Chapter Sixteen: Xingyu's Visit

“Lilith.” A gentle woman’s voice called to me. “Who is it?” I wanted to open my eyes, but my weary body would not obey my will. “Lilith, find someone for whom you would give up everything, someone whose happiness you would silently safeguard, and then give this ring to him.” The woman spoke softly at my ear. “Who is it? Why does this voice sound so familiar?” I struggled to open my eyes and saw a gentle, serene smile, as tranquil as the starlit sky. It was her—the one who, even while tormented by illness, would still smile and caress my head, bringing me warmth. “Lilith, you must be happy.” The woman’s voice came once more. I lifted my hand, wanting to touch her face, but her smile receded further and further away. Why did sadness well up so sharply? My heart ached as if pricked by a needle.

“Mother.” I awoke from my slumber, murmuring to myself. A single, cold drop slid down my cheek. Hm? What was that? I reached up and touched my cheek. Tears—it was actually tears.

Vampires are a cursed existence, lingering in the crevice between life and death, enduring loneliness in the dark. Vampires do not shed tears. But I am a special case, a “half-breed” with one half human blood. Unexpectedly, I am able to cry.

What is this feeling? I touched my heart, which has never beaten, and savored the sensation. Is it sorrow? No, it’s not just sorrow; there is something more—a mixture of sadness, longing, pain, and even a hint of happiness. Happiness? Why? Once again, a cold drop trailed down. “Mother, I have found that person. I will find happiness.” Feeling the chill of my tears, I murmured with a smile.

“Miss.” Outside the pitch-black coffin, Ang stood respectfully, his voice carrying through the thick wood: “Master Xingyu and Miss Le Xiaoyou have come to visit. Would you like to see them?”

“Xingyu is here?” I slowly pushed aside the heavy lid and sat up. My body still felt waves of weakness, but it no longer hindered my movements. Losing a drop of origin blood had affected me deeply—such frailty—I cannot afford to be reckless again. Yet I do not regret my choice. Mother, I have found my own happiness, a gentle human just like you. Will you give me your blessing?

“Ang, take them to the study first.” I instructed him. “Yes, Miss,” he answered respectfully, then whispered to the waiting blood servants outside. They nodded and headed for the main hall. Having done this, Ang returned to my bedroom, quietly standing by my side.

“Lilirel?” Upon reaching the study, I found an unexpected presence. Lilirel was cradling a cup of tea, gazing quietly at Xingyu and Le Xiaoyou. She should be resting during the day—why was she here?

“Lilith!” Xingyu and Le Xiaoyou were clearly relieved to see me well, their smiles brimming with reassurance.

“Lilith, you really scared us. It’s all my fault for dragging you to the amusement park. If not for me, you wouldn’t have fallen ill. I’m so sorry.” Le Xiaoyou’s voice was choked with tears. Xingyu said nothing, but his eyes were filled with guilt.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry. I simply haven’t adapted to life here yet, my body too fatigued. I was so happy at the amusement park, and when I relaxed, I lost my strength. Having a chance to rest is a good thing, so please don’t blame yourselves—otherwise, I’ll be sad too.” I tried to comfort them.

“Really?” Le Xiaoyou’s eyes glittered with unshed tears. “Of course,” I replied with a smile, and only then did her mood brighten. Such a child. Xingyu gazed at me quietly, gentle and calm, and I felt my heart soothed.

“Hmph. Associating with two lowly humans—how disgracefully you’ve fallen.” At that warm moment, Lilirel’s cold voice pierced my ear.

“Lilirel,” I called her name, anger coloring my voice.

“What? Did I say anything wrong?” Lilirel would not yield, her eyes sweeping across Xingyu and Le Xiaoyou with thinly veiled hostility. I knew my actions had brought shame to the honor of the vampires—she had every reason to be angry. Yet Xingyu and Le Xiaoyou were innocent; they didn’t deserve such treatment.

“Lilirel, apologize.” I fixed her with a level gaze and commanded.

“Just a ‘half-breed’—what right do you have to order me? And you’d have me apologize to two lowly humans? Impossible.” Lilirel was adamant. For her, to forsake her pride and apologize to those she considered beneath her was unthinkable.

“Apologize.” I repeated, my voice cool and even.

“I, I…” Lilirel averted her eyes, stammering, frustration plain in her gaze.

“Let it go.” Xingyu tugged at my sleeve. “It’s our fault for dragging you to the amusement park and making you ill. She has every right to be upset with us.” He tried to mediate, unwilling to see conflict escalate. But Lilirel’s anger was not truly aimed at them; it was only her resentment of me spilling over.

“Hmph, I don’t need your fake concern.” Lilirel rejected Xingyu’s good intentions. “Sorry,” she said to Xingyu stiffly. “There, is that enough?” She shot me a furious look.

“I’m sorry.” This was my apology to Lilirel, for what I had done had indeed stained the pride and honor of our bloodline. Though far from enough, I had to offer it.

“Hmph.” Lilirel was briefly stunned by my apology, then turned away with a cold snort.

“By the way, let me introduce you—this is my younger sister, Lilirel Alucard.” I introduced her to Xingyu and Le Xiaoyou.

“Hello, I’m Xingyu, Lilith’s classmate. This is Le Xiaoyou.” Xingyu introduced themselves.

“Hmph, lowly human, what right have you to call my sister ‘Lilith’?” Lilirel was clearly displeased, particularly with how he addressed me.

After uttering those words, Lilirel turned away, refusing to look at them further, and Xingyu was left awkward. Silence fell among us.

“Lilith’s family really is rich—so many maids in the house. I’ve never seen real maids before.” Perhaps trying to ease the atmosphere, Le Xiaoyou looked excitedly at the blood servants standing not far away.

Blood servants, those who willingly served vampires in exchange for eternal youth. These were gifts from the three leaders of the local dark factions, all in the guise of maids. I had grown used to their presence in daily life, but to Le Xiaoyou, they were a novelty.

“Ignorant, lowly human,” Lilirel sneered at Le Xiaoyou’s excitement.

“What did you say?” Le Xiaoyou snapped, ready to argue, but Xingyu quickly held her back. “Xingyu?” she asked, confused.

Xingyu shook his head at her, then said to me, “Lilith, you’ve only just recovered. Don’t tire yourself. Rest well, and we’ll visit again in a few days.”

“No need, I’m almost fully recovered. I’ll be back at school tomorrow,” I replied with a smile.

“Don’t push yourself. Rest a few more days, or what if you fall sick again?” Xingyu’s gentle tone brooked no argument.

“Then I’ll rest one more day and return the day after tomorrow.” I yielded to his rare insistence.

“We’ll be off, then. Rest well,” Xingyu said again, leading Le Xiaoyou in their farewell.

“Hmph.” Lilirel still offered only a cold snort, and Le Xiaoyou glared right back at her. Is this the so-called repulsion between similar souls? Children, all of them. Xingyu and I could only smile helplessly at each other.

“See you the day after tomorrow.” Xingyu waved to me with a smile, pulling a reluctant Le Xiaoyou toward the door.

“Ang, see them out,” I instructed.

“Yes, Miss,” he replied respectfully, then followed them out.

After Xingyu and Le Xiaoyou had left, Lilirel stared at me, then tossed out a final remark before storming back to her room and slamming the door shut: “I will never accept your relationship. Vampires and humans have no future—you, of all people, should know that best.”

Yes, I do know it better than anyone, for I am the living proof of that sorrow. And yet, having met Xingyu, I have no regrets. Mother, I know you never regretted meeting Father either.