Yoo Jaehyun stood watching her little brother's wobbly steps from the edge of the living room. She couldn't help but laugh softly, her heart swelling with pride as he wobbled toward her.
Jaehyun:"Look at you, little one,"
She said warmly, crouching down. Her brother looked at her with a bright grin, his eyes sparkling. He stumbled forward, reaching his chubby hands out for her.
Jaehyun:"Come on... You can do it"
She encouraged, her voice gentle.
Jaekyun"Wa..."
She chuckled softly at her little brother's attempts to say his first word. He continued taking wobbly steps toward her, his little arms extended like he was trying to grab onto the air.
Jaehyun:"That's it, Almost there..."
He took another step, his tiny legs shaking with effort. He was almost close enough to touch her.
Jaehyun:"You're doing great, Come on, buddy..."
Jaehyun:"Watch out!
She caught her little brother just before he could face-plant on the hardwood flooring, her arms wrapping around him in a swift, protective motion. She let out a sigh of relief, feeling a pang of worry in her chest. That was a close call...
Jaehyun:"You gotta be more careful, little one,"
She gently scolded, holding him against her chest.
Jaehyun:"You'll give me a heart attack if you keep falling like that."
Jaekyun:"Hahaha!
She tried to maintain her mock-scolding expression, but her little brother's infectious giggles made it impossible to stay mad. She couldn't help but chuckle along, her heart swelling with affection.
Jaehyun:"You're a handful, you know that? Giving your big sister gray hairs before her time, huh?"
She teased, still holding him close. As the door bell rang, Jaehyun gently placed her little brother back on the floor, making sure he was steady on his feet.
Yoo Jaehyun:"Stay there, I'll be right back."
She walked toward the front door, a little curious about who could be visiting at at this time of day... Jaehyun blinked, a little taken aback to see two men clad in tailored suits at her doorstep.
"Hello, are you perhaps 'Yoo Jaehyun'?"
Jaehyun:"Uh, yes...? Can I help you?"
She replied, still mildly puzzled. The words hit like a thunderclap.
"Your parents died in a car crash..."
Jaehyun froze—her breath caught in her throat, her heart slamming against her ribs like it wanted to escape.
The two men kept talking, their voices distant and muffled—as if she were underwater.
She didn't hear the rest.
Couldn't.
Her vision blurred. The doorframe was the only thing keeping her upright.
No... no, not mom... not dad... They were just going out for groceries... they said they'd be back by dinner...
Her legs trembled. The world tilted.
And somewhere behind her—safe and unaware—her little brother giggled again, still sitting on the living room floor...
completely unaware that everything had just changed forever.
In silence, grief began to bloom 🕯️💔
...
The room was quiet—too quiet.
Lena wrapped her arms around her knees, pulling them close to her chest as if trying to hold herself together.
No dreams.
No warmth.
Just... emptiness.
She stared blankly at the wall, the ribbon—the one he tied—still resting gently in her hair. Faintly warm, like it remembered a different moment. A different world. And Lena?
She just sat there—
a girl caught between two worlds...
one where magic ribbons and fire crystals felt real...
But none of that mattered now.
Somewhere beyond this room... people laughed.
Somewhere far away... a little boy took his first steps into a life now shadowed by loss.
and another where grief whispered louder than spells.
"Why..." she breathed—but no sound came out.
Not even butterflies could carry the weight of what she'd seen.
The game had begun again... but this time—it hurt too much to remember 🦋💔
Her voice cracked—soft, broken—like she was speaking to the ghost of her own memory.
Jaehyun:"Jaekyun... You were supposed to be here..."
She whispered, the name heavy with years of silence.
Tears welled but didn't fall. She was too tired for crying. Too numb.
That dream—the laughter, the wobbly steps, the bell ringing... it wasn't just a dream.
It was a life.
Her real life.
Before the accident. Before she woke up in this RPG world her brother used to play with her at night.
And now?
Now even those memories were bleeding into something painful and real again...
She touched the butterfly ribbon in her hair—one that shouldn't exist outside of magic or madness—and let out a shaky breath.
Jaehyun:"I don't know what I'm supposed to do anymore... But... if I'm here for a reason..."
Her fingers curled slightly against her knees.
Jaehyun:"Then maybe... it's not just about surviving."
Maybe it's about finding you again—wherever you are 🦋💫
Lena blinked away her tears, her puffy eyes lifting towards the window.
