Chapter 24: A Mansion, A Proposal, and a Summons

The carriage came to a stop, the abrupt one disturbing Ryo's younger sister momentarily before she relaxed back into her restful sleep. Outside, the sounds of maids and guards echoed through the air.

"We have reached the gate of the mansion, my lady," a maid respectfully announced.

As the enormous iron doors groaned open, Ryo's eyes were wide with incredulity. Before him stood a lavish mansion, its grandeur and enormity leaving most noble residences in its shadow. A vast garden lay across the front, sprinkled with beautifully hewn fountains, clipped hedges, and colorful flowers. The walkway to the front door was lined with marble statues, each one exuding elegance.

"What in the world is this?" Ryo suddenly blurted out, his face blank with confusion.

Selena laughed by his side. "Well, I can't have my in-laws living anywhere but a mansion or a palace, you know."

Seyra nodded, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Ryo's parents, who were still reeling in shock from the whirlwind of revelations, finally came to their senses. His mother was the first to open her mouth. "Ryo… tell me everything again."

His father also nodded. "It's… a lot to process. Our son is a vampire… and a dragon? You have two princesses as betrothed? And you're going to begin your own kingdom now?"

Before Ryo could say anything, another voice cut in.

"Then I'll marry him too!"

There was a dense silence inside the carriage.

Ryo blinked. "Huh?"

Ai, his childhood friend, folded her arms and gave him an angry look. "I've known you since I was a kid! These two only know you for a month, and yet they're going to marry you! It's not fair!"

Ryo pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ai… that's not how this works. Also, I'm not married yet."

Selena smiled and casually leaned against his shoulder. "Oh, but we are going to get married."

Ryo winced. "Will you let me finish?"

"No!" Ai screamed. "If they're marrying you, then marry me too!"

Ryo's mother gasped and his father coughed spasmodically. His sister slept on, oblivious to the mayhem breaking out in the carriage.

Selena arched an eyebrow, scanning Ai from head to toe. "So you love Ryo?"

Ai blushed. "T-That's—Well—I mean…"

Seyra grinned. "So it's a yes?"

Ai pouted. "It's not fair! I can't just stand by and let him be stolen like this!"

Ryo groaned, massaging his temples. "Can we not have this conversation later?"

Selena motioned to the maids. "Take Ryo's parents to their rooms. Let them rest."

While the maids escorted his parents away, a guard rushed over to them. "Lord Ryo! The Vampire Lord has summoned you at once!"

Ryo let out a breath. "Great… what now?"

Without delay, he walked in the direction of the royal palace. The moment he reached, he was once again awed by its enormity. In comparison to the mansion, the palace was at least ten times bigger, with giant spires that seemed to touch the sky. The royal entrance was lined with royal guardsmen, all standing straight as he walked by.

Taking a deep breath, Ryo opened the big doors, entering the audience hall where the Vampire Lord was waiting for him.

Author's Note:

And just when Ryo thought things could not get any crazier… Boom! Now he has a huge mansion, a bewildered family, and a childhood friend who just laid an unexpected surprise—she also wants to marry him?!

Ryo had hardly had a chance to absorb everything when he was called upon by the Vampire Lord. What does he find in the palace? More surprises? More schemes? Or perhaps another fiancée? (Let's hope not… or should we?)

With his own kingdom on the horizon, his family getting used to this new world, and his relationships becoming increasingly chaotic by the second, things are only becoming more interesting from here! What do you guys think? Should Ryo accept Ai's proposal? Or is he in for even more trouble? Let me know in the comments!