“Your servant here has recklessly helped himself to desserts specially reserved for nobles. Even after my servant reminded him, he still refused to move.”
Hansen Erton, who didn’t seem much older than Sean, stood up and walked over to Sean, towering over him by a full head.
Wei Xicheng compared their physiques and felt dissatisfied. It seemed his little “snack” truly wasn’t eating well enough.
Hansen Erton glanced at Sean with disdain in his eyes and continued, “I think he lacks the proper awareness of his status as a lower-class individual. Soiling the gift Her Majesty the Queen bestowed upon us — isn’t it only right for him to face some punishment?”
“I’m sorry…” Sean’s tone sounded low and dejected.
Hansen Erton dug at his ear and widened his eyes as he looked at the person covered in stains before him. “You should add an honorific when addressing me, understand? I feel embarrassed for your master, having such a stupid servant like you.”
“Yes, Lord Hansen Erton, I apolo—” Sean began but was interrupted when Mr. Samuel waved his hand dismissively, cutting him off mid-sentence. Gradually, Sean’s voice faded away.
“Hmm? And who might you be… sir?” Hansen Erton was puzzled by the actions of the strikingly handsome man in front of him.
“Lord Hansen Erton,” Samuel began, “I believe Sean has the right to sit here and enjoy the food. As for your behavior, I think it’s far too rude.”
Wei Xicheng felt uncomfortable. He wasn’t someone who usually played favorites, nor was he deceived by this little troublemaker’s theatrics. But seeing these people not only resort to violence but also hurl insults at Sean irritated him. He chalked up his reaction to the fact that Sean was currently his captive blood supply, and the lofty Samuel would not tolerate terms like “lower-class” being associated with his food.
Hansen Erton’s expression turned comical when he heard this, and he burst into laughter, as if he’d just heard the funniest joke in the world.
“And you, sir—may I ask your name? And your title?” Hansen Erton raised an eyebrow, his tone full of smugness. He had never seen these two in high society circles, so he assumed they were just “common rabble” who had somehow managed to acquire invitations.
“Samuel,” came the calm reply.
Hansen Erton’s face showed an “as expected” expression, and he was just about to question them further when the hall suddenly fell silent. Everyone turned toward the stairs, signaling the Queen’s impending entrance. Hansen Erton had no choice but to quiet down as well, though his eyes remained fixed on Wei Xicheng and Sean, wary of the two slipping away during the commotion.
Soon, he would properly humiliate these two people and make them understand which occasions were beyond their station.
Queen Dolores, though over seventy years old, still radiated charm and elegance. She did her best to straighten her slightly hunched back as two attendants followed behind, carrying the train of her overly long gown.
She walked slowly past the crowd and stopped in front of Samuel, her gaze lingering on the ring on Samuel’s hand, momentarily lost in thought.
Wei Xicheng plucked a vibrant, dewy rose from a nearby vase and gently handed it to the silver-haired queen. Bowing slightly, he took her hand and planted a kiss on the back of it.
“Samuel Ignatius Woods Christie greets Your Majesty. This evening’s ball has been most delightful.”
“Samuel…” The queen’s eyes were drawn to the ring on Wei Xicheng’s finger. “Your name is rather… unusual. But I am very pleased you could attend.”
Wei Xicheng blinked, a hint of charm flashing across his otherwise indifferent face. “Perhaps it’s a disgraceful and twisted sense of humor inherited from my family, don’t you think?”
The crowd couldn’t make sense of their conversation, but Sean, standing nearby, understood.
Samuel—a name that meant “a child who prays to God to be heard.” But how could a vampire ever hope to be heard by God?
Sean lowered his gaze, no longer looking at the rose in Dolores’ hand.
Yet his filthy appearance was far too conspicuous, and Queen Dolores soon noticed the dirty child standing not far from Wei Xicheng. She shook her head slightly and said, “Samuel, it seems your follower has encountered some trouble.”
Wei Xicheng chuckled softly. “Your Majesty Dolores, you must be mistaken. This is not my follower—this is…” He paused for a moment before finally saying, “a descendant of Streicher.”
Stretch was the last pureblood hunter, renowned for his unparalleled strength. Even pureblood hunters, however, could not escape the inevitability of death. Nonetheless, his name had been passed down through generations. While others might not understand the significance, Queen Dolores certainly would.
Every ruler knew certain secrets unknown to ordinary people, such as the duke’s ring on Wei Xicheng’s hand or the legacy of a pureblood hunter.
The queen froze for a moment, then regained her composure and beckoned Sean. “Child, come to me.”
Sean walked over to Dolores, who bent down to examine the boy closely. Straightening up, she softly said to Wei Xicheng, “You truly are bold.”
Wei Xicheng tapped Sean lightly on the forehead. “I’ve lived longer than Streicher, my lady.”
The queen smiled. Though she wasn’t certain whether this duke would allow the boy to survive into adulthood, she said, “I’ll have someone prepare clean clothes for the future Streicher.”
“Sean, hurry up and thank Her Majesty the Queen.” Wei Xicheng ruffled Sean’s hair again. To his surprise, it was soft and pleasant to touch.
Though this little rascal was always causing trouble, raising one like him didn’t seem like a bad deal after all.