A strange sort of fluttering sounded against the glass. Soft, rhythmic... pattering...
Her heart gave a tiny beat as realization set in. But... that sounded like...
Slowly, she rose—wiping at her damp cheeks with the back of her hand.
And then, with careful steps, she moved closer to the window...
The small white bat flitted through the window, swirling with effortless ease to land perfectly on Lena's upturned palm.
She caught it more on instinct than anything, holding very still as it perched daintily in her hand—head tilted, blue eyes bright.
Lena blinked once, twice.
It stared back.
Her breath caught in her chest, heart leaping in disbelief.
The bat blinked—then melted.
In a shimmer of soft light, fur became skin, wings folded into arms, and suddenly—perched on Lena's palm like some absurdly dramatic cat—was Lixia.
Only smaller. Like... very small.
She stretched with a yawn, her tiny form no bigger than a doll now. "Ugh! You humans really don't appreciate how exhausting it is to fly and maintain enchantment!"
Lena: "You turned yourself into a bat?! And you're the size of my hand!!"
The vampire flicked her hair—which somehow stayed long even at mini-me proportions—and grinned cheekily.
Lixia:"Emergency protocols only~ If I'm going to sneak into noble quarters undetected? Bat form is best."
Lixia:"I'm here because I finished what you had requested"
She watched Lixia regain full size, trying her best to hide her shock.
Lena:"I-You... You... you finished? With the thing?"
She stuttered, still reeling from the whole bat-and-shrinking thing. Lixia smiled—a sharp, satisfied smile.
Lixia:"Mhm. Your little project is all ready."
Her heart skipped a beat.
Lena:"Already?"
She asked, trying and failing to sound casual. Lena's eyes widened as Lixia revealed the black item in her grasp—a package of some kind. Lixia chuckled at her surprise, twirling it between her hands with a lazy ease.
Lixia:"Oh, honey, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that would make your pretty head spin. You should see the pockets inside my hat."
She winked, grinning wickedly. Lena couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Lena:"You have... pockets in your hat?"
The vampire pouted dramatically, crossing her arms with a huff.
Lixia:"You don't have to sound so reluctant! I slaved away—I lost brain cells, for your little project. The least you can do is sound a bit more grateful-"
She couldn't help but laugh softly.
Lena:"Alright, alright. Thank you, you little pest. I really appreciate it."
The vampire's pout faded into a grin.
Lixia:"That's more like it, Now, open it!"
She examined the black item, her fingers tracing the surface carefully. Lixia watched with barely concealed anticipation, bouncing slightly on her heels.
Lixia:"Well? Go on, test it out. I'm waiting!"
She shot her a bemused look, a tiny smile curved on her lips.
Lena:"You're really excited about this, aren't you?"
Lixia:"Of course I am! I had to pull some serious strings and call in some favors for this. It better function flawlessly."
Lena carefully set the item down and was about to head towards the kitchen, chuckling softly at Lixia's impatience. Lixia, meanwhile, floated over to the item—which was now sitting on the table—and hovered close, examining the shape and size of it.
Lixia:"I still don't understand what's so special about this... thing,"
Lena:"It's called a toaster, It's a device that... well, it toasts bread."
Knock, knock
Lena opened the door, schooling her expression into her usual polite and composed demeanor. Sophie—her lady-in-waiting—stood in the hallway, a gentle smile on her face. The morning sunlight streaming in through the windows behind her.
Sophie:"Good morning, Lady Lena, Your father and mother have asked you to breakfast."
She nodded, pushing back the flutter of... something that came with the mention of her parents.
Lena:"Of course. I'll be down shortly."
Lixia, hidden from view, silently mouthed "close one!" from her spot under the bed.
...
The atmosphere at the dining table shifted as soon as James mentioned the issue. The mood turned instantly serious. Lena's mother, who had been quietly eating, looked up, a frown of concern creasing her brow.
Amelia:"Not another setback, James?"
She asked him, setting down her fork. James sighed, rubbing his temples.
James:"I'm afraid so. The sales projections have dropped significantly."
He took a swig from his teacup. Amelia's passionate rant echoed in the dining room, her voice filled with indignant disbelief.
Amelia:"Coconut oil has incredible benefits for hair health! It moisturizes and strengthens the strands, reducing dry hair and preventing damage! And don't even get me started on aloe vera-"
Lena watched her mother defend their newest product with a mix of amusement and pride.
Louise:"Mom, we get it..."
