When Kenley pulled Tia back to his room, Tia's face was flushed with embarrassment, lost in her own thoughts.

  "What's wrong, Tia?" Kenley keenly sensed that something was off.

  She halted in her steps, her hands fidgeting anxiously. Just like those innocent girls Kenley had seen during his school days—nervous yet with a hidden affection in their eyes.

  Irene?

  For some reason, Kenley seemed to recall the time when he was still in the game. It was when he first met Irene, and the Dragon Roar Guild was still just a small guild. Later on, it gradually expanded to a scale even Kenley hadn't anticipated.

  "Master, are you hungry today?"

  "Is there anything you especially want to eat?"

  "Tia has learned a few recipes and wants you to try them."

  Kenley was slightly taken aback. When did she learn to cook? Did she secretly practice while he was asleep?

  "I'm curious about what you've learned, Tia… but it's already quite late. How about tomorrow instead—"

  Before Kenley could finish, Tia immediately interjected,"No, Tia's not tired! Master, Tia just wants to do something within her ability for you!"

  Her tone was firm, as if she had made a significant decision. Kenley could tell that she seemed a bit uneasy. As for why, he could guess part of it.

  "What a thoughtful yet incredibly kind little princess," Kenley sighed inwardly.

  Indeed, all this time, Tia had been under his care, and he hadn't really allowed her to do anything for him. She was probably worried—afraid that her uselessness might one day make him resent her.

  Kenley hesitated for a moment. It wasn't that he didn't want Tia to do anything; rather, there was simply no need. For Kenley, the things Tia wanted to do were tasks he could easily handle himself.

  But he didn't want to hurt Tia's feelings, which would only deepen her belief that she was of no use. So giving her something to do occasionally would probably make her feel a lot better.

  "Alright then. As a matter of fact, I am a bit hungry. Since you want to cook, Tia, I'll keep you company," Kenley said with a gentle smile.

  "Ah—!" Tia covered her mouth in surprise."N-No, that's not a good idea! Having Master in the kitchen with me… wouldn't that be improper?"

  Kenley took hold of Tia's small hand, though not forcefully. Her hand was still so cold—a vampire's body temperature was different from a human's. It wasn't cold enough to be unbearable, but neither did it feel warm like a living person's.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Tia's cheeks flushed, and her eyes darted nervously. Though they had already crossed that line in their relationship, Tia would still exhibit a girlish shyness every time Kenley touched her.

  Honestly, every time Kenley saw that look on her face, he couldn't help but feel a vague sense of guilt. After all, Tia's age had been frozen at fourteen—the very age when her beauty was at its most delicate.

  Looking at Tia's face, so lovely and fragile, Kenley let out a soft sigh."It's alright, Tia. We'll do it together."

  Without waiting for her response, Kenley led Tia decisively to the kitchen.

  "So, Tia, what do you want to make?" Kenley asked, glancing at the pots and pans filling the room as he began tidying up.

  Seeing Kenley's determination, Tia had no choice but to drop her objections. Since Kenley had already stocked plenty of food in the cellar, cooking wasn't really an issue.

  For the past few days, Kenley had been eating outside since he hadn't hired any servants yet. He planned to do so later when he had more money; for now, his funds were being used to help Tia level up, so he hadn't been spending recklessly.

  But now, Kenley thought it might be time to put hiring servants on the agenda—cleaning such a big house was too much hassle. Ideally, he'd hire someone proficient in cleaning magic, perhaps a half-elf or a human, as long as it wasn't some odd creature.

  Tia glanced around, picking up a few potatoes, some fruits, and milk."Master, Tia wants to make you a milk stew. It's a famous dish in the Kingdom of Gaifei, and also a staple food."

  How interesting. Looking at Tia's earnest expression, Kenley couldn't resist the urge to tease her."So, Tia, once you've filled me up, does that mean you can seize the opportunity to drink my blood?"

  "Ah—!" Tia's face instantly turned pale, and the potato in her hand dropped to the ground."Master! Tia has never thought that! Tia promised to try her best to never make you bleed for her again—now and forever!"

  Seeing Tia's serious expression, Kenley felt even more tempted to tease her. He wrapped an arm around her waist."What are you talking about, Tia? I've never minded you drinking my blood. You can drink it whenever you want—go ahead, try it if you don't believe me."

  Tia couldn't have anticipated Kenley's sudden playfulness. For a moment, she was too stunned to react, thinking he might be testing her.

  She lowered her head, hiding her expression. But Kenley could just barely make out her whispering:

  "Tia loves Master very, very much… even to the point of wanting to turn you into a vampire…"

  Hiss—Kenley was startled. Was that really Tia's inner voice?

  Sensing Kenley's shock, Tia abruptly looked up, her previous gloom replaced by a sly smile."But Tia doesn't like that idea. Tia still wants to taste Master's blood, because it's so delicious. Rich, sweet, and refreshing—Master, you have no idea how wonderful your blood tastes. Tia wishes she could drink you dry every day, then leave just enough life in you for you to recover, only to drain you again—every day, over and over."

  Uh?! Was Tia secretly this dark?! Cold sweat broke out on Kenley's forehead.

  Seeing his stunned expression, Tia giggled. She suddenly leaned in and planted a kiss on his lips."Serves you right, Master, for teasing Tia earlier. Hmph! Tia's going to torment you every day from now on."

  This girl… she's got a hidden side.

  Who would've thought that this bright and lovely little princess could have such a mischievous streak?

  Kenley chuckled helplessly."It seems our little princess is quite the playful vampire after all."

  "Is that so, Master? But Tia thinks you're the one who loves to joke around the most."

  "Oh? Why do you say that?" Kenley asked with a curious look.

  "Because, Master," Tia replied with a strangely sweet smile, her crimson eyes fixed on his."Not a single word Tia just said was a lie."