Chapter 66: Heading Home
Jasmine abandoned her dramatic tone and said directly, “Miss Adele, in the eyes of the manor servants and myself, you’re different. Only at Spark Farm can they live like this. But if you graduate and Spark Farm gets a new master, everything will be ruined. Could you… buy Spark Farm?”
This was the first time Jasmine had sincerely asked someone to do something since coming to this world. Because she couldn’t achieve it on her own. The only way she could preserve this spark was to relocate everyone from Spark Farm to the Human Resistance Army base.
But that would mean the end of Spark Farm. Only the Human Resistance Army would remain.
But Jasmine was just Adele’s maid. What right did she have to say such things? She didn’t even notice that Adele’s eyes had glazed over. All she heard was “In my eyes, you’re different.” The phrase “and the manor servants” was completely ignored.
The point was, Jasmine really did like her. Adele had read in books that only when you liked someone would you find them unique and special, different from everyone else, as if they were glowing. You would be drawn to them, unable to take your eyes off them.
That was probably how Jasmine saw her too.
As for the rest of Jasmine’s words, by the time Adele snapped out of her thoughts, she only heard the final plea.
Could she buy Spark Farm? Of course, she would buy it. Although it was currently called “Spark Farm,” in Adele’s mind, its full name was “Jasmine Farm No. 1.” How could she possibly hand this farm over to someone else? She had to keep it for herself!
So, Adele nodded decisively, “No problem! Such a small matter. Leave it to me!”
Her answer was so straightforward that Jasmine couldn’t even use the rest of her prepared tactics. She had even been prepared to offer Adele some of her blood. But… only a little bit. Now, she didn’t even have to use that bargaining chip. It was a win-win situation for Jasmine.
She played along with Adele, praising her, “As expected of Miss Adele, you’re truly amazing!”
Adele was floating on cloud nine, basking in Jasmine’s praise. After a while, she thought: Since this was Jasmine’s request, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for her to ask for a little something in return, right?
What could Adele ask for? Blood, of course. Just thinking about Jasmine’s blood made her mouth water. She had to swallow hard before saying, “Then Jasmine, since I’ve agreed to your request, could you let me drink your blood…” She asked this shyly. In her mind, since Jasmine had smiled at her even in this situation, it meant she would probably agree.
She nervously clutched her skirt, her face flushed, her eyes full of hope as she looked at Jasmine. Jasmine was beautiful. Soft black hair framed her delicate face, and because it was short, her snow-white neck was exposed. They were so close now. Adele only had to move slightly to sink her fangs into Jasmine’s neck.
Jasmine wasn’t surprised by Adele’s question. She even smiled. This was the second time Jasmine had smiled at Adele today, and Adele was almost completely smitten.
But Jasmine’s answer was merciless:
“No.”
She said it flatly, a smile still on her face.
“Eh? Why not?!”
Jasmine ignored Adele’s protests and said, “Miss Adele, I’m going to work now. Call me if you need anything.” After saying this, she entered Adele’s room. After a while, Adele’s ears twitched. She heard the sound of Jasmine washing clothes.
Adele slumped onto the sofa dejectedly. Jasmine’s scent lingered on it. Her heart felt heavy. Would she ever be able to drink Jasmine’s blood again…
As time passed, the weather grew colder each day. A letter arrived from the school, announcing the start of the winter break and that students could return home. They would return to school for a month or two in the spring before going back to the farms to continue their practical training.
Before leaving, Adele summoned the head maid, the steward, and the farm supervisors, holding a meeting and instructing them on how to manage the farm during the winter. After everyone confirmed that they understood, Adele had Jasmine pack their things, preparing to return to the Blake castle with the liaison officer.
Snow fell heavily in the north, quickly accumulating into thick piles. Adele bundled up in warm clothes, put on a fur-lined cloak and gloves, and carried her suitcase, ready to depart. Before they left, the little girl rushed out, wanting to hug Adele.
But Adele took a step back, even hiding behind Jasmine.
Adele was a germaphobe. She disliked physical contact with others, except for Jasmine, whom she had been inseparable from for twelve years. She had grown accustomed to it, no matter how much she disliked it. She looked at the little girl and asked patiently, “What’s wrong?”