Thomas:"Yeah, no need to have a monologue..."
Their mother huffed, crossing her arms.
Amelia:"Well, someone has to defend our family's honor! Our product is natural and effective—why can't they see that?"
Lena gently stirred her tea, a quiet spark flickering behind her eyes.
Then she looked up—softly at first, but with growing resolve.
Lena:"...Because they don't believe in it yet, Not really."
She glanced toward the hallway—the place where the toaster was hidden under layers of secrecy.
Lena:"But what if... we showed them something new?"
A small smile tugged at her lips
Lena:"And don't worry, Mother and Father. There will be people coming to buy your products thus we'll have to just wait and see if someone will spread the word about how good it's uses are..."
Amelia blinked, surprised by Lena's sudden calm confidence. James leaned back in his chair, studying his daughter.
James:"And how exactly do you plan to wait for word to spread? The market moves fast, Lena. We don't have the luxury of patience."
She took a sip of tea—hiding a secret smile behind the cup.
Lena:"I know, But sometimes... all it takes is one person to believe."
She glanced toward her room again.
One person with a toaster... and a dream.
And maybe—just maybe—a little magic too. 🍞✨
Lena:"People have many perspective of others and some will have a difficult time on understanding It's values and uses. You need a better mindset for things if you want to improve yourself to achieve your goals. Or better else dreams..."
Her family gaped at her in surprise—each wearing a different expression.
James, puzzled;
Amelia, astonished;
Louise and Thomas, simply baffled.
They'd never heard Lena speak with such conviction before. For a brief moment, it felt like they were listening to a different daughter altogether. After a moment of stunned silence, James finally found his voice.
James:"Lena... what brought this sudden wisdom on?"
Amelia:"Lena..."
Lena's siblings chimed in with their comments, impressed by her unexpected show of confidence. Louise chuckled, impressed.
Louise:"You really do have a way with words, Lena."
Her chimed in, clearly onboard with the idea.
Thomas:"Maybe you should be the one advertising the products! You'd get people interested instantly!"
Their father raised an eyebrow, amused and intrigued.
James:"An 8-year-old girl as our spokesperson? That's quite a bold idea."
Lena:"It's still to early for me to advertise and do business. Besides, an 8-year-old girl promoting products will create a scamming image of others. Moreover, no one believes child's words for display"
Her siblings were still chuckling at the idea—imagining Lena in business attire promoting hair products. Even James couldn't help but crack a small smile, amused by the mental image.
James:"Well, I have to say... the idea of having you as our official spokesperson is quite entertaining."
Amelia:"But you do have a point, darling. You're still just a child. It's a bit too advanced for now."
Lena noticed the surprised glances from her family, the subtle murmurs and raised eyebrows. It was clear she had said something unusual for a child of her age.
Lena:"(They think I sound like an adult,)"
She watched her daughter with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.
Amelia:"That was quite an insightful perspective, Lena. Very astute for someone so young."
Her husband nodded in agreement, eyeing his daughter with a glimmer of surprise.
James:"Where did that wisdom come from? You've never spoken like that before."
She smiled sheepishly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Lena:"Haha... I just said it out of thought."
Inside, she bit back a laugh.
Used to be in the sales department? More like lived for it. Spreadsheets were my love language. KPIs—my lullaby.
But now?
Now she was an 8-year-old giving business advice over breakfast like some tiny corporate prophet.
She sipped her tea again—hiding the ghost of a smirk behind the cup.
Some habits really didn't die... not even in another world. ☕💼
James:"Lena"
She turned her gaze to her father, setting down her tea cup.
Lena:"Yes, father?"
She replied calmly. The atmosphere shifted slightly, sensing the seriousness in James' voice.
James:"Can you come to my office"
She raised an eyebrow but nodded obediently.
Lena:"Of course, father. Let me finish my breakfast first."
She continued eating, wondering what her father wanted to discuss. The rest of her family exchanged curious looks—clearly intrigued by the sudden summons. Lena finished her breakfast and excused herself, following her father to his office.
***
The room was tidy and organized, the air filled with the comforting scent of books and ink. James motioned for Lena to sit in the plush armchair across from his desk.
James:"Lena, do you want to become my heir?
Lena:"...What?"
Her eyes widened in surprise. Becoming his heir? Heirs were usually sons... not the family's sole daughter.
Lena:"Father... I'm sorry, but is this a joke?"
She asked, searching for any sign of jest in his face.
