Chapter 50: Lord of the Underworld, Bucher

Vasha's hand was about to touch the lifelike rose, its delicate petals so tempting.

"...Ah!" As if pricked by a needle, she instinctively withdrew her hand, wincing in pain.

"What's wrong?" Ivina approached with concern.

　　"Master, Master… Vasa has sinned again, sinned again! Waa, waa. Please spare me." Vasa suddenly knelt down, unable to suppress her sobs.

"You opened this box for me; I'm overjoyed—how could I…"

"But, but… Vasa has truly committed a grave sin." Holding the silk box, Vasa dared not lift her head.

　　Before Ivina's eyes lay a black evening gown. Such exquisite craftsmanship must have taken the giver a great deal of effort. 

Ivina carefully picked up the gown, captivated by its beauty—the colorful jewels shimmered like stars scattered across the night sky, and the trailing train symbolized elegance and nobility. The sheer fabric was likely made from some expensive material.

"Vasha is truly useless. When opening the box, she was scratched by a rose thorn, and this ribbon... is stained with my blood. The owner will likely refuse to wear it... and punish Vasha. Waaah..." As she spoke, Vasha began to cry like a child.

　　"Get up quickly." Ivina tossed the gown aside. "This slender ribbon won't draw anyone's attention. Why are you so frightened?" Ivina glanced at the exquisite attire and looked at Vasa in puzzlement. 

"Thank goodness! The master isn't angry! I'll kneel outside the door and reflect on my mistakes!" 

"Don't do that. I just told you to get up. Why do you want to kneel again? Don't kneel so easily in the future; it only troubles me." 

"Master…" This was the master she served. No wonder the king was so fond of her. That kind and generous heart was something no other witch could match. 

Since that was the case, she must serve her with all her heart! She warned her clumsy mind not to make any more mistakes.

　　"Haha, look at you, so grateful. Alright, wipe those tears away. My outfit still needs your help, doesn't it?" Ivina smiled gently. This Vasha really knew how to cheer her up.

"Hmm! This… should I use red lipstick or pink?" Vasha perked up immediately, bouncing around the room.

　　"Whatever you like." Ivina's mind was elsewhere.

This outfit... maybe, maybe it was a gift from him...

Deep down, she had some hope.

"Master, this is the first time I've seen such a grand display!" Vasa exclaimed excitedly.

As expected, Vasa's outburst immediately drew the attention of everyone in the quiet venue.

　　In fact, their eyes lingered on Ivina for a long time.

What a beautiful young woman. She wore a black evening gown, and the jewelry on her collarbone shone with a hint of luxury. Her jet-black hair was tied up high, further highlighting her exquisite and flawless features.

This was the bold witch. Despite committing a grave crime, she could still appear unscathed at such an important occasion.

　　How extraordinary must her status be in the king's eyes?

"Shh. Be quiet. It seems that every guest is being very serious. We're being too unruly by laughing and joking like this." Ivina made a gesture to be silent.

"My lady is absolutely right." Vasha obediently shut up.

　　"Gla. Witch Visata."

"Witch-sama."

The vampire beside her kept greeting Ivina. This scene was really different from when she first came to the "Enthronement Ceremony."

"Hello." Ivina looked back at them humbly.

"Gla..."

"Hm?" That voice...

　　"Please allow me to address you as such, Miss Gra." 

"Master, it's actually the Earl!" Vasa was utterly surprised. As an Earl, why would he show such respect to a witch? 

"Pujiao…" Ivina slowly uttered those three words. Her thoughts returned to the day she went out for a walk and encountered him. She had thought it would be their last meeting, but who could have predicted that she might be imprisoned in this dark realm for the rest of her life? 

"I'm glad you still remember my name. This dress… suits you well." Pujeao kept his right hand behind his back, a refined smile on his lips. 

"…" Ivina watched as Pujeao gradually approached her, unsure of how to respond.

　　"Quiet, everyone!" Near the door, a vampire clad in heavy armor growled in a deep voice.

　　Almost simultaneously, everyone's attention shifted toward the dark doorway.

　　She saw him, still as confident as ever, looking down on all the guests present. However, this was the first time she realized that Luo had entered this place as a member of the vampire royal family. He and she could never return to the simple relationship they once had. 

　　This was the fate she had been mocked for. 

　　If only she had known, she wouldn't have asked about his identity or tried to guess how real his love was. She would have stayed in that man's arms and never run away... 

　　But it was too late. When she woke up from her dream, she realized that his love was nothing but possession.

　　"Buhler?" Pu Jiao murmured. 

"What did you say?" Ivina finally noticed that there was another man standing beside Luo. 

Pu Jiao did not respond. Like all vampires, when Luo and the other man simultaneously took their seats, he bowed deeply in respect. 

"Pu Jiao greets the King and Buhler~ May Prince Qisa be well."

　　All the vampires knelt respectfully on the ground. But Pu Jiao, relying on his status and lineage, naturally only bowed slightly and greeted them. 

However, Vasa knelt nervously but did not have time to remind the confused Ivina, or perhaps she simply did not think of it. A witch who had received proper etiquette education dared to disrespect her superiors in public?!

　　Ivina, however, was slow to react. By the time she tried to bow, Pu Jiao had already uttered his greeting. Thus, without a doubt, she once again became the target of the vampires' angry glares.

　　"You, come here." Luo almost ignored Pu Jiao, who was bowing. His gaze pierced through his obstruction, landing precisely on Ivina. 

"Master…" Vasha secretly raised her face; her face was already flushed with tension and fear. 

Did she still have any room to resist?

　　Pulling up her trailing skirt, Ivina walked slowly toward him, her steps light, her eyes fixed on him. 

That familiar face no longer held the tenderness she could once rely on. 

"It seems your kin have dared to offend you…" A clear voice came from Luo's left. The man spoke slowly, removing his black cloak to reveal his mysterious face.