Chapter 20 : Lorin’s Good Days Are Back

Lorin stood frozen in place, clutching the photo album in her hands as though it held the last shreds of her dignity.

The corners of the album dug painfully into her palms, but that pain was nothing compared to the humiliation surging through her chest.

She stared blankly at the album, her eyes hollow and desolate.

Her fingertips had turned pale, the veins on the backs of her hands slightly bulging, and her knuckles whitened from how tightly she gripped it.

Shame crashed over her like a relentless tide, drowning her so completely that even breathing became difficult.

It all began the night before, when Claire forced her to change into outfit after outfit—skirt after skirt—until the thick photo album now in her hands had been created.

And…

Lorin had even tried using magic amplification to destroy it, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t even make a dent.

Clearly, the album had been reinforced with a combination of magic and alchemy.

Lorin estimated that anything below Tier Five probably wouldn’t even leave a scratch.

That would have been bad enough—but Claire also had an identical copy.

“This album stays with you at all times. If you so much as leave it behind, I’ll make your identity—and those photos—public. Let the whole Bloodrealm see what their dear princess is really like.”

That was the threat Claire had issued.

Thinking of this, Lorin gritted her teeth and stowed the humiliating photo album inside her ring, already planning how to flee the Bloodrealm before Phyllis discovered her true identity.

She figured even if Claire didn’t outright tell Phyllis the truth, she’d probably drop enough hints to put her on the scent.

But… word had it Claire was leaving tomorrow. After that, no one would be able to find her.

Opening the wardrobe, Lorin sighed silently.

All the clothes she’d originally bought for herself were gone—now replaced with an entire closet packed full of frilly dresses Claire had bought.

Her eyes wandered across the sea of dresses before settling on one—a snow-white gown.

Reaching out with a delicate hand, her fingertips brushed against the smooth fabric.

Then she gently pulled it from the rack.

With a graceful turn, she slipped into the gown.

My bottom line is the most flexible in the entire universe… I can endure this.

As for Grace… she’d already gotten a promotion and a raise, thanks to Lorin.

Now she was one of Phyllis’s busiest aides.

Lorin figured Grace was probably too grateful to even think about resenting her.

After all, she’d discovered Grace’s talent—she was her benefactor!

Once Grace’s first paycheck came in, Lorin was definitely going to treat herself to a massive feast, courtesy of Grace’s wallet.

A gentle breeze swept through the room, and as it did, Lorin’s scattered thoughts gradually returned to reality.

She slowly lifted her head, eyes still clouded with confusion, until they landed on the mirror in front of her.

The girl reflected that it was both familiar and foreign.

Lorin stared silently, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to speak—but didn’t know how to begin.

“Sigh…”

She let out a long breath and stepped out of the room—only to slam headfirst into the very person she least wanted to see.

“Ow!!”

Lorin yelped, ready to scold whoever dared bump into her—only to find herself locking eyes with Claire’s amused gaze.

“Mother—!!”

Whoosh!

With a burst of wind magic, Lorin vanished back into her room.

Claire watched, helpless, as the sound of a lock clicking echoed from behind the door.

“I knew I should’ve checked the Endless Calendar before going out today… How did I end up running into a demon the moment I stepped outside…?”

Lorin patted her chest in fright, muttering to herself like she’d barely survived a nightmare.

Wasn’t Claire supposed to be off with Phyllis right now?

What was she doing here?

To bond emotionally?

What a joke.

Lorin couldn’t wait for her to leave already.

But Lorin had clearly forgotten…

A soft spatial ripple filled the room—and Claire appeared right in front of her.

A Tier Six mage could already dabble in space magic.

Claire was Tier Seven.

“What do you want now?!

If you keep this up, I’ll really get mad!”

Lorin pounded helplessly on the door she had just locked, threatening her visitor with her soft, whiny voice.

“Bringing you breakfast,” Claire said flatly.

“Seems like our family bonding time has just made you terrified of me instead.”

“Where is it?”

Lorin relaxed slightly.

For a moment, she thought Claire had cooked up some new twisted scheme to torment her.

“Mmhmm.”

Claire shrugged, and Lorin instantly understood. Without a trace of politeness, she latched onto Claire’s pale, slender arm and took a bite.

As much as she hated to admit it—Claire’s blood tasted far better than any regular vampire’s.

“Ow… could you not bite so hard every time?”

Claire held Lorin gently, one hand affectionately stroking her soft silver hair.

“I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Hearing that, Lorin was ready to fire off some venomous parting words—but Claire pressed her head down firmly before she could get the chance.

Lorin gave up the struggle and continued drinking, letting Claire talk.

“Don’t just vanish the moment I’m gone. Stay and keep Phyllis company… got that?”

“Mmmph!”

Claire continued holding Lorin down, calmly delivering her lecture.

She knew it was only a matter of time before Lorin slipped away.

Her visit today was little more than a plea.

When it came to mind games, not even Phyllis could beat this former grand archmage.

“The Sanctum Magic Academy is a place worth going. You’ll be receiving an invitation soon. I know you’ll be curious.”

“Mmmhmmph!”

“And also…”

No one knew how much time passed before Claire, face pale from exhaustion, finally let go.

Clearly, even she had been drained by the sheer volume of blood consumed.

Lorin collapsed against her, completely limp, like someone who’d just eaten her fill and wanted nothing more than to lie down forever.

“Fine…”

Seeing the sincere look in Claire’s eyes, Lorin couldn’t bring herself to say anything harsh.

She answered weakly instead.

“Hehehe…”

Claire chuckled softly, her eyes brimming with affection as she gazed at Lorin.

She raised a hand and gently ruffled Lorin’s head.

Then she slowly straightened and walked to the door, her steps reluctant with every inch.

Eventually, her figure disappeared beyond the threshold.

Whether she’d succeed in what she needed to do… Claire didn’t know.

She was simply following the footsteps of those who came before her.

“Goodbye, my grand archmage daughter!”

Lorin’s eyes widened.

Before she could even react, Claire had already closed the door.

Lorin: “…”

That was just a blessing.

Just a careless blessing.

There’s no way she’s already figured out who I really am…

Absolutely not.