The Beloved Youngest Daughter of a Noble Family

Chapter 3- The Youngest Princess of the Cephesh Kingdom

Before confronting my father, Sione vanished, leaving behind a string of shocking revelations.

“Your father, child, will never take the initiative to visit you. I know him well. If we simply wait here, our only reunion might be at your funeral.”

“Mwaah?”

“But fret not. These past decades haven’t been spent idly.”

“Ubu…?”

“In anticipation of this very day, I’ve constructed a hidden passage leading directly to the Lord’s private garden. It grants you access to your father. The Lord… always takes a solitary stroll through that garden at the same time each day.”

“Myaa?!”

‘So, my father is the current head of the Chephesh family and… the lord of the entire vampire race?’

The kingdom of vampires.

Chephesh, named after the generations-old surname of the Lord family, served as the namesake for the kingdom.

Therefore, the Chephesh family isn’t just vampire royalty; they embody the very essence of the vampire race itself.

‘Pure-blooded, a direct descendant of the Lord family. This is an unbelievable stroke of luck!’

As the unexpected truth washed over her, her heart pounded with a surge of exhilaration.

With this power within her grasp, conquering the continent, not just the empire, might even be achievable.

‘Right, that settles it. My first objective: become the next Lord.’

It’s only a matter of time before Carl, the one who stole my birthmark, officially ascends the throne.

To exact revenge on him, the newly crowned emperor, I too would require power that matched his.

And now, the perfect circumstances for vengeance had been presented to me.

‘First, I need to win Dad over to my side.’

According to my past life’s memories, the current vampire Lord’s full name was Vlad III Dracula.

Commonly known as Vlad, he was renowned for his breathtaking beauty that captivated all who saw him and his unparalleled magical prowess.

‘He seems to harbor a significant dislike for me… I wonder why?’

Judging from Sione’s conversations with those around her, it seemed a hidden reason existed, but as a baby, my ability to investigate was limited.

Lost in thought, I pondered various possibilities.

Sione, who had entrusted me to a maid for a short while, returned to the room.

“You’ve done well. I’ll take care of the baby now, so you’re free to go. It’s nap time soon, so please don’t allow anyone to enter.”

“Certainly, Lady Sione. Please call upon me if you require anything!”

The cheerful maid closed the door after her reply, and Sione placed several boxes she had been carrying on the table.

“Have you been waiting impatiently? I’ve brought the baby’s clothes, which I had hidden in my room. They were all specially prepared for this very day.”

“Ubu?”

What? Was this all the preparation amounted to?

Slightly disappointed, I had envisioned her bringing back a formidable weapon or a legendary artifact. Unfazed, she opened the boxes.

“These are items I’ve meticulously collected, so I’m confident the baby will adore them as well.”

Inside the boxes lay a variety of items, including adorable baby-sized dresses, soft socks, tiny shoes that fit perfectly in the palm of my hand, and various hair accessories.

With an expression brimming with excitement, as if she had been eagerly awaiting this moment, she dressed me in them.

“The moment I could finally take the baby out for her first outing has finally arrived. It feels like a dream come true.”

As I watched her smile with an innocent face, like a young girl’s, a strange feeling washed over me.

‘Since she’s allowing me to see Dad, I have nothing to lose,’ I thought.

Such an innocent smile, right before I was about to infiltrate the garden of the continent’s strongest being.

This woman is definitely no ordinary person.

“Alright, we’re all set! Would you like to take a peek in the mirror?”

“Mwah!?”

Wow.

Gazing into the mirror, I couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.

Silvery hair shimmering like spun silk, pale and plump skin, large, moist, and clear eyes, and small, plump pink lips.

The child reflected in the mirror resembled a celestial being descended to Earth, an embodiment of cuteness far exceeding mere adorableness.

‘Wow… I really am cute.’

It felt a bit embarrassing to admit it, given my personality, but the truth is, my current appearance possessed a level of cuteness so destructive it could shatter anyone’s composure.

Even I was captivated by my own adorableness.

‘With this, wouldn’t Dad be completely smitten?’

It won’t be easy, considering Sione kept mentioning something as serious as a funeral, but perhaps, just perhaps, I could sway Vlad’s heart.

Brimming with anticipation, Sione, having completed all the preparations, checked the position of the sun outside the window.

“It seems it’s about time. Shall we depart?”

She extended her hand into the air and swiftly drew a magic circle.

My mouth gaped open in astonishment as I watched a shimmering, transparent blue light spread wherever Sione’s hand moved.

‘This must be teleportation magic… It’s truly beautiful.’

I was completely enthralled by the magic’s enchantment, an ancient power I had only encountered in books.

The completed magic circle slowly rotated, then transformed into a blinding light that engulfed us in an instant.

The next moment, I found myself nestled in Sione’s arms, surrounded by a rose garden in full bloom.

“…It’s been a very long time since I’ve been here,” she murmured softly, her eyes filled with a melancholic nostalgia as they swept over the deserted garden.

Clearly, precious memories were woven into the fabric of this rose garden.

‘The fragrance is pleasant.’

Though somewhat modest compared to Lord’s garden, the meticulously maintained paths and flowerbeds exuded a subtle, sweet fragrance.

Inhaling deeply, I savored the refreshing air mingled with the scent of grass and flowers, then tilted my head in puzzlement.

‘Strange. Somehow, this place doesn’t feel unfamiliar at all.’

