Noxia’s hand with concern.
“I just wanted to make something that suits your taste… I always feel like the food the servants make is missing something,” Noxia said shyly. She didn’t pull her hand away, clearly enjoying Lorevil’s attention.
“This little injury is nothing. It’ll be fine in two days.”
“How can it be nothing?”
Lorevil turned and ordered a nearby maid, “Call the head maid here.”
“Yes, Master.”
The maid responded respectfully and hurried away.
“Actually, there’s no need to go to such trouble. Dely and the others are very diligent…” Noxia tried to protest.
After a moment, the head maid, Dely, hurried over and bowed respectfully. “Master, you summoned me?”
Dely was an old hand sent by the family to manage the estate.
She was reliable but also somewhat worldly, knowing how to treat people based on their status. While she had been polite to Noxia before, she didn’t necessarily respect her.
Lorevil narrowed her eyes.
“From now on, when I am not here, Noxia is the master of this house. Everything is to be done according to her word. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand! From now on, I will follow Miss Noxia’s instructions and would not dare to be negligent,” Dely replied, her heart jumping as she quickly lowered her head.
“Alright, Dely, you may go.”
Lorevil waved her off.
Once Dely had withdrawn, she turned back to Noxia.
“Don’t force yourself to do these things anymore. If there is something to be done, let the servants do it. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand.”
A gentle smile spread across Noxia’s face.
It seemed that what Lorevil said at noon was true.
No matter what, Noxia hoped this shred of tenderness would continue, even if Lorevil…
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