Category: The Vampire Eldest Miss Thinks I Like Her

Chapter 97: Don’t Waste It!

Adele had no idea how to fill out the form, but she did her best, filling in the blanks as she understood them. Jasmine, watching from behind, saw it all clearly. The form is filled out nicely. Now please don’t fill out any more forms…

Under normal circumstances, this form would definitely be rejected and sent back for revisions.

But the staff member, seeing the name “Adele Blake,” plastered a forced smile on her face. “Miss Blake, here’s a slip. Please go to the payment counter on the second floor.” Adele nodded curtly, took the slip, and headed towards the second floor with Jasmine.

As they walked, she said, “I heard some girls from my year complaining about how their maids were always mistreated at the administration office, even driven to tears. I thought it would be difficult, but it’s nothing.”

Jasmine, walking beside her, couldn’t help but think, It’s possible that the administration office is indeed difficult, but they also discriminate. You’re the Blake heiress, and you’re here in person. They wouldn’t dare to mistreat you.

After all, the story of Adele single-handedly killing the school doctor during her first semester had spread throughout the staff. If she could get away with killing the school doctor, what could these lowly staff members possibly do to her? To protect themselves, they wouldn’t dare to offend Adele.

After paying the tuition, Adele returned to her room. Once inside, she started whining, “Jasmine, don’t go back to the servants’ quarters. Stay with me!” She clung to Jasmine’s suitcase, refusing to let her go.

Jasmine looked at her coldly. “Miss Adele, please don’t make things difficult for me. Unlike you, I have to clean and organize my room. It’s uninhabitable right now.”

Adele wanted to whine even louder, but she remembered that she was the mistress, even if Jasmine was stronger than her. And not just her mistress, but her lover as well… Whining like a child in front of Jasmine would be too embarrassing. So, she reluctantly released the suitcase and argued, “Then… then at Spark Farm, you’ll sleep in the same room as me!”

Jasmine was about to refuse again when Adele continued, “You’re already staying in the same suite as me. Your room is tiny and cramped, and it doesn’t even have a bathroom. It would be much more convenient for you to stay with me!”

Adele had a point. Jasmine thought about it. Sharing a room with Adele at Spark Farm wouldn’t be that unusual. So, she sighed and agreed.

Hearing Jasmine’s agreement, Adele was overjoyed. A triumphant smile appeared on her face. She knew Jasmine was about to leave, so she asked cautiously, “Can I have a kiss?” Asking for blood was probably out of the question. Adele knew this. Besides, she had been reckless last time, wanting to drink blood without any preparation.

The first two times had been impulsive. Next time, she would make it special!

Adele reaffirmed her resolve, but she still craved a kiss. It had been over a month since their last kiss, and that time, it had been Jasmine who had kissed her. As her mistress, how could she let Jasmine take the lead all the time? She wanted to kiss Jasmine too!

Jasmine considered it. Since they were lovers now, a kiss was acceptable. She nodded.

Seeing Jasmine’s agreement, Adele was even more delighted. She pulled Jasmine onto the sofa and stood before her, placing her hands on Jasmine’s shoulders. Because she was the one initiating this time, her hands tightened nervously, then she quickly loosened her grip.

She was afraid of hurting Jasmine. Although she knew Jasmine was strong, years of habit weren’t easily broken. In Adele’s mind, Jasmine was still the weak, vulnerable person who needed her protection.

Looking down at Jasmine, who was looking up at her, Adele was struck by her beauty and fragility. Her short black hair framed her face, making her look incredibly cute. And the way she sat on the sofa, her hands folded neatly in her lap, was captivating.

Adele’s silver hair, escaping its confines, brushed against Jasmine’s face as she leaned down. The contrast between white and black was stark, yet harmonious.

“I’m… I’m going to do it now.”

Adele swallowed hard, her voice betraying her nervousness. But Jasmine simply nodded, her dark eyes fixed on Adele. Adele loved Jasmine’s eyes, especially at this moment, when they reflected only her image.

It made Adele feel like Jasmine truly belonged to her.

She leaned down slowly, seeing Jasmine close her eyes. She had read in novels and poems that people closed their eyes when they kissed. Adele didn’t know why, but she slowly closed her eyes as well.

She wanted to kiss Jasmine’s lips, but she didn’t have the courage. So, she gently pressed her lips against Jasmine’s cheek. Jasmine’s cheek was warm, and the contact brought a comforting warmth to Adele’s lips. She didn’t know if Jasmine had felt the same way when she had kissed her, but Adele found the experience incredibly pleasant.

Inexperienced, Adele ended the kiss as quickly as it had begun, like a dragonfly skimming the water’s surface. As she pulled away, her face was flushed, her eyes sparkling. The kiss, for her, had been both surprising and sweet.

But for Jasmine, it wasn’t enough. She felt the lingering coolness on her cheek and thought about Adele’s lips, soft and cold, like flower petals. This fleeting kiss wasn’t satisfying.

As Adele was about to pull away, Jasmine grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her down. Adele’s hair and skirt swirled around her, and before she could react, she was pinned to the sofa by her maid, who was now leaning over her.

“Adele…” Jasmine whispered her name, dropping the usual “Miss,” closing the distance between them. Adele’s cheeks were flushed, like a red rose in full bloom, ready to be plucked.

Jasmine said, “I want to kiss you.”

Adele nodded. Of course, she wouldn’t refuse. She loved being close to Jasmine. But then, she thought she shouldn’t be so easy, she should be more reserved. So, she put on her usual tsundere act, “Since you’re asking so sincerely, I’ll allow this transgression.”

Ignoring Adele’s words, Jasmine lowered her head. Adele was expecting another kiss on the cheek, but Jasmine’s lips met hers. Jasmine’s lips were warm, and the contact, unlike the kiss on her cheek, was more direct and intense.

The kiss was wonderful, but it wasn’t what Adele had expected. Her eyes flew open, staring at Jasmine in surprise. But Jasmine had her eyes closed, her black eyelashes fluttering, her lips moving against Adele’s with focused intensity.

After a moment, Adele recovered and surrendered to the kiss, closing her eyes and savoring the sensation.

Jasmine was bold. She pressed her lips against Adele’s, warming her cold lips, then she even slipped her tongue between Adele’s lips, teasing her fangs. Adele’s fangs were sharp, a vampire’s most potent weapon.

Jasmine’s tongue brushed against them, making Adele shiver. She had to control her urge to bite. She knew Jasmine’s blood was incredibly sweet. Instinct urged her to sink her fangs into Jasmine’s flesh, but her rationality told her that this was Jasmine, and she didn’t want to hurt her.

So, she carefully retracted her fangs, afraid of accidentally piercing Jasmine’s skin. But Jasmine pursued her, refusing to let her escape.

Logically, Adele’s fangs couldn’t pierce Jasmine’s tongue. After all, Jasmine had cheat abilities and could control every part of her body. Her hair was as sharp as blades. How could her tongue be so easily pierced? Perhaps it was intentional, or perhaps Jasmine had been lost in the moment, forgetting to activate her defenses. Whatever the reason, Adele’s fangs pierced Jasmine’s tongue, drawing a few drops of blood.

The sweet taste filled Adele’s mouth. She could no longer control herself. Her tongue lapped up Jasmine’s blood, swallowing it greedily.

Kissing a vampire… there were risks involved.

When the kiss ended, Jasmine pulled back, looking down at Adele. Adele’s hair was spread across the sofa, her crimson eyes glazed over, her gaze unfocused.

At that moment, Adele looked drunk.

Jasmine finally understood that vampires reacted this way to exceptionally delicious blood. Is my blood really that good? So good that it intoxicates her? Jasmine tasted the lingering blood in her own mouth. Honestly, she didn’t find the taste pleasant. It was bitter, with a metallic tang.

But Adele loved it. Too much, it seemed.

Jasmine noticed a smear of blood on her lip and wiped it away with her hand. As Adele regained her senses, she saw this and exclaimed, “Eh? Don’t waste it!”

Chapter 96: A Sincere Blessing

Adele’s reputation among the adults hadn’t improved, but the children now saw her as a friend. Gradually, more and more children came to see her at night. Adele disliked children, but being surrounded by them, she had no choice but to suppress her irritation, perform magic tricks for them, and even explain the basics of magic.

Jasmine secretly attended a couple of these “lessons.” She had flipped through vampire textbooks before, curious about magic, but unfortunately, she seemed to be immune to it, a complete muggle, unable to learn even the simplest spell.

But now, with a qualified teacher, she wanted to try again. The result, however, was the same.

She, Jasmine, was a magicless muggle*.

However, there were actually two children among them who possessed magical talent. Under Adele’s guidance, they managed to conjure a tiny flame, as small as a matchstick, flickering briefly in the cold night air. Adele’s sharp eyes had noticed it; otherwise, it would have gone unnoticed.

Jasmine, reassured, left the children in Adele’s care and went to inform the Commander, urging her to focus on training these two children. When she returned, Adele’s initial enthusiasm had been replaced by utter exhaustion. She truly disliked children.

But children were weak, and the strong should have compassion for the weak. Bound by this principle, Adele remained patient with them. However, if pushed too far, her temper would flare, and she might lash out, just like she had done with the little girl at Spark Farm.

For now, Adele and the children were getting along well. However, Jasmine found one thing strange. Why did the children always seem nervous when she was around? She got her answer two days later.

She overheard the children talking. “That black-haired vampire is so scary! She always looks like she wants to eat us!”

??? The mystery was solved, but a new one emerged. Adele is the vampire! Why do they think I’m the vampire? Jasmine was indignant, but she couldn’t show it. After all, she was supposed to be a stoic, aloof beauty.

The month flew by, and it was time for Adele to return to school. During this time, she had become close to the children, and her relationship with their parents had also improved. After observing Adele’s abstinence from blood for an entire month, the Commander finally believed Jasmine.