But James's expression remained serious. He said simply, leaning back in his chair.
James:"No joke, I'm serious. I want you to be my heir."
Lena:"But why? I thought Thomas was going to be heir..."
Her father shook his head, a rare softness in his eyes.
James:"Thomas has his own path. But you... you just spoke at breakfast like someone who's seen the game behind the game."
He leaned forward, voice low and warm.
James:"I've never seen numbers move like they do when you're around them—even if you don't realize it yet. That calm? That precision in your words? It's not normal for an 8-year-old."
A pause.
James:"And it's not just business sense, It's vision. You see what others miss."
James:"You have great understanding for the customers mindsets. Furthermore you seem to have some ideas on how to attract customers when you said that I needed to change..."
Lena tried to keep her expression neutral, but her father's last comment had hit closer to the mark than she'd expected.
How did he know—
She quickly composed herself, meeting his gaze with a calm expression.
Lena:"I... just pay attention, that's all,"
She responded, her voice steady. James chuckled softly.
James:"You pay extra attention, Lena, Far more than any child your age. It's impressive."
She slumped slightly in her chair, her shoulders dropping like a spy caught mid-mission.A quiet sigh slipped out.
Lena:"I really can't hide from you..."
Her father leaned back, steepling his fingers—his smirk softening into something warmer, prouder.
James:"No, You can't. Not from me."
He paused, then added with a glint in his eye:
James:"Not when I've spent years watching silent auctions and shady negotiations... and let's be honest—you're giving off 'former corporate strategist' vibes."
The gears turned in Lena's mind as she considered her father's words—and the future he was offering. Her thoughts spiraled from shock to consideration, and slowly settled on acceptance. She hadn't planned on becoming heir, but now that it was on the table...
She couldn't deny his argument. The business world suited her skills, and with her current situation being what it was....
It did seem like a win-win.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
Lena: "You've convinced me, father."
James:"Perfect! So can I ask what do you want to sell?"
Her heart skipped a beat. Her instincts kicked in—her sharp mind spinning through possibilities.
Lena:"Hmmm... let's see,"
She said thoughtfully, leaning back in her chair. A grin tugged at the corners of her lips as an idea sparked. It was bold, unexpected. But hey—when in business, right? Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she met her father's gaze with a determined glimmer in her eyes.
Lena:"I'll sell something unconventional..."
***
Lena placed the black square object carefully on the kitchen cabinet, turning to face her father with quiet confidence. James stared at it—brows furrowed in confusion.
James:"What is this... black square thing, Lena?"
She smiled, just slightly. The kind of smile that said: You're about to witness magic.
Lena:"It's called a toaster, And once we plug it in...it makes bread golden, crispy... perfect."
She pointed to the cord. James blinked.
James:"...You're going to sell a machine that cooks bread? For how much?"
She tilted her head—eyes bright with mischief and vision.
Lena:"Not just a machine, Father."
"A lifestyle." 🍞✨
Lena:"Let me demonstrate. Can you pass me 2 pieces of sliced loaf breads?"
James passed her two slices of bread, still bewildered but intrigued. He watched as she dropped the slices into the toaster, closing the top carefully. She adjusted the dial—the toastiness —and pressed the button.
The toaster whirred to life, buzzing quietly.
Silence hung in the air as they patiently waited for the outcome.
After a moment....
Pop.
Two perfectly golden-brown slices of toast sprung out.
Lena:"It finally Pop's out!"
The sound of the toaster popping out the bread was like a small, miraculous firework.
James watched in surprise as Lena presented the two slices of golden-brown, crispy-tasting toast. The appetizing scent of fresh, warm bread filled the air.
Lena:"And that, is what I plan to sell. Not just a toaster—a 'toaster experience'."
James picked up a slice of the toast, still slightly dumbfounded. Lena turned to her father, holding the now-toasted slices of bread.
Lena:"Now, Father, the secret to a truly magical experience is the filling,"
She said, grabbing a jar of butter from the cupboard. James looked at the buttered bread, then back at Lena.
James:"You're going to put... butter... on bread?"
He asked, as if making sure he heard that right.
Lena:"Hey, father, want to eat some some sandwiches?"
James:"Eh?"
He raised an eyebrow, looking at Lena with a mix of confusion and mild curiosity.
James:"Sandwiches? You're going to add more to the bread?
His expression made it clear he wasn't sure if this was some new, cutting-edge business strategy... or his daughter just really liked bread. Lena smiled, taking his confusion in stride.
