Elia returned quickly, holding a new black rose.
This one was even larger than the previous one, and its fragrance was more intense.
She pinned the flower behind her ear, then tilted her head and asked, “Is it pretty?”
Kiz took one look at her and immediately turned her head away.
“… It’s okay.”
“Just okay?”
“What else do you want! Hurry up and get over here so we can talk business!” Kiz glared at her and said.
“Fine, fine, fine.”
Elia sat down on the sofa and said, “Go ahead. What’s going on with the Heavenly Saint Race?”
Kiz sat across from her, her expression turning serious. “The Heavenly Saint Race is one of the oldest races on the Dream Spirit Continent. They have always regarded themselves as the descendants of the gods and look down on other races, especially us in the Blood Clan. Furthermore, they possess several Sacred Artifacts that are said to have the power to destroy the world.”
“Sacred Artifacts…”
“Yes. I am not sure of the specifics, but one of them is related to Holy Light Magic. Now that you are here with me, they will likely use it as an excuse, claiming the Blood Clan has defiled the Holy Light or something, and demand that I hand you over.”
Elia arched an eyebrow and asked, “So, will you hand me over?”
“Of course not. You are mine. No one is taking you away.”
She said those words with a natural tone.
At the same time, it caused Elia’s heart to skip a beat.
However, she quickly regained her composure and asked, “So, is it possible we will go to war with the Heavenly Saint Race?”
“Not necessarily. Those old fossils in the Heavenly Saint Race are quite cautious and won’t go to war easily. But they will definitely unite with other races to put pressure on us.”
“For example?”
“For example, the Human Empire and the Church…” Kiz sneered. “Those people already wanted to capture you, and now this gives them the perfect excuse.”
Elia was silent for a moment, and then she smiled.
“Then let them come.”
Kiz looked at her and asked, “Aren’t you afraid?”
“What is there to fear? I have you, don’t I?”
In truth, Elia originally wanted to say she was strong enough not to be afraid, but after a second thought, she decided to say that instead.
Kiz was momentarily stunned. “You… what did you say?”
“I said, I have you anyway. You are the Princess of the Blood Clan and one of the world’s top combatants. Protecting me shouldn’t be an issue, right?”
Kiz blushed and muttered under her breath, “… Who says I want to protect you.”
“Besides, I am the real Master now. Isn’t it only natural for you, as the servant, to protect your Master?” Elia walked toward Kiz with a smile. “So, Princess, you must make sure to protect me well~”
Her face was very close, so close that Kiz could see the fluttering of her eyelashes.
She could also see her own reflection in those blue pupils.
Kiz’s heart rate quickened.
She retreated a little, but Elia followed her forward.
“You—stay away from me first…” Kiz said.
“Why?”
“Because… it’s too—too close!”
“Is being close a bad thing?” Elia reached out and gently tilted Kiz’s chin up with her finger. “Given our relationship, isn’t it normal to be a little close?”
Kiz wanted to swat her hand away, but her body refused to listen. She could only allow Elia to lift her chin and lock eyes with her.
“And… you just said I was ‘your person,’ right?”
“… I just said that casually!”
“But I took it seriously.” Elia laughed and said, “So, from today on, our relationship is no longer just a simple master and servant~”
At that moment, the little Princess’s face turned so red it looked like it might drip blood.
She wanted to argue, to say, ‘Don’t flatter yourself.’
But the words wouldn’t come out.
She realized that she didn’t seem to reject what Elia was saying.
That realization startled her.
Kiz suddenly stood up and took several steps back, putting distance between herself and Elia.
“I—I’m going to the study! I still have documents to read!”
After saying that, she fled the room as if escaping.
The door slammed shut with a *thud*.
Elia watched the closed door, and the smile on her face gradually faded.
She reached up and touched the black rose behind her ear.
‘Is it no longer just a simple master-servant relationship… I just blurted it out in the heat of the moment. How am I supposed to wrap this up now…’
She didn’t think she had those kinds of feelings for Kiz, but she didn’t dislike the little Princess either. In fact, she could even say she liked her.
But that kind of liking… she understood that it was just a fondness for the vampire girl element. Yes, exactly. That was all.
Then, she shook her head and walked to the window.
Furthermore, the Heavenly Saint Race… they sounded like a lot of trouble. It seemed her days in this world wouldn’t be easy from now on…
Whatever. She had Kiz anyway. Although this little Princess was a crybaby and a coward, she was actually quite reliable in critical moments.
And…
The corners of Elia’s mouth curved into a smile again.
Seeing her blush and run away was truly entertaining.
So, let it be.
Maintain the status quo, keep teasing her, and continue living in this world.
As for what would happen in the future…
She would deal with that when the time came.
—
In the study, Kiz stared blankly at the documents for 10 minutes straight.
