The Princess Yearning for Love

　　Nine months had passed before anyone realized it. 

　　With the help of a drop of Marquis life force, the old Count Stephen's health had improved significantly, forcing a prolongation of his already depleted life. 

　　However, the good times did not last long. 

　　At first, the old Count was able to eat and drink, and his body seemed to be functioning well, but five months later, he was back in a wheelchair. 

　　And now, he was on the brink of death again! 

　　What was even more ridiculous was that his daughter, Stephanie, had not left the castle even once in those nine months! 

　　Her true nature as a homebody was fully revealed. 

　　Caesar had taken the opportunity to thoroughly check Stephen's condition and discovered that his life force had completely fused with a very domineering poisonous energy. 

　　If it were merely poisoning, Caesar could still save him, but now Stephen had effectively become a poisoned man. 

　　His life force was entirely corrupted; all his organs—heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys—were completely dead. 

　　That he had survived this long was nothing short of a medical miracle! 

　　To save him, a complete blood transfusion would be necessary, but unfortunately, Stephen's current state could not withstand such intense treatment. 

　　Caesar didn't know if the Duke had any means to help Stephen reverse his fate, but he felt utterly helpless. 

　　The old Count could last at most another half month. 

　　In the study, Caesar found information about the "Medusa Clan." 

　　The beastmen from the Butler clan existed in the form of tribes, with thousands of beastman tribes, each led by a chief. 

　　The seven most powerful tribes of Butler were the true rulers of the kingdom, resembling the seven royal families of Poshia. 

　　The Medusa Clan was one of Butler's seven royal families, comprised of half-human, half-snake beings, known for their robust physiques and ruthless combat skills. 

　　The most terrifying aspect was the Medusa's "poison"; once infected, one could basically give up on treatment and start preparing for the end! 

　　Bang— 

　　Caesar closed the book expressionlessly. 

　　He had given up on the idea of saving Stephen. 

　　He was not a saint, and Stephen was not someone particularly important to him. Since he had done what he needed to do, it was time to decisively step back. 

　　If he continued, even if he could ultimately cure Stephen, Caesar would pay a significant price. 

　　…That would far exceed the assistance a steward should provide to his master. 

　　"Saving you is one thing; at most, I'll help you fulfill your last wishes. After that, our ties will be severed, and I will leave this place." 

　　Caesar murmured to himself. 

　　He had already made up his mind; if Stephanie continued to stay holed up at home, he would directly infiltrate the Duke clan and abduct her! 

　　With his space-manipulating abilities, he was not the slightest bit worried about anyone being able to stop him. 

　　It was just that he was somewhat reluctant to do so. 

　　As a Marquis-level vampire, it was unbecoming to resort to such acts of abduction like a common thief. 

　　So… he would let Stephen endure for a few more days. 

　　...

　　In the Duke clan's Marquis Castle, 

　　in a warmly decorated boudoir, 

　　Stephanie was being held in place by several maids in front of a large floor-length mirror, being forced to undergo makeup and change her clothes. 

　　It was clear that she was very reluctant; her delicate little nose quivered, and her long silver twin tails swung wildly. She was so beautiful that even rolling her eyes looked adorable. 

　　"Darn it! I really don't want to go! I hate these social balls organized by the nobility! I want to stay at home; I don't want to go out! I don't want to!!!" 

　　Stephanie was still making her last-ditch effort to resist, but her natural beauty didn't translate to combat power, and the two maids easily subdued her, pinning her in front of the vanity. The maids of the Duke clan were often strong individuals, with many being at least viscounts. 

　　Their job was not only to take care of the princess's daily needs but also, more importantly, to protect Stephanie's safety. 

　　"Princess, don't move around. Be good; it will be over soon," the maids coaxed her. 

　　"You haven't been out in a year! The Marquis ordered us to take you out today, no exceptions!" another maid insisted. 

　　"I won't! I won't! I won't!" 

　　Stephanie pouted, her beautiful big eyes welling with tears. "I just want to stay at home! There are so many of my favorite romance novels in the castle. I can enjoy the most delicious spiritual food in the world at home. Why do I have to go out?" 

　　Everyone was momentarily speechless. 

　　Other princesses would be eager to leave the house, dressing up extravagantly, wishing for every man in the world to admire their beauty and submit to their charm, relishing the feeling of being adored. 

　　Some even faced house arrest for their wild antics. 

　　But our Duke clan's princess was quite the opposite—a complete homebody! 

　　Since she first encountered romance novels at the age of six, she had become hopelessly immersed in the world of novels, fantasizing about being the heroine and experiencing passionate and unforgettable romances! 

　　…In fact, this homebody had never even been in a relationship. 

　　The place with the most extensive collection of books in the Duke clan was not the luxurious study of Marquis Bernard… but rather the princess's own chamber, filled with love novels, essays, and poetry from around the world… 

　　There were over a million volumes, a truly obsessive collection! 

　　Thus, Stephanie was not only a super homebody and a seasoned romance researcher but also an ultimate "literary youth." 

　　This clearly did not fit the persona of a "princess"! 

　　So, in a fit of anger, Marquis Bernard ordered all of Stephanie's romance novels to be confiscated and commanded the maids to forcibly drag the homebody out of her house and into the noble circles! 

　　"Your Highness, if you truly yearn for love, you should meet more outstanding young talents. You can't find your Prince Charming by burying yourself in novels!" 

　　One of the maid's expressions turned serious as she spoke to her. 

　　Stephanie's blue, amber-like beautiful eyes widened. She wanted to say something philosophical to counter the ignorant maid, but after thinking it through, she realized the maid's argument was actually quite solid. 

　　So, she could only blush and awkwardly smile, "In books, there are beautiful people… As long as I read all the romance novels in the world, my Prince Charming will come to find me!" 

　　The maid replied with a chuckle, "Heh." 

　　The others, without saying another word, forcibly finished applying makeup to Stephanie and dressed her in a grand red gown with golden lace trimming. 

　　The smooth mirror reflected Stephanie's appearance. 

　　Her pure white hair cascaded down her fair back, and beneath her long eyelashes were a pair of clear, water-blue eyes. Her exquisite face still carried a sulky expression, with dazzling emerald earrings hanging from her delicate earlobes, and her graceful figure was enveloped in the luxurious red gown… 

　　She was breathtakingly beautiful, a sight to behold! 

　　The massive floor-length mirror seemed to sway slightly, as if even it was captivated by the beauty of this extraordinary lady. 

　　"Wow, this is the Duke clan's princess we know!" 

　　The maids' eyes sparkled with admiration. 

　　Without further ado, they scooped up Stephanie and took her outside, seating her in a luxurious carriage that rolled out of the castle. 

　　Caw— 

　　An eagle's cry pierced the sky. 

　　A purple-hued black eagle with three quirky tufts on its head flapped its wings, soaring through the thick clouds, disappearing above the castle…