Chapter 3: 3: Felicia, the Vampire Grand Duchess

"I'm doing well, my dear sister," Nolan replied smoothly. "This outing was quite rewarding. Dalric was impressed with my transformation magic, and Baron Dura taught me several tricks to seduce human maidens. His advice is always insightful... If fear fails to control others, stir their desires instead. And I must admit, he's right—virgin blood has an exceptional flavor. Perhaps I'm growing fond of it." As he spoke, Nolan embraced the raven-haired girl in the crimson gown. The two siblings exchanged a light kiss on the lips. Countess Eloise Constantine didn't find this odd. Among vampires, who lived for centuries, such behavior was considered normal. Their customs differed vastly from those of humans, and close familial relationships—even among siblings—were not uncommon. According to legend, the parents of these two vampires were full-blooded siblings themselves. The raven-haired girl smiled brightly, hugging her younger brother tightly and nuzzling against him affectionately. "Oh, my sweet Nolan, I'm so glad you've developed another delightful hobby. If you'd like, you could even bathe in virgin blood." Nolan gently pushed away his sister's enthusiasm and replied in a calm voice, "I'm not surprised that the Von Draugr family could afford such indulgences, but the best things should remain as rare luxuries. Drinking it daily would make even the most exquisite blood seem mundane. Once that happens, nothing will satisfy my appetite anymore." The girl smiled indulgently. It seemed that Nolan didn't need to say or do much to brighten her mood—his mere presence was enough. Her gaze then shifted, and she finally noticed Countess Constantine standing nearby. A look of displeasure crossed her face as her delicate nose wrinkled. "And who is this, Miss Theresa? Another offering?" Startled, Countess Constantine instinctively took two steps back, trembling like a frightened animal. The maid who had been stroking Miss Nancy's fur replied calmly, "I don't believe so, Grand Duchess Felicia. She is a countess and holds a prominent position in human society... but who knows?" "Not an offering, hmm..." Felicia tilted her head thoughtfully, circling the countess twice. Her playful smile only grew as the countess stood frozen, nearly paralyzed with fear. Finally, Felicia asked, "Then what are you here for?" Bowing deeply, Eloise Constantine pleaded earnestly, "Great and omnipotent progenitor of the fourth generation of the Von Draugr family, I, the humble Eloise Constantine, am your devoted follower. I've come to offer my wealth in exchange for immortality and eternal beauty." "Oh?" Felicia raised her eyebrows, clapped her hands, and exclaimed with delight, "Did you hear that, Nolan? I have a follower! Am I becoming a god? Have I finally ascended to divinity?" "No, Sister Felicia," Nolan replied flatly. "I think she's merely flattering you." Felicia pouted her lips dramatically. "How cruel, Countess Constantine! Are you toying with a young girl's innocence?" Before the countess could protest, Nolan interjected, "She's probably just grateful, thinking it's fortunate that you're a vampire with a less-than-sharp mind." "What?!" Felicia's anger flared as her fangs gleamed. She turned to Eloise, her voice sharp. "How dare you imply I'm not intelligent! I've lived for five centuries, and no one has ever called me dull!" "That's because anyone who did is now dead, dear Felicia," Nolan remarked indifferently. He glanced at the pale and trembling countess before continuing, "But this woman isn't without merit. She's beautiful enough to enrich your collection. Perhaps you should grant her a bit of your blood—your capacity for creating undead kin is far from exhausted, is it not?" He sniffed lightly and added, "Though it's a pity she doesn't seem to be a virgin. Otherwise, I might've wanted a taste myself." Felicia's fury evaporated in an instant, replaced by a cheerful grin. She nodded eagerly. "Since it's your suggestion, Nolan, I'll accept!" Eloise Constantine was overjoyed. She hadn't expected such a twist of fate, but it seemed she would indeed join the ranks of the vampires and gain the eternal beauty she desired. She bowed deeply toward Nolan to express her gratitude, only to see him stride up the stairs without so much as a glance in her direction. Within moments, he disappeared from view. Grand Duchess Felicia also vanished shortly after, though not before instructing Miss Theresa to prepare the countess for dinner. And thus, the enigmatic siblings—the true masters of the manor—were gone, leaving an air of both dread and excitement lingering behind. Not long after, both siblings vanished without a trace. The sudden abandonment in the sprawling manor left Countess Constantine feeling uncomfortably out of place. She looked helplessly toward Miss Theresa, the maid, and Miss Nancy, the black cat. "You'll get used to it," Miss Theresa said coldly. Meanwhile, Miss Nancy yawned and stretched languidly. "That's just how vampires are. They're all about mystique and theatrics, often disappearing for years at a time. Some of them even sleep in their coffins so long they lose track of time, and when they wake up, a hundred years have passed. Thank goodness Nolan and Felicia aren't like that." "I think you should address them as Your Highness or Master, Miss Nancy," Theresa interjected sharply. "Ugh, maid, you're so annoying!" Meanwhile, Nolan returned to his own roochom somewhere in the manor. A faint hissing noise greeted him as a small white snake, about 20 centimeters long, slithered toward him. It coiled around his wrist like a bracelet. Gently stroking the cool, smooth scales, Nolan murmured, "Ah, I'm back, Sheila. I'm sorry I left you at home. The maiden hunt was strictly for fledgling vampires, and you know how volatile they can be. Honestly, I even ended up fighting Borgnart's second son. He transformed into a bear and almost clawed me. I'm glad I didn't bring you along to face such danger." The little white snake hissed softly, circling his wrist twice before flicking its icy tongue to lick his skin. "Ah, so cold... Haha, Sheila, I know you're happy, but stop licking me, will you?" Just then, a rustling sound of flapping wings came from outside the window. Nolan frowned curiously and opened it, only to see a dark brown owl flutter inside. The owl circled Nolan twice before dropping a letter in front of him. With an air of self-importance, it perched on top of a nearby coffin, as if basking in the glory of completing its mission. "An owl? A wizard's messenger?" Nolan muttered, examining the letter. "What could a wizard possibly have to say to me?" While vampires and wizarding families like his weren't exactly sworn enemies, their relationship was far from friendly. A decade ago, when the Dark Lord rose to power and the Death Eaters ran rampant, many rogue vampires had joined his ranks. After the war, the wizards hadn't dared to imprison these terrifying creatures in Azkaban. Who could say what ties might exist between Dementors and vampires, after all? ------------- P.S. Have you added this to your collection yet?