But that wasn’t enough. Before leaving, Adele handed the cash she had withdrawn to the Commander. At that moment, Jasmine saw the greed in the Commander’s eyes, her gaze towards Adele softening considerably.

—As expected, money is one of the most effective ways to improve relationships.

At this moment, the Commander probably didn’t care about Adele’s true intentions. As long as she was willing to provide financial support, she was the best vampire in the Commander’s eyes. Adele and Jasmine departed, waving goodbye to the children. Adele, however, was practically fleeing. She couldn’t stand being around children any longer.

As always, Jasmine carried Adele in a princess carry. Adele, leaning against her, still seemed traumatized. “Children are terrifying.”

“Hmm…” Jasmine agreed.

She also disliked children, especially brats. She had never wanted to get married or have children. If she were still in her previous life, she would probably be facing intense pressure from her parents to settle down. But now that she had transmigrated, she was free from such obligations. Marriage and childbirth were never going to happen in this life.

Instead of going directly to the academy, Jasmine took Adele to the airship port near the school. Arriving at the academy directly would be too conspicuous. They might attract the attention of the elder vampires. Although Jasmine wasn’t afraid of them, Adele was still a student and had to spend four more years at the academy. It wouldn’t be wise to offend the principal.

So, at the port, Adele rented a carriage and arrived at the academy in style. After a month of living like a commoner, Adele’s clothes, although still luxurious, were slightly wrinkled from being worn multiple times. They lacked their usual pristine appearance. And she was still wearing her signature black cloak.

Standing at the academy gates, Adele looked out of place among the other young ladies. Golden was the first to spot her. She immediately rushed over to mock her, “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Adele Blake. What happened to you? You look like a vagrant. This doesn’t reflect well on the Blake family, does it?”

Adele raised her chin, her voice filled with pride. “I’ve been busy with social practice. I even went to After Dusk.” Among these newly-adult vampire ladies, After Dusk was a legendary place. They might be naive, but they weren’t ignorant. They knew what kind of place it was.

The other young ladies whispered among themselves, and even the new students stared at Adele with wide eyes. Even Golden was surprised. “You went to After Dusk?”

“Indeed.” Adele looked smug, even though she had only spent one night and one day there before heading to the Human Resistance Army base. But she had indeed visited the infamous lawless zone.

She emphasized, “And I only took Jasmine with me. No one else.” Of course, she couldn’t have taken any other vampire with her. She had run away from home, after all. If she had encountered any of the Blake family’s servants, they would have tried to bring her back.

But the other young ladies didn’t know this. They assumed that Adele had bravely ventured into After Dusk with only a human maid for protection, their admiration for her growing. However, what Adele wanted to convey was: I went with Jasmine, just the two of us! There’s definitely something going on between us!

But the other young ladies weren’t paying attention to Jasmine. After all, poor Jasmine was just a weak human, unworthy of their attention. Only Golden glanced at her. At the ball, she had noticed how much attention Adele paid to her maid. Now, seeing that Adele had even taken her to After Dusk, Golden thought Adele was truly crazy.

She decided not to argue with a crazy person. With a snort, she changed the subject.

“Well, it’s a shame you were gone. I’ve been getting along very—well—with the young Green boy.” She emphasized “very well,” but her gritted teeth betrayed her true feelings. She wasn’t expressing fondness for the young Green boy. She was blaming Adele. If Adele hadn’t disappeared for some unknown reason, Golden wouldn’t have been forced to spend time with him.

And in the month leading up to the start of the new semester, her aunt, the Blake patriarch’s wife, had even returned to the Golden estate, neglecting her own daughter, determined to finalize the engagement between Golden and the young Green boy. Golden had been struggling to resist the pressure from her parents and her aunt, feeling resentful that Adele, her supposed ally, didn’t have to endure this.

And now, knowing that Adele had simply been gallivanting with her maid, Golden wanted to strangle her.

She would say it again: she, Miss Golden, didn’t like that little seaweed-haired boy either! He was just a child! His head barely reached her waist. She had to look down just to see him! It was unacceptable!

Adele seemed oblivious to Golden’s resentment. Hearing her words, her eyes even lit up. “Are you engaged to the young Green boy? Congratulations!”

“What?!—”

Before Golden could even protest, the other young ladies showered her with congratulations. In their eyes, the young Green boy was a good choice: wealthy, young, and apparently getting along well with Miss Golden. An engagement was practically a certainty.

During the break, they had wondered whether the young Green boy would end up with Miss Golden or Miss Blake. They hadn’t expected Golden, who had been in second place all year, to make such a bold move, surpassing Adele!

Adele’s voice hadn’t been loud, but among these vampire ladies, it was like using a loudspeaker. Seeing Golden surrounded by the others, Adele quickly retreated to her room with Jasmine. The room was still clean, but Adele had to pay her own tuition this semester.

After putting down their luggage, Adele took Jasmine to the administration office. Jasmine hadn’t expected that even tuition payments had to be made in person.

The administration office was one of the busiest places at the start of a new semester, with many students wanting to get new uniforms. For these young masters and ladies, three or four sets of clothes were simply not enough. They were accustomed to discarding clothes after wearing them a few times. Wearing the same uniform repeatedly was simply too unhygienic for them.

Fortunately, although Adele was pampered, she wasn’t that fussy.

The staff were swamped. Adele got a queue number and, guided by Jasmine, sat down in the waiting area. After a while, her number was called, and she went to the counter with Jasmine.

The staff member behind the counter was so busy that she didn’t even look up. “What can I do for you?” she asked.

“Tuition payment.”

Hearing this, the staff member finally looked up. She took out a form and placed it before Adele, her tone unfriendly, “Fill this out.” Adele looked at the form, confused. How do I fill this out?

Jasmine, standing behind her, noticed the staff member’s change in demeanor. She had seen Jasmine in her maid uniform, standing behind the elegantly dressed Adele.

At that moment, Jasmine and the staff member had the same thought: Why does the young lady have to pay her own tuition?

Chapter 95: A Performance

As Adele spoke, her eyes sparkled, brighter than usual, like the crescent moon in the night sky. But words were often inadequate. Adele’s speech had been eloquent, but the humans before her didn’t believe her.

Adele felt a pang of defeat, but Jasmine offered her support, “As she said, perhaps we can forge a different path.”

Silence fell over the room. After a long moment, the Commander finally voiced her thoughts, her voice raspy, “Are you saying… we should accept vampires?”

She was questioning Jasmine. Jasmine looked at her, her expression unreadable, her ice-queen persona giving nothing away. After a moment, she said, “Not just vampires, but other weak, otherworldly beings as well. As long as they desire peace, they are our comrades.”

Someone protested, challenging Lady Dawn’s authority despite her revered status among humans, “Accept vampires and otherworldly beings?! What about the blood they’ve spilled, the lives they’ve taken?!”

The others echoed his sentiment. Jasmine asked softly, “Then what do you propose? To kill all vampires and otherworldly beings, to leave only humans in this world?” Her question stunned them.

They probably haven’t even considered this, Jasmine thought.

She continued, “Let’s assume you could achieve this. What would be the difference between you and the vampires who oppress you now?” She left them with a final thought, “Think about it carefully.” Then she led Adele out of the room.

Adele didn’t put her hood back on. She walked under the moonlight, like a moonlit elf, but everyone who saw her looked at her as if she were a demon. Adele had spoken with such conviction and confidence earlier, but now, outside, she felt apprehensive. Their hostile gazes stripped away her usual haughty demeanor.

“Jas… Lady Dawn, where are we going?”

“My room.”

Jasmine had her own house at the Human Resistance Army base. It was a well-built, two-story building with dedicated servants to clean and maintain it. It was far more comfortable than the accommodations she had had while serving Adele. Adele followed Jasmine to her house and entered.

Once inside, Jasmine transformed back into her maid persona. She looked at Adele, who, upon entering the room, immediately relaxed, collapsing onto the sofa. Her feet were still on the ground, but her upper body was sprawled across the cushions, her cheek resting on the armrest.

She even let out a dramatic sigh.

Jasmine sat down on a nearby armchair, struggling to suppress a smile at Adele’s dramatic display. She said softly, “This path is difficult.” Adele rolled over, facing the ceiling, one leg now resting on the sofa.

She looked up at the ceiling, muttering, “I know. I won’t be deterred by such a small setback.” She was determined to stay at the Human Resistance Army base for the entire month before school resumed.

Jasmine truly admired Adele’s determination. If it were her, she would have run away long ago. She wasn’t the type to endure such hostility. If those she rescued didn’t understand her intentions, she would simply abandon them and flee.

She wouldn’t stay and try to do something that wasn’t appreciated.

From that day on, Adele and Jasmine engaged in a delicate dance with the Human Resistance Army. They would prepare food for Jasmine, delicious-looking meals. But they completely ignored Adele, which didn’t matter. Adele didn’t drink animal blood anyway. She only consumed artificial blood.

Initially, the Human Resistance Army members were surprised by Adele’s prolonged abstinence from blood. Then they thought, That damned vampire must be drinking Lady Dawn’s blood! This realization horrified them. The Commander even went to see Jasmine personally to confirm her suspicions.

But she received an even more unbelievable answer, “No, she drinks artificial blood.” Lady Dawn even showed her the artificial blood sugar cubes. Curious, the Commander picked one up and tasted it. She could faintly taste blood, but it wasn’t quite the same.

The Commander had been on the battlefield, had been injured. She knew what blood tasted like. This artificial blood… it tasted vaguely like blood, but it wasn’t actually blood. Jasmine didn’t know how it was made, but she thought the difference was like that between artificial sweetener and sugar.

Similar taste, different essence.

Seeing the Commander’s disbelief, Jasmine added, “She’s always drunk artificial blood. She’s never had anything else.” She lied. Adele had drunk her blood, twice. But she couldn’t reveal such a personal matter to the Commander.

