In Adele’s dorm room, Adele sat on the bed, holding Xiao Ai in her lap, First Snow curled up on her legs, purring contentedly with her tail held high.

The other girls surrounded them, gazing at Adele with gentle and affectionate eyes. They spoke one after another, and Adele listened silently. This was because Adele only had memories up to the point where she was kissed by Jormungandr. She didn’t know what happened afterward, so she needed the other girls to fill in the blanks and explain what had transpired. She needed to understand everything and plan for the future.

It could be seen that Adele, the seemingly delicate girl, was now everyone’s pillar of support. The current situation was complicated, especially with the appearance of the Black Emperor’s remains, which made Dorothy feel alienated and unfamiliar with the Vampire Clan, or rather, with the True Ancestors. She had reason to suspect that the True Ancestors were hiding the truth of history. The most terrifying thought was that they had killed her ancestor. The Vampire Clan couldn’t be trusted. The only ones Dorothy could trust were her otherworldly familiar, Azathoth, and Adele.

But Adele was blushing as she listened.

“S-So...”

“She used that method to give me the True Ancestor’s energy!?” Speaking of this, Dorothy gritted her teeth. But in Jormungandr’s eyes, it would probably just be the barking of a defeated dog.

“I’ll make her pay someday.” But that was destined to be a distant future. Even with Dorothy’s exceptional talent, becoming a True Ancestor would take more than a decade of effort. At least, that’s how it was in the original story’s timeline. It was unknown whether the boost in her rage would accelerate the girl’s progress. But the real problem was that even if she became a True Ancestor, Dorothy still seemed unable to rival that woman named “Jormungandr.” She needed to become even stronger than a True Ancestor, reaching that legendary realm. But how to ascend became a question for the future Dorothy to consider. So these words, instead of being encouraging, made Dorothy feel suffocated. The insurmountable gap was truly despairing.

“...” But what Adele wanted to say was, I didn’t really lose out, did I? Because while Jormungandr kissed her, in a sense, she also kissed Jormungandr. Jormungandr herself was a great beauty, like a divine creation. And she even gave Adele the pure power left by True Ancestor Ron. The current Adele felt that her control over magic had reached a new, transcendental level. It was incredible. Was magic always this easy? Why didn’t I notice before? The elements were at her fingertips, freely changing and twisting into countless forms. If Adele wanted to, she could even temporarily change the weather in an area. In ancient times, controlling wind and rain was a power only gods possessed.

What level have I reached? This was one of the questions Adele was most curious about. But she knew she hadn’t reached the level of a True Ancestor yet. She seemed to be slightly weaker, but by how much?

Speaking of this, Adele felt a bit embarrassed being surrounded by everyone. She used to be the bottom-ranked Sequence Five vampire, but now, through a “lucky encounter,” she had suddenly gained power far surpassing Dorothy, Hermione, and the others. Although Adele knew she was the “protagonist” of this world, she didn’t think this cheat-like power-up was something to be taken for granted. It was unfair to the girls around her, to their efforts...

So Adele restrained her power, and the gathered water element floated out the window, forming a small rain cloud and watering the flowers below.

“So much has happened...”

“In just one day...”

“But I’m fine now, everyone, don’t worry!” Adele forced a natural smile. Fortunately, she wasn’t just trying to comfort the other girls. Adele’s current state was so good that she herself felt a bit embarrassed. Or rather, compared to herself, Adele was more concerned about Teacher Victoria and the angel Seraph...how were they doing?

Perhaps her worried expression was too obvious, and Dorothy noticed her thoughts. So she relayed the message from Bureau Director Yashi, “Don’t worry, Adele, Seraph...is that her name?”

“She’s fine, but she needs us to tell you that she might need some time to recover and will come to you when she’s fully healed.”

Adele’s eyes lit up.

“Really!?” Of course, she wasn’t suspecting that Dorothy and the other girls were lying to her. It was just the normal excited reaction of someone worried when they heard the answer they hoped for. The weight in her heart finally lifted!

Dorothy smiled and nodded. “So, that’s the angel’s name...right?” This was also the question the other girls had, what they were curious about.

Adele nodded. There was nothing to hide now. Since Seraph had already chosen to save her in front of everyone, she couldn’t hide her identity.

“Yes, Seraph, the angel who saved me.”

“She’s also the one who turned me into a witch.”

“Of course! She didn’t have any ulterior motives or bad intentions towards me!”

“Although I still don’t understand why she chose me...” She couldn’t say it was because of protagonist’s halo, so she just glossed over it. Adele thought this way, and the other girls weren’t surprised at all. Perhaps because Adele was such a girl, prone to extraordinary events. Just casually going to the Blood Secret Realm and picking up a daughter, Xiao Ai, and raising her so generously until now...it was truly something.

“Then what about Teacher Victoria!?” Adele asked, her gaze shifting from Dorothy’s face to Sharon’s at the back of the group, wanting to know the answer. Unfortunately, everyone at the time was focused on bringing Adele to safety from Jormungandr and didn’t pay attention to Teacher Victoria’s movements in the end. Also, whether that was still Teacher Victoria...was now a big question hanging over the girls’ heads. Because they had all witnessed Teacher Victoria’s “transformation,” from using magic to using tentacles like an otherworldly monster.

