Throughout the journey, Tenraku felt numerous eyes watching them, but as long as those individuals didn't bother them, Tenraku couldn't be bothered either.
Taking Valerie and the three women, Raynare, for a stroll in Tepes' royal city, Valerie was initially a bit nervous, but she quickly became curious about the various new things outside. She glanced here and there, her eyes sparkling with interest.
Since it was daytime, for vampires accustomed to nocturnal activities, the streets were as quiet as human nights. The few pedestrians made the place feel somewhat deserted. Eventually, the group discovered a lively commercial street on the outskirts of the royal city.
In human terms, this could be considered the vampire world's night market. Shops of various kinds displayed colorful signs— clothing stores, beverage shops, and general stores, creating a bustling atmosphere.
The night market was lively, with many vampires coming and going. If not for a few revealing their fangs to scare people, one might mistake this place for the human world.
Tenraku scanned the area, realizing that these were mostly ordinary vampire civilians, likely transformed from humans. It was said that vampires transformed from humans not only consumed blood but also retained many habits from their human lives.
Pure-blood vampires mostly drank blood, although they could eat other things; blood was, however, the most delicious food for them.
Clearly experiencing such a place for the first time, Valerie tightly held onto Tenraku's hand. Her eyes were both fearful and excited.
"Let's start by getting you some clothes from the clothing store."
Gently stroking the girl's forehead, Tenraku led Valerie and the others to a women's clothing store.
"Welcome, esteemed guests."
A beautiful female shop assistant welcomed them. Although she felt that Tenraku and his group didn't quite emanate the typical vampire aura, courtesy prevailed, and she greeted them without showing any suspicion.
"Raynare, Kalawarner, take Valerie to choose some clothes."
"Hehehe, leave it to us."
"Lord Tenraku, I... I..."
Dragged by Raynare to pick out clothes, Valerie took a few steps while continuously looking back at Tenraku, her expression almost on the verge of tears.
In their first meeting, Raynare had nibbled on her earlobe, and over the past few days, Valerie had been teased by Raynare quite a bit.
Witnessing Raynare and the others ruthlessly nailing those vampires to the ground also frightened Valerie. Although Lord Tenraku assured her that they wouldn't harm her, Valerie was still extremely afraid of Raynare!
Raynare naturally knew that Valerie was afraid of her, but the more this boring madwoman enjoyed teasing her.
Tenraku felt amused, and as long as Raynare didn't go too far, Tenraku wouldn't stop her.
Valerie had closed herself off for too long, and her courage was extremely small. Allowing Raynare to occasionally stimulate her could help her adapt to this new life.
While Raynare and Kalawarner were inside helping Valerie pick out clothes, Tenraku, stifling a yawn, waited outside with Mittelt.
Boredly scanning the surroundings, he suddenly noticed something, causing Tenraku to slightly pause.
Not far from the clothing store, on the other side, a petite girl was standing in front of a stall selling cotton candy.
It was the girl who existed as an Ophis clone— Lilith!
Expressionless, Lilith silently stared at the cotton candy displayed on the stall, her eyes blinking non-stop.
The boss seemed unsure how to deal with this girl who was fixated on his cotton candy. In the end, he reluctantly took one out and handed it to her.
Taking the cotton candy, Lilith quickly ate it and then silently stared at what remained on the stall.
The boss became a bit anxious. Little girl, you can't do this. I already gave you one for free. If you've finished eating, leave quickly. If you want more, go get money from your mom and dad.
Where are your mom and dad? How can they be so careless to let such a small child run outside alone?
Just as the boss was at a loss, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Give her another one."
The boss followed the voice and saw a very handsome young man who had just spoken. Beside the young man was a cute girl dressed in cosplay.
Undoubtedly, the young man and the girl were Tenraku and Mittelt.
Mittelt handed money to the boss, who happily took out another cotton candy and handed it to Lilith.
Taking the cotton candy, Lilith tilted her head to look at Tenraku, then said nothing and started eating again.
"Still want more?"
After watching Lilith finish eating, Tenraku ruffled her little head and smiled.
"Do you want more?"
Finally hearing Lilith's voice, it indeed sounded exactly like Ophis'.
"Yes."
With that, Tenraku took Lilith's hand, and without any resistance from her, they walked into a nearby restaurant together.
Tenraku ordered some dumplings, burgers, and a few other items for Lilith. Lilith, in turn, unabashedly stuffed herself with the various foods.
Sipping on a drink, Tenraku watched Lilith across the table with a smile, not disturbing her. Meanwhile, Mittelt, standing nervously beside Tenraku, felt a bit anxious.
It wasn't Mittelt's timidity that was to blame; it was the awe-inspiring power that this seemingly harmless girl possessed. If Lilith were to get angry accidentally, the entire vampire city could turn into ruins in an instant!
Before long, all the food had disappeared from Lilith's plate, and Tenraku finally spoke:
"Do you want more?"
"I'm full."
Rubbing her little stomach, Lilith stood up from her seat and walked over to Tenraku.
"My scent, it's on you."
Sniffing around Tenraku's body, Lilith looked puzzled as she spoke.
She must be referring to Ophis's scent. When they were at home, Ophis often liked to sit on Tenraku, leaving behind some scent on him. Although Tenraku couldn't smell it, it seemed that the girl's nose was quite sensitive, able to detect even this faint scent.
"This is Ophis's scent. You were born using her power."
"You ate my food; from now on, you'll call me 'master' like Ophis."
Tenraku said while patting Lilith's small head.
"Master."
Without any objection, Lilith called out.
However, she probably didn't understand the meaning of "master" at all!
"Good girl."
"Lilith, do you want to come to my side and be my pet like Ophis? As long as you become my pet, you'll have these delicious things every day."
Tenraku said with a smile, while Mittelt beside him was nearly forgetting to breathe, being so shocked.
Is Tenraku-dono not only collecting Ophis-sama as a pet but also planning to spare no one, even this Lilith?!
"No."
"Protecting Rizevim is my mission."
Without getting angry, Lilith thought for a moment before replying.
"I see... then when you no longer want to protect Rizevim, come and be my pet."
With a glint in his eyes, Tenraku proposed again.
Lilith's bright eyes blinked, and this time, she didn't refuse:
"Okay."
To be continued...
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