It would be embarrassing. The fact that she, the strongest among them, had been fed on by a vampire would shatter her image as the invincible Lady Dawn. And most importantly, why share such an intimate detail about their relationship?

The Commander found Jasmine’s words even harder to believe. Under normal circumstances, it would be impossible to believe. What kind of vampire didn’t drink human blood? If Adele hadn’t been raised by Jasmine, Jasmine herself wouldn’t have believed that such a vampire existed, one who had never harmed a human.

Seeing the Commander’s skepticism, Jasmine didn’t force her to believe. She simply said, “She’s different. If you get to know her, you’ll eventually understand.”

Life at the Human Resistance Army base wasn’t easy for Adele. Few people were active at night, except for the patrolling sentries. Whenever Adele walked under the moon, the sentries would glare at her with hostility. Their hatred wasn’t directed at her specifically, but at the vampires who had oppressed them. But now that a vampire stood before them, they couldn’t help but project their anger onto her.

By hating Adele, they were hating the vampires who had tormented them.

Adele didn’t give up. She continued trying to connect with the humans, but she made no progress. The rumor of “Lady Dawn bringing back a vampire” spread throughout the base. After a few days, everyone knew that a vampire was living among them.

They were apprehensive, but Lady Dawn’s presence reassured them. There were children at the base, some born in recent years, who had never seen a vampire before. They had only heard their parents describe how terrifying and hateful vampires were.

Children, being children, were often fearless and curious, doing things that adults wouldn’t expect. They secretly made a plan to see this rumored vampire for themselves.

One moonlit night, the children stealthily approached Lady Dawn’s house. They had no hatred for vampires, no fear of Lady Dawn. They simply pushed open the door to the room where the vampire was supposedly staying.

Adele and Jasmine had already sensed their approach. Their hearing and sense of smell were acute. To them, the children’s quiet footsteps were as loud as a foghorn.

Adele felt a mix of embarrassment and helplessness. She disliked children. Her attitude towards the little girl at Spark Farm and her own younger sister was proof enough. To her, children were a nuisance.

Jasmine, however, saw this as an opportunity for Adele to connect with the humans at the base. Of course, if Adele had been unwilling, Jasmine wouldn’t have forced her. But despite her awkwardness, Adele didn’t express any resistance, so Jasmine let it be.

The children pushed open the door and saw two figures sitting on the sofa. For a moment, they couldn’t tell which one was the vampire. One had long silver hair, pointed ears, and crimson eyes. According to their parents’ descriptions, this person fit the image of a terrifying vampire!

But the other was dressed in black, her face hidden behind a black veil, blending into the darkness. Only the moonlight revealed her silhouette. Her dark eyes stared at them, sending chills down their spines…

Could this be the vampire?

The children shuddered, remembering their parents’ warnings: Be good children, or the vampires will take you away! But this was terrifying! There were two vampires here!

This thought made them burst into tears. They were small, but their cries were loud and shrill, piercing the air. Adele looked at Jasmine, hoping for a solution, but Jasmine simply looked back at her, expecting her to handle it.

After all, the children were clearly terrified of Adele, the vampire. Lady Dawn didn’t see herself as the problem.

Adele had no choice but to stand up.

The Commander, hearing the sentries’ report of children screaming and crying in Lady Dawn’s house, was stunned. Although she believed that Lady Dawn had been deceived by the evil vampire, Lady Dawn was still their hope. She couldn’t allow a child to be harmed by a vampire. But the sentries’ report forced her to act. She gathered a group of people, including a mage, and rushed to Lady Dawn’s house. The mage said, “There’s vampire magic inside!”

She took a deep breath and led them inside. And they saw… the vampire Lady Dawn had brought back, her hands ablaze with small flames, performing magic tricks for the children.

Everyone froze, both the newcomers and the vampire.

Chapter 94: She’s a Vampire

In the end, Jasmine had to carry Adele on foot, slowing down considerably. She couldn’t travel at her usual breakneck speed.

They could have rented a carriage, but those were only available for short distances, were slow, and most importantly, expensive.

Jasmine wanted to claim that she wasn’t stingy, that it was simply more cost-effective to walk.

Adele didn’t care how they traveled. Being carried by Jasmine was much more comfortable than riding in a carriage. She loved Jasmine and wanted to be close to her all the time.

As they passed through a city, Adele asked Jasmine to stop. She took Jasmine, still in her maid uniform, to a bank, withdrew some cash, and bought a few things, stuffing them into her suitcase.

Seeing Adele withdraw money without any difficulty, Jasmine thought, The Blake patriarch and the Lady are actually decent parents. They didn’t even freeze her account, worried about their daughter struggling out here.

Perhaps Jasmine’s expression was too strange, because Adele asked, “Jasmine, what are you thinking about?”

“I’m surprised that the Lady didn’t freeze your account.”

Adele chuckled. “Why would my account be frozen? It’s my card. Only I can freeze it, by going to the bank.”

Adele’s explanation made Jasmine realize that it wasn’t a supplementary card, but Adele’s own personal account. And a vampire’s personal assets were inviolable. Even if they were underage, as long as they had a card with money in it, no one, not even the king himself, could freeze it.

This is a good system, Jasmine thought.

At least it was convenient for Adele and her.

Adele didn’t withdraw all her funds. She only took out fifty thousand—thousand—silver coins. Jasmine gritted her teeth inwardly. The wealth of the feudal class is truly astounding, she thought, feeling a pang of sympathy for her own meager savings.

But then Adele announced that she was donating all the money to the Human Resistance Army, and Jasmine thought, Adele is truly a good person!

After withdrawing the money, they continued their journey. Because of Adele, Jasmine had to slow down considerably. Even so, they reached the human settlement on the evening of the third day. Jasmine transformed back into Lady Dawn, while Adele wrapped herself tightly in her cloak, even covering her eyes with a black lace blindfold.

A faint crimson glow still emanated from her eyes, but it was barely noticeable unless you looked closely.

Jasmine led Adele, disguised as she was, to the Human Resistance Army base.

The base was located in a large basin, surrounded by mountains. It was a naturally secluded location, accessible only through a series of winding mountain passes. Moreover, the climate was cold and damp, a place vampires hated. The Human Resistance Army had built several watchtowers and fences on the surrounding mountains, making it a highly defensible location. Jasmine had chosen this spot after careful consideration.

As they passed through a watchtower, their presence immediately attracted the attention of the guards. The Human Resistance Army was now accustomed to working during the day and sleeping at night, but they still had patrols and sentries at night.

Seeing Jasmine, even the guards were surprised. They recognized Lady Dawn’s attire, but she was so powerful, appearing and disappearing like a phantom. They had never seen her at their watchtower before.

And today, not only had she appeared, but she had also brought someone with her… This was even more astonishing. Lady Dawn always worked alone. Even when she rescued humans, she would arrange for the nearest outpost to take them, not bring them to the main base herself.

The guard immediately became alert, aiming his bow and arrow at Jasmine. “Who are you?!” he shouted.

Faced with the choice of either cringing inwardly or being shot with an arrow, Jasmine chose the former. Her voice was soft, but it reached the guard’s ears clearly. She said, “The anthem of humanity is a song of courage.” Hearing these words, the guard was overcome with emotion. He lowered his bow and arrow, his right fist pounding against his left chest. “The anthem of humanity is a song of courage! Welcome, Lady Dawn!”

Their exchange attracted the attention of other guards. Soon, Jasmine and Adele were brought before the Commander, the leader of the Human Resistance Army base.

Before the Commander, Jasmine had to listen to her own code phrase again.

It was even more embarrassing than usual today, perhaps because Adele was standing beside her. Jasmine felt like her embarrassing chuunibyou past had been exposed to her best friend. But when she turned to look at Adele, she saw that Adele’s eyes were shining, clearly thrilled by the “borrowed” code phrase.

Damn, Adele is also a chuunibyou.

The Commander was a woman in her fifties. Her hair was streaked with gray, but her eyes were sharp. She had been one of the first to join Jasmine in building the base, and her sharp mind had earned her the position of Commander.

Not only was she intelligent, but her observation skills were also excellent. She caught a glimpse of the crimson glow beneath Adele’s cloak when Jasmine turned to look at her. The glow was faint, as Adele was trying her best to conceal it, but the Commander was too perceptive. She immediately realized that the cloaked figure was a vampire.

She frowned, instantly alerting Jasmine. “Lady Dawn, that person… is a vampire!” There were others present besides the Commander, individuals holding high positions in the base. Hearing her words, they all drew their weapons, pointing them at Adele.

But to everyone’s surprise, Lady Dawn stepped in front of the vampire, shielding her.

“Lady Dawn…”

Everyone looked at her with confusion. Even the Commander’s eyes widened in disbelief. Jasmine said, “She’s not an enemy.”

“Lady Dawn! She’s a vampire! Our enemy! Why are you protecting her?!” Jasmine’s voice was drowned out by the others’ protests, followed by a wave of angry murmurs. Their gazes towards Adele were hostile, filled with the desire to attack.

Jasmine, unable to bear it any longer, slammed her hand on the table. She didn’t use much force, but it was enough. The wooden table crumbled into dust, and silence fell over the room.

They quickly realized that Lady Dawn had brought this person here willingly, not under duress. They were certain that Lady Dawn had been deceived by the cunning vampire, but under her intimidating presence, they remained silent.

Jasmine cleared her throat and spoke, “She’s not our enemy. She’s here with noble intentions, seeking peace and equality between vampires and humans.”

Hearing this, even the Commander wanted to protest, but she was a composed individual and managed to restrain herself. As Jasmine introduced Adele, Adele stepped forward, removing her cloak and blindfold.

Seeing Adele’s appearance, the room erupted in another wave of gasps and murmurs. Adele was a classic vampire, her silver hair a clear indication of her race, her pale skin, pointed ears, and crimson eyes confirming her identity.