“Could you accompany me?” Sean asked softly. “I know it’s rude, but…” His voice grew quieter and quieter under Wei Xicheng’s gaze until he couldn’t finish his sentence.
“Let’s go,” Wei Xicheng said.
As the two were about to leave with the attendants, Queen Dolores considered something and said, “Please, follow me instead.”
A powerful vampire duke and a future powerful vampire hunter—this combination was worth her personal attention.
The crowd began whispering as they watched the Queen leave hurriedly with the two newcomers, skipping even the customary opening remarks. Quiet murmurs about the pair’s identity grew louder as time passed, and Hansen Erton’s face turned a deep shade of purple. Furious, he kicked one of his attendants. “Useless fool, no sense of judgment!”
Queen Dolores had ruled for forty-five years. Though surprised to see the so-called vampire ring for the first time—and on the finger of a duke, no less—she remained composed.
Human life is finite, but the life of a vampire is eternal. Half of her soul had already been entrusted to God, so she did not fear death. Besides, vampires were said to be picky and hard to please. Someone as old as she was, with aging flesh and blood, was unlikely to tempt this duke’s appetite.
Yet, as queen, she had a responsibility to ensure the safety of her citizens. If necessary, she must be ruthless, sacrificing the few to protect the many. Ruthlessness and decisiveness were essential lessons for every queen.
“Duke Samuel, what brings you here this time?” The queen maintained her elegant demeanor, addressing Wei Xicheng as though he were a foreign dignitary.
“I was wondering if you could do me a favor, my dear Dolores.” In private, Wei Xicheng no longer addressed her as “Your Majesty” but simply as “Dolores.” Looking at the silver-haired woman before him, he couldn’t help but think about how, in terms of age, he could be her ancestor—a thought that filled him with deep exasperation.
“Please, do tell. It would be my honor to assist you.” Dolores spoke with a tone of nostalgia. “From the day I donned the crown, my mother told me that I might one day meet someone both mysterious and powerful. She warned me to always remain rational because the person before me might not need much effort to destroy the beautiful city of Saro.”
As she spoke, she even made a joke, her tone playful, as though reminiscing about her early days as queen. “You could say you’ve fulfilled one of my mother’s predictions.”
“Keep an eye on a woman named Mavis for me, Dolores.” Wei Xicheng absentmindedly twirled the ring on his finger, a strand of hair slipping from behind his ear. “I won’t disturb a single blade of grass here.”
“That doesn’t sound too difficult,” Dolores replied, nodding. Despite her agreement, her wrinkled but still graceful neck straightened slightly, maintaining the pride of a queen.
“Sir.”
The inner room door opened, and Sean stepped out in new clothes, followed by a maid carrying his dirty ones.
His cheeks were flushed, as though he was still basking in the joy of wearing a fresh outfit.
Wei Xicheng inwardly scoffed, brushing his hair back as he gave Sean a once-over. The outfit was clearly of much higher quality than the ready-made clothes sold in stores. He nodded in approval.
“Not bad.”
After saying that, he noticed Sean’s eyes light up even more. Wei Xicheng realized the boy’s eyes were quite beautiful.
Typically, vampire hunters didn’t possess exceptional looks. By choosing the path of light, they suppressed their vampiric bloodline. As their faith strengthened, the vampire traits within them grew weaker.
Vampires were known for their beauty, while hunters were usually plain. This seemed to be an unchanging rule.
Yet now, Wei Xicheng discovered that Sean might be the exception. Though still skinny, the flush in his cheeks gave him a healthy appearance. His once sharp cheekbones were now softened.
His short, neat hair highlighted the liveliness of his age, while his straight nose and full lips were exquisitely shaped. His bright eyes further enhanced his features.
Though still young, his future appearance was already taking shape.
Sean fidgeted under Wei Xicheng’s gaze.
Wei Xicheng withdrew his attention and continued chatting with the queen. “Dolores, have all the prominent nobles attended this ball?”
“Duke Samuel, you know that no one would want to miss an event of this caliber.”
“Is that so…”
After hearing the queen’s response, Wei Xicheng lost interest in staying at the dull ball. He left early, taking Sean with him.
Inside the stable carriage, Sean clutched a small cloth bag to his chest and cautiously asked the silent Wei Xicheng, who had remained quiet since their departure.
“Sir, did I upset you today?”
“No.” Wei Xicheng glanced at him. He wouldn’t get angry over such trivial matters.
“Then, you…”
Wei Xicheng sighed softly. It seemed he had fallen into a strange cycle. In two lifetimes, whether it was Sheng Huasen or Shen Zhe, they were always more dazzling than the so-called chosen ones. This had led him to believe that the person he was looking for must have an extraordinary identity.
Moreover, considering the shared trait of loving commerce and having a natural talent for business across both lifetimes, it didn’t make sense that he wouldn’t spot his lover at the Queen’s ball.
But now, perhaps his instincts were wrong. In this world, his lover might not exist at all. Even if he did, he might just be an ordinary person.
Still, the thought of leaving this world had never crossed his mind. Even if he couldn’t find that person, he couldn’t abandon a role so easily.
“Sir?” Sean’s voice interrupted Wei Xicheng’s thoughts.
“Hmm?” Wei Xicheng glanced at him sideways.
Sean swallowed hard, trying to steady his tone. He said, “Sir, could you tell me the story of Streicher?”