Intrigued by this peculiar sensation, I let out a soft coo. Sione, as if to comfort me, gently stroked my forehead and spoke in a soothing voice.

“Actually, little one, you’ve visited this garden before.”

‘Really?’

“Yes. While you were still nestled in your mother’s womb, this was her daily walking path. I, too, was always by her side as Lady Daphne’s personal guard.”

Could the reason this place feels familiar be due to the memories of the baby?

“We weren’t always alone, though. Lord Vlad constantly accompanied Lady Daphne…”

But Sione’s words abruptly stopped there.

A sharp, cold voice sliced through her sentence.

“How on earth did you get in here, Sione?”

The low, chilling voice, laced with barely contained anger, sent shivers down everyone’s spines.

‘Wow, he looks exactly like my dad.’

I silently studied the handsome man with pale skin and flowing silver hair, a mirror image of myself.

A tall, muscular figure with broad shoulders and well-defined lines spoke volumes about years of rigorous sword training.

His face, sculpted with an artist’s precision, exuded a captivating beauty that stood in stark contrast to his emotionless expression.

However, the aura of intimidation that radiated from him and the complete absence of any discernible emotion made him a formidable presence.

After a moment of tense silence, Sione bowed her head respectfully.

“It has been a long time, Lord Vlad.”

“I repeat my question. How did you gain entry here? You are well aware that no one is permitted in this garden.”

He completely disregarded my presence, as if I were invisible.

Yet, I could instinctively sense his rising agitation.

“Have you forgotten, Lord Vlad, that I was once a dark sorceress in your service? A mere barrier like this poses no challenge to me.”

“This is a multi-layered barrier created by the tower’s most skilled mages. It wouldn’t have been a simple feat to breach.”

“Perhaps my abilities are superior to what you perceive them to be.”

Letting out a disbelieving scoff, Vlad narrowed his eyes.

“So you managed to infiltrate Rose Palace on your own. Your conversational skills have certainly improved.”

“Actions speak louder than words, haven’t they? Your skills have certainly improved as well.”

Vlad turned away coldly, and Sione stepped in front of him.

“You know why I’m here, don’t you? Lord Vlad, no, just Vlad.”

“This is your final warning. Leave immediately.”

“No, I can’t leave things like this. You’re the only one who can confirm the baby’s condition. Even if you threaten to tear me apart, I’m staying here.”

Vlad looked at her with a hardened gaze, a smirk twisting his lips as if he found her defiance amusing.

Then, for the first time, his red eyes met mine.

‘Wow, his eyes are even more terrifyingly cold.’

Vlad refused to acknowledge her, his gaze dropping with contempt.

‘I wasn’t expecting a heartwarming reunion, but this is a bit much.’

Huddled and grumbling under my breath, I awaited his response.

“I don’t know how you managed it, but you’ve filled an empty shell with something. This child has been dead since birth. Your efforts, Sione, were nothing more than child’s play with a doll.”

A gasp escaped my lips. Could he have figured out I’m not the original owner of this body?

‘This is why I can’t stand perceptive adults!’

Sweat trickled down my face as I stole a glance away from Vlad’s piercing gaze.

Sione, her voice trembling with righteous anger, refuted his claim.

“The baby simply entered a deep sleep right after birth. It’s an incredibly rare case, but not unheard of. How can a dead person open their eyes again?”

“Well, I have no idea what kind of tricks you’ve pulled off.”

“……So you intend to deny the child’s existence to the very end? Even though she’ve awoken from sleep and are moving on her own. How long do you intend to keep evading the truth?”

“Don’t spout nonsense with your loose lips.”

“Surely I’m not mistaken. The child is innocent. Lady Daphne, who has passed away, would never have wanted this…”

“Sione!”

Crack!

Dozens of sharp ice shards, suspended mid-air, whizzed past her body like arrows.

As the deafening crack subsided, blood trickled down from the wound on Sione’s cheek, but she didn’t flinch.

‘What on earth is going on? Is this situation truly alright?!’

While I was bewildered, and fidgeting anxiously in her arms, Shione continued in a calm voice.

“My sole purpose here is to confirm the child’s health. And I am well aware that for you, Lord Vlad, it would be as simple as breathing.”

“……What good would that do?”

“Please, just give me an answer. If you would simply do that, I will never return here again.”

Her pleading words caused a flicker in Vlad’s eyes.

As if mirroring Vlad’s inner turmoil, the ice shards still hovering in the air trembled faintly.

After a few seconds of silence, heavy as if the air itself had frozen, Vlad waved his hand, causing the ice to vanish entirely. He then spoke.

“There’s nothing wrong with the child’s body. In fact, it might be the complete opposite.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“That’s all the answers you’ll get. There’s no need for you to worry further, so return now.”

A hint of color returned to her pale face, as if she had received the answer she’d been hoping for.

“Don’t ever set foot here again, as promised. Next time, I’ll sever your throat.”

With those words, Vlad turned his back and strode away in the opposite direction from where we stood.

More time had passed than I realized; the sun was on the verge of dipping below the western horizon.

As the world bathed in the warm hues of dusk, I watched Vlad’s broad back recede into the distance. For some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he, the continent’s strongest warrior, appeared incredibly lonely.

Then, in the next instant, Vlad stopped abruptly.

“……Name the child Bella. You can’t keep calling her ‘baby’ forever.”