Her grandfather left the two of them inside. Her father instantly talks to her with a cold voice.
"Vanessa...if your condition gets better. We will return to the Grand Duke mansion. Sorry for the long wait."
He touched my cheek and I hold his hand.
"That's okay, father. I'm fine. At least you here."
"The Emperor said was true. You resemble your mother a lot."
My father was the 2nd Prince of the Empire, Raphael. One of the princes who got married and have children. He care about me a lot because I was his only daughter. He's portrayed as the best father in my life.
All Prince in this land has their honor respectively. That's why the royal family always became the center of attention. Vampire nations have great distribution. For example, I, the daughter of the Grand Duke who has become a knight before getting an adult.
"Goodbye, Vanessa. See you soon."
"We will take care of the rest. You better enjoy your time with Raphael."
She replied. "Thank you, Uncle Theodore and Uncle Theodora."
Today is the day I'm going to leave the palace and returned to the Grand Duke's mansion with my father. My uncle came here to say goodbye. Except for my Grandfather because he was busy with his affairs. After that day I also rarely talk to him.
And Victor's status right now is a fugitive. This information has been spread everywhere. Who would have thought their hero would do such a thing. There are even nobles who ask me whether this information is true or not. They asked me because I was his partner on the battlefield.
When I answered it was all true. Their faces really don't believe me at all.
It annoys me.
Of course, because I want to forget about him. I immediately excuse myself from them. Fortunately, my father suddenly shows up and accompany me to get through all of this.
Vanessa looked in her father's direction. "Thank you, Your Highness, the 2nd Prince."
"Why do you talk so formally with your own father?"
She looks confused while giving his hand to me. I just laughed, "Nothing, I just want to say it."
They go into the horse carriage and leave the main palace. Vanessa looked out at the window horse carriage around feeling sleepy. Her father was laying her head on his shoulder. He allowed Vanessa to fall asleep during the trip.
She glanced at her father who was busy with his work. "Are you still busy with that paper?"
"I'm sorry, My duty as Grand Duke continued to come every time. Do not worry and get some rest. You don't need to interrupt your father's work."
He stroked her hair.
"You've been working outside of the country for ten years. Just focus on your own body at this time."
"...Yes, father."
I fall asleep on my father's lap all day. It's been a while since I'm doing this with my father. My longing for you has disappeared in an instant.
"Good job, My daughter."
"Thank...you..."
The Grand Duke was located quite far from the Imperial palace and capital city. We must pass through the big bridge and dangerous forest, not dangerous actually, just it doesn't know the way. You will get lost so easily and die.
Even We make out to this place when the night comes and we really arrive at the Grand Duke's mansion.
If I recall correctly, my father chooses our home far from the capital and imperial palace on purpose.
Simple, He didn't want to lose his family member again. He doesn't want to repeat the same mistakes.
"I have a job after this. You can get in first. If there is anything you need just tell me."
"I understand, father!"
Vanessa went with the servant to bring her stuff. She's heading to her old room and the servant opens her room door.
They were greeted by lavish and spacious rooms.
Meanwhile, Vanessa silently stared at the room.
"We shall take our leave, My Lady."
"Yes!"
Now the servant is gone. After a long tour, I go around the big room. Gently touched one by one item in my room and accidentally discovered an item that is covered with a handkerchief.
I opened it and as I thought.
A painting behind it. But why is the painting covered with a handkerchief? I always put this beside my bed? Did father move the painting or something?
"I'm home, mother...brother."
She smiled warmly, her fingers moving to see the man's face in those painting.
"I wish you can see me, Brother. I'm going to be a strong woman. Like our promise twenty years ago."
And she put back the painting beside her bed. A few minutes later someone knocked. Vanessa hasn't answered or given permission.
However, a man by himself opens the door and he saw her red eyes. She was confused with this man and the man hugged her tightly.
Surprised for one second. "What are you...Who are you?"
"What? You don't remember me? How cruel you are! I'm your best cousin, Basil!"
Vanessa doesn't believe what she sees now. "Is this really you?"
He's getting taller and similar to Uncle Sam.
"What do you expect? Someone else?"
Yeah...like father like son.
"What are you doing here?"
He was the crown prince's son, Uncle Sam. His name is Basil. Same as my brother, he's one hundred twenty years older than me.
"I'm here to spend time with you. My dad and mom asked me to accompany you during this holiday."
"Uncle Sam told you?"
"Yes, haha," Basil put his finger on her mouth. He went inside without asking her permission. Vanessa just let him be and let the door open widely.
Something interesting seems to attract his attention. He took it and then smiled. He hold the painting that was beside the king-size bed. His smile looks sincere, making Vanessa's heart feel a warm welcome.
"Did you miss him?"
He keeps looking at the painting.
"I miss him a lot. He's my cousin."
We all miss him so much.
"My father seems to ask me to accompany him after what happened. He seemed worried about you too, so I'll be here and keep you safe."
Keeping me safe? Did he remember that I was an honored knight? I can't get injured or killed.
"Your brother has taught me how to fight. He will be proud to have a little sister like you."
Vanessa took up the painting in his hand. "I hope so...thank you, Brother Basil."
"Just call me Basil." He stroked her hair and then hugged her again.
We care so much bout my brother.
"Yes, Basil."
My brother, the son of the Grand Duke died in an accident twenty years ago. He died because of a human attack and protect everyone, including myself and my mother. For his sacrifice, he has become a knight in history at the same time.
"What made Victor think like this? Not like usual." Basil muttered.
"...I don't know either."
He did that for Valeska. Even if he cares about her. He just needs to leave her with someone else and do an expedition. Has he also felt something strange with that girl? Or there is another reason?
That's crazy? How can an adult vampire like him fall in love with a little girl? Disgusting!
End Chapter 8