"Who are you, really?" Alia asked Howard with a trembling voice. Hearing this question, Howard felt puzzled and replied impatiently, "You're scared by this little strength, how useless. I have to seriously consider whether to take you as my follower. You might as well stay here."
Alia tried hard to restrain her emotions, but she couldn't help but continue trembling. Even though she had already guessed that Howard was a member of the Henry family when he used his blood to heal her, she never imagined, or dared to think, that Howard, he, was actually her childhood sweetheart, Edward!
Alia remembered that it was eight years ago when Edward's coming-of-age ceremony was held in the central palace of the vampire castle. Duke Henry had always had a close relationship with the vampire royal family, and Edward was known as a rare genius of a hundred generations, having mastered many abilities of vampire families at a young age. With his charm and talent, he was the dream partner of many vampire girls. There were rumors that Edward would eventually marry Princess Aurelia, further strengthening the power of the vampire royal family.
Aurelia had been playing and studying with Edward since childhood, often trying to tease him. However, due to her young age, her attempts often ended in failure. Nevertheless, Edward never tired of their playful banter, always looking happy as he watched Aurelia.
However, as time went by and everyone grew older, although Edward was not yet of age, he was continuously assigned tasks by Duke Henry to train and develop his various abilities. Meanwhile, Aurelia was taught by her teachers and mother about the differences between men and women. Therefore, after Edward turned 16, they gradually spent less time together alone.
"Aurelia, what gift are you planning to give my brother?" Victoria, sitting on the swing, asked Aurelia beside her.
"Hmph, that arrogant little boy has now become a prominent figure, hasn't he? I, as a young lady, dare not randomly give gifts, or else I'll be chased and cursed by his fan club," Aurelia said, half jesting and half mocking.
"How could that be? You're a princess, how can they compare to you? Besides, my brother values you the most. Whatever gift you give, he'll like it," Victoria quickly explained for her brother.
"Really? Then I'll consider it. Let me look for something in my cluttered room," Aurelia said seemingly casually after hearing Victoria's words. She then jumped off the swing and headed towards her room, starting with a slow pace but gradually picking up speed, leaving her voice in the air, "Victoria, have fun on your own. I, I'm not feeling well, so I'll go back first."
"Ha! Hiss!" Victoria laughed and muttered to herself, "Truly a flower in the greenhouse, not even good at deceiving people, yet so adorable. Brother, I'm doing my best to help you."
Although Victoria was of similar age to Aurelia, Duke Henry had nurtured her in various aspects from a young age, especially in politics and social skills. She knew that an alliance with the vampire royal family was crucial for her family, so she was determined to spare no effort in helping her brother.
Back in her room, Aurelia opened a small box hidden under her bed. Inside was an exquisite dagger, with a slender golden handle embedded with a pink gemstone. This dagger was left to Aurelia by her mysterious father, made from an unknown material extracted from meteorites, incredibly sharp. The gemstone on the handle was said to possess magical powers, yet no one had discovered its true purpose.
Although this was one of the few gifts her father had left for her, Aurelia knew that once Edward came of age, he would be involved in vampire's external activities, likely to engage in battles with other supernatural forces. She hoped that her dagger could assist Edward and protect his safety.
Late at night, in the grand hall, numerous vampire nobles gathered to celebrate Edward's coming-of-age ceremony. Edward, dressed in a black tailcoat with golden hair and a handsome face, looked mature beyond his 18 years. Though youthful, his demeanor already showed a hint of composure. He was surrounded by a flock of young, beautiful noblewomen who presented their prepared gifts, which Edward graciously accepted.
Observing this scene from beside the throne in the grand hall, Aurelia couldn't help but feel angry. She secretly thought to herself, perhaps it would be better to keep the dagger for herself.
Aurelia, still sulking, saw Edward suddenly break away from the crowd and walk towards her. He bent down and said to her, "My most respected Princess, may I have the honor of receiving the blessing of the most beautiful girl in the vampire world?"
Hearing Edward, who was usually aloof, ask her so directly, Aurelia couldn't help but blush and feel shy. However, she replied somewhat irritably, "The distinguished number one handsome man in the vampire world has so many beautiful girls around him, does he still need my blessing? I didn't prepare anything."
"Oh," Edward turned slightly disappointed and prepared to leave.
Watching Edward's somewhat despondent figure, Aurelia felt an itch of anger. She was 99% sure that Edward was acting. He knew she had prepared a gift for him, and he was waiting for her to call him back and give him the gift, after which he would wear a smug expression as if he had known all along.
"Alright, here, this is your gift from me. Happy 18th birthday," Aurelia called out to Edward, who was really walking away.
Edward paused for a moment, then immediately turned back towards Aurelia. Without the smugness Aurelia had imagined, Edward took the box she handed him, opened it, and saw the exquisite dagger inside. He looked sincerely at Aurelia and said, "Aurelia, thank you. This is the best gift I've ever received, and I promise with my life that I will always carry it with me."
Aurelia, not receiving the expected reaction, was moved by Edward's sincerity. She no longer felt angry or mocking, and said softly, "This was left to me by my father. My mother said this dagger is the sharpest in the world, and I hope it can protect you."
Edward placed the dagger against his chest and said sincerely again, "Thank you! When it's your coming-of-age ceremony, I will definitely give you the best gift in the world, one you'll never forget!"