Reincarnated as the Vampire Princess' Familiar-Chapter 20 - 19 - The first king

«This hat really suits you, little sister. But the one you tried on earlier was also fantastic,» comments Daphne with a hint of enthusiasm, as Ayra continues trying on every hat in the boutique—mostly oversized ones, the kind humans use to shield themselves from the sun. Funny, considering they're selling such hats in a world without a sun.

«Then I'll take both of them!» exclaims Ayra, her tone far less composed than her sister's. Kajetan and I remain slightly to the side, under the vigilant gaze of the princesses' bodyguards, likely worried we might try to escape.

«Your mistress seems to be quite a proper woman, refined and well-mannered. Is she like that in private too?» I ask casually, attempting to pierce the wall of coldness Kajetan has erected between us. I've never given him a reason to treat me this way. Perhaps he, like Luke and most of the dormitory familiars, resents me for being a predestined one? I doubt it—he's never given me hateful glares or hurled passive-aggressive remarks. He just ignores me, standing motionless like a statue, arms sternly crossed.

That rigid posture and his German accent give him the inflexible, authoritative air of a German army officer. I'd wager that, before his death, he was some kind of military figure. And it's not just me—he ignores everything around him except Daphne. The elegant, captivating presence of that enchanting woman is the sole focus of his attention, as though he, too, were her bodyguard.

Or... could he be having indecent thoughts about her? Well, I do the same with Ayra to awaken my strength, so maybe his works the same way. Though, his impassive and serious gaze doesn't exactly suggest he's fantasizing about Daphne.

«Yes,» he replies curtly, as if to make it clear he has no interest in talking to me. I let out an exaggerated sigh, hoping to convey my disappointment with his attitude. Honestly, how hard could it be to humor me? Shopping with vampires is as boring as shopping with a girlfriend—at least for me. A bit of conversation would make time pass faster. But clearly, he's not the type who enjoys company.

«I really feel like having hot chocolate! All this shopping has exhausted me!» exclaims Ayra, clearly delighted with her two new hats.

«Hot chocolate?» I echo, puzzled. «But don't vampires only feed on blood?»

«Who ever said that?» Ayra retorts. «Blood is our main source of energy, but it's not the only one. Anyway, hold this for me!» she adds, shoving a large paper bag with her purchases into my hands. «It's not polite to let one's master carry such a burden!»

Such a burden... a bag with two hats? Alright...

Kajetan, unlike me, doesn't need instructions from his mistress—he's clearly more experienced as a familiar. Behaviors like these probably come naturally to him.

«Allow me to carry that for you,» he offers Daphne in a servile tone—even Ayra's older sister couldn't resist buying a hat.

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

«It's not necessary, Kajetan. I'm certain I can carry it myself,» Daphne replies, her polite tone accompanied by a gentle smile that could melt anyone's heart.

At that point, Ayra snatches the bag from my hands with a sharp gesture. «Do you think I'm incapable of carrying a bag?!» she snaps, imitating Daphne's decision to carry her own purchases. It's remarkable how my mistress tries to emulate every gesture, behavior, and even manner of speaking of her older sister. She must admire her deeply to want to resemble her in every way.

For the hot chocolate, we need to head back to Primus Rex Square—the Square of the First King—where the black stone fountain featuring a warrior armed with a sword stands at its center, giving the square its name. Daphne had once explained to me in great detail the long history of the statue and the square, the only visibly ancient area in an otherwise modern setting. I'm not a fan of ancient history, but the sweetness and serenity of her voice captivated me so much that I didn't miss a single word.

The statue represents Lucypher Valakys, the first vampire king, who unified the kingdom of Mildelar under one banner. The square and the surrounding buildings, equally ancient, were the first constructions in the city of Noxscura. At the edges of the square stands a much more imposing building than the others—the first royal palace of the Valakys family. As the family expanded, they commissioned the construction of a massive castle—the current royal residence. Not that these details interest me much, but a little general knowledge never hurts.

We're strolling casually toward Primus Rex Square along an exceptionally wide avenue bustling with nobles—likely the main boulevard of Noxscura—when the guards escorting us abruptly stop, forming a tight octagonal formation around the two princesses, Kajetan, and me. Their behavior is alarming, and it becomes even more concerning when they suddenly arm themselves through Blood Word Telum, standing ready with their weapons raised.

The tide of vampires walking the streets of Noxscura visibly stirs, with screams of fear echoing everywhere. Everyone seems agitated, terrified by something I can't see. Panic spreads quickly, and they begin scattering and fleeing in every direction, away from us.

What the hell is happening?