The Great Vampire General is a Girl! - Chapter 109

“Lady Celia, aren’t you tired of living in this palace? With people you don’t know very well?” Yuri asked. Those were probably the longest lines ever spoken to Valerie. For the past week, Valerie has been playing the piano in Prince Yuri’s room.

He was still under house arrest. But his health has improved. Yuri, now known as a friendly young man with a cheerful nature. He was like most teenagers who liked to have fun with young men his age. No one would have thought that he had ever been close to the rebels.

Prince Yuri had black hair and pale skin and slightly sunken eyes. He was handsome, like the image of a prince in a fantasy fairy tale that accompanied Valerie’s childhood. When he was silent, he was like an undead that could pounce at any moment. But as he spoke, the mysterious air that enveloped him melted into warmth. Yuri was a friendly young man and knew how to socialize. But he also kept his distance and kept things a secret.

He was still lying on his soft bed with his legs chained with silver chains. There was a pile of books by his pillow. For six months he lived in a dark, rotten cellar. His soul was torn apart, his mind no longer so sane. He experienced hallucinations and horrific images of himself killing his own family. However, he did not think about dying.

During this week, he had been observing Celia Durant. He guessed that the girl might be the same age as him. Becoming a piano teacher at such a young age was not a common occurrence. Moreover, the vampire Avalon was quite old-fashioned and not infrequently there were still those who insist that unmarried women should not leave their homes. Celia comes from a faraway village, she says she was interested in studying piano and wanted to become a famous pianist.

“I’m not lonely, am I with you, Princess Ivanka also always invites me to chat. It’s not boring here. It’s different from when I was in my previous job..I teach bad boys who like to dirty their own clothes with mud. Or dipping my shoes in the pool a few times,” said Celia, pressing a few keys on the piano.

“But I’m a monster,”

“Believe me, those kids are more suited to being called monsters than you, prince Yuri,” Valerie laughed.

“Ahahaha, thank you. But, you can’t let your guard down. I could have hurt you,”

“No, you’re getting better..You will control the monsters within your body..because I know some people like you who are just unlucky. But they have good hearts,” said Valerie again. This time she turned to the prince and looked him straight in the eye.

“Maybe I’ll have to leave the palace soon. You’re much better. My piano playing is no longer significantly helping your healing,” said Valerie.

“Eh? Could it be that you wished you could leave the palace soon?” Yuri looked disappointed.

“No, of course it’s your decision.”

“I don’t mind learning the piano, and I guess learning the piano takes a while, doesn’t it?” Yuri said, conveying the solution.

Valerie chuckled.

“Prince Yuri, why are you suddenly so talkative? Usually you just nod and mumble. Is there anything special today?” Valerie said in a cheerful tone.

“Not really, but you’re right. I feel happy today,” Yuri smiled. His fingers squeezed something behind the book he was reading.

This palace was filled with spies. Not just from Florentia. Maybe the rebels have their spies here too. Valerie, who has undergone intelligence training, was used to detecting irregularities in the attitude of the target she was aiming for.

The book Yuri was reading had never been in that room before. In fact, prince yuri was closely guarded. No one should carelessly put things in, even a change of clothes without Butler’s knowledge. Someone gave it quietly. Was that the message of the rebels for prince Yuri? So, Yuri hasn’t given up on being locked up by her father and left to suffer as a monster? He still wants to return to the rebels?

Valerie had to make sure of it. But if he really still wanted to help the rebels — maybe Ivanka would really be the next leader of Avalon.

Ever since Yuri received the book, he looked more cheerful. He might be easier to talk to now.

“You know, I’m actually glad to have the opportunity to meet you. I think we both have a lot in common, Prince Yuri,” said Valerie in a whisper.

“What do you mean, Lady Celia?”

“But you’re not going to report me, are you?” Valerie whispered to him a little.

“How could I wrong the person who saved my life?” He laughed and looked relaxed.

“Okay, so it’s like this. In my opinion, vampires and humans have the right to coexist without being led by Florentia or Avalon,” said Valerie.

Yuri’s face stiffened. He was still not mature enough. But he gets along with politicians and understands the thinking of influential adult vampires. Valerie’s words, if delivered in front of other people, would probably get her thrown into prison.

“You have to be careful when you talk about this, Lady Celia,” Yuri said seriously.

“I know, but you promised not to report it right?”

“No! Of course not! So, do you need someone to talk to about that? Of course I know, being different is difficult among the vampires of Avalon. So, how did you come to have such dangerous thoughts?”

“I’ve read the book,”

“What book?”

“The book by Igor Pekovsky, entitled ‘Three Paths of Well-being,’” Valerie whispered again.

“Are you serious? That’s my favorite book! And the book that brought me to meet—” Yuri didn’t continue, he locked his mouth awkwardly.

“I shouldn’t have said this. I can no longer hang out with them. After all, I would only harm Igor and his group. But, if it’s just discussing it between the two of us, I guess it’s fine. So, what did you like about that book?” Yuri probed looking cheerfully.

***

“Thank you for the invitation, Princess Ivanka,” Valerie bowed politely in a sky blue semi-formal dress with rose-print sequins sewn into the hem of the dress.

After Valerie’s piano playing schedule for Prince Yuri was over, she immediately headed for Princess Ivanka’s pavilion. Today she’s having a drink together. She had already provided a prey that seemed quite handsome. Valerie could also see a red-haired knight and immediately recognized him.

He was the poor human youth who had been a dish at Miriam Richie’s previous residence. He now turned into a vampire and was escorting princess Ivanka. Valerie could see scratch marks and wounds on several parts of his body. The process of transformation from human to vampire was said to be very painful. They often try to kill themselves to escape their insatiable thirst.

Long ago, when he was a human, that youth was a Florentia knight. Now that he was a Vampire, he looked proud to wear the Avalon royal knight uniform. Valerie wouldn’t criticize him. However, Princess Ivanka had saved his life. So, if he who should be dead now wants to repay her kindness, it’s only natural.

“Celia, these are all my close friends. Aren’t you my friend too? This is my private drinking, so you can call me Ivanka,” the girl greeted her happily and asked her to sit down.

Valerie was grateful not to wear clothes that were too formal. Because the other girls also wear casual dresses with minimal makeup and jewelry. But the aura of nobility could still be felt from each of them. There were about four vampires who were probably the same age as Ivanka.

Valerie continued with pleasantries and got acquainted. She was good at socializing so it’s not that hard for her. It didn’t take long, those who were awkward at first became close friends.

“You know, I’m very happy. Yuri’s health is improving and I don’t think it will be long before he can return to his normal activities. Oh my, I miss hanging out with you guys like this,” Ivanka let go of the burden in her heart.

“You’re right Iva, it’s been more than six months, you never contacted us,” complained one of the girls.

“Charlotte’s getting married in two months, you know?”

“Oh my gosh, really?” Ivanka looked surprised.

“Our age is not young anymore, how about you? Has His Majesty the King still not decided who will be your fiancé?” Another one responded.

“Me? I don’t know, I don’t think my father will be in a hurry to set me up with someone,” Ivanka complained.

Valerie listened with a smile. For high-caste families, it was not easy to find a partner for their child. Duke Dubois also had a similar experience.

“But, after Yuri recovers. Maybe you can tell the King to find you a future husband,” said her friend again.

Ivanka was silent. She sighed as she had another burden on her.

“You know, I have to confess something to you guys. You can’t tell anyone. So I already kissed someone,” Ivanka said before covering her face feeling Shame and guilty.

The girls squealed with joy and excitement.. Meanwhile, Valerie hesitated. Should she be here to listen to their conversation?