"How is it? Your father isn't making things difficult for you anymore?"
Inside a carriage rolling along a forest path, Vlad looked at Sybil seated opposite him and spoke gently.
She wore a black silk dress trimmed with gold, the rich colors making her fair skin appear even more radiant. Her soft, graceful figure was outlined perfectly by the flowing fabric.
Her dark brown hair, silky and smooth, was tied up with an ornate accessory. Paired with her refined, captivating features, it gave her a uniquely elegant charm.
Yet at this moment, her eyes were wandering, and her cheeks held a faint blush. Every glance she cast at Vlad shimmered with emotion, like spring water touched by sunlight—so delicate, it gave the impression of a subtle electric jolt.
If one looked closely, two faint red marks could be seen on her neck—nearly invisible, but unmistakable signs of something intimate.
Whenever her eyes met Vlad's, she would shyly avert them, clearly too flustered to maintain eye contact.
"Yes. Vlad took you to the palace these last few days and made his intentions clear to your father. He shouldn't be so stubborn anymore about marrying you off."
Beside her, another gentle voice joined in. It was Mirena.
She wore a dazzling golden gown that hugged her slender waist so tightly it looked as if only a pair of hands could grasp it.
Her long, soft blonde hair was tied high, emphasizing the graceful curve of her neck. With her delicate features and luminous skin, she appeared flawless—like a figure sculpted from ivory and gold.
She exuded a noble and pure aura, one that naturally commanded admiration.
Sybil cast a careful glance at Vlad before whispering, "It's alright. My father didn't mention anything when I returned."
"It was never your fault. Why should you be the one to sacrifice yourself?"
Hearing that, Sybil turned gratefully to Mirena. "Thank you, Sister Mirena. Brother Vlad told me you've been worried about me."
"We've been like sisters for years. I couldn't just stand by and watch you walk into a fire pit."
As she said this, Mirena's gaze flicked to Sybil's neck. Noticing the red marks, a thoughtful glint appeared in her eyes.
"Sybil, how has Vlad treated you these past two days?"
"Very well," Sybil answered instinctively.
But when she noticed Mirena's gaze lingering on her neck, she quickly raised her hand to cover it. Her eyes darted nervously toward Vlad.
Mirena took it all in, saying nothing.
The three continued talking and laughing as the carriage rolled on. Before long, they arrived at their destination—Downton Abbey.
Yes, Sybil was the youngest of the three sisters of Downton Abbey.
Vlad had only realized this the day before, when Sybil mentioned it in passing.
He hadn't imagined that the girl who had grown up at his side was actually from the famed Downton Abbey.
It felt like an unexpected stroke of fortune had landed squarely on his shoulders.
As he stepped down from the carriage, he gazed at the centuries-old castle. The weathered stone walls were covered in moss and ivy, bearing the weight of time.
Surrounding the estate was a wide expanse of green meadows, dotted with ancient trees—perfect for quiet walks and retreats.
"I haven't been here in three years. What do you think, Sister Mirena? Not bad, right?"
Sybil looked around, visibly more relaxed than she had been in days.
Mirena smiled. "The scenery is lovely."
But Vlad, walking behind them, stared at her with a strange expression. Mirena's acting was truly Oscar-worthy.
That little fox definitely did it on purpose, and poor Sybil still thought no one had noticed.
Watching the two women bond so tenderly, Vlad quietly pitied Sybil's innocence.
"In a few days, the Wizarding Academy will begin recruiting its first class of students. You both should enroll."
During dinner, Vlad set down his wine glass and brought up the subject.
Mirena followed suit and asked with concern, "Aren't we too old to start?"
Sybil looked equally unsure.
"Don't worry. You both have excellent potential. It's not too late to begin training."
Hearing this, both girls visibly relaxed. Still, a hint of sadness remained in their eyes. The academy wasn't in Dracula Castle, and visits wouldn't be as convenient.
Noticing the unwillingness in Sybil's eyes, Mirena suddenly coughed lightly.
Startled, Sybil looked down and hurriedly stuffed a large bite of food into her mouth.
As expected, she started coughing.
Mirena reached over and patted her back gently. "Goodness, why are you always so careless? Quick, drink some water."
Vlad rolled his eyes at the scene.
He thought to himself, I saw that coming.
Pretending not to notice Mirena's little trick, Vlad got up, approached Sybil, and asked gently, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Brother Vlad, Sister Mirena. Just need to drink some water." Sybil waved her hand hurriedly.
She didn't notice the silent eye exchange between Vlad and Mirena.
Once Sybil calmed her breathing, Vlad asked nonchalantly, "Sybil, it's thanks to your father, Earl Grantham, that this matter moved along so quickly. I heard your family's been dealing with some trouble lately?"
Sybil's face turned cold. "Deacon Lucian from St. Ann's Cathedral is accusing us of kidnapping a priest instead of releasing him. It's disgusting!"
As she said that, her eyes turned red with anger.
Vlad nodded and said softly, "Is there anything I can help with?"
Touched by his concern, Sybil shook her head. "No need, Brother Vlad. My father's handling it."
Vlad gave a thoughtful nod and said no more.
—
Later that night, in Mirena's room.
Vlad was lying beside her, his fingers running through her golden hair, which was spread across the bed like liquid silk. Mirena looked dazed, her eyes unfocused.
Licking a drop of blood from the corner of his lips, Vlad leaned in with a smirk.
"How do you feel? Comfortable?"
"Yes…" Mirena replied softly, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Hmph~ You devil. You really took advantage of me."
"Now I bet everyone in Dracula Castle knows you took Sybil to the palace."
Suddenly remembering something, Mirena sat up with fire in her eyes.
"Tell me the truth—did anything happen between you and Sybil?!"
"No! I only drank her blood," Vlad said with an expression of absolute sincerity.
"Hmm. That's better." Mirena gave a firm nod.
Then she pouted. "I'll let it go this time. But… don't let her show off in front of me. You know that's my bottom line."
"Of course. I'd rather die than disobey," Vlad said solemnly, raising his hand.
"Hmph. You better mean it. Now that we're done—get out!"
Before Vlad could even react, he was unceremoniously kicked out of the room by the future queen.
Staring at the closed door, Vlad sighed and walked off with a helpless expression.
Of course he knew what Mirena was thinking. She wanted to give him her perfect self—on their wedding night.
Naturally, Vlad wouldn't refuse that.
And as for His Highness Vlad—who just made such a solemn vow?
Where was he now?