Chapter Four: The Power of the Blood Clan

Night had fallen, and the city was shrouded in darkness. Most humans had already drifted into dreams, leaving only a restless few to begin their wild nocturnal revelries.

Night—the realm of the blood-born.

Countless stars twinkled in the tranquil sky, and a crescent moon cast its faint glow. Two wisps of nearly imperceptible black mist swept swiftly through the night, gliding toward the outskirts of the city.

On the ground, a shadow moved at breakneck speed through the city, leaving nothing behind but a brief, violent gust. On the edge of the city, a manor awaited its visitors.

The black mist descending from the sky slowly dispersed, revealing an elderly man with white hair and a frail, thin young man. The shadow racing on the ground also halted abruptly outside the manor—a towering, broad-shouldered middle-aged man.

“Carlos, Meister, it’s been a while,” the giant greeted the old man and the youth.

“Garman? Indeed, it has been some time,” the old man replied with a genial smile. The young man merely glanced at the giant before looking away, offering not a single word of greeting.

“Hmph, Meister, you’re still as dull as ever,” Garman said, his voice gruff as he addressed the thin youth.

“That’s enough—let’s not argue. We aren’t here to quarrel tonight. Do you know which esteemed guest has arrived this time? If you have time to bicker, you’d do better to go announce our presence,” Carlos, the old man, said, playing the mediator.

“Meister, for Carlos’ sake, I’ll let it go this time. Next time we meet, you may not be so lucky,” Garman shot Meister a look, then strode into the manor.

“Young people these days—so impetuous,” Carlos sighed, shaking his head as he followed. Meister trailed silently behind them both.

Ang stood by the coffin in my bedroom and tapped gently on the lid. “Miss, the local blood-born have come to pay their respects. Would you like to see them now?” Ang asked respectfully.

“Yes,” I replied, slowly pushing open the coffin lid and sitting up.

“Let’s go. It wouldn’t do to keep our guests waiting for too long,” I said languidly as I stepped out of the coffin, making my way unhurriedly toward the drawing room.

By the time I arrived, the three—no, the three dark-blooded—had been waiting for quite some time. As I entered, they were momentarily stunned, then hastily dropped to one knee in fear and reverence. “Greetings, Princess Liliana,” they intoned, bowing their heads deeply, not daring to look up.

Judging by their reactions, they hadn’t expected me to be the one they would meet tonight. As the daughter of the blood-born’s only prince, my status was exalted. And today, I had not donned formal attire—having gone to school, I was dressed in casual clothes, likely for the first time in their presence.

“Rise,” I told them, settling into the chair behind the desk. In a languid tone, I asked, “State your names and the domains you command.”

“Yes, Princess Liliana. I am Carlos, Earl of the Blood-born, primarily overseeing economic affairs. I currently control nearly eighty percent of this region’s economic lifeblood,” the eldest among them responded first. Clearly, he was the most powerful of the three—an Earl of the Blood-born, someone who could barely be considered within reach of the inner circle of power.

“Princess Liliana, my name is Garman, of the Silver Wolves. I am one hundred years old and have undergone a second awakening. I command this region’s underworld, with influence over about thirty percent,” the giant replied next.

“Oh, a Silver Wolf who’s awakened twice?” My curiosity was piqued. Turning to Ang behind me, I remarked, “Ang, he’s one of your juniors, isn’t he?”

“Yes, Miss, but he is still far from adequate. Much too weak,” Ang replied. Indeed, compared to Ang—who had lived more than three centuries and undergone seven awakenings—this Silver Wolf before me was little more than a child.

“Yes, compared to Lord Ang, I am still very weak,” Garman admitted frankly, gazing up at Ang with fervor in his eyes. For him, to receive even a critical appraisal from Ang was a mark of honor.

“I am Meister, Viscount of the Blood-born. I control the political sphere of this region; most high officials are in some way connected to our kind,” the last of the three declared.

I nodded in acknowledgment of their reports. “You have done well,” I said. After a brief pause, I continued in a stern voice, “I am currently studying at Night Sakura Academy. I have only one demand: you must guarantee the absolute safety of the area surrounding Night Sakura Academy. I do not wish to see a single dark-blooded near the academy, nor do I want any incidents to occur nearby. Do you understand?” I fixed my gaze calmly upon the three.

“Yes, Princess Liliana. Please rest assured—we will not allow anyone to disturb you,” they promised sincerely.

“Good,” I replied, satisfied, and with a soft hum, I returned to my indolent manner.

“How fares the local Blood Hunter Guild?” Seeing my interest wane, Ang took over the questioning.

“There is only one Blood Hunter Guild in this city, but no powerful hunters reside within. We have already established a peace pact with them: our kind are restrained from harming ordinary people, and in return, the guild acknowledges and protects our existence,” Earl Carlos reported.

“Then inform the local Blood Hunter Guild of Her Highness’ arrival. If they dare offend her, they should know what consequences await. Her wrath is not something they can withstand,” Ang said coldly.

“Yes, I will remind them,” Earl Carlos replied respectfully.

“Bring a few blood servants here. Her Highness will need attendants,” Ang continued to instruct Carlos.

“At once, I shall see to it immediately,” Carlos answered, bowing again.

“You may go,” I said impatiently, dismissing them once Ang had finished his instructions.

“Yes, Miss Liliana. We take our leave,” the three replied, retreating from the drawing room with measured steps.

Once they had gone, I stretched lazily and turned to Ang. “I’m going back to sleep. I’m still not used to this human habit of being active during the day. Changing my routine is so troublesome. Don’t forget to wake me tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, Miss. I will wake you on time, please don’t worry,” Ang replied with his usual deference.

“Mmm.” I responded softly, making my way slowly toward the bedroom.

At the manor gates, the three dark-blooded conferred.

“To think it would be Princess Liliana herself this time,” Earl Carlos said, shaking his head in resignation.

“Indeed. I wonder what brings Her Highness here?” Garman the werewolf mused, expression grave.

“All I know is that we must fulfill Princess Liliana’s orders. Her wrath is not something we can endure,” Meister concluded.

“Yes. In any case, we must ensure her safety—otherwise, none of us could withstand the Prince’s anger,” Carlos added. The other two nodded in solemn agreement.

Finally, Earl Carlos and Viscount Meister dissolved once more into black mist, floating away into the night.

Garman the werewolf murmured, “I never imagined I would have the chance to see Lord Ang. How fortunate. Please rest assured, Lord Ang—we will protect Her Highness at all costs.” With that, Garman cast a resolute glance at the manor and vanished into the city like a fleeting shadow.

“Xingyu.” Lying in my coffin, I whispered the name. “You belong to me,” I said silently in my heart, then closed my eyes and sank into deep slumber.