The remaining nobles stepped forward to receive their punishments. They can't help but glared viciously at the vampires… and at Sylene. One of them hissed under his breath, voice low but sharp:
"See you at the peace treaty celebration."
Then the judge announced the date—the celebration would be held three weeks from now.
The vampires left with quiet composure. Sir Melchior wore his usual gentle smile, charming both the judge and the king who oversaw everything from behind the scenes.
---
That night, Mavis launched himself onto Sylene's bed with all the enthusiasm of a fox reunited with his favorite person. He wrapped Sylene in a tight embrace, laughing into his shoulder.
"It's been two years since we spent nights like this. The bed is too big," he complained. The bed in grandma's house had been tiny, but warm—always warm.
