After turning a few street corners, Xueluo slowly approached the mouth of the alley.

*Without Guya here… how am I supposed to deal with this pretty boy Lorath?*

*And he’s out in broad daylight with an umbrella just to find me…*

*This feels like a massive headache.*

Shrugging inwardly—*things would work out*—Xueluo took a steadying breath and planted her feet firmly inside the alley.

“I’m here.”

She clasped her hands behind her back.

“If you want to pin me against the wall, do it now. Offer expires soon.”

“Heh.”

Only a strange sound echoed from the alley’s depths. Then, from the darkest shadows, Lorath emerged—flanked by his maid.

“You weren’t this blunt before,” he remarked mildly. Xueluo’s eyes flicked over his attire: a noble’s outfit fitting for the golden-haired youth. Towering over six feet, his lean frame was perfectly accentuated by tailored black fabric. His stunning pale-gold hair only amplified his undeniable handsomeness.

*Pretty boy.*

Xueluo’s inner mutter held zero interest. She stepped forward, voice flat.

“I’ll say what I like. Not your concern.”

“I *am* still your fiancé, technically,” he sighed.

“But the Elders are growing impatient, Guya—ah, Xueluo now, isn’t it?” He spread his hands. “I’m barely keeping my eyes open, pressured as I am. So, my dear… did you find it? The Key to awaken Cain?”

“If it were that easy, I’d have it already,” Xueluo snapped, shaking her head. “Edward Frosteren took it. I’ll infiltrate the Hymn Guild’s recruitment exam and steal it back from their stronghold.”

Silence swallowed the alley.

Lorath pressed a hand to his forehead, rubbing his temples with a pained expression before exhaling sharply.

“Do you even grasp what you’re saying? Even for a Third Generation Vampire, that’s… absurd.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “The Hymn Guild is a Mage stronghold. And their Hymn Blood Hunters? Specialized Vampire hunters. You wouldn’t last long there. One slip, and you’d be dead before you blinked.”

*Snap.*

Ignoring Xueluo’s glare, Lorath placed a hand on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I can’t allow this. I’ll inform the Elders, and we’ll—”

“Your concern is noted,” Xueluo interrupted, slapping his hand away. “But I know my limits. I won’t get caught.”

Another heavy pause. Finally, Lorath scratched his palm and stepped slightly aside.

“Then permit me to offer support.”

He snapped his fingers.

His maid stepped forward.

“This is Lia Ciris. A Mage. She’ll accompany you to the exam.”

*Huh?*

Xueluo blinked as the petite, innocent-looking maid bowed deeply.

“Wait—Mages can’t just—”

“Magic is a lifelong pursuit,” Lorath cut in smoothly. “Humans have a saying: *never too old to learn*. Many Mages ally with us, seeking extended life to master their craft. We don’t turn them—we’d lose their magic. Instead, we brew blood-based elixirs to prolong their lives.” He patted Lia’s shoulder. “In return, they become Blood Slaves. Addicted to our blood, they grow powerful yet remain bound to us.” His gaze softened on Lia. “Her parents served my family this way. She’s drunk my blood since birth—my personal maid.” He gently pushed her forward. “Now, she’s yours. As my fiancée, sharing resources is only natural. She’ll protect you within the Hymn Guild.”

Before Xueluo could react, the clear-eyed maid offered a serene smile and bowed again.

“I’m honored to serve you, Miss Xueluo. I shall devote myself to you completely.”