Dorothy had experience making contracts with otherworldly beings. She was very familiar with that aura, a different kind of presence. But this wasn’t something she should tell Adele now. So Dorothy lowered her gaze, thought for a moment, and then said, “Teacher Victoria should be fine.”

“That woman (Jormungandr) wasn’t interested in her, didn’t show any hostility.”

“And the Bureau Director Yashi was there, she would protect Teacher Victoria.”

“I see...” Adele nodded and then sighed, “I hope Teacher Victoria recovers soon.”

“I still want to attend her magic training class.” The girl’s words resonated with the others, who nodded in agreement. This way, the worry in Adele’s heart could be temporarily put aside.

Just like the other girls, seeing Adele wake up, the weight in their hearts finally lifted.

Edith, who had been silent, suddenly said, “Since Adele is fine now, and it’s already late, I’ll go home and not disturb your rest, Adele.” She was probably being considerate of Adele’s feelings, knowing that being surrounded by so many people, although touching for Adele, would also make her uncomfortable.

As soon as Edith finished speaking, several other girls echoed her.

“Then I’ll go back to my dorm too.”

“I’m going home.”

“Contact me in the group chat if anything happens. I’m always available for Adele!”

Adele didn’t try to keep them, because their familiarity and intimacy had reached a level where such politeness was unnecessary. What she did was open her arms, showing that she wanted a hug. Xiao Ai also consciously climbed off Mama’s lap and onto the bed.

Seeing this, Edith was first stunned, then a long-lost smile appeared on her lips. She walked forward and hugged Adele. Feeling the softness and warmth of the petite body before her again, Edith’s heart trembled.

“Rest well, don’t overwork yourself.”

“I will...” Then it was Sharon, Tang Linlang... Adele also whispered to each of them.

The remaining girls lingered for a while, then, feeling the deepening of the night, they all said goodbye. At this time, Adele said, “Dorothy, you...stay tonight.”

A look of surprise flashed across Dorothy’s face. Kaiser seemed a bit jealous and opened her mouth as if wanting to say something, but in the end, she didn’t say anything and turned to leave. Because Kaiser was there, she had also witnessed True Ancestor Ron fusing with a bone fragment and reaching that legendary realm. And as for the origin of that bone...she had a chilling and terrifying guess in her heart, and this guess was confirmed by Dorothy’s frequent absent-mindedness and disbelief. Honestly, just imagining being in Dorothy’s shoes, Kaiser felt like she was in a bottomless abyss, despair in every direction. If Dorothy’s family and the other True Ancestors couldn’t give her a good explanation, Dorothy might lose all hope and trust in the entire Vampire Clan. At that time, she, the Vampire Queen, might completely side with humans because of Adele. For the Vampire Clan, which valued hierarchy and bloodline, this was probably one of the most unacceptable situations, right? Just like in the feudal era in history, when the people were absolutely loyal to their king and proud of their identity as citizens, if the king suddenly pledged allegiance to another country, what would the people think? Just feeling betrayed would be a light consequence.

Hearing Adele’s request, Dorothy blushed, looking surprised and delighted, the deep gloom in her eyes dissipating slightly.

“Okay, I’ll stay and accompany Adele...”

So now, only Adele, First Snow, Xiao Ai, and Dorothy remained in the girl’s bedroom. Adele patted the spot beside her, inviting Dorothy to sit closer. Her eyes were gentle, but also with a hint of ambiguity, the slight smile on her lips like gentle waves lapping against Dorothy’s heart. Dorothy pursed her lips and did as Adele wished, sitting beside the girl.

“Come a little closer.”

“...Okay.” Dorothy moved closer, their shoulders touching. And Adele wasn’t satisfied yet. She even tilted her head and rested it on Dorothy’s shoulder. The girl’s cuteness and softness were fully displayed at this moment.

Dorothy felt her throat dry. If First Snow and Xiao Ai weren’t there, she might really do something impulsive. And it couldn’t be said that it was all Adele’s fault for seducing her. At least, partly...

“Feeling better~?” Adele took Dorothy’s hand and intertwined their fingers, ignoring the others. She understood that when a girl felt deeply betrayed, she needed someone to firmly stand by her side, whether through actions or words, to let her know, I’m still here. I’ll always be here... So, don’t be sad, Dorothy. Be strong, Dorothy. Adele was sensitive to the girl’s feelings and comforted her attentively. And this wasn’t exclusive to Dorothy. All the girls who had a close relationship with Adele would receive such encouragement and “rewards” when they felt down or hurt.

Feeling Adele’s comfort and the caring force in her palm, the tension in Dorothy’s heart finally eased. The girl showed a vulnerability she didn’t want to reveal before Adele, tears welling up in her eyes. But she was still a bit tsundere.