The Commander’s previous suspicion was now a reality. A real vampire stood before them, and the atmosphere became even more heated. Everyone present had suffered at the hands of vampires. They had endured countless hardships, waiting desperately for Lady Dawn’s salvation. They harbored deep animosity towards vampires.

If it weren’t for Lady Dawn’s presence, they might have already attacked this audacious vampire. But Lady Dawn was protecting her. Even when someone spoke up, “Lady Dawn! Don’t be fooled by this cunning vampire! She’s lying to you!” Lady Dawn remained unmoved.

She simply glanced at Adele. Jasmine was worried. This was probably the first time Adele had faced such open hostility. She had been a pampered young lady. Even when she had argued with her mother, she had never been subjected to such glares.

These were looks of hatred and animosity. Jasmine worried that Adele wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Indeed, Adele was struggling. She stood beside Jasmine, slightly behind her, looking at the people before her. The middle-aged woman at the front had a stern expression, her eyes wary, as if expecting Adele to do something sinister. But that was already a relatively friendly gaze. The others’ eyes were even more difficult for Adele to describe.

They were all so hostile, their eyes filled with anger and hatred, making Adele feel uncomfortable. Their expressions were even twisted with rage, their eyes and faces screaming that she wasn’t welcome here.

Although she had prepared herself mentally, facing such hostility in person was overwhelming. She saw Jasmine glance back at her, her eyes filled with concern. Adele swallowed hard, trying to calm herself.

—Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid. There’s nothing to fear. Even if they all attack, they can’t kill me! I’m strong! And Jasmine is here. She won’t let anything happen to me. Most importantly, what is my purpose here? Peace! If I cower in the face of hatred, I’ll never achieve my goal!

Adele straightened her back, meeting their gazes head-on. The once haughty young lady was now cautiously extending an olive branch. “I… I’m not your enemy. Although I’m a vampire, I admire your courage. As Lady Dawn said, the anthem of humanity is a song of courage. I truly admire your spirit, your willingness to fight against those stronger than you.”

“I’m not your enemy. Those who have compassion for the weak, those who dare to defy the strong, should not be enemies. I know you might not believe me now, but I believe that one day, we will achieve peace.”

Chapter 93: Setting Off

Jasmine didn’t sleep well that day. Around ten in the morning, she was awakened by rustling sounds outside the window. Those uncouth otherworldly beings were already plotting to attack Adele, seeing her as a prime target.

The creatures lurking in the Dusk were skilled and observant, especially when it came to identifying wealthy individuals. Even in Jasmine’s eyes, Adele looked like a walking treasure chest. Although she wore a black cloak, her skirt and shoes were clearly visible, and their fine fabric and intricate embroidery screamed “expensive,” beyond the reach of ordinary vampires.

Adele’s height and attire also revealed her to be a young female vampire.

While a vampire’s age couldn’t be determined by their appearance, their clothing choices tended to evolve over time. It was unlikely for a thousand-year-old vampire to be wearing a frilly pink dress. Even without considering the color, the style and embellishments of a garment could hint at the wearer’s age. In short, Adele’s youthful status was undeniable.

In the eyes of all races in this world, young vampires were easier targets than older ones. Moreover, Adele’s presence in the Dusk indicated that she had been ostracized by the vampire elders, leaving her without protection.

They even speculated about the reason for a young lady like her to be wandering the Dusk. Could it be a crime of passion, eliminating a lover who had scorned her? They laughed amongst themselves, but none of the stronger ones dared to make the first move. After all, they only had one life, and caution was paramount. What if she was a twisted old vampire who enjoyed dressing up as a young girl?

It was her prerogative to dress as she pleased, but if they were wrong, it could cost them their lives.

To avoid a gruesome fate while still coveting the young vampire’s presumed wealth – they had seen her use a bank card to pay for the room, indicating she had considerable funds – they decided to send the younger, less experienced ones as bait.

Indeed, a few gullible youngsters were persuaded to approach Adele and Jasmine’s room during the day. They had been assured that besides the young vampire, there was only a human servant. No matter how powerful a vampire was, once sunlight touched them, they were doomed!

They reached out to break the window, but before their claws could make contact, black threads wrapped around their arms. In a flash, the threads tightened, severing their limbs at the elbow. More threads flew towards them, binding their bodies and severed arms. Then, with a powerful tug, they were flung away.

It all happened in the blink of an eye. The attackers were dealt with swiftly and efficiently. The otherworldly beings watching from afar were stunned. They couldn’t comprehend the method used against their comrades.

Then, they saw a black figure gracefully land outside the window. She seemed to be floating in mid-air, but the more observant ones noticed the thin threads beneath her feet. The threads glinted faintly in the sunlight, but the figure remained silent and still. Judging by her silhouette, she was a woman, and… a human.

The leader of the group was taken aback. He hadn’t expected a human to possess such power. Then, he heard the woman speak, her voice soft yet carrying a chilling weight that reached every ear in the shadows. “I’ll say this once. If anyone dares to disturb my lady’s sleep again…”

“I will kill you all.”

With that, she turned and re-entered the room. As the window briefly opened, they caught a glimpse of a black curtain inside. It moved as if alive, parting for the woman to enter and then closing again. They guessed it was made of the same material as the threads.

In other words, even if they managed to break the window, no sunlight would reach inside. The woman had deliberately revealed this to them. Otherwise, why would she have entered through the door, allowing them to see her, when she had appeared so silently outside the window?

This incident made one thing clear: they couldn’t touch this woman or the young vampire lady inside.

After delivering her warning, Jasmine returned to the room. Instead of immediately lying down to sleep again, she sat by the bed, gazing at Adele’s sleeping face. Adele trusted her completely. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to sleep so soundly in such a dangerous environment.

Adele had accepted Jasmine’s true identity as Lady Dawn with surprising ease, seemingly unconcerned about who Jasmine really was and readily adapting to their reversed roles. Adele had become the vulnerable one, while Jasmine was now the protector.

Having acknowledged Jasmine’s strength and her ability to protect her, Adele comfortably settled into being cared for, entrusting her life to Jasmine and sleeping peacefully.

If Jasmine were still the weak, subservient maid Adele had always known, even with complete trust, Adele wouldn’t have been so relaxed. She would have set up several protective magic circles, hidden herself in a corner or a closet, taking every precaution to ensure her safety.

The fact that she could now sleep soundly on a soft bed was a testament to the security Jasmine provided.

Adele loved the gentle, submissive Jasmine, the vulnerable one who needed her protection. She would cherish and care for her with all her heart. But Adele also loved the powerful Jasmine, the one who could protect her and allow her to be vulnerable.

In short, she loved Jasmine, no matter who she was.

Adele slept soundly, and when she woke up, she realized that Jasmine was no longer beside her. But Jasmine’s scent lingered on the sheets, a faint floral fragrance. Adele, still groggy, snuggled into Jasmine’s pillow, rubbing her cheek against it.

Before she could enjoy it for long, she heard Jasmine’s voice, “Miss, if you’re awake, get up.”

Adele turned around, slightly embarrassed, and saw Jasmine sitting on a chair beside a table with a teapot and teacups. Adele sat up on the bed, smoothing her hair in an attempt to appear more composed.

Jasmine urged her again, and Adele, feeling flustered, climbed out of bed and sat opposite Jasmine. As she sat down, she stumbled slightly, catching herself with her foot. The inn’s furniture was so dilapidated that even the chair legs were wobbly. If she hadn’t steadied herself, she would have fallen.

Once Adele was seated, Jasmine poured her a cup of black tea, adding two sugar cubes. It was, of course, artificial blood that Jasmine had brought from Blake Castle. It was expensive and hard to come by, something Jasmine couldn’t afford on her own.

Besides, what was better than free stuff? Jasmine had planned to wander the world with Adele, so she had brought plenty of artificial blood.

Adele picked up the teacup. She wasn’t really hungry, thanks to Jasmine’s blood, which was surprisingly filling. But Jasmine had made her tea, and it would be rude to refuse. She took a sip.

Vampires were sensitive to cold, and winter hadn’t ended yet. The walls of the cheap inn were thin, letting the chilly wind seep through the cracks. Adele shivered slightly. But the warm tea spread through her body, chasing away the cold.

After finishing her tea, Jasmine asked, “Should we go directly to Spark Farm now?”

Adele considered it, then she shook her head. “School starts in a few months, and I’m the top student. I have to give a speech. Let’s go to Spark Farm in a month or two.” Jasmine looked at her questioningly: What are we going to do until then?

Adele, her eyes sparkling with excitement, proposed something Jasmine hadn’t expected. “I want to visit the Human Resistance Army base!”

If any other vampire had made this request, Jasmine would have already obliterated them, suspecting them of wanting to report the base’s location to the Council for extermination. But Adele was different. Her curiosity was genuine, and she truly believed in the possibility of peaceful coexistence between humans and vampires.

Initially, Jasmine had planned to take Adele to the base, prepared for potential conflict. But now that the time had come, she hesitated. Adele would undoubtedly be unwelcome there, possibly even ostracized.

Jasmine set down her teacup. “I have to warn you, if you go there, you won’t be welcomed. You might even be hated.”

“I know!” Adele didn’t seem bothered at all. “I’m a vampire. It’s natural for humans to hate me. But if I want to build a future where we can coexist peacefully, I have to interact with them. Not just humans, but otherworldly beings as well. If I can’t even take the first step, how can I achieve anything?”

Honestly, even now, Jasmine thought Adele’s ideas were a bit naive. But Adele’s dream was compelling, and Jasmine was willing to work towards it. Unlike Jasmine’s initial, somewhat childish goal of making history, Adele had a truly noble ideal.

Even if she found the dream a little absurd, Jasmine wouldn’t discourage Adele. After all, Adele was truly committed to it.

So, Jasmine was persuaded. She would take Adele to the Human Resistance Army base.

However, getting there was a problem. They couldn’t take an airship. Adele was still a fugitive from the Blake family. Jasmine could travel at supersonic speeds, reaching the base in half a night, but Adele wouldn’t be able to withstand such a journey.

