“Indeed, when you look at her, she’s quite cute in her stupidity. I understand why you keep her close. She falls for every trick that it’s not even worth the effort to deceive her anymore.”

Janet, who had been nodding absentmindedly, froze. Although Michalis hadn’t shown any particular hostility towards Lou yet, she couldn’t fully trust him either.

Janet, being a high-ranking elder, had lived many times longer as a vampire than as a human. However, there was still an invisible wall she felt when dealing with Michalis.

There was an unbridgeable gap between humans and non-humans that time couldn’t close. It wasn’t just about abilities but also their way of thinking.

The fact that Michalis felt favorable towards Lou Dronay wasn’t very important.

How tragic was the end of Violet, whom he had loved so dearly?

Janet warned Michalis.

“Enjoy your games, but don’t forget that she is under the protection of the King of the Underworld. If he finds out you helped her, he will surely be furious.”

“That’s why I’m helping. If she chooses a living person, the King of the Underworld will understand my feelings a little.”

Not all living beings could go to the Underworld after death. Species like vampires and other undead, who lived for a long time, simply perished after death.

Violet had thrown herself into the sunlight and burned to death before fully turning into a vampire. Thus, her soul remained purely human and could leave for the Underworld.

From that moment, Michalis both longed for and hated the mysterious land he could never reach as a vampire.

“Still, he’s in a better situation than I am. He just has to wait until she dies. Maybe he’s hoping she’ll die soon and come into his arms.”

“If he wanted her dead, he would have done so already. The King of the Underworld genuinely cares for her.”

“Why do you think the King of the Underworld is safe while you hesitate to keep me near your master? What’s more fatal to humans than death?”

“…”

Janet tried to argue but only moved her lips, unable to say anything.

“The King of the Underworld doesn’t understand humans. If you truly care for your master, wouldn’t it be better to hope she ends up with that holy knight?”

Michalis chuckled mischievously at Janet.

“And besides, other people’s romances are fun to watch. Ah, I used to be so fresh and young too.”

“So that was your goal from the beginning…”

‘I don’t know anymore.’

Janet sighed and rubbed her face with her hands.

“My lifespan is nearly over. I just want to enjoy myself.”

“Whatever the outcome is, it’s not my fault.”

Since Michalis had made up his mind, there was nothing she could do.

Janet looked at the slowly bluing sky and disappeared into the mist.

***

Following Michalis’s advice, I decided to start by lightly provoking jealousy.

The next day around noon, Seren caused a commotion, saying a guest had arrived.

As expected, the guest was Michalis.

Unlike my hungover self, he was as neat as ever. He wore an elegant, antique frock coat and held a large bouquet in one hand.

“Who is that, miss? Did you switch from Count Philip to a new man so quickly? I didn’t know you were so talented. What’s your secret?”

Seren asked with pure admiration, without a hint of sarcasm.

“Be quiet, Seren.”

All of this was just a tool for a bigger picture.

As I approached him hesitantly, Michalis smiled brightly and handed me the bouquet.

“You are as beautiful as ever today. May I have the honor of a date with the lovely lady?”

True to his age, he recited an outdated line right from the start.

“Not… really, but okay.”

I nodded, and he kissed the back of my hand lightly.

Without dressing up, I boarded his carriage in the same clothes I had been wearing.

As soon as we got into the carriage, he started complaining.

“The sunlight is always annoying. But for the sake of youthful love, I can endure it.”

“Oh, really?”

“I transformed into a bat earlier and saw that the Sephiroth Holy Knight Order was heading towards Dragon Square. If we go there, we’ll run into Roengreen soon.”

As soon as Gined’s name was mentioned, my unfocused eyes became sharp.

Seeing my reaction, Michalis seemed to be having a lot of fun.

When we arrived at our destination and looked around, the Holy Knight Order was not yet in sight.

With Michalis’s escort, I began to act as if we were a loving couple.

“You’re too stiff. At least link arms.”

Michalis criticized my unnaturalness. Reluctantly, I linked arms with him.

Since we appeared together, the stares that had been pricking at us became even more blatant.

By tomorrow, I’d surely be the main character of another scandal, adorning the headlines of the yellow press.

But I decided not to care about that anymore. If I could win Gined’s heart, I was willing to sacrifice my reputation.

‘Not that I have much of a reputation to worry about. Ugh, so cold.’

Even with clothes on, the cold body temperature unique to vampires couldn’t be hidden, and I felt a chill where our skin touched.

It was almost the first time I had such intimate contact with a man other than Iscallion.

Unlike with Iscallion, where even the slightest touch made me feel ticklish, there was no excitement with Michalis. Similarly, I didn’t feel any romantic thrill or tension from him either.

“I hope Roengreen arrives soon and sees us.”

Michalis stretched his neck, looking around the street. I was just as curious about Gined’s reaction.

After a while, the Holy Knight Order appeared in the distance.

The sight of the holy knights in white armor riding white horses made many women’s hearts flutter. Mine was no exception.

“What should we do now? Should we get closer?”

Although we were linking arms, it wasn’t enough to be mistaken for lovers. It was light physical contact that even close acquaintances could have.

While I hesitated, Gined looked in our direction. The distance was too far to see his expression clearly.

“No, it’s enough to show us together for now. Now go talk to him. I’ll join in at the right moment.”

“Alone?”

Michalis nodded, releasing his arm and gently pushing my shoulder.

Suddenly, I found myself standing awkwardly in the middle of the square.

Gined, who was riding quickly, pulled the reins and raised one hand. The knights following him also slowed down.

I awkwardly smiled at Gined.

“Ah, hello… Sir Roengreen. It’s such a coincidence to meet you here.”

“May the blessings of light be upon you. Nice to see you, Lady Dronay.”

Gined dismounted and greeted me politely. His face was as solemn as ever.

But I could clearly feel how kindly he was looking at me.

I smiled even more brightly, making up for his inability to smile freely.

“Where are you heading?”

At my question, a shadow briefly crossed Gined’s eyes.

“I’m coming from the temple after meeting with the high priest.”

“Is something wrong? You don’t look well.”

“Lady, actually…”

Before he could finish his sentence, a cold arm draped over my shoulder.

“Who is this handsome man, darling?”

Startled by Michalis’s sudden interruption, I stupidly gaped.

Then something sweet entered my mouth. It was a cookie.

Michalis, pretending to be affectionate, smiled as he fed me the cookie.

‘Has this old man lost his mind…?’

Naturally, Gined’s gaze turned to Michalis. Michalis then pulled me closer by the shoulder.

“My darling is the cutest when she eats.”

‘What nonsense is this?’

I glared at Michalis with a fierce look, signaling him to stop, and he responded slyly.

“You’re staring at me so intensely, it’s making me blush.”

I was bewildered.

Thinking I shouldn’t let Michalis keep talking alone, I quickly chewed and swallowed the cookie. To ease the awkward atmosphere, I introduced the two men to each other.

“This is Sir Roengreen, the leader of the Sephiroth Holy Knight Order. Please greet him. This is my fri…end Michalis.”

“Ah, Sir Roengreen. I’ve heard a lot about you from my darling. Just as I heard, you’re a very impressive holy knight.”

Michalis greeted him so cheerfully that it almost seemed exaggerated, extending his hand.

Gined did not refuse Michalis’s handshake, but he didn’t seem particularly interested in conversing with him either.

I glanced at Gined’s expression.

In the meantime, he had returned to his usual stern demeanor. His icy blue eyes, as cold as glaciers, indifferently scanned Michalis’s entire body.

‘Could it be that he has realized Michalis is a vampire?’