“I-I’m fine...” One of the meanings of sadness was that it needed to be known, it longed to be known. Dorothy lowered her head, ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) trying to hide it, but there was no need. Adele had already put her arm around Dorothy’s shoulder, letting her bury her face in her chest. Well, small is also cute! And useful! The kind that can completely bury your face in is...ugh, I can’t deny that Celeste’s are more...superior. But small and delicate definitely has its advantages. This was undeniable.

Just like now, Dorothy, burying her face in the girl’s chest, finally released her suppressed emotions, receiving warm comfort. Adele gently stroked her hair and shoulder, remaining silent for a long time, letting time wash away something, and letting time deepen something.

First Snow and Xiao Ai exchanged glances and tacitly chose not to disturb them. And not long after, Xiao Ai suddenly tugged First Snow’s tail. First Snow immediately covered her mouth to stifle a meow. She widened her blue eyes, her vertical pupils reflecting Xiao Ai’s flawless face, showing her confusion. Xiao Ai, having gotten Sister First Snow’s attention, leaned close to her ear and whispered something. “...” First Snow thought for a moment and nodded in response. Then, the two little ones carefully climbed off the bed, trying their best to be silent, tiptoeing to the door, and under Adele’s curious gaze, they opened the door and dashed out to the living room downstairs. Xiao Ai didn’t forget to close the door, leaving Adele and Dorothy alone.

Adele was stunned for a moment, then she seemed to understand what the two precocious little ones were thinking. It must have been Xiao Ai’s idea. She’s mature beyond her years, good at reading the atmosphere. She couldn’t help but chuckle.

Indeed, Xiao Ai had said to First Snow, “Let’s go play games in the living room. Sister Dorothy seems to be feeling down. She probably needs Mama’s comfort alone.” First Snow, also being considerate, immediately nodded. She didn’t want to be stared at while crying. That would be too embarrassing!

So the two little ones went to the living room to play games. First Snow was naturally lively and energetic, and as a cat, she didn’t have a fixed sleep schedule. She played when she wanted and slept whenever she wanted, even under the bright sun during the day. A true embodiment of a free spirit. And Xiao Ai, for certain reasons, could also stay up late.

In the room, after venting her emotions, Dorothy successfully soaked Adele’s...chest with tears. At the same time, she seemed to realize that besides receiving Adele’s comfort, she was also cared for by the two little ones. In Dorothy’s long vampire life, she had never been so embarrassed, but it also felt like the surrounding warmth had lifted the burden from her heart, the burden of always having to act like a proud vampire princess. She could finally be true to herself, crying when she wanted to cry, feeling sad when she wanted to feel sad, and laughing when she wanted to laugh.

Adele handed Dorothy a tissue to wipe away the last of her tears, as if wiping away this brief vulnerability and regaining her strength. Dorothy’s eyes gradually regained their focus, a determined glint appearing within.

Adele understood that Dorothy was going to be serious now. So she put on a listening expression, wanting to solve Dorothy’s current confusion and worries. Actually, most of the disaster today was directed at Adele. Fortunately, she was safe and sound in the end, even gaining some benefits, receiving part of True Ancestor Ron’s power. But for Dorothy, even just the aftereffects of the disaster were enough to make her despair. Some secrets were like Pandora’s Box. Once opened, they were destined to unleash unpredictable consequences.

“I think I can no longer face those...True Ancestors and my people who claim to be doing this for my own good, like I used to.”

“You know, Adele, before this, True Ancestor Ron was one of my ancestor’s most ardent and loyal supporters. He said their bond was unbreakable, and he still couldn’t believe that my ancestor, the Black Emperor, was dead.”

“He told me that with such certainty, and hoped that when I grew up, I could become like my ancestor and fulfill his unfulfilled wish.”

“But the result...huh...” Adele could feel the girl’s despair. The appearance of the Black Emperor’s remains proved that Ron must have been involved in the Black Emperor’s fall, an event still shrouded in mystery in vampire history. And he probably knew most of the truth! Everyone had a different perspective and could see their own piece of information, so it was “most,” not “all.” But at least he was closer to the truth. And it was he who could lie to and brainwash the young Dorothy without changing his expression.

And there was another possibility: Ron might also be one of the conspirators who caused the Black Emperor’s fall! If that were the case, he, as the murderer, hypocritically became a worshipper of the Black Emperor and, in turn, supported the Black Emperor’s descendant, Dorothy, as the Vampire Queen. Such an act was chilling, twisted and perverted to the extreme. And Dorothy, pure and innocent, had always believed his words until now, when she discovered that everything she saw and knew was what others wanted her to know. How could this not make Dorothy feel the pain and despair of falling into an abyss?

“I don’t know what I am in their eyes.”

“An heir? Or a feast prepared for their future?” True Ancestor Ron’s crazed actions not only led to his own demise, but also made young Dorothy and Adele prematurely discover the cruel side of this world. Survival of the fittest went without saying. The problem was that vampires with the blood of God could actually become nourishment for other vampires. This was something the past Dorothy had never thought of. So since her birth, had she already been involved in a conspiracy?