Lena:"Trust the process, This is just part of the experience."
She said with a wink, grabbing a small jar of strawberry preserves from the fridge. In the kitchen, Lena carefully spread the strawberry preserves over one slice of toast while guiding her father through each step.
Lena:"Now, Father, layer this on top... gently. The filling should be even—no clumps."
James followed along like a man learning ancient magic for the first time—careful, a little awkward, but utterly focused.
Meanwhile...
The servants huddled near the kitchen door—Sophie with her tray half-lowered, cook peeking from behind a towel—staring in stunned silence.
Did they just see Lady Lena... teaching the master himself how to make something called a "sandwich"?
And was that... fruit jam between two slices of toasted bread?
One whispered: "Is this some foreign noble ritual?"
Another muttered: "It looks... delicious."
But none dared interrupt—the air felt too full of quiet revolution. 🍓🥪
This wasn't just breakfast anymore.
It was the birth of something dangerously crispy.
She watched as her father finished spreading the preserves—his eyes brightening at her compliment.
Lena:"See? Not so hard, right?"
She grinned, taking one of the finished sandwiches from him. He chuckled, still slightly baffled but enjoying himself now.
James:"I have to admit, the experience is not bad. But people will really buy this?"
Lena:"Let's eat it before it gets cold"
They both took a bite—simultaneously.
And just like that, James's eyes widened.
The warmth of the toast, the sweet-tart burst of strawberry preserves, the soft crunch giving way to fluffy bread... it was simple, yet undeniably perfect.
Lena watched him with quiet satisfaction as he chewed slowly—then swallowed.
Jmeas:"...That's... That's actually incredible."
A servant from the doorway dropped a spoon in shock. Sophie gasped softly. The cook looked ready to convert religions based solely on this sandwich experience. Lena took another bite, chewing slowly before giving her father a knowing look through half-lidded eyes.
Lena:"Told you." 🍞✨
"Now imagine selling that feeling... one toasted slice at a time"
Lena took more bites from her sandwich—her mind wandering. She realized it had been ages since she'd had such an uncomplicated pleasure. The simple crunch, the warmth, the burst of flavor.
Her eyes drifted to her father, still savoring his sandwich. He seemed years younger, his usual business-minded focus replaced by childlike delight.
She took another bite, chewing quietly.
If something as simple as a toasted piece of bread could do this...
Maybe it was about time she spread the magic.
Lena nearly choked on her sandwich. James had grabbed her shoulders—his eyes wild, intense, like he'd just uncovered a national secret.
James:"LENA! Are you the one who invented this machine?!"
Lena's eyes darted around—panicked.
Do I say yes? Do I lie? Do I blame Lixia and risk sounding insane?!
She swallowed hard, brain spinning faster than a startup pitch.
Then—instinct kicked in.
She lowered her voice, leaned in close to James, and whispered with dramatic urgency:
Lena:"...Let's just say... I had help from a very mysterious source."
Her eyes flicked upward slightly—like there was someone listening from the ceiling.James blinked. Then slowly... he nodded. As if "mysterious source" made perfect sense in their increasingly bizarre morning.
James:"Ah, A secret patron of innovation."
Lena didn't correct him.
And somewhere under the bed...
a certain vampire sneezed. 🧛♀️🍞✨
Lena:"It was from a great inventor I met at the capital during our trip..."
James:"Is that so? I want to meet him personally"
She chuckled to herself—the mental image of her father meeting Lixia was too amusing for words. But she quickly composed herself, adopting a serious-yet-mysterious tone.
Lena:"He's one of those genius reclusive types," she said, waving an airy hand. "His identity must remain a mystery... for now, at least."
Her father seemed both intrigued and slightly disappointed at first.
James:"I understand..."
He said, though you could see his desire to meet the mysterious inventor burning in his eyes. Lena knew she had him hooked. Lena couldn't blame him for his curiosity. The toaster, as far as he knew, was a one-of-a-kind marvel. It was only natural he'd want to meet the mind behind it.
Lena:"He's... an interesting person. One of those rare geniuses who pops up once in a lifetime..."
She finally said, choosing her words carefully.James leaned closer, completely captivated by Lena's vague explanation.
James:"Is he young? Old?"
He asked, trying to get more information.
Lena's heart skipped a beat. No way.
James was serious. He wanted personally meet this "mysterious inventor"...