She hadn’t processed a single word because the little Princess’s mind was currently filled with Elia’s face… and the things she had just said.
Kiz covered her face and let out a soft groan.
‘That devil… what on earth is she trying to do!’
Usually, she bullied her so relentlessly, yet today she suddenly said such things… Was this some new way of playing with her?
Or was it…
Kiz didn’t dare think further.
She forced herself to focus back on the documents.
However, while her eyes looked at the words, her mind was still thinking about what had just happened.
Elia’s smile.
Elia’s gaze.
The sensation of Elia’s finger…
“Argh! So annoying! So annoying! So annoying!”
She slammed the document onto the desk, stood up, and paced around the study.
After a few laps, she pulled a book from the top shelf.
It was the Historical Chronicles of the Blood Clan, which recorded the lives of past Blood Clan monarchs.
She flipped to a certain page that held a portrait of the Vampire Queen.
In the painting, her mother stood atop the Vampire Castle, overlooking the entire Blood Clan territory. Her expression was cold and majestic, with thousands of vampires beneath her.
Looking at the painting, Kiz’s gaze softened slightly as she whispered, “Mother… if… if you were still here, what would you do?”
Of course, the painting did not answer her.
Kiz sighed, closed the book, and placed it back on the shelf.
Then she sat back down at her desk.
Looking at the mountain of documents, she felt a bit tired—heart-tired.
Handling government affairs was tiring, dealing with other races was tiring, and maintaining her image as a Princess was also tiring… only in front of Elia…
Kiz was suddenly stunned.
In front of Elia, she didn’t have to maintain that image.
She could cry, throw fits, get angry, or even be afraid.
Even though she was bullied, even though she was teased until she was both embarrassed and furious…
It felt easy.
She didn’t have to pretend, she didn’t have to be on guard, and she didn’t have to remain constantly vigilant.
Because Elia knew all her secrets.
Naturally, Elia also knew of her cruel and cold side.
But Elia didn’t care about any of that.
Or rather, Elia accepted everything about her.
The realization made Kiz’s heart race again.
She shook her head, forcing herself to stop thinking about it. She was afraid that if she continued, she would truly sink into the abyss.
Since things had come to this, she should just work.
She picked up her pen and began reviewing the documents.
However, after writing a few words, she stopped again.
She smelled a fragrance.
It was the scent of roses.
She looked up and saw that Elia had appeared at the study door at some point, carrying a tray with a teapot and teacups.
“Hard at work, little Princess.” Elia placed the tray on the desk.
Kiz asked warily, “What do you want now?”
“Nothing. I just saw you were working and brought you something to drink.”
“… Are you actually being this kind?”
“I’ve always been kind.” Elia poured her a cup of tea.
“Here, try it. I added honey.”
Kiz hesitantly took the teacup and took a sip… It was indeed very good.
“How is it?” Elia asked.
“It’s okay…”
“Saying ‘it’s okay’ again? No new words?”
“You! By the way, you didn’t poison the tea, did you?”
“If I wanted to poison you, I would have done it long ago.” Elia sat down in a nearby chair. “Besides, if I poisoned you to death, who would be my blood bag?”
Kiz: “…”
She knew it! How could this devil ever be that kind!
“Fine, I’m done teasing you. Keep working. I’ll stay here and keep you company.”
“I can’t work with you here!”
“Why not?”
“Because…” Kiz couldn’t say it.
She couldn’t exactly say, ‘Because I’ll get distracted if you’re here,’ could she?
“I promise I won’t disturb you,” Elia said.
Kiz hesitated for a moment before finally compromising. “Do whatever you want.”
She picked up her pen and resumed reviewing the documents.
Elia sat beside her and watched her quietly.
The study finally fell into silence. The only sounds to be heard were the scratching of the pen across the paper and the light breathing of the two girls.
Kiz was a bit uneasy at first, but she gradually grew accustomed to it.
She focused on the documents, taking an occasional sip of tea.
After an unknown amount of time, Kiz finally finished the last document. She put down her pen, stretched, and looked over at Elia.
She saw the devil leaning back in the chair with her eyes closed, seemingly asleep.
Her sleeping face looked as peaceful as a little angel’s.
Kiz stood up quietly and walked over to Elia. She bent down and looked at her closely.
Elia’s eyelashes were long, and her skin was very fair. And her lips…
They looked very soft.
Kiz’s heart started to race once again.
She reached out, wanting to touch Elia’s face, but stopped just as her fingertip was about to make contact.
What was she doing? Was she trying to sneak a touch while someone was sleeping?
That was way too perverted!
Kiz quickly withdrew her hand and took a few steps back.
But unfortunately, at that exact moment, Elia opened her eyes.
She asked, “Have you seen enough, little Princess?”