The little girl’s face crumpled, tears welling up in her eyes. She sobbed, “Miss Blake, are you going home?” Jasmine truly disliked children, and not all children deserved to be liked. This little girl, for example, had clearly been influenced by the twisted thinking of this world. It wasn’t her fault, but it was a sad reality.
Adele didn’t understand why the little girl was crying. She simply answered honestly, “Yes, I’m going home.”
The little girl burst into tears, her sobs heart-wrenching. Adele felt a headache coming on. It was only because the little girl was so weak. If it were her younger sister crying like this, she would have already scolded her. But the second miss wouldn’t cry like this. She was a proud child, raised by her parents to never cry, especially not so unreservedly.
The little girl, however, believed that crying was her best weapon. During her time at the manor, the adults had doted on her. Even when she made mistakes, she could always get away with it by crying. This had led her to believe that she could achieve anything with tears.
Adele frowned, displeased, “Stop it.”
Her voice changed, turning cold. Even the little girl, still sobbing, paused, “I’m just going home. It doesn’t mean I’m not coming back. I’ll be back in the spring.”
The little girl thought her crying had worked. She wanted to push further, “Then… Miss Blake, can you take me with you? I’m very well-behaved, and I don’t eat much. I can do many things now. Please take me with you. Let me be your blood slave.”
Adele’s brow furrowed even deeper. She didn’t like this. She refused flatly, “No.” Hearing her rejection, the little girl pouted, about to cry again. This time, Adele couldn’t suppress her anger any longer. She was proud and had never been good with children. Even after rescuing the little girl, she had immediately handed her to someone else, not wanting to hold her herself, nor wanting Jasmine to hold her.
It was ridiculous to think that someone with her personality would take care of a child, especially a crying brat. Adele’s hearing was too good. The child’s shrill cries were torture to her. Her tone turned harsh, “I said stop it!”
The little girl was startled, her sobs gradually subsiding. She didn’t understand why her usual tactic wasn’t working. Looking up, she saw Adele’s cold gaze. Her crimson eyes, glowing faintly in the darkness, looked down at her, making her unsure whether to continue crying.
“Listen carefully. Jasmine is my only maid. It has always been this way, and it will always be this way. I won’t take any other maids, and I don’t need a blood slave.” She took a deep breath and looked at Bella, “Before I return, take her to the village and find a willing human woman to take care of her.”
Adele’s decision was swift and decisive. She even set a specific deadline. Jasmine didn’t know if this was a good or bad outcome for the little girl, but it was the best Adele could do. Simply put, she had tried her best. If the little girl had quietly stayed at the farm, Adele wouldn’t have bothered with her.
Jasmine looked at the little girl, thinking that this might be their last meeting. A pang of sympathy welled up in her heart. She wanted to do something for the little girl, but Adele had already stepped into the carriage and was calling, “Jasmine, what are you doing? We need to leave.”
Jasmine replied, “Yes, Miss.” She took a small pouch from her suitcase, pulled out a few banknotes, and handed them to Bella, “This is a small token of my appreciation.” Bella knew that the money was for the little girl. She didn’t refuse, simply nodding in acceptance.
Adele, still upset, urged impatiently, “Jasmine!”
Jasmine knew she couldn’t delay any longer. She turned and got into the carriage. The steward closed the door, glanced at the stunned little girl, sighed, and climbed into the driver’s seat. He flicked the reins, and the horse, with a swish of its tail, started moving.
The liaison officer had chosen to depart separately, heading directly to the port. So, it was just Jasmine and Adele in the carriage. Jasmine sat opposite Adele, her gaze fixed on the window. Only after the snow-covered trees obscured the manor from view did she turn her attention to Adele.
Adele had her arms crossed, her legs crossed, her chin held high, her expression screaming “I’m angry.” Jasmine tilted her head, wondering what Adele was angry about.
Unsure of Adele’s mood, but seeing her “Come and coax me” expression, Jasmine could only say, “Miss, don’t be angry anymore.”
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