She thought fast.
Lena:"Father, you're busy with the shop. You don't have to-"
He cut her off with a knowing smile.
James:"Nonsense. A man who can innovate at this level deserves a visit from me. I'll arrange a trip."
Lena felt her stomach tying itself in knots. This could be a disaster.
But what could she do? Her father was already pulling out paper and pen
Lena:"No! There's really no need to because... she's already here "
James:"She?"
Panic filled Lena's mind. She had to stop this meeting. But what to say? She could think of a thousand reasons why her father couldn't meet Lixia... and yet, nothing seemed convincing enough.
And so, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
Lena:"Yes, She's here..."
She said urgently, trying to sound firm. James paused mid-note taking.
James:"Here... As in, here at the manor? Right now?"
Lixia:"HELLO~!"
The words caught in Lena's throat.
Lixia.
She was standing outside the kitchen, waving through the window with an innocent smile like a child caught with a hand in a candy jar. Lena felt a wave of panic rise in her chest.
James stood speechless for a moment—staring at the unexpected visitor outside the window.
Finally, he managed...
James:"Ah... hello."
Lena:"WHAT THE!? How are you outside!?"
Lixia:"I was getting bored sitting inside your room. So I thought I took a stroll outside and saw you two eating sandwiches using the thing I created"
Lena facepalmed internally, silently praying for the ground to open and devour her whole. Behind her, James was still reeling.
James:"You... you're the mysterious inventor...?" he asked Lixia, his tone incredulous but fascinated.
She nodded with an impish smile.
Lixia:"That's me. Nice to meet you."
Lena watched in horrified silence as Lixia casually opened the window and let herself inside. James stood there, dumbfounded—watching Lixia with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. Even the servants, still awkwardly hovering nearby and eavesdropping, were taken aback.
Lixia, as casual as she could be, strolled right in, pausing a few feet away. The whole scene was like something from a mad comedy sketch. This was NOT happening.
Lena:"Is there a problem?"
Lixia:"No, just unexpected..."
She tried to keep her voice calm, even though she was on the verge of a panic attack.
Lena:"...Unexpected."
Her father was looking between the two girls with growing realization.
James:"You two... know each other,"
He said, more of a statement than a question. Lixia shot Lena a sly smile—knowing full well how panicked Lena was right now.
James:"Excuse me~ Are you perhaps the inventor that Lena mentioned? "
Lixia:"Yes I am, My name 'Lixia' It's a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance "
Lena wanted to die.
Lixia was going along with this...?
Her father bowed slightly, still taken aback but completely in awe.
James:"I never would have guessed... You're so... young to be such an inventor."
He said, shaking his head. Lixia shrugged, still sporting that same mischievous grin.
Lixia:"Talent doesn't depend on age, does it?"
James:"I'm James Dunham the baron. So do you like to have a cup of tea with me?"
Lixia:"I would love to~! So pardon for my intrusion "
Lena stood frozen, teacup in hand, as her father—a baron—offered tea to a centuries-old vampire who turned herself into a bat earlier and once called the cook's stew "an abomination against the undead." James was already gesturing to the servants.
James:"Sophie! Fresh teacups. And bring some of those new honey biscuits!"
The vampire sat with unnatural grace, crossing her legs like she owned the parlor.
Lixia:"You have such lovely decor,"
She purred, eyeing the chandelier like she was calculating how easily it could be stolen.
Lena leaned over and hissed under her breath: "What are you DOING?!"
Lixia just smiled sweetly... and whispered back:
"Networking." 🫖🦇
Lena tried her best to stay calm. Her father was having tea with a centuries-old vampire who was treating his home like her own, and Lixia was casually keeping up this "genius inventor" facade like it was just another day in her un-life.
She watched the two of them chat—James asking questions, Lixia answering easily. Their conversation seemed light, yet there was a hidden undercurrent of tension. Lena could see them studying each other, sizing each other up with every word. Lena leaned against the wall—feeling completely powerless.
Lena:"Will things end well with these two?"
She couldn't take her eyes off the bizarre and unexpected scene unfolding before her. Her father—a proper baron—was chatting up a literal vampire as if she were just another socialite guest. Lena had expected... well, anything but this.
She tried to keep her breathing steady, fighting the rising sense of panic.
But one question ran through her mind on a constant loop:
How on earth was she going to get through this without anyone finding out Lixia was a vampire...?
And was Lixia seriously enjoying this whole charade?