Regards,
Layla Danir Dream]

Hm.

I wonder if it was Luca who decided to invite me, or was it Layla.

Thinking the latter is more probable, I neatly folded the invitation again.

“How do you plan to respond, Lady Bella? If you feel uncomfortable, there’s no pressure to accept. Lady Layla is a businesswoman, and she’s less sensitive to these matters compared to other noble ladies.”

“Is Sienna close to Layla? Last time I saw them, it seemed like they got along quite well.”

Actually, she was closer to Lady Daphne than me. They had frequent interactions, and among the noble families related to the royal family, her face was the most familiar.

I nodded, recalling Layla’s appearance at the reception.

The possessor of lively vitality in contrast to her elegant appearance.

Belonging to a family that had accumulated incredible wealth from a massive mine, she left an impression that would undoubtedly be likable to anyone.

“How about Sienna? Will she permit the invitation?”

“…Well, I’m not sure. But Lady Daphne really liked Lady Layla. If you’re curious about Mother, it might be good to meet her.”

“If it’s about Mother, Sienna might know better, right?”

“Since I was in Lady Daphne’s service, I don’t know personal stories well. They were practically like friends, so they might have had different conversations.”

Feeling sufficiently inclined to accept the invitation with just her response, I immediately started writing the reply.

I felt somewhat proud as the quill pen, which had just started gaining speed, moved steadily.

“I’ll send this to Luca’s palace. Tell Rosa to choose a suitable gift and prepare separately for Layla and my brother.”

“I’ll make sure to prepare without any delays, Lady Bella.”

Three days later.

I chose clothes suitable for tea time and headed to Luca’s palace.

Even though it was within the palace walls, it was quite a distance, so I took a carriage. Naturally, Raven was accompanying me inside the carriage.

“Always causing trouble, Miyan, Raven. Just in case, I thought it might be safer for us to go together.”

“Your dad left the carriage for you. Why do you feel sorry? You don’t have to, Bella.”

“But it’s still because of my circumstances. It must be very uncomfortable for you. I’m always grateful, really.”

Now, expressing gratitude and apologies didn’t feel awkward at all. I looked Raven straight in the eyes, conveying sincerity.

Still not entirely comfortable with accepting emotions, Raven subtly avoided eye contact. However, summoning courage, he responded in a small voice.
“…Bella, I’ve never felt uncomfortable being next to you. So, there’s no need to be thankful or sorry. I’m perfectly fine.”

“Hehe, really? That feels kinda nice.”

As we exchanged various conversations, the scenery outside the carriage steadily changed.

Before long, as we arrived at the opulent building that seemed to be Luca’s palace, several people awaited at the entrance.

“Bella! It’s been a long time! Have you been well?”

“Ung, Luca… and my brother. Thanks for the invitation.”

“Oh, come on, it’s nothing. We’re siblings, so it’s only natural, right?”

Luca swelled his chest proudly, as if having a younger brother was a remarkable achievement.

While it was known among the precious vampire families that having siblings was a considerable source of pride, Luca seemed particularly obsessed with his younger brother.

‘Well, he might be a bit foolish, but he’s a hundred times better than my eldest brother, who hasn’t even sent word until now.’

As I was contemplating, looking at Luca who was chattering away and making sure to support him in case he stumbled, I noticed Raven standing far behind me.

Luca, who found Raven standing a fair distance behind me, looked at him with interest, his eyes widening.

“But who’s this? I’ve never seen this face before. Did you bring him along?”

“Yeah. My friend. His name is Raven. He has some business, so he’ll be accompanying us today.”

“Raven? Ah, a Benian species bestowed by Lord! Your eye color is truly fascinating.”

Luca, without any courtesy, stared fixedly at Raven’s eyes, who showed discomfort and turned his head away.

Just like his eyes that glittered like gold, Raven’s vertically slit pupils, reminiscent of demons, were particularly captivating to those seeing them for the first time. Raven tended to avoid people who found him fascinating, even though his shimmering eyes and slit pupils were both intriguing.

Assuming that there would be no issue since I had already firmly established that Raven was a friend, I began to craft my response.

I handed the finished letter to Sienna, feeling a bit pleased with the slightly increasing speed of the quill pen.

“Send this to Luca’s palace. Tell Rosa to choose something suitable for the gift. Prepare separately for Layla and my brother.”

“I’ll make sure to prepare without any delays, Lady Bella.”

Three days later.