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Chapter 17: "I'll Give You a Makeover." (1)
The evening sunlight poured softly into Pilea's room, casting a golden glow across the ceiling. Pilea, who had fallen into a deep, heavy sleep, let out a tiny yawn and rolled lazily to one side. Her eyelashes fluttered before her eyes opened slowly—then blinked again—before she finally jolted fully awake.
She sat up immediately, her breath hitching as she looked around the unfamiliar room Androsen had given her.
"That's weird… how am I here?"
Her gaze shifted to the window. The curtains swayed gently, and the sky outside was painted orange—the sun already on its way down.
"Huh? It's already dusk…" she whispered, confused.
Still dazed, she slid out of bed and walked toward the door. She pushed it open carefully and called softly for the maid.
"Excuse me… how long has it been since I came back?"
The maid bowed politely, her voice gentle.
"Miss Pilea, you have been sleeping for two days."
Pilea's eyes widened. "Two… days?" she muttered under her breath.
The maid nodded again.
"Young Master requested that I prepare a meal for you as soon as you woke up. Please wait a moment."
"Thank you," Pilea said quietly as the maid left.
She sank back slightly, shock still drowning her thoughts. Two days?
Then suddenly—her heart dropped.
"The bouquet…!" she gasped.
"And Androsen said he wanted to take me with him."
She grabbed an oversized sweater and quickly pulled it on. But as she turned a corner, she froze—hearing the voices of two maids whispering.
"Why does our young master favor that inexplicable woman?"
"Young Master will be criticized by other nobles if this continues."
"And now even the badge suddenly got lost," the other added. "Young Master will definitely be in trouble this time."
Pilea's heartbeat tightened painfully.
She didn't know she had caused this much trouble for Androsen.
"I heard that without a badge, you can't even enter through the bouquet's gates."
Her breath hitched. The badge was that important?
"Has Androsen gone to the ball already…?"
"I have to go too. It's my fault it went missing—I can't just run away."
She rushed outside the mansion at once. But just as she reached the front street, a sleek car stopped abruptly in front of her, blocking her way. The sky had already grown darker.
It wasn't Androsen's car.
The window lowered slowly… revealing a young, handsome man. Not as intimidating or sharp as Androsen—whose aura was cold and dangerous—this guy carried a calm, youthful aura. But his calmness was the kind that was so quiet it became scary, like someone who hid things behind a gentle smile.
His pearl-like eyes studied her.
"Oh look," he said, voice smooth, "isn't this Androsen's poor little thing?"
Pilea glanced away but stayed silent.
"Seeing you running in such a hurry… could it be you're trying to escape after something happened with Androsen?"
His tone was teasing yet sharp.
"No, I'm not," she muttered.
He leaned slightly forward. "So where are you going? Do you need a ride?"
Pilea frowned. "Who exactly are you?"
A small smile tugged on his lips.
"Hm? Looks like you're cautious."
She didn't reply.
"I'm Kensley. Androsen's best friend."
She blinked. She had actually seen him once or twice entering Androsen's mansion.
Seeing her hesitation, Kensley stepped out of the car.
"If you're not running away, then you must be trying to get to the ball."
"I can take you and drop you at the entrance."
Pilea's chest tightened. But he is also a vampire…
After what happened with the senior, trusting came hard.
"Why are you helping me? And why should I trust you?"
Kensley tilted his head slightly.
"Let me guess—you're going to help Androsen."
"And without me, you won't even pass the school gate."
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly.
"And I happen to have something I want to ask you for."
Pilea bit her lip.
She still couldn't trust easily… but her priority was to reach the ball.
"How about it?" he asked softly. "Will you hop in?"
She nodded slowly. "Alright."
His gaze shifted to her oversized sweater.
"However, dressed like that… you won't enter anything."
"Huh?" she blinked in confusion.
"I'll give you a makeover," he said simply.
She didn't respond—just got into the car.
It drove off into the darkening evening.
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Earlier that night, the sky had already turned deep blue. Kensley drove smoothly while explaining the ball.
"The ball is nothing but an excuse," he said, eyes fixed on the road. "It's mostly an event to show off noble power."
Pilea stared out the window.
"Sounds boring."
A low chuckle escaped him. "You're right… but it's also very important."
"Especially for someone like Androsen, who's a candidate for the Council of Elders."
Pilea turned quickly. "An… elder?"
"Yes. Excluding the elders, the highest blood class is Elder."
He glanced at her.
"So if you, as Androsen's blood servant, aren't outstanding enough… it's improper."
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Meanwhile, at the entrance of the grand hall—
Androsen walked forward in a long, elegant suit that emphasized his body perfectly. The first button was left undone, giving him a dangerously alluring aura. His expression was blank, but his presence alone made several vampires step back.
A guard stopped him.
"Excuse me, sir… did you come alone?"
"Yes."
His voice was plain but enough to crush nerves.
"Then—may I see your badge or invitation?"
Behind him, two tall guards stood, both towering and muscular.
"I am a candidate for the Council of Elders."
His voice was flat, but the threat was real enough to choke the guard.
"You don't recognize me? Are you courting death?"
His expression twitched in irritation.
"Move. Or—"
"Oh, it is Androsen," a voice interrupted.
Three young nobles walked toward him, disdain sharp on their faces.
"It seems the rumor was true—you lost your badge."
One chuckled mockingly.
Androsen shot them a glare so cold the ground itself felt frozen.
---
Meanwhile—
Kensley's car rolled to a stop at the entrance. Kensley stepped out gracefully, then opened the door for Pilea.
"We're here. Come down."
Pilea placed her hand in his. Her cream-colored heels touched the ground first. Then she stepped out fully—
Her fitted blue gown flowed down her body, hugging her silhouette perfectly. A high slit revealed her long, elegant leg. Her blonde hair was tied in a high ponytail, shining under the lights.
Her makeup was gentle, barely there—but it was enough.
Her glossy lips curved faintly.
Her aura was calm, graceful… her green eyes shining with quiet aura ".
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