“Blood Knight has sent the Mage Lady to the castle; it must be so you can meet the Lord in person. You two are certainly honored guests. I won’t keep you any longer—please head to the castle quickly.”
The Hat-Wearing Brother let out a long sigh of relief upon hearing they hadn’t snuck in.
“Mm, thank you. I have one last question for you. Why did you choose to accept the vampires’ protection? Don’t you know what vampires really are?” Xiadam’s expression suddenly turned serious.
“Mage Lady, we are just ordinary people. We don’t get to choose whom to rely on—it’s whoever can protect us, even if they are vampires. Besides, the Lord and the Blood Knights are different kinds of vampires. You should discuss it with the Lord; then you’ll understand why,” the Hat-Wearing Brother explained with a simple, honest face, clumsy but sincere.
“Alright, I won’t keep you any longer.” Xiadam nodded and didn’t press further.
“You’re very welcome, Mage Lady. It’s my honor to ease your worries.” The Hat-Wearing Brother suddenly changed his expression, bowing humbly with a continuous smile as he reluctantly withdrew.
Reluctant or not, they were high-born magicians, perfect Elves—while he was just a refugee.
Xiadam, of course, was unaware of others’ emotions. Originally a rather stoic old man, becoming a beautiful young girl had not changed her personality nor sparked any interest in men.
“Dante-Louis.” Xiadam murmured a name and gazed toward the castle.
Before long, the two women and the little dragon arrived directly at the castle gates.
Xiadam looked up to examine the castle’s exterior walls, pitch black and rust-streaked, decayed and ancient. All the windows were tightly sealed, not a single glimpse of the inside was possible.
She stood dazed in front of the gate for a moment, reluctant to knock.
Just by looking, she could tell unspeakable, terrifying monsters were lurking inside.
No decent person would enter; only reckless adventurers would dare.
“Not going in?” Sheffield asked.
“Can you sense anything?” Xiadam retorted.
“No. This castle has detection barriers. I can only say there’s a very powerful presence inside.” Sheffield answered solemnly.
She was serious, without her usual playfulness or indifference.
“I see. Then we have no choice but to barge in and find out the truth ourselves.”
But hearing Sheffield’s words, Xiadam’s rebellious side immediately took over.
Not dangerous enough, not mysterious enough—I’m not going in just yet.
“Creak… creak…”
Just as she was thinking this and about to open the door, the castle gate swung open on its own.
Xiadam froze in place again, unable to move forward for a long while.
Inside, the castle was spacious and spotless.
Luxurious noble decorations and collectibles were neatly arranged, with oil paintings hanging on the walls—everything fitting perfectly with Xiadam’s stereotypical image of vampires.
Vampires had a nickname: the “Nobles.”
Because many vampires lurking in human society used dark methods and their long lifespans to infiltrate the upper class.
Over time, human nobility’s taste influenced the Blood Clan’s preferences.
Besides bloodsucking, vampires loved collecting expensive man-made items and hiding away in massive castles.
The polished floor of the hall gleamed, and standing there was a tall woman in a maid’s uniform, wearing round glasses, her hair elegantly pinned up, radiating the air of an intellectual woman.
“Welcome, Mage Ladies, to Dante Castle. I am your servant, Gallondine. Please allow me to escort you to meet the master of the City of Sunset Yellow Sands.” The maid Gallondine placed her hands over her abdomen, bowed slightly, her tone gentle.
All of it was elegant etiquette Xiadam couldn’t understand, making her feel like a country girl.
“How do you know? Nobody should have informed you.” Xiadam stood under the sun outside the castle and questioned.
“The Blood Knight Captain has already told me about you two.” Gallondine pushed up her glasses, and her originally black eyes flashed scarlet.
It had been said before that vampires were impostors hidden among humans.
Naturally, they possessed perfect disguises; changing eye color was just the basic trick.
“Then you must also know we don’t trust you.” Xiadam raised her White Branch Staff and pointed forward, her expression icy cold.
“…”
Sheffield secretly smacked her forehead beside her.
She was really amazed—how many times a day did this stubborn habit kick in?
Did she have to torture every vampire she saw?
But Sheffield also knew Xiadam bore no real malice.
At least before confirming the truth, she wouldn’t take action.
Trying to uphold justice, find the truth, make use of time, and personally investigate—that was the trouble with being a good person.
“Even if you don’t accept our ideals, we will provide you protection. You may leave at any time; we won’t restrict your freedom, as long as you don’t disturb the other residents,” Gallondine said gracefully.
“Hmph. Since you say that, I’m going in to see just who’s so arrogant! Take me to your boss.” Xiadam strode boldly into the castle hall, facing the vampire maid head-on.
“Can’t we just storm in and kill all the vampires?” Sheffield followed with the little Fat Little Dragon, whispering.
“We can’t slaughter innocents indiscriminately. We don’t even know if they’re caging and harming civilians. If I find out they’re committing inhumane acts, I will intervene to uphold justice,” Xiadam softly lectured.
“But didn’t you always say vampires are parasites living off the Human Race?” Sheffield asked.
“Even parasites can be good ones,” Xiadam corrected.
“Traitor,” Sheffield said with a hint of disdain, glaring at her.
“Don’t say things you shouldn’t. How am I a traitor? We’re wandering magicians with limited power. What else can we do?” Xiadam grew flustered.
She argued with Sheffield as they walked.
“…”
Gallondine ahead could hear their conversation clearly.
These two magicians had no intention of hiding their words, inadvertently revealing a great deal of information.
Gallondine then used some ability to quietly pass the intelligence to her master.
However…
All of this was a scheme! An act!
Xiadam and Sheffield’s quarrel was a tacit cooperation, deliberately leaking information.
Earlier, Xiadam had tested and guessed the vampires likely had some form of telepathic communication, similar to how she and Sheffield could communicate mentally over distances.
So she first revealed her stance to them, then gave a false identity to confuse their judgment.
This would allow them to gain the upper hand in the upcoming meeting and conversation.