Welcome to the Vampire Court
If someone had told Lumiel that "attending the Vampire Court" meant surviving seven hours of bowing, bleeding, and gossiping undead nobles — he might've brought his scythe instead of a smile.
He stood beside Princess Luminous in a grand marble hall, every surface carved with crimson roses and mirrored obsidian.The nobles stared at him like a rare collectible.Half of them looked hungry. The other half looked jealous.
"Don't slouch," Luminous whispered with perfect posture."I'm trying not to faint from blood loss," Lumiel muttered. "They made me sign a guestbook in my own blood.""Tradition," she said sweetly. "You're part of the family now.""That's what worries me."
Kuroha, disguised as a decorative fox statue near the throne, whispered into his mind.
"You're surrounded by apex predators in velvet. Try not to look delicious.""Too late," Lumiel thought. "One just licked his lips at me."
The Emperor's Grand Entrance
The room went silent as the double doors opened.A wave of power rolled in — cold, ancient, and oddly cheerful.
The Emperor of Dravania entered, tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a smile too wide for a man responsible for ten centuries of conquest.His crimson cloak flowed like living blood.
"Ah! My favorite son-in-law-to-be!" the Emperor boomed."Favorite?" Lumiel whispered to Luminous. "He has others?""Yes," she said calmly. "He's executed three so far.""That's comforting."
The Emperor clapped him on the back — hard enough to crack ribs.
"I heard you turned a dragon into a banker! Genius, boy! You'll fit right in."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lumiel wheezed. "It's an honor to… still be alive."
"And you'll make my daughter rich!" the Emperor said proudly."She already is," Lumiel muttered."Now she'll have emotional investments too!"
The Dinner of Doom
Dinner was served — which, in vampire society, meant blood, essence wines, and something suspiciously labeled "humanly inspired soufflé."Lumiel poked it with his fork. It moved.
Luminous smiled at his confusion. "It's safe. Mostly.""Mostly?""Depends on your blood type.""...I don't want to find out."
He tried to act composed, sipping from a glass of glowing red wine.Then he realized it was glowing because it was alive.
Daniel leaned over from across the table, grinning. "Brother, this is the fanciest kidnapping I've ever seen."Ayaka raised her glass. "To arranged marriages and passive income!"Even Liora giggled. "At least the Emperor ships his own merchandise."
Royal Teasing
As the feast continued, nobles began "complimenting" Lumiel.
"Such soft skin for a blacksmith," one purred."Such bright eyes for someone cursed by Nihility," another mused."Such delicious aura," whispered a third.
Luminous flicked her gaze once, and they all recoiled instantly, bowing.
"Anyone who tries to drink him," she said coldly, "will find I bite back harder."
Lumiel leaned toward her, smirking. "You're possessive already?"She sipped her wine gracefully. "Just protecting my investments."
"I see," he said. "You love me for my portfolio.""And your blood type," she added."Romantic."
The Emperor's Proposal
Halfway through dinner, the Emperor slammed his goblet down, grinning like a proud matchmaker.
"It's settled then! The wedding shall take place during the Blood Moon Festival!"
Lumiel froze mid-sip. "Wait, what? I didn't even propose yet!"
The Emperor laughed heartily.
"Nonsense! I proposed for you! You're welcome, my boy!"
Kuroha whispered through the mental link:
"Congratulations. You've been upgraded from 'independent alchemist' to 'royally acquired asset.'"
"I feel like a merger," Lumiel muttered."You are one," Kuroha said. "Just with better hair."
Luminous chuckled softly behind her glass. "Don't worry, Lumiel. The Emperor moves fast, but I don't bite without consent."
"Comforting," he said dryly. "Though that sounded like both a threat and a promise.""Good," she said. "You're learning."
Dancing with the Princess
After dinner, the Emperor ordered music.
"Dance, my children! Let love and interest rates flourish!"
Luminous extended her hand again, amusement glimmering in her mismatched eyes.
"Shall we, my future husband?"
He sighed, taking her hand. "Do I have a choice?"
"You have style," she said. "That's close enough."
They danced — elegantly, reluctantly, perfectly matched.Her movements were precise as equations; his were guided by instinct and sarcasm.Each step was a political calculation disguised as grace.
"If I accidentally step on your foot," Lumiel murmured, "does that count as an act of rebellion?""Only if you survive," she replied sweetly.
The Emperor's Final Words
As the night ended, the Emperor rose from his throne, raising his goblet.
"To Lumiel Valentine — the man who taught dragons to trade and my daughter to smile!"
The hall cheered. Luminous smiled faintly, hiding her blush behind her glass.Lumiel, exhausted, forced a polite bow.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Truly, this day has been… educational.""And profitable!" the Emperor added."Mostly educational."
Kuroha snickered quietly.
"You realize you're now legally part of the royal treasury, right?""Wonderful," Lumiel sighed. "I always wanted to be a government asset."
Luminous glanced sideways at him and whispered just loud enough for him to hear:
"Don't worry. If they come for your fortune, I'll hide you… in my castle."
He smiled, faintly red in the cheeks. "That's the most romantic threat I've ever heard."