It was already freezing cold. If she carried Adele at supersonic speeds, Adele would turn into an ice sculpture.

Chapter 92: A Kiss, Please

Seeing Jasmine’s silence, Adele realized that Jasmine herself hadn’t figured out the answer.

Adele’s grip on Jasmine’s hand tightened. Following her heart, she poured out all her thoughts, “Jasmine, I don’t care. I don’t care if you’re Lady Dawn, or what your position is in the Human Resistance Army. No matter who you are, the thirteen years you’ve spent with me are real.”

“You asked me before if I liked you. You know the answer now, don’t you? So now, I want to ask you, do you like me?”

Adele looked at Jasmine, her face calm, not a trace of her usual blush. Jasmine knew that Adele was a tsundere. For her to say so much in one breath was already pushing her limits. There was only one reason she could do this: she was afraid of Jasmine leaving her.

Adele’s eyes were sincere, and under that gaze, Jasmine couldn’t lie. “I like you,” she admitted.

Adele visibly relaxed, but before she could fully let go of her anxieties, Jasmine continued, “But there are many things between us. I can’t abandon the Human Resistance Army. Humans have been oppressed for far too long. I can’t let them continue suffering. Adele, we’re on different sides. As long as I live, I will continue to fight against those who oppress humans, including vampires. You have no idea how many vampires have died by my hand.”

Adele didn’t understand. “How are we on different sides?”

Jasmine was taken aback by her question. “But I’m human, and you’re a vampire…”

“Just because we’re different races, you assume we’re on different sides?!” Adele was indignant. “We’ve been together for thirteen years, practically inseparable since we were six years old. Don’t you know me at all?!” She snorted. “At Spark Farm, I’ve been working to improve the lives of humans. Don’t you see that? Jasmine, I have my own thoughts and beliefs. I choose my side based on my own judgment, not on my race. Aren’t there humans who side with vampires for personal gain?”

—Not only are there, but there are many.

Jasmine looked at Adele, speechless. Because—Adele was absolutely right! Even in her previous life, throughout human history, there had been countless wars where individuals had transcended national and social boundaries, fighting for the oppressed, even against their own countries.

Even when their own nations were at their weakest, there had been international allies offering support. If people only chose sides based on their own backgrounds, there wouldn’t have been so many heroes in history. Jasmine hadn’t expected Adele to become such a hero. After a long silence, she finally spoke, “Adele, are you saying… you want to help the Human Resistance Army fight against vampires?”

Adele hesitated, then she shook her head. “I can’t directly attack vampires. If they haven’t done anything wrong, they’re no different from the oppressed humans in my eyes. But I can offer you a safe haven, a place where you can grow and thrive. Perhaps… Jasmine, you could also give vampires a chance, to see if peaceful coexistence is possible?”

Jasmine’s immediate reaction was disbelief. Vampires were parasites, feeding on humans. How could they possibly coexist peacefully? But Adele had a different perspective. “Actually, there are many low-ranking vampires in our society who don’t hold positions of power like Oakham. Many are just maids or servants, performing the same tasks as humans. Compared to high-ranking vampires, they lack power and longevity. Apart from a few minor physical differences, they’re essentially no different from humans.”

“And there are other weak, otherworldly beings as well. Like the rabbit people, who have very little ancestral blood left. They’re essentially human, except for their rabbit ears. And as far as I know, many otherworldly beings can interbreed with humans, producing half-breeds.”

Adele argued passionately, her words sounding idealistic to Jasmine. Jasmine had only been focused on humans, devoting all her free time to uniting them and forming the Human Resistance Army. She hadn’t considered uniting low-ranking vampires and otherworldly beings, but they were indeed oppressed, just like humans.

“Jasmine, you said that the strong should protect the weak. Aren’t they also weak? I believe that humans can coexist peacefully with these low-ranking vampires and otherworldly beings.”

Jasmine swallowed hard. She thought Adele’s ideas were naive, but she couldn’t help but admire her idealism. She opened her mouth to speak, but Adele beat her to it. “Jasmine, don’t reject me outright. Give me a chance. Let’s try.”

This time, Adele extended her hand towards Jasmine, just like Jasmine had done earlier at the tree hollow. After a long moment of contemplation, Jasmine finally took Adele’s hand.

As their hands met, Adele sighed with relief. She had been nervous, just like when she had been trying to convince her father in his study. She was now trying to convince Jasmine, with the same level of determination. But there was a difference: she was being completely honest with Jasmine.

This idea had taken root in her mind the moment she realized that Jasmine was Lady Dawn. She admitted that it had been a sudden, impulsive thought, but as Jasmine bathed, Adele had thought about it more and more, realizing its potential. Unlike Jasmine, who was solely focused on humans, Adele cared about all the weak and oppressed.

When Jasmine took her hand, Adele knew that she was equally important to Jasmine, that Jasmine was willing to give her a chance.

Now that they understood each other’s feelings, Adele’s mind raced with possibilities. She couldn’t help but ask, “Then… can I drink your blood?” Surely, Jasmine would agree this time, right? Although she had just drunk Jasmine’s blood yesterday and wasn’t hungry at all, having even hypnotized her mother and fought her maids before running away, Jasmine’s blood was so potent that she still felt energized and powerful.

She wasn’t hungry, but the thought of drinking Jasmine’s blood was intoxicating. She had even forgotten about her previous meticulous plans for each feeding.

Jasmine wouldn’t refuse her, right?

Adele, brimming with confidence, leaned in… and was rejected.

“No.”

“Eh???” Before Adele could protest, Jasmine reached out, her fingertip resting on Adele’s forehead. “Miss Adele, it’s getting late. If you don’t sleep now, it’ll be dawn soon.” Adele didn’t resist, letting Jasmine guide her back onto the bed.

Adele tossed and turned, hugging her pillow, then she couldn’t help but ask another question, “If I can’t drink your blood, can I have a kiss?” She was prepared for Jasmine’s rejection. After all, it was a bold request, one that Jasmine wouldn’t likely accept.

But she still asked, hoping for a miracle.

And to her surprise, the miracle happened. After a moment’s thought, Jasmine said, “Okay.”

“Eh???”

Adele was stunned again. But before she could fully process it, she saw Jasmine leaning towards her, her hand braced on the bed. Adele froze, unsure what to do with her hands. As she was panicking, Jasmine’s lips brushed against her cheek. Adele’s cheek was cold, but Jasmine’s lips were warm.

Her lips were so soft, so light, like a flower petal gently touching her skin. And as Jasmine leaned closer, Adele caught a whiff of her unique fragrance.

Then Jasmine pulled away, as fleeting as a dragonfly skimming the water’s surface. But Adele’s face instantly flushed crimson. She buried her face in the pillow, mortified. Jasmine, however, seemed unfazed. She patted Adele’s shoulder, then lifted the blanket and lay down.

Only then did Adele realize: I’m sharing a bed with Jasmine tonight!

It made sense. Jasmine probably didn’t have much money. She had almost gritted her teeth when asked to pay for the room. Ten silver coins was a fortune to her. So, it was impossible for them to get two rooms. The only option was to share a bed.

Adele had been kissed, and she was sharing a bed with Jasmine. She thought she wouldn’t be able to sleep. But Jasmine’s faint fragrance filled her senses, lulling her to sleep. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she finally drifted off.

She even had a dream. In her dream, Jasmine kissed her cheek, just like before. But the setting was much more romantic: an elegant restaurant with soft lighting, a table laden with Jasmine’s favorite foods. Jasmine, filled with gratitude, had kissed her cheek. As Adele dreamed this, she realized that their first kiss had happened in such a shabby place!

And…

Even in her sleep, she couldn’t help but mumble, her dream mirroring reality, “A kiss… a kiss on the cheek is too perfunctory…”

Jasmine, lying beside her, opened her eyes. “You foolish girl…”

Chapter 91: Questions and Answers

Adele’s lifestyle was a bit extravagant. First, she only drank artificial blood, which looked like powdered milk but was sold in 100-gram increments at an exorbitant price. To sustain Adele’s daily expenses would require a considerable fortune.

Just thinking about the cost of artificial blood gave Jasmine a headache. And that wasn’t even considering other expenses, like clothes and jewelry. Adele’s nightgowns were all silk, a single gown costing the equivalent of Jasmine’s annual salary. And those were just her sleepwear. Jasmine didn’t even dare to look at the price tags of Adele’s formal dresses, fearing that the mere sight of them would give her a heart attack. Even Adele’s casual clothes were expensive, and she never wore the same outfit more than three times.

Damn, how can I afford to support her?

Jasmine wavered. If it comes down to it, I’ll just let her drink my blood when she’s hungry. Jasmine was strong and healthy. Even if Adele drained her blood, she could recover quickly. Most importantly, her blood was free, much cheaper than artificial blood.

Then she remembered Adele’s bank card, which must hold a significant amount of money. Jasmine sighed again. What good is a bank card if she’s run away from home? Surely, her parents would have frozen her accounts. It was the first thing parents did in those novels when their children rebelled.

Lost in these absurd thoughts, Jasmine returned to Adele’s room. Adele was still in the same position as when Jasmine had left, but her hair was mostly dry now. Adele had never dried her own hair before, always relying on Jasmine. Although she had almost managed to dry it herself, her hair was now a tangled mess.

Jasmine paused, a smile appearing on her face. She took the towel from Adele’s hand, picked up a comb, and gently brushed Adele’s hair until it was smooth and sleek. After finishing, she sat down beside Adele.

Adele shifted slightly, making space for Jasmine. An awkward silence fell between them. Then, as if on cue, they both spoke at the same time, “You…” They turned to look at each other, seeing the unspoken questions in each other’s eyes.

