"Master, you must not go. The Duchess's rules are cruel, and if you fail, the consequences will be unimaginable," said Vasa excitedly.
"To give up without even trying… I don't want that," sighed Ivina, her dark eyes filled with hidden thoughts. "In that tragic legend, the death of the young girl leaves a deep imprint on the ruler's heart—it's quite a romantic thing. Perhaps that brave young girl already knew about the conspiracy in the secret room. She did this merely to confirm the doubts in her heart…"
"Hm? Vasha was growing increasingly confused. How could the master know the young girl's thoughts?"
"Hmm… I'm just guessing. Don't take it too seriously." Ivina smiled weakly, then turned her head to look at the moon, which seemed unusually distant outside the window.
To refuse the advances of so many admirers, she must have someone in her heart. Her beloved must be that ruler who came to realise his feelings too late. Perhaps, at some point in the past, this young woman, whose heart was filled with love, had also gazed at the moon in the ancient sky, just like her, with a mix of emotions...
Vasha was concerned about Ivina's resolve, standing by her side, but she couldn't think of any way to stop her.
Human capabilities are insufficient to fight until the final battle. If that's the case, the master should be in little danger.
She hoped it was all her overthinking.
"The Lady will rise again, relying on your current position and abilities. Defeating any witch is no longer a problem." In the darkness, a low voice emerged from the damp air.
"That is indeed the case. But how could I forget your kindness that brought me to where I am today…" The woman's voice was seductive, forming a stark contrast to the man on the other side of the darkness.
"I helped you because I had my own purposes. I simply did not refuse a minor favour."
"In any case, there is still something you are hiding from me. Never mind, regardless, gratitude is inevitable. My body… How about this as a deal? Assist me one more time…"
The man did not respond, remaining silent.
"Do you want more? What else could a lowly vampire like me possibly offer you?"
The man remained deathly silent. The woman, unable to contain herself any longer, hurried towards him.
'Back then... back then, if you had been as kind as you are now and hadn't refused that simple favour, perhaps I wouldn't be repaying you in this way now... The one thing I cherish most, alas, you missed out on, Lord Puzi.' The woman's hand gently caressed his handsome face, her lips ready to kiss him, but she decided to stop before the man spoke.
'There's no need to bring up the past. At least now, everything you wanted has been achieved and obtained.' Memories poured out painfully. He still remembered the cries and the helpless, desperate eyes. He often thought that if he had been less loyal to the king and considered his own feelings a little more at that time, she would have been saved... How much time had passed, and he still thought about it with regret, unable to let go.
Now, those once innocent and panicked eyes had been replaced by a seasoned and composed gaze, staring intently at him.
If he had unwavering loyalty to the king, then his blind infatuation with her had become his only weakness.
She knew his weakness and was so skilled at exploiting it...
He smiled bitterly.
'S, have you ever regretted it?' The woman played with her brown hair, the scent of it making him dizzy.
'Watch your tone!' S struggled to calm his turbulent emotions. But he noticed the faint disappointment on her face.
"I will help you with the Duchess's matter one last time. Eliminating those witches who pose a slight threat is no difficult task. But you must promise me you will not take another's life, and…"
"And after it's done, the witch's position I'm replacing must be specified as… 'her'." The woman smiled coldly, curling her red lips.
"That's correct." Si answered just as bluntly.
"Even if you hadn't said that, I would have done it anyway. But why her? Are you doing this just to let me replace her, gain the king's favour, and fulfil my dreams? Or… do you have ulterior motives?"
"You're being too bold! Don't forget your lowly status!" S roared, firmly casting aside the lingering affection in his heart.
"So I was right after all…" The woman covered her beautiful eyes with her hair, bowed her head heavily, and turned away. 'Have you fallen in love with her?'
S did not respond.
'Ha, ha. Well, that's fine. We each get what we want... I just don't understand why every man is so obsessed with her. The king is like that, and even Lord S is like that...' The woman pretended to be nonchalant, shook her head lightly, and then smiled awkwardly. 'So, which one of you loves her more deeply? Do you scream her name in your dreams every night? Do you mistake me for her during your climax?' A tear silently fell from the woman's proud chin. She looked very tired as she took a step and walked into the darkness.
'You will too... because no man truly cares about me.' The echoing voice in the secret room was hollow and terrifying.
Until he was certain she had left, he exhaled a long breath of relief.
He repeatedly doubted his decision, wondering if it was right or wrong… This time, he seemed to have sided with the king again. For the sake of the vampire clan, for the sake of the royal lineage…
Vampires and humans are fundamentally incompatible life forms; how could they possibly love each other?
Perhaps this time, he had truly made the right choice. Ensuring the King's safety could also fulfil her long-held dream.
But why couldn't he see her smile?
This season of the Countess always left him restless.
Bia, have I pushed you into the depths of sin?