Die for Love

　　As soon as Caesar heard that tone, he knew it would take some time to wrap things up. So he pulled over a chair and patiently listened to Stephen's story.

　　"Twenty years ago, something happened. On the wedding day of Lord Bernard from the Duke clan, the bride ran away, and this incident caused a sensation throughout Sidamil City."

　　"I had just returned victorious from the battlefield when I met her, my beloved Barbara!"

　　"For the first time in my eight hundred years of life, I experienced the taste of love. We were inseparable, happier than any couple in the world... At that time, I had no idea she was Lord Bernard's fiancée."

　　...

　　Upon hearing this, Caesar was shocked that Stephen had become involved with a high-ranking nobleman's fiancée, and he had already guessed the direction the story would take.

　　Sure enough, their sweet romance didn't last long.

　　Under pressure from her family, threats, and intimidation, Barbara was forced to end her secret relationship with the old Count and succumb to fate, marrying into a "wealthy family."

　　But no one knew that Barbara was already pregnant, carrying Stephen's child.

　　That child was Stephanie Duke.

　　The princess of the Duke family, a favored daughter of destiny! 

　　...

　　Upon hearing Stephen's experiences, Caesar couldn't help but admire the old man immensely. Not only had he put the Marquis in a difficult position, but he had also managed to have someone else raise his daughter—truly impressive!

　　"My lord Count, aren't you worried I might leak this information?" Caesar asked with genuine curiosity.

　　Stephen shook his head firmly. "No, you won't. Revealing this secret would bring you no benefit, and you're not that kind of person; otherwise, you wouldn't be seeking life force for me. Even if you obtained it, you could keep it for yourself without needing to give it to me. Your character is worthy of my trust."

　　Caesar shrugged, wanting to say, "That's my life force!"

　　"Does your daughter Stephanie know about her heritage?" 

　　"No, and she must never find out," Stephen replied without hesitation, shaking his head. "How could I let her know that her biological father is dead? Or that the man who raised her for twenty years is not related to her by blood? No, that would only bring Stephanie pain."

　　"Then how do you intend to fulfill your wish to see her? Why not… write a letter to your wife? She should still love you, and have her bring the young lady out for a visit."

　　"Barbara has passed away. After marrying into the Duke clan, she became despondent. On a sunny afternoon, she walked into the light with thoughts of me," Stephen said, his expression pained and choked with emotion. "Barbara was a woman who believed in love; marrying someone she didn't love was an extreme insult to her. She would rather die!"

　　Caesar was at a loss for words. 

　　It turned out that even in the world of vampires, there were such romantic and poignant love stories. 

　　While he wanted to help the old Count, unfortunately, he had no experience in such matters. He had neither cheated on someone nor had someone raise a child for him.

　　"After I die, Stephanie will have no real relatives left, so I've been waiting for an opportunity... I don't know how much longer I can hold on until that day." 

　　After saying this, Stephen turned to Caesar sincerely and said, "I'm telling you all this because I hope that after I die, there will still be someone in this world who remembers that I, Stephen, have a beautiful daughter named Stephanie."

　　Caesar nodded and smiled lightly. "Don't worry, I will remember; Stephanie is your daughter, not Lord Bernard's! I won't forget."

　　"Hmm~ I will keep an eye out for news about Stephanie. If the right opportunity arises, I will take you to see her." 

　　Stephen was greatly moved. "Thank you, Caesar."

　　"No need for thanks; it's a small matter… By the way, do you have a portrait of the young lady?" 

　　"In the left cabinet, on the bottom shelf." 

　　Caesar walked over to the cabinet, rummaged a bit, and found a rolled-up painting. 

　　When he opened it, a lifelike image of a girl appeared before his eyes. 

　　She had silvery hair as pure as moonlight, long eyelashes framing a pair of beautiful blue eyes that seemed to hold infinite magic, capable of ensnaring one's soul with a mere glance. 

　　The girl's appearance was stunning, her aura exceptional, akin to a proud and beautiful swan. 

　　She truly possessed breathtaking beauty. 

　　Caesar stood up, returned the chair, and smiled. "Continue to rest, my lord Count; I'll cover you with the coffin lid."

　　...

　　Back in his own room, 

　　Caesar paced around for a while before making a decision. 

　　Snap~ 

　　He snapped his fingers. 

　　Billy quickly appeared at the window, its magnificent feathers shimmering in purple under the sunlight. 

　　"Help me with something." 

　　"Chirp~" 

　　Caesar took out the portrait and laid it on the table, showing it to Billy. "This girl." 

　　Billy tilted its little head, studying the image for two seconds before chirping in acknowledgment, indicating it had remembered. 

　　Caesar then picked up a map and pointed to a location. "This place, the Duke clan, Marquis Castle." 

　　"Chirp~" 

　　"You'll wait outside the castle, and as soon as you see the person in the painting, come back and tell me. Can you complete this task?" 

　　"Chirp chirp!" 

　　Billy confidently flapped its wings, signaling that it was an easy task. 

　　"Go ahead." 

　　Caesar smiled. 

　　It soared into the sky, disappearing into the clouds, heading toward the direction of the Duke clan.