Adele hesitated, then gestured for Jasmine to speak first. Jasmine, not wanting to waste time, asked directly, “I heard at the castle that you injured the Lady and ran away…”

Adele’s eyes widened in shock. Seeing her reaction, Jasmine realized: It must be a rumor! Adele didn’t hurt the Lady. Adele explained, “I… I didn’t hurt Mother. I just used hypnosis to keep her in her room. Her maids tried to stop me as I was leaving, so we fought, and I managed to escape.”

“Then why did you run away?”

This was what Jasmine couldn’t understand. According to the maids, Adele had run away after injuring her mother. That story had seemed somewhat believable. But now that she knew Adele hadn’t harmed the Lady, why had she run away?

Adele blushed slightly. “Well… I was fighting, and then I ended up outside the castle, and I ran into some guards, and then…”

Jasmine vaguely understood. Adele hadn’t intended to run away, but the situation had escalated, and it would have been awkward not to flee. After clearing up this misunderstanding, another silence fell between them. Jasmine couldn’t help but ask, “So… are you going back?”

Adele answered without hesitation, “No way. It might have been a misunderstanding, but I’m already out. Why would I go back? If I do, Mother will definitely lock me up again. And…” Her face flushed, and she glanced at Jasmine, her voice filled with concern, “If I go back, Mother will definitely target you!”

“But if you don’t go back, where will you go?”

Jasmine had initially thought that if Adele had nowhere to go, she would take her to the Human Resistance Army base. If they could coexist peacefully, that would be ideal. If not, she would travel the world with Adele, spreading the seeds of rebellion, joining the Human Resistance Army when they needed her as a weapon, fighting for their cause.

That was basically how she had been living her life so far.

But it had all been a misunderstanding! Even if her identity hadn’t been exposed, if Adele had been captured and brought back, she would have just been confined and starved again! Jasmine felt a twinge of regret, but not much. The Lady had been determined to break Adele’s will, making her suffer to force her to submit.

The Lady did have some maternal love for Adele, after all, she was her flesh and blood. But it wasn’t much. As the Lady, she didn’t need to personally care for Adele. She only needed to appear before her occasionally and offer guidance. Jasmine didn’t know what Adele’s life had been like before she turned six, but after that, it was Jasmine who had been by her side.

They were practically inseparable every day. Jasmine had seen the Lady many times during those thirteen years, but she never stayed long. Could a mother who barely spent any time with her daughter truly love her? Most importantly, it wasn’t because the Lady was too busy. She simply didn’t think it was necessary.

Adele had countless servants at her beck and call. The Lady probably thought that was enough.

The Blake patriarch and the Lady weren’t good parents, at least in Jasmine’s eyes. Adele might be a good child, but that was because Jasmine had raised her. Look at the second miss, spoiled and unruly, a classic brat.

Jasmine didn’t have a good opinion of the Lady, especially after Adele’s confinement. But she couldn’t think of any other place Adele could go. Besides Blake Castle, where else could she live in luxury? Jasmine hadn’t realized that it wasn’t that important to Adele.

In fact, Adele had her own ideas.

Hearing Jasmine’s question, Adele’s eyes lit up. “Spark Farm.”

Jasmine was stunned. “Spark Farm?” she repeated, confused.

“Yes, Spark Farm is my personal property now.” Adele said this with a hint of pride, her eyes shining. “You asked me not to abandon it, remember? I promised you, and I intend to keep my promise. I completed the paperwork a few days after returning home. Spark Farm is now under my name. Even Father and Mother can’t take it away from me.”

“…” Jasmine hadn’t expected this. She hadn’t expected Adele to act so quickly. With Jasmine’s frugal mindset, she would have waited until just before graduation to buy Spark Farm, taking advantage of the fact that the school would let her manage it for free, even without ownership.

But Adele had acted decisively, securing ownership of Spark Farm as soon as she returned home.

Adele continued, “And I told Father that I would develop Spark Farm and the surrounding area into a city that rivals any in the world. If I succeed, the Blake family will never force me into a marriage I don’t want.”

This was the deal she had made with her father. Even the Blake patriarch had been surprised by her proposal. He knew Spark Farm. It was remote and cold. Turning it into a major city? It sounded like a joke.

But Adele might just have the talent to pull it off. So, after a moment’s thought, he agreed. After all, there was no risk for him. If Adele succeeded, it would prove her exceptional abilities, and countless vampire suitors would flock to her. With her high standards, she would surely find a suitable husband.

If she failed, it would mean she still needed guidance, a few more years under the Blake family’s protection. It would also give them time to resolve the conflict between Adele and her mother. It was a win-win situation.

So, the Blake patriarch had readily agreed, only to betray Adele when the Lady confronted him.

Hearing Adele’s explanation, Jasmine realized that there wasn’t actually any irreconcilable conflict between Adele and her father. Her impulsive decision to reveal her true identity now seemed foolish. She sighed, unsure what to say. She could continue staying by Adele’s side as Jasmine. They both knew each other’s feelings. It should have been a happy ending. But in reality, there was an insurmountable barrier between them.

Adele was still the high-ranking vampire heiress, while Jasmine was the symbol and pillar of the Human Resistance Army.

Adele, perceptive as always, sensed Jasmine’s sudden gloom. She panicked, feeling that if she didn’t do something, Jasmine would leave her. So, she blurted out, “What about you, Jasmine?”

Jasmine was startled. “What?”

“Where are you going? Are you going to abandon me and return to your own kind? Or will you stay with me, like before, always by my side?!” As Adele asked this, she reached out and grabbed Jasmine’s hand, her fingers intertwining with Jasmine’s.

Adele was truly sharp. She had already sensed Jasmine’s thoughts. The moment Jasmine’s identity had been revealed, their paths had diverged. They could choose to walk different roads now.

Facing Adele’s question, Jasmine fell silent.

Chapter 90: Back Scrub

Under Jasmine’s curious gaze, Adele voiced her concern, her eyes wide with fear and sympathy. “Jasmine, were you… were you peeked at by some male creature while you were bathing?”

After asking this, she became indignant, her teeth gritted in anger. “Who was it? Which bastard dared to do such a thing?! Scum like that doesn’t deserve to live! I’ll grind their bones to dust!”

Of course, Jasmine had never been peeked at. With her sharp ears and sensitive nose, if anyone tried to intrude while she was bathing, she could wrap herself up tightly before they even entered, ensuring they wouldn’t see a thing. She could even give them a glimpse of hell.

But she disliked public bathhouses, so she had never encountered such a situation. However, after spending so much time in the outside world, she knew what went on in those places. She had rescued several young girls from public bathhouses while working with the Human Resistance Army.

Those male creatures didn’t barge into bathhouses simply to catch a glimpse of naked girls. They had ulterior motives. Jasmine wondered if those she had dealt with were regretting their actions in hell now.

Logically, Adele shouldn’t have asked such a question. Jasmine was too powerful to be subjected to such harassment. But in Adele’s mind, Jasmine was still a weak and vulnerable human. She hadn’t adjusted to the reality of Jasmine’s strength, hence her question.

Jasmine couldn’t help but retort, “Miss, can’t you have a little more faith in me?”

Her slightly harsh tone snapped Adele out of her delusion. Right, no male creature could possibly barge into a bathhouse while Lady Dawn was bathing. Realizing her foolish question, Adele blushed with embarrassment.

Jasmine had already checked the water temperature. She drew the curtains, secured the door, and told Adele to come over so she could help her wash up. Hearing this, Adele’s face turned even redder, and she became even more flustered. “I can do it myself. You don’t have to…”

But Jasmine interrupted, “You have a lot of dirt on your back, Miss. You can’t reach it yourself. Let me help you.” Perhaps because she was older now, Jasmine didn’t feel any shyness, even though she knew they both liked each other.

After all, she had already helped Adele bathe several times before.

Jasmine had thoroughly cleaned a large wooden basin and filled it with warm water. Adele knew she was dirty, and seeing the basin of hot water, she finally overcame her embarrassment and nodded. But she wrapped herself in a towel, and only after Jasmine’s urging did she turn her back to Jasmine, undress, wrap the towel around herself again, and carefully step into the basin.

As she settled into the water, some of it spilled over the edge, landing on the wooden floor. Jasmine ignored it and picked up a washcloth, preparing to scrub Adele’s back. She knew Adele was easily embarrassed, so she decided to just wash her back and hair, leaving the rest to Adele.

She dipped the washcloth in the water, poured some water from a nearby bucket over Adele’s head, and then gently washed her hair. Adele’s hair was soft and smooth. The dirt and leaves quickly came off.

After washing her hair, Jasmine lifted it, preparing to wash Adele’s back. She gathered Adele’s hair in her hand, letting it fall over her shoulder and onto her chest. She pulled down Adele’s towel slightly, exposing her back.

Actually, most of the dirt had already been rubbed off by the towel, revealing Adele’s smooth, pale skin. Vampires had pale skin, and Adele’s was particularly fair. As Jasmine touched Adele’s back with the wet washcloth, Adele shivered.

To be precise, she flinched, and Jasmine, with her sharp eyes, saw goosebumps appear on her neck and behind her ears. Only after the washcloth touched her skin did Adele relax slightly, but her back remained stiff.

Through the washcloth, Jasmine could feel how smooth and soft Adele’s skin was. The washcloth almost slipped off. This was the first time Jasmine had bathed Adele while she was conscious, and it was also the first time she realized that Adele had grown into a beautiful young woman.

Adele’s hands clutched the towel tightly against her chest, her slender neck, delicate shoulders, and smooth back exposed. A few strands of silver hair, escaping Jasmine’s grasp, clung to her back, damp and almost invisible. But once you noticed them, your gaze couldn’t help but linger.

Those strands of hair weren’t just on Adele’s back. They also tugged at Jasmine’s heart. At that moment, she had to admit that Adele was incredibly alluring. Her hand holding the washcloth twitched. She extended her index finger, placing it on top of the washcloth, and gently touched Adele’s back with her fingertip.

