After the conversation between Xingyuan and Yuan Wenyue, the two seemed to have a tacit understanding again. They slept in the same bed every day, and occasionally when Xingyuan crossed the line, Yuan Wenyue pretended not to see it.
Their relationship was very much like family. Although Xingyuan was the Vampire King, she was actually quite idle. Vampires, unlike humans, didn't have various meetings and deal with troublesome matters every day.
Strictly speaking, vampires were not yet civilized. They simply passed down the experiences of their ancestors from generation to generation, like ancient clans. Unless it was a matter of life and death for the entire blood race, they could resolve it within the clan, and there was no need for Xingyuan, the Vampire King.
With nothing to do, Xingyuan followed Yuan Wenyue around. When Yuan Wenyue wanted to plant flowers, she would follow behind and water them.
Although the ancient castle was rarely exposed to sunlight, some tenacious plants could still survive. When Yuan Wenyue had nothing to do in the castle, she thought of decorating the dark and gloomy ancient castle.
The blood race preferred darkness, and Yuan Wenyue did not intend to change their living habits. However, she really couldn't stand the feeling of being devoid of human warmth. So, she asked Xingyuan to bring some plants for her to try planting.
Xingyuan would not refuse any of Yuan Wenyue's requests, and even when Yuan Wenyue expressed a desire to return to the empire to visit, she did not directly refuse.
"One year. Now, too many people in the empire recognize Sister. After a year, when they've all forgotten, we can go back." Besides, in the eyes of the world, they were married. How could a married couple constantly want to return to their maiden home?
Yuan Wenyue did not object. She had originally thought her remaining life would be spent here, but she didn't expect a twist of fate. In fact, she was much more at ease now than before.
Days passed, and although Yuan Wenyue did not leave often, the vampires all heard the news that their King doted on his wife immensely. It had to be said that gossip existed everywhere.
On this day, the one-year agreement arrived. Yuan Wenyue got up early to prepare to go home. Xingyuan was still lying lazily in bed, groggily saying, "Sister, don't be so anxious. I haven't woken up yet..."
Yuan Wenyue smiled dotingly, "It's alright. I'll prepare first, and we'll set off when you wake up." After speaking, she gently kissed Xingyuan's cheek.
"Here too!" Xingyuan, lying in bed, pointed to the other half of her face coquettishly.
"Okay~" Yuan Wenyue smiled helplessly and kissed her again, playfully pinching Xingyuan's nose. "What a little lazy cat!"
"Meow~" Xingyuan cooperated perfectly.
Yuan Wenyue couldn't help but laugh, then got dressed and quickly washed up to pack her things.
Xingyuan turned over and also woke up. She rubbed her messy hair, got out of bed, and went into the bathroom.
Xingyuan, dressed neatly, looked at Yuan Wenyue who was looking down for something. She gently hugged her from behind, her head nuzzling against her back like an animal seeking affection.
In the past year, Yuan Wenyue had been subjected to her attacks countless times. Now, being hugged, she just smiled gently and continued to look for things with Xingyuan clinging to her like a human backpack.
"Sister, will you come back after you leave?" Xingyuan's voice was muffled, tinged with worry.
"Of course, I will!" Yuan Wenyue turned around and gently stroked Xingyuan's head. "Don't worry, Sister won't abandon Yuan."
"Then it's settled!" Xingyuan still felt a little insecure.
"Okay~"
"Shall we go to the imperial capital for breakfast? I haven't had it in a long time. When you have someone buy it back, it's already cold." Yuan Wenyue, worried about Xingyuan's unease, had only brought essential items.
"Mhm, wherever Sister wants to go, Yuan will accompany you." Xingyuan's expression was docile.
When they arrived at the breakfast stall, the owner was about to pack up. Fortunately, the owner was kind. Upon learning that they had traveled from afar, he specially fired up the stove to make them a meal.
"Little girl, aren't you eating?" the owner asked Xingyuan curiously.
Yuan Wenyue quickly replied, "She's already eaten. I specifically saved my appetite for this."
The owner smiled proudly, "My place is indeed quite famous. Eat more, girl!" After speaking, he turned and went back to the kitchen.
Not long after staying in the ancient castle, she learned that vampires were repulsed by human food. The food for vampires was only human blood and food specially made with blood as an ingredient.
Yuan Wenyue ate three bowls without restraint, patting her round belly with satisfaction. When it came to food, it had to be in the imperial capital.
Xingyuan watched her with longing eyes, a thoughtful look on her face. She decided to bring a few chefs back with them. It seemed that Sister hadn't eaten enough even with her.
This was truly a wonderful misunderstanding. After eating and drinking their fill, Yuan Wenyue was about to return to the Duke's mansion to visit her father.
Since Yuan Shilin watched his daughter enter that dragon's den of vampires, he had been worried sick every day. If his daughter hadn't sent back letters of safety from time to time, he would have truly worried that something had happened to her!
Therefore, he channeled his grief and anger into motivation, practicing martial arts in his own courtyard every day, refusing visitors, and thinking every day about how he could defeat the Vampire King and rescue his daughter.
Yuan Wenyue deliberately did not inform her father of her return, wanting to give him a surprise. As a result, as soon as she jumped into her own courtyard, she was almost struck by Yuan Shilin, who was engrossed in his martial arts practice. Fortunately, Xingyuan reacted quickly and blocked Yuan Shilin's punch.
Yuan Shilin came to his senses and looked at his daughter standing before him with surprise. Was he dreaming? He thought he saw A'Yue.
Seeing Yuan Shilin's dazed and disbelieving expression, Yuan Wenyue's eyes also welled up with tears as she stepped forward and hugged her aging father.
"Dad, I'm back!"
"It's good that you're back!" Yuan Shilin's lips trembled, and tears welled up in his eyes. He secretly lowered his head and wiped them away.
"Is A'Yue hungry? Father will make you something to eat!" Yuan Shilin hadn't shown such direct concern for his daughter in years, and his voice was slightly stiff.
"No need! I've already eaten!" Yuan Wenyue didn't want to disappoint her father's paternal love, so she added, "A'Yuan and I will be staying here for a few days. Father, don't worry."
Only then did Yuan Shilin notice Xingyuan's presence. His eyes flashed with vigilance, and he pulled Yuan Wenyue behind him, saying coldly, "What are you doing here?"
Hearing the questioning, Xingyuan instinctively turned her gaze to her sister. What should she say?
Yuan Wenyue quickly pulled her father, who was about to fight, aside. "We are friends. A'Yuan is accompanying me. Why don't you greet her?" Yuan Wenyue reminded Xingyuan.
Xingyuan tried her best to act like a cute little girl and said in a soft, cooing voice, "Uncle Yuan, hello, I'm Xingyuan!"
Although Yuan Shilin was still wary of the rumored Vampire King before him, seeing Xingyuan's cute appearance, he couldn't help but doubt the rumors. Was this person in front of him really the notoriously ferocious Vampire King from the rumors?