First Encounter
In the resplendent ballroom, among thousands of flickering candlelights, people moved about, while the dance floor was alive with swirling figures. Men and women alike reveled in the opulence of the noble feast.
Red wine, blood delicacies, handsome men, beautiful women, music, dance, desire… these were the elements that made up this grand banquet, the very things that drove the vampires present into a frenzy. Perhaps this was what it meant to be part of the "upper class" among the bloodline.
Caesar had no interest in such a noisy and chaotic environment; he couldn't relate to their joy.
He was someone who preferred silence and solitude.
For someone with a rich inner world, even solitude could be a rare form of enjoyment.
"She's over there."
Fearing Stephen might miss her, Caesar pointed in a direction.
The old count quickly turned to look, and sure enough, he spotted Stephanie sitting in the VIP area, her expression as cold as frost… Four maids stood guard beside her.
"Let's just watch from here… that way I can die without regrets."
Count Stephen revealed a happy smile.
His daughter with Barbara had grown up, radiating youthful energy, which brought him immense comfort… even if his daughter had been raised by someone else.
Upon hearing this, Caesar couldn't help but curl his lips in silence.
He felt Stephen lacked ambition; his daughter was right in front of him, yet he was too shy to approach her for a few words.
But this was Stephen's choice, and he didn't want to disrupt his daughter's current life. It wasn't necessary for him to meddle.
All Caesar needed to do was stand there, waiting for the ball to end, and then leave.
If nothing unexpected occurred, Stephen's body could hold out for another ten days to half a month.
After the old count passed away, Caesar would find a place to bury him.
He himself would then leave to seek a new place to settle down.
…
There were many noble ladies attending the ball, including several princesses from other families.
However, without a doubt, Stephanie was the brightest star, her radiance overshadowing all other women.
Though everyone attempted to hide their intentions and acted with pretense, the majority of the gentlemen secretly stole glances at Stephanie from the corners of their eyes.
Some may have been fierce, cruel, bloodthirsty, or sinister in nature… but in such an occasion, everyone appeared to be impeccable gentlemen, exuding humility, politeness, elegance, warmth, confidence, and charm…
Stephanie rejected the noble ball because she felt that most people here were hypocritical, pretentious, and not honest enough.
Many self-assured noblemen attempted to approach her, flashing charming smiles and striking what they believed to be graceful poses, inviting the princess to dance.
But none succeeded thus far.
"Stephanie, tonight you are even more radiant than the moon above."
The handsome Count Hurst approached, wearing the smile befitting a gentleman and extending a polite invitation, "May I have the honor of asking you for a dance?"
Stephanie blinked and decisively shook her head, "I don't know how to dance!"
Count Hurst's smile faltered slightly; wasn't social dancing one of the fundamental courses for nobles? This was a direct refusal.
Unwilling to give up, he maintained his gentlemanly demeanor and said, "I can teach you to dance; it's very easy to learn."
Stephanie's expression suddenly turned serious: "I absolutely hate learning! You're putting me in a difficult position! This is not how you treat a guest. Hmph! This place isn't worth staying in!"
She stood up, clacking her high heels as she hurried away.
Count Hurst's lips twitched; he had heard that Stephanie was difficult, but he hadn't expected her to be this hard to please, showing him not an ounce of respect!
His status was no lower than Stephanie's, yet he was repeatedly rejected.
"Hmph! Acting all high and mighty, what a wench!"
Count Hurst seethed in anger, cursing her silently in his heart.
A typical case of sour grapes when one cannot attain what they desire.
…
"Your Highness, you can't leave before the ball ends," one of the maids reminded her.
Stephanie sighed in resignation, "I know! I won't leave; I'll just get up and take a turn… Don't you think this ball is incredibly boring? A waste of time and life, with no meaning at all. If I were reading a romance novel, I could encounter a touching story, but here, all I get are flattery and insincere smiles full of pretense!"
The maids sighed inwardly, already accustomed to her complaints.
Seeing the princess turn away, they hurried to follow her.
In fact, the primary purpose of such a ball wasn't merely fun; "socializing" was the real priority.
A single drink could lead to the friendship of a noble;
a dance might win the favor of a lovely lady;
a bit of flattery could earn the appreciation and promotion of an important figure!
But Stephanie simply didn't need any of these things.
…
"She… she's coming toward us."
Stephen's eyes widened, his tone slightly panicked.
Caesar found it ridiculous; she didn't even know him, so why was he nervous?
As expected, Stephanie merely walked past them, her gaze fixed ahead, leaving behind a delightful fragrance.
However, the next moment, she suddenly halted, took a few steps back, and stopped right in front of Caesar and Stephen.
"Hmm? Why is your health so poor?"
Stephanie looked curiously at Stephen.
Stephen was so overwhelmed he could hardly speak, but luckily, Caesar placed a hand on his shoulder to ease his nerves.
"G-Good evening, Stephanie!"
The old count's voice trembled.
After all these years, it was the first time he had exchanged words with his daughter.
"You still haven't told me why your health is so poor. Our greatest advantage as vampires is our long lifespan, allowing us to remain youthful." Stephanie continued her earlier inquiry.
Everyone attending the ball was brimming with youthful vigor, yet Stephen's condition was far worse than poor—he was practically one foot in the grave, his face lifeless and mottled, yet he still attended such a youthful gathering.
This piqued Stephanie's curiosity.
Stephen's mind was a jumble; he didn't know how to respond.
"The count was injured on the battlefield; I'm his steward,"
Caesar answered with a smile.
Stephanie's eyes lit up as she quickly had a maid bring over a chair and sat down.
Her water-blue eyes turned to Stephen: "I love hearing stories. Um~ preferably about love. You are an elder; you must have experienced profound love! So… I have wine, do you have a story?"
Stephen was utterly bewildered.
Oh~ Caitlyn, help me! He swore he had never shared stories with anyone in his life!
Was he supposed to tell her about his relationship with Barbara? To reveal that he was her father?! No, he absolutely refused!
But Stephen didn't want to disappoint his daughter… this might be his only chance to give her something she loved.
But I really don't know how to tell a story, what do I do?
Stephen was in a dilemma, his lips trembling, his old face flushed red, yet he couldn't utter a word.
"The count's throat is uncomfortable; let me tell the princess a story… he has told me a few,"
At that moment, a calm and gentle voice suddenly came from beside him.
Stephen turned in shock to look at Caesar… When did I ever tell you a story? I don't remember that at all!
But soon he realized that Caesar was helping him.
Stephen felt immensely grateful.
Meanwhile, sitting across from Stephanie, she looked up in surprise at the sudden statement.
Her gaze coincidentally met the deep, calm black eyes of Caesar.
Their eyes locked.
Caesar chuckled lightly, "Your Highness, would you like to hear a story?"
Thud~
Stephanie felt her heart skip a beat. Caesar was handsome and charming, but this place was filled with attractive faces.
However, she sensed that this man possessed an indescribable quality… something others lacked.
"I want to hear!"
Stephanie nodded without hesitation, "Please, go ahead!"