As she had imagined, Adele’s skin was incredibly smooth and soft, almost magnetic, making her reluctant to withdraw her touch.

Jasmine’s fingertip was warm, and Adele couldn’t tell if it was warmer than the water in the basin. But this touch, completely different from the washcloth, made her tense up again. Her grip on the towel tightened, and she shivered.

The tingling sensation from Jasmine’s fingertip spread through her body, making her feel like a startled cat.

Adele turned her head, her eyes accusing. Seeing this, Jasmine stopped teasing her and focused on scrubbing her back. After a while, she put down the washcloth, stood up, and said to Adele, “Your back is clean now, Miss. Can you handle the rest yourself?”

Adele nodded vigorously, eager for Jasmine to leave, not even bothering to turn around and speak. Her face must be bright red now. She didn’t want Jasmine to see it. And she refused to admit that she was blushing because of Jasmine. It was definitely because she had been in the hot water for too long!

Seeing Adele’s agreement, Jasmine left the room. She made sure that no one was passing by before opening the door and stepping outside. As she closed the door, she heard the sound of running water inside. Jasmine’s ears turned slightly red.

Adele had always been the shy one, blushing easily at Jasmine’s slightest actions or words. Jasmine, on the other hand, had always been calm and composed. After all, her persona was that of a stoic, aloof beauty. If she wasn’t calm, she wouldn’t be very “ice queen,” would she? So, she had always maintained her composure. Even outside her role, Jasmine’s true personality was largely defined by her calmness.

Combining both her lives, she was middle-aged now. Unlike the Lady, whose long life was merely an accumulation of experience, Jasmine had truly matured. Although her maturity was still layered with a touch of chuunibyou, even a vampire who had lived for hundreds or thousands of years might not be as mature as her.

And yet, this calm and composed Jasmine was now blushing because of Adele’s back.

—This makes me seem like a pervert…

Jasmine tried to deny it, but it was true. To hide her blush, she transformed into her Lady Dawn attire. She stood guard outside the door, her back straight. Occasionally, other guests passed by, glancing at the black-clad figure with the black veil.

Jasmine glared back at them. Lady Dawn’s aura was intimidating. These pathetic creatures, hiding in this rundown inn, couldn’t withstand her gaze. They scurried away, muttering under their breath. Jasmine snorted. Cowards.

If they had been stronger, the encounter might have escalated into a classic confrontation: What are you looking at? What are you going to do about it? Keep looking, and I’ll show you what I can do.

Jasmine let her mind wander, thinking about random things to distract herself from the sounds coming from inside the room. After a while, Adele finally called out, indicating that she was done. Jasmine opened the door and saw Adele sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a soft nightgown.

It was one of the nightgowns Jasmine had brought from Blake Castle, made of smooth silk. Adele’s hair was still damp, wrapped in a towel. She was gently drying it. The sheets on the bed were also from Blake Castle, clearly expensive.

Despite wearing a simple nightgown, Adele’s inherent nobility clashed with the shabby surroundings. The room was rundown, with yellowed walls, decaying wood, and old, mismatched furniture. It didn’t suit her at all.

Jasmine walked in, picked up the basin of leftover bathwater, and was about to empty it when Adele bit her lip and asked shyly, “Jasmine, aren’t you going to bathe?”

—No, I’m not going to use your bathwater.

Jasmine conveyed her silent accusation with a look, just like Adele had done earlier. Adele coughed, realizing her question was nonsensical. “Come back soon,” she said.

Jasmine did come back soon. She had simply rinsed herself off in the public bathhouse and returned quickly. Firstly, the bathhouse was truly unpleasant. Secondly, some idiot had actually tried to barge in while she was bathing. The bathhouse had become a bloodbath, and Jasmine had even looted the perpetrator’s wallet.

The guests staying at this cheap inn weren’t wealthy.

Jasmine worried: How am I going to support Miss Adele?

Chapter 89: Don’t Tell Me… 

Adele was a rational person. She didn’t believe that vampire rule could continue smoothly forever. The most important reason was that the vampires had overextended themselves. Just like Spark Farm, there were so many humans, yet they were managed by a single incompetent, low-ranking vampire.

After Adele had crippled Oakham, the humans could have easily overthrown him if they had worked together. The same applied to other farms and blood banks.

The vampire population was too small, the human population too large, the land too vast, and otherworldly beings were lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity. From Adele’s perspective, it was only a matter of time before something went wrong.

This wasn’t the first time humans had rebelled. Throughout history, there had been countless uprisings, but they had mostly been isolated incidents, small-scale rebellions at individual farms or blood banks, quickly quelled by the vampires.

The vampires’ overwhelming power had always crushed these feeble attempts at resistance, followed by even harsher oppression. But this Human Resistance Army was different. In Adele’s eyes, previous rebellions had been disorganized and fragmented, but this time, they were united, their actions planned and coordinated.

More importantly, they had grown in scale, no longer just a nuisance.

Could the vampires continue to suppress them and maintain their rule? Even if they could, what about the next time? And the time after that? When dealing with otherworldly beings, vampires could simply kill them all, wiping out entire races.

But they couldn’t do that with humans. There was a delicate symbiotic relationship between them, or rather, a parasitic relationship where vampires relied on humans. Vampires needed human blood. Among all species, human blood was unique to vampires. It was not only delicious but also enhanced their powers.

If they only drank the blood of other animals, like pigs, cows, or sheep, their magical abilities and healing powers would be halved. Their advantage over otherworldly beings would vanish. Therefore, vampires couldn’t afford to kill all humans. If they did, their own extinction wouldn’t be far behind.

Moreover, among the countless books in the Blake family’s library, some ancient texts mentioned that tens of thousands of years ago, in ancient times, humans weren’t slaves to vampires. On the contrary, they had been the rulers of the world. Many vampires scoffed at these records, refusing to believe that humans could ever have been powerful enough to rule over vampires.

But if one carefully examined the current structure of vampire society, one could find evidence supporting these claims. Many aspects of vampire culture, their social structure, and even their most important system, the blood bank, had been created by humans.

The seemingly stable vampire rule was actually teetering on the brink of collapse, both internally and externally.

Besides, Adele personally disliked this oppressive rule. She didn’t care if others called her a rebel or a traitor. She simply hated this forceful subjugation.

Perhaps because she had spent so much time with Jasmine, she wanted to stand beside her, as an equal. After realizing her feelings, she knew she didn’t want to be Jasmine’s master, but her lover.

She longed for a peaceful society, a world where she could walk hand-in-hand with Jasmine without facing prejudice, a world where they could openly declare their love.

This might sound naive, but it was Adele’s true desire. Previously, she hadn’t known that Jasmine was Lady Dawn of the Human Resistance Army. She had thought Jasmine was weak and vulnerable. So, she had shouldered all the responsibility, trying to carve a path where she could protect Jasmine and ensure her happiness.

But now, knowing that Jasmine was the leader of the Human Resistance Army, a powerful individual, she could choose to share the burden, to work together with Jasmine to create the world she dreamed of. Having realized this, Adele no longer hesitated, following closely behind Jasmine, afraid of being left behind.

Of course, Jasmine wouldn’t let go of her hand. She led Adele into “After Dusk.” Their combination didn’t attract any attention. Jasmine had masked her scent, making her race undetectable. Even though she looked human, her unusual scent prevented others from perceiving her as such.

And while she couldn’t completely mask Adele’s vampiric scent, the presence of a vampire in “After Dusk” wasn’t unusual. Vampires had their own laws, and those who broke them faced punishment, even execution. Some vampires, to avoid capture by the Council of Elders, would flee to lawless zones like this.

Actually, the Council of Elders was quite lenient towards lawbreakers, deliberately giving them time to escape. Even their pursuit was mostly for show. Unless a vampire committed a serious crime, like killing another vampire, they wouldn’t be relentlessly hunted down. Of course, “killing another vampire” referred to subordinates killing their superiors. No one cared about Adele killing the school doctor in self-defense.

Therefore, many vampire criminals still enjoyed a comfortable life, and many had fled to “After Dusk.” This lawless zone was a haven for them. They still had their money, and they could indulge their desires without fear of punishment.

There were no rules or regulations in “After Dusk.” It was a true jungle, where strength and wealth reigned supreme. Unfortunately, Jasmine wasn’t wealthy. She could only afford to take Adele to a cheap inn.

The innkeeper looked at them with indifference. When Jasmine said they wanted a room for two nights, he simply stated the price, “Ten silver coins.”

“…” Jasmine took a deep breath. At that moment, she even considered robbing the innkeeper. Did she look like she was rolling in money? Ten silver coins? He might as well be a highwayman! But she had no choice. Dawn was approaching, and they needed a place for Adele to stay.

Jasmine herself could sleep anywhere. She could even wander around and enjoy the sun during the day. But Adele couldn’t. She had to stay out of the sunlight, or she would die. And as a high-ranking noble of the Thirteen Clans, she wouldn’t hide in the sewers. Jasmine couldn’t afford a better place. Ten silver coins it was. She could still afford it.

As Jasmine was about to pay, Adele took out her bank card. Although she had left in a hurry, she hadn’t forgotten her card. But the innkeeper looked at her with a puzzled expression. This wasn’t a bank. What use was a bank card here?

Seeing Adele’s card, Jasmine’s eyes lit up. She knew that card must hold a fortune. She snatched the card from Adele, telling her to put it away, then took out a banknote from her own pocket and placed it on the counter.

The innkeeper took the money and handed them a key. It was old and greasy. Jasmine frowned as she took it. The innkeeper said, “Second floor, corner room on the left, third door.”

Jasmine led Adele up the stairs. The inn was truly rundown. As they climbed the stairs, Jasmine could hear the wood creaking, dust raining down on them. But this was the best she could offer Adele.

They found their room and opened the door. A musty smell wafted out. Jasmine thought for a moment, then cleared a chair for Adele to sit on before rolling up her sleeves and starting to clean the room.

