In the Vampire Queen’s office, Baining was holding Bai Li while they processed government affairs together.
The reason things had turned out this way was actually quite ridiculous.
A few days ago, Fei Yi mentioned that the palace was adding new maids and their quarters needed to be equipped with stools.
Without a word, she moved every single chair out of the office, leaving only one behind in the end.
“A joke?”
At the time, Bai Li couldn’t help but complain.
“How could a grand palace of a nation not even be able to put enough stools together?”
“If word of this got out, wouldn’t people laugh in secret?”
However, under Baining’s gentle persuasion, he could only let the matter rest.
Consequently, in the days that followed, the two could only squeeze into one spot.
Bai Li sitting on her lap while working had become a part of their daily routine.
At that moment, a soft knock came from the door.
“Queen, a letter has arrived from the Succubus Kingdom. It was sent by Lady Ziya.”
Bai Li and Baining looked toward the door at the same time.
“Come in. Just leave it on the desk.”
Fei Yi respectfully set the letter down and then bowed before withdrawing.
Baining’s eyes curved slightly as she looked down at the person in her arms.
“Bai Li—it seems Ziya misses you dearly. She even went through the trouble of writing a letter.”
“Then hurry up and open it. I haven’t seen her in a long time either…”
Ziya was the first child they had taken in.
Bai Li’s feelings for her were exceptionally deep, and he held a special kind of expectation for her in his heart.
In his eyes, Ziya was the most well-behaved and sensible daughter whom he had raised with his own hands.
She was the most stable source of comfort in his heart.
‘Ziya has always been obedient and submissive. She would never do anything out of line like her other two sisters, who only know how to act cute and put on a show.’
While Bai Li was thinking this, Baining slowly opened the letter.
***
“Dear Sister Baining, Is everything well lately? I miss you all so much, especially Father.”
Sister Baining, you promised me before that if there was a chance, you would bring Father to my side.
It has been over three months now, and I wait for news from you every day… (crying face emoji)
Even if he cannot stay with me for long, ‘could you at least let me see Father once, please?’
Also, I have yet to retrieve the Military Tally I gave to you last time…
If you wish to temporarily hold the Military Power, you may keep it without worry.
I only beg of you to lend Father to me for a period of time.
“Please, I beg of you~mua~Sister Baining~”
(A small Succubus icon with hands pressed together and a pleading expression is drawn next to the words)
With love, Ziya.
***
“Ziya… I miss you too…”
As Bai Li looked at the letter, the longing in his heart welled up bit by bit.
But when his gaze swept over a key part, he couldn’t help but look up and ask.
“…Baining, what is this about? The letter says it right there. Why are you holding the Military Power of Ziya’s country in your hands?”
“Uh… Actually, I borrowed it from her earlier to distract Longjiu so I could rescue you. We’re all sisters anyway, so there’s no need to be so formal about it—”
“Even if that’s the case, it’s not right for you to keep holding onto it. You should return it to her as soon as possible.”
“Oh, Bai Li, don’t worry about the things between us sisters—”
“What? You really intend to keep it forever?”
Bai Li originally thought she had just forgotten to return it, but now he realized she was doing it intentionally.
“…Tsk, I told you not to worry about it— Anyway, since Ziya has written a letter, I naturally need to reply. Bai Li, is there anything you want to say?”
Bai Li stared intently at Baining, having no intention of letting her brush it off like this.
“…Baining, why are you holding onto something so important?”
“…I said don’t worry about it…”
“I’m going to worry! I could tolerate the things between you and me before, but now, as a Father, I must get to the bottom of things concerning my daughters.”
“…It’s actually because I feel Ziya is still young. It’s not suitable for her to command an army alone for the time being. Besides, her country… I have always been the one teaching her how to manage it.”
“But isn’t she managing the country just fine on her own now?”
“Ziya is very talented; she learns everything I teach immediately. It’s only natural since our Royal Bloodline is born with the qualities of a leader.”
“Then aren’t you just confessing to it? Speak—what exactly do you want to do with her Military Power!”
“Fine, fine—you win. I’ll find an opportunity to return it to her later…”
“That’s more like it… She is your sister, after all.”
“Forget it, let’s stop talking about this and get back to business. Regarding Ziya’s letter, what are your plans, Bai Li?”
“Is there even a need to ask? Of course I’m going to see Ziya. Being held by you like this every day, I barely feel like a father anymore.”
“But right now, I’d much rather you be my daughter—”
“I told you I don’t want that! Since Ziya sent a letter, I’ll go stay with her for a while.”
“Hmm… Fine. Since Ziya has already waited for three months, I’ll let you go stay there for three months.”
“Huh? You’re even setting a time limit?”
“Bai—Pops, three months is already quite long. We’ve only been together for three and a half months ourselves. We’ll take turns looking after you. You wouldn’t want Ziya and me to fight over you, would you?”
“I suppose… It’s just… I actually want to go back to my former life…”
‘I… I still have my own properties and a large house back in the Human Kingdom…’