Chapter 9

"First, we'll have special training in dance and manners until the preparations for the townhouse are complete. Then, we need to understand the power dynamics of the social scene. I'll leave that to Mira."

"Understood."

"Then, each of us should increase our repertoire of snide remarks."

"Is that really necessary?"

"Nobles make their living with that kind of talk."

Oscar confidently answered Shiki's simple question. I had no objections either; it was our family's specialty. Nobles always hide thorns behind their refined words.

"Ah, by the way, we'll have to make a big fuss about our relationship. Is that okay?"

"I don't think there will be any problem..."

"You might not find a husband, you know."

When asked with concern, I couldn't help but laugh. It was kind of him, but it was too late. My reputation was never good to begin with, and my parents, who must have been furious upon learning of my running away, were probably spreading curses, calling me a disgrace to the family.

"That's fine. I've already been abandoned by my parents. I have no desire to get married."

"Do you not want to go back?"

When pointed out so frankly, it felt strangely like kindness.

"Actually, while Shiki was helping me with the preparations—"

"Call me Shiki."

"While Shiki was helping me—"

I relented to Shiki's persistence and changed the way I addressed him, laughing. Shiki smiled contentedly and bit into the meat dish he had set aside.

"During that time, I did some thinking."

After a long time, I had a deep, refreshing sleep and thought very calmly.

"I started to get really angry."

"Hmm?"

Oscar raised an eyebrow, intrigued by my words.

But unfortunately, it's not a big deal. It's something I should have realized long ago.

However, in just five days away from my family, I learned something.

To me, they were not protectors but poison.

Without enduring my parents' constant scolding or fearing Nathan's violence, I traveled alone for five days, came to this distant place, and even entered the mansion of the feared Earl Bradberry in the capital. I was treated as a human being by complete strangers, welcomed, and could sleep soundly in a warm room on a soft bed.

It felt like I was freed from a curse.

"I've reached the point where I don't care about being cut off from my family. What's a house, anyway?"

What I didn't receive from my blood relatives, I received from strangers on our first meeting.

Even I, who am incompetent, can tell which is more important.

"Haha! That's the spirit!"

Oscar burst into hearty laughter and started on the dessert.

"Be assertive. You won't make a good vampire woman if you're not."

"Yes. I'm sorry for the trouble, but please take care of me from now on."

I feel genuinely apologetic to the Earl. He must be pitying me, seeing me as pitiful and miserable, and is only being kind out of sympathy.

He's even trying to make me feel better by saying it's fun.

Now that my wish has come true and things are moving, I can't afford to wallow in self-pity. I've involved everyone because of my thoughtlessness. At the very least, I need to fulfill the role given to me and bring this troublesome situation to a quick resolution.

"First, what kind of plan should we follow? I'm torn. I want to make a big splash, but as a vampire, I need to maintain a certain level of refinement. Hey, Mira, do you have any good ideas?"

But despite my determination, Oscar still seems genuinely excited and thrilled.

"Um, are you really enjoying this...?"

I asked hesitantly, knowing it might be rude. After swallowing the last bite, Oscar looked at me straight and said,

"From the bottom of my heart."

He smiled genuinely and wiped his mouth elegantly with a napkin.

His gesture was refined and noble, but for some reason, it made him seem even more like a villain.