Even though their feelings were now, to some extent, mutual, Adele was still accustomed to being served by Jasmine. So, she didn’t offer to help, simply sitting obediently on the chair, watching Jasmine work.

Jasmine stripped the bed, shoving the old bedding into a dilapidated chest. As she closed the lid, she could feel the hinges loosening, the sound grating on her ears. After disposing of the old bedding, Jasmine opened her suitcase and took out a set of clean sheets and blankets she had brought from Blake Castle, making the bed.

She clapped her hands, inviting Adele to grace the bed with her presence.

But Adele touched her hair, her face twisting in discomfort. “Jasmine, I want to take a bath.”

Jasmine shattered her illusion. “Miss Adele, there are no private bathrooms here. If you want to bathe, you’ll have to use the public bathhouse. And there are no guards here. Some male creature might barge in while you’re bathing.”

Adele’s face paled. As a sheltered young lady, she wasn’t familiar with such things. But… she was truly filthy. She had crawled through a tree hollow, and damp, decaying leaves clung to her clothes. She hadn’t noticed it before, but now that she was sitting still, the smell was bothering her.

Jasmine sighed, seeing the discomfort on Adele’s face. She knew what Adele was thinking. “Miss, wait here. I’ll fetch some water.”

She found a clean wooden bucket, borrowed a kettle from the innkeeper, heated some water in the kitchen, and returned to the room. Seeing her carrying the bucket, Adele sighed with relief. She had been truly worried that she would have to use the public bathhouse.

The idea of a public bathhouse was intriguing, but the thought of some male creature barging in made her skin crawl. She wondered anxiously, How does Jasmine know about these things? Don’t tell me… don’t tell me…

Unpleasant thoughts filled her mind. She looked at Jasmine with an unreadable expression. Jasmine, having just checked the water temperature, turned around and saw Adele’s gaze.

She couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “?”

Chapter 88: Together With Her

The moon was bright tonight, but thick clouds drifted across the sky, obscuring its light. The already dim forest grew even darker without the moon’s illumination. But then the clouds shifted, allowing the moonlight to bathe the earth once more, falling upon Jasmine.

Adele had never seen Jasmine like this before. She didn’t even know what to say. They both fell silent. As the silence stretched, Jasmine’s eyes dimmed, and she began to lower her outstretched hand.

Although Jasmine called her a “foolish miss,” Adele was actually quite intelligent and perceptive. Just by observing Jasmine’s expression and subtle movements, she sensed the disappointment growing in her heart.

She didn’t want Jasmine to feel disappointed. Her body reacted before her mind could catch up. She stumbled towards Jasmine and grabbed her hand. “Okay,” she said, “Let’s elope.”

She didn’t understand why Jasmine had become Lady Dawn, but one thing was certain: Lady Dawn was powerful.

Hearing Adele’s agreement, Jasmine’s mood brightened considerably. She thought, First, we need to find a place to stay. This tree hollow won’t do. It was only big enough for Adele to fit inside. Was she supposed to stand outside and talk to Adele? And staying in this hollow would be dangerous for Adele when dawn arrived.

It wasn’t completely sealed. Although the forest was dark, sunlight would still penetrate through the gaps. If the sunlight touched Adele’s skin, it would burn her, leaving painful wounds. Besides, being exposed to sunlight wasn’t a pleasant experience for vampires.

Jasmine remembered Oakham’s agonizing screams when he had been exposed to the sun. She didn’t want Adele to suffer the same fate. So, she decided to take Adele somewhere safe. She explained this briefly to Adele, then, under Adele’s incredulous gaze, she swept Adele into her arms.

She was still carrying her suitcase, but lifting Adele felt like lifting a feather, effortless.

The sudden movement startled Adele, but the fact that Jasmine was holding her in a princess carry brought a blush to her face. She whispered, “This is the first time Jasmine has given me a princess carry…”

“Not the first time.”

“!” Adele froze, looking up at Jasmine, who explained, “I also carried you like this when you fainted during the first semester.”

—That doesn’t count. I don’t even remember it.

Without further ado, Jasmine leaped onto a tree branch, Adele still in her arms. Traveling through the canopy was much faster than walking on the ground. This was a lesson Jasmine had learned from her many secret excursions over the past thirteen years. Adele, to maintain her balance, had to hold onto Jasmine’s neck.

Adele’s mind was filled with questions. She was completely bewildered. She couldn’t believe that Jasmine was Lady Dawn. But now wasn’t the time to ask. So, she swallowed her questions. More than Jasmine’s identity, she was preoccupied with the sensation of being held in Jasmine’s arms.

In her mind, Jasmine had always been a frail human girl. Adele had assumed that Jasmine couldn’t possibly carry her. She was relatively plump, her weight hovering around 50 kilograms. It wasn’t a weight that Jasmine could easily carry.

Adele had imagined that even if Jasmine managed to lift her, she would be shaky and unsteady, likely to stumble. But Jasmine was carrying her as effortlessly as a kitten. And Jasmine’s embrace was warm and soft. Humans had higher body temperatures than vampires. It was still winter, and the cold wind chilled Adele’s face, making her want to burrow deeper into Jasmine’s arms.

Jasmine’s embrace was so comforting that Adele wanted to stay there forever.

Jasmine was incredibly fast. With her agile movements, they reached the airship port in just half an hour, bypassing it swiftly. Within an hour, they had left the Blake family’s territory.

This was already Jasmine controlling her speed. If she were alone, she could have crossed the Blake territory in fifteen minutes. Her speed was that astonishing. Worried about Adele getting cold, Jasmine even used threads to weave a blanket, wrapping it around Adele.

Her destination was clear: a lawless zone, where she would find an inn for Adele to stay in. Of course, a lawless zone meant chaos. There might be otherworldly beings lurking in the shadows, waiting to rob a seemingly wealthy vampire noble during the day.

But with Jasmine there, any otherworldly being who tried to cause trouble for Adele would only end up regretting it. They arrived before dawn, and before entering the town, Jasmine draped a black cloak over Adele, concealing her identity.

She then transformed into the infamous Lady Dawn, right before Adele’s eyes. Adele’s gaze was unreadable, as if she were thinking: So, you’re not hiding it anymore? You’re doing this right in front of me?

Jasmine ignored Adele’s gaze for now. They had already eloped. It was too late for pretense. After changing, she took Adele’s hand and led her into the lawless zone.

This lawless zone had a name that clashed with Jasmine’s: “After Dusk,” signifying the approaching night, the time for nocturnal beings to come alive. It was the complete opposite of Jasmine’s “Lady Dawn” title used by the Human Resistance Army. But Jasmine wasn’t petty enough to destroy the entire town just because its name clashed with hers.

Adele walked behind Jasmine, her gaze fixed on their joined hands. Jasmine’s body temperature was higher than Adele’s. As a vampire, Adele was naturally colder than a human. It was still winter, and although spring was approaching, the air was still chilly.

Adele didn’t like winter, but if she could hold Jasmine’s hand and feel her warmth, she could tolerate it.

When Jasmine had first revealed her true identity as Lady Dawn, Adele had been completely stunned, unable to process the information. For a moment, she had even thought Jasmine was joking.

But being held in Jasmine’s arms, experiencing her strength and speed, Adele had realized that even if Jasmine wasn’t Lady Dawn, she was definitely not weak. She was powerful, her speed far exceeding Adele’s. And after traveling for so long, her breathing was still even, not even a hint of panting. This proved that Jasmine was truly strong.

Adele couldn’t explain how she felt knowing that Jasmine was a powerful being, but she wasn’t afraid. She didn’t fear that Jasmine would harm her.

Because Jasmine had always told her not to bully the weak. Now that Adele was weaker than Jasmine, according to Jasmine’s own principles, she wouldn’t hurt Adele. Jasmine was a good person, and Adele had always adhered to the lessons Jasmine had taught her.

Of course, this principle only applied to those who were truly weak, not villains. But Adele was a good child, not a villain. So, she firmly believed that Jasmine wouldn’t harm her. For a moment, she wondered: If Jasmine is so powerful, why did she stay by my side?

Many normal thoughts crossed Adele’s mind. For example: She’s at Blake Castle, the home of one of the Thirteen Clans. As a powerful member of the Human Resistance Army, her presence here must be for nefarious purposes. Perhaps she’s gathering information, or planning to overthrow our family one day.

But then she thought, If that were the case, she could have gone to any other family. Even though Adele was proud, she had to admit that the Blake family was the weakest among the Thirteen Clans. Why stay with them? Even if she couldn’t infiltrate the White family, the Golden, Green, or Yale* families would be better choices.

And if she was truly gathering information, why stay by Adele’s side, accompanying her to school and even to the remote Spark Farm? Although Adele had insisted on taking Jasmine with her, if Jasmine had claimed to be sick before or after their departure, Adele couldn’t have forced her to come along.

This meant that Jasmine had chosen to stay with her.

While being held in Jasmine’s arms, Adele pieced everything together. Eliminating all other possibilities, only one answer remained, shining brightly in her mind: Because Jasmine… truly loves me. Yes, what other reason could there be?

Adele’s face flushed. I knew it. Jasmine loves me.

This realization brought a sense of triumph. Jasmine had hidden her true identity at Blake Castle for so long, no one suspecting a thing. But hearing that Adele had run away, she had immediately come after her, even revealing her powers and her true identity.

Wasn’t this the best proof of her love?

This thought lifted a weight from Adele’s heart. She had never held any ill will towards the Human Resistance Army. In fact, she admired their courage. Adele could see things from an objective perspective. She knew that one day, humans would rise up.

It was an inevitable historical trend. As long as the oppressed reached their breaking point, they would eventually rise up and fight against their oppressors. The oppressors had only two choices: maintain their rule or be overthrown.

***

耶鲁 (Yē lǔ),” which is the Chinese transliteration of “Yale.” I guess it sounds a little like “yellow.