Duke Victor

When Bishop Lawrence approached to greet everyone, that persistent priestess Feilin once again sought out Luo Wei.

The moment she appeared, Evelyn eyed her like a thief, her gaze sharp and unwelcoming.

Luo Wei’s expression also darkened with annoyance. The words Feilin had spoken days ago had left Evelyn distressed for quite some time, and he had no fondness for this zealous follower of the church.

"Mr. Luo Wei..." Feilin approached with a complicated expression.

"Don’t tell me you’re here to persuade me to join the church again," Luo Wei said, glancing at her. "I’m an Anomalous Species—didn’t you already know that?"

"I’m well aware, but..." Feilin’s eyes were filled with uncertainty. No matter how she looked at it, she never expected an Anomalous Species to possess a divine affinity.

"There’s no 'but,'" Luo Wei said flatly. "If you’re here to repeat the same words, then please leave."

"That’s not it. There’s something else this time."

Feilin’s gaze lingered on Luo Wei, hesitating before she finally asked:

"Mr. Luo Wei... do you know the Holy Maiden of the Church?"

Luo Wei paused, then quickly shook his head.

"No, I’m not familiar with her."

"Really?" Feilin’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Luo Wei remained expressionless. "As you can see, I’m an Anomalous Species. How could someone like me possibly know the noble and sacred Holy Maiden? You’re overthinking it."

Feilin only grew more puzzled. The Holy Maiden’s recent decree had included an unusual command—to keep a close watch on Luo Wei.

Not only that, but there was an additional task...

Feilin cast a doubtful glance at Evelyn, who was glaring at her. The Holy Maiden had also demanded information about the woman by Luo Wei’s side.

If Luo Wei was a divine favorite, it made sense for the Holy Maiden to take notice.

But why inquire about this Vampire? What use could she possibly be to the Holy Maiden? It was all too strange...

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Evelyn’s expression turned even colder.

"Nothing." Feilin averted her gaze, turning back to Luo Wei with a softer smile.

Luo Wei didn’t need her to speak to know she was about to start preaching again.

As he was mentally searching for an escape, Annie the housekeeper arrived, providing the perfect distraction.

"Miss Evelyn, and... Mr. Luo Wei."

Annie approached with a smile. "The Duke has finished his duties and asked me to bring you to him."

Relieved to finally shake off the persistent priestess, Evelyn exhaled. "Let’s go."

The Duke’s chambers were located in another castle, far quieter than the reception hall. As Luo Wei walked down the wide corridor, he noticed several elderly Vampires leaning against the railings, whispering among themselves. The moment they spotted Luo Wei and Evelyn, their voices fell silent, and their gazes locked onto them in unison.

"Those are some of the family elders," Evelyn murmured. "My father’s brothers and uncles."

"Mm." Luo Wei nodded, his eyes briefly scanning the faces of the old Vampires.

Their gazes crossed, and when Annie led the two a fair distance away, Luo Wei suddenly glanced back.

The elders were still staring at him, unblinking.

Luo Wei frowned. There was something unsettling about their expressions, though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what.

Lost in thought, he turned to Evelyn and asked a question that had been on his mind.

"The Vampire Clan has never been friendly toward humans, yet many human guests are attending this gathering. How does the Duke ensure their safety?"

Evelyn explained, "Normally, if a human trespassed on Vampire territory, the outcome wouldn’t be pleasant."

"But this is my father’s birthday banquet—a grand event for the Abraham family. The human guests are his allies, some even close associates of the Emperor. Their status is high, so during this time, he enforces strict rules. No member of the clan is permitted to harm any human guest."

"Rules?"

Evelyn nodded lightly. "Our family has integrated into the Empire. For the sake of stability, compromises must be made. Don’t worry."

"If any clan member dares to kill a human, my father will punish them with the same methods the Church once used against us—their limbs shattered, organs exposed, their Blood Core left under the scorching sun, denied any chance of recovery. They will suffer a slow, agonizing death. It’s the most terrifying punishment."

"That is indeed terrifying," Luo Wei murmured.

As they spoke, Annie led them to a door and knocked lightly.

"Come in."

A hoarse voice responded.

Annie opened the door, but when Helena tried to follow Evelyn and Luo Wei inside, she yanked her back.

"Ah—!"

The door closed behind them, leaving Helena pouting in protest while Annie remained expressionless.

Inside the room, Luo Wei saw Duke Victor seated behind his desk.

The master of Thornflower Castle looked remarkably aged, his face pale and deeply lined, far more weathered than his brothers and uncles outside.

Yet, from the contours of his features and the dignified air about him, it was clear he had been a strikingly handsome man in his youth.

The Duke’s eyes softened with warmth as he regarded his long-absent daughter. "After wandering for so long, you’ve finally come home."

Fifty years for a Vampire was akin to five years in a human’s life—still a significant span of time.

"I’m not here to stay," Evelyn shook her head. "I’ll be leaving once your banquet is over."

"Is that so..." The Duke’s expression dimmed with disappointment. "Wouldn’t you like to stay a little longer?"

"I have a job to return to!" Evelyn huffed. "Do you think I’m like those idle family members of ours?"

"That university teaching job?" The Duke gave her a puzzled look, still unable to grasp what appealed to her about it.

"Working day after day, the same routine for half a lifetime—what’s so good about that?"

Evelyn sighed. "Who actually enjoys working? But I need the money! Who else is going to support me? Buy me nice clothes..."

Then, as if remembering something, she suddenly glanced at Luo Wei.

"Oh, right. Now there’s someone to take care of me..."

Luo Wei chuckled. Evelyn wasn’t as difficult to maintain as he’d imagined—or perhaps it was because he wasn’t short on funds these days...

The Duke’s attention finally shifted to Luo Wei, and the faint smile on his face vanished instantly.

"So, you’re Evelyn’s boyfriend?"

Luo Wei felt the weight of a piercing stare as the Duke’s hawk-like eyes scrutinized him with stern intensity.

Strangely, the pressure from the Duke felt far greater than what he’d experienced from Charlton II.

Compared to this father-daughter pair, Ophelia and her father seemed more like strangers—Charlton II had never truly cared for her.

"Yes," Luo Wei replied with a smile, gently taking Evelyn's hand.

Evelyn's expression softened as she intertwined her fingers with his, facing her father with quiet confidence.

The gesture left no doubt about the intimacy and affection between them.

Duke Victor suddenly felt a pang of headache.

Rubbing his temples, he fixed his gaze on Luo Wei. "You're actually human, aren't you?"