I'll come back to see you again, my dear little brother. Finally, Isabella kissed Valed's forehead lightly, rose with a hint of reluctance, and left his room—the specially designated nursery that had just been set up within the ancient castle. As she reached the doorway, she didn't forget to warn the maid.
"Take good care of my brother, or I will make sure you, your parents, and your entire family suffer!" Miss Isabella finished, gave a light snort, and departed. The poor little maid kept her head bowed the entire time, daring not to utter a word or move a muscle. Only after confirming Isabella was far away did she breathe a sigh of relief and push the door open to enter.
Several other maids employed within the ancient castle followed her in. They had all been carefully selected—women of impeccable backgrounds whose entire families resided within the kingdom, rendering them virtually incapable of rebellion or corruption. They were personnel dispatched by the Castanin family specifically to care for Valed.
Among them, the youngest maid stood out. She was the one Isabella, Valed's sister, had disliked the most. Her duties were particularly specialized: providing fresh, virgin blood to Valed, the newborn Nightkin—commonly known as a vampire—to ensure his healthy growth. Barring any mishaps, this role would last for a very long time. Unlike the other maids, she would not be dismissed once Valed grew slightly older.
Though they had met only once, Isabella had already claimed her adorable younger brother as her own. Given these circumstances, it was hardly surprising that she developed a fondness for the young maid.
Truthfully, while the job was somewhat demanding and appeared perilous to outsiders, but those who truly understood the situation envied her good fortune. To ensure the newborn received ample nutrition and magical sustenance, specially selected virgin maidservants—all possessing exceptional magical aptitude—were chosen. A descendant of high nobility like Valed, it seemed, possessed an especially rare and valuable gift.
Their treatment was top-tier. Dedicated nutritionists and chefs crafted healthy, customized meals for her. Simultaneously, tutors instruct them in knowledge and magical arts—though the ultimate purpose is to refine their blood into a richer, more potent elixir. This provides newborns with ample nourishment and an additional source of magic. Indirectly, it also elevates their social standing.
Naturally, if a servant is sufficiently fortunate and capable, long-term service to their master may lead to a remarkable transformation. Some might even achieve a fairy-tale rise to prominence. Vampires often regarded maids who grew up alongside them as trusted confidants, granting them privileges.
Exceptionally charming maids with remarkable talent and wit could even become secret lovers to these creatures of the night—though one shouldn't entertain notions of them becoming wives. In Sylvania, intermarriage with outsiders is strictly forbidden.
Of course, Maya, the young maid caught in this world, didn't particularly enjoy her work. Beyond the constant self-mutilation of slashing her wrists for feeding—a terrifying ordeal—she harbored deep fear toward the darkly magnificent castle, the noble yet dangerous vampire aristocracy, and the life ahead that promised only greater peril.
After all, she was only a five-year-old girl. The so-called opportunities, privileges, power, and status meant little to her. All she knew was that she'd been torn from her home. She'd likely never see her parents again. This thought filled her with profound sadness.
Rebellion was utterly impossible. She faced the ruling class of this realm—vampires with countless minions and immense power themselves. These vampires held the nation in an iron grip. Both the living and the dead existed under their watchful eye. Millennia of rule had long since ground down any spirit of resistance in all living creatures of Silvania. Even the most furious, the most unwilling, had resigned themselves to their fate—or simply been killed.
Facing such vampire nobility, a mere five-year-old girl could not muster even a flicker of defiance. On the contrary, for the sake of her parents and loved ones, and for her own survival, she must strive with all her might to complete this task.
With this tinge of melancholy, Maya gazed at the sleeping Valed, her eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions. As the very monster responsible for her plight, the creature that would soon feed on her blood, she felt not just disgust but outright hatred. Yet, gazing upon the angelically adorable Varel, she simply couldn't bring herself to hate him.
"...Is it snowing?" After watching for a while, Maya felt a slight chill. Lifting her head, she glimpsed flurries drifting outside the window. She immediately fetched thicker blankets and tucked them around Valed. Then, as if gathering her resolve, she timidly bent down and, mimicking Isabella's gesture, gently kissed Valed's cheek.
"Let me take good care of you, young Master Valed." After speaking, she stepped outside again and called to the servants waiting at the door to bring dry firewood. She lit the fireplace within the room. Warmth quickly filled the space...
In the year 2314 of the Imperial Calendar—2,314 years after the founding of Sigma's Empire—Sylvania, though politically opposed, nominally remained a constituent part of the Sigma Empire and likewise adopted this era system.
This year marked the sixth year since Valed von Kastanien's birth. This child, born under his clan's blessings and raised with excellent education and care, did his utmost to conceal his extraordinary nature. He behaved no differently from any ordinary child—innocent and lively, curious about everything, and exceptionally polite. Vampires who met him couldn't help but grow fond of the little fellow.
Of course, on the other hand, Valed did not deliberately conceal his psychic talents. This was perhaps the only aspect where he differed. The psychic energy he released unconsciously, and his carefree, childlike use of this power at will, naturally drew the attention of his kin and relatives. Rumors that "the young master of the Castane family is a genius" began circulating throughout Silvania.
With a soul over fifty years old, Valed understood that rather than risking accidental exposure and spiraling out of control, it was wiser to reveal some information early. This would give people time to prepare mentally, minimizing potential danger.
Initially, Valed braced himself for the jealousy of his vampire kin. He had even imagined the worst—that someone might envy his gifts, or find his status inconvenient, and seek to eliminate him. He had devised countermeasures for such scenarios.
Yet it turned out Valed's concerns were largely unfounded. In Sylvania, not a single vampire ever directed any form of malice toward him. They offered him only goodwill. Pure, unadulterated goodwill. Whether members of the Castane family, distant relatives, or even vampires from other clans, none harbored resentment, apprehension, or envy. Instead, they felt nothing but pride. They rejoiced at the emergence of another outstanding figure within their kind.
Vared was no child lacking discernment; he could see that these kin genuinely cherished him. Moreover, he observed that their bonds with one another were exceptionally strong. The entire vampire society functioned as a remarkably united, mutually respectful, and affectionate collective.
Vared also observed that the common good of the species was the most frequent motivation for vampires. When making major decisions, they always prioritized the collective welfare of the clan above all else, placing the interests of other vampire kin second. Their own authority and personal gain were considerations that came last.
Their logic typically followed this pattern: A newborn? Excellent. We gain another member, expanding our numbers. The newborn is healthy? Wonderful. Another strong warrior will join our ranks, fighting alongside us, strengthening our clan. The newborn possesses exceptional talent? Couldn't be better. We gain a great warrior, a mage, or even a powerful leader. Perhaps one day, they will guide us to achieve the Eternal Lord's goal of ruling the entire world. What an adorable little one.
That's how it was. The vampires of this world—or as they called themselves, the Children of the Night—astonished Varad. Compared to the values of these bloodthirsty monsters, other races—those who schemed against each other, fought for power, and slaughtered one another over trivial matters—were utterly worthless. Influenced by this environment, Valed developed an intense sense of belonging to his race and nation.
To Valed, who had perished in his previous life betrayed and deceived by his own kind, this noble race seemed nothing short of perfect. His luck seemed remarkably good. After reincarnation, his first sight wasn't a ruined family, nor did he become a useless. He wasn't surrounded by treacherous servants or scheming relatives, and certainly didn't have an unknown fiancée kicking him to the curb. Just how fortunate was he to be born in such a livable place?!