Briefly after our ridiculous 'good morning' exchange, the maid servants knocked and checked if I was awake. After that, they helped me bath and get dressed to look fancy.

From just across the door where Samael went in, there was another door leading to a small room. Now that it was morning, I could see everything clearer.

Once I'm done and again staring at the stranger I've been seeing last night in the mirror, one of the maidservant said politely,

"The Duke summons you to join him for breakfast, My Lady."

"Uh… alright." I nodded, and they led the way.

When we arrived at the grand dinner hall, they already served various dishes on the table. Maidservants along with Fabian were standing not far away from the table.

I pursed my lips upon setting my eyes on the man sitting on the end of the long, rectangular table: Samael. I saw him smile as he slowly stood from his seat.

Once I got closer, Samael beckoned me to sit while he was standing behind the high-back chair.

"I'm doing what a gentleman should do. Sit." He said.

I glanced at him and cleared my throat.

He winked with a knowing smirk on his lips, I instantly looked away. How could he act like nothing happened this morning? Not that something life-changing occurred, but still...

I sighed. With his help, I adjusted the chair closer to the table before he jogged back to his seat.

"Dig in and enjoy!" Samael said, resting his jaw on his knuckles.

Because of how our morning concluded, I felt somehow ungrateful for not feeling excited seeing the dishes on the table. I felt full and empty; it was strange.

As I glanced at him, he yawned. I furrowed my brows and unconsciously looked at everyone.

Samael told me last night this was a vampire's turf. Then does this mean everyone was vampires?

If so…

Again, I glanced at Samael as he yawned once again. When he glanced at the window that granted us light, I witnessed how he clicked his tongue in annoyance before he looked away.

"Why aren't you eating? Don't you find the food appetizing?" He asked.

"Milord, do you normally sleep during daytime?" I ignored his inquiry and asked back instead.

For me, being awake at this time of the day was normal. But considering they were creatures of the night, daytime was their night, right?

"Yes? Why do you ask?" Samael furrowed his brows while nodding.

"Then, does this mean, everyone here should sleep now?" I queried back immediately.

"Uh… obviously?" He tilted his head to the side, confused at my sudden series of questions.

"Then…" I trailed off, shifting my gaze to the maidservants and then to Fabian.

"I think My Lady is asking His Lordship why we're awake if we should rest now." Fabian guessed politely.

I pursed my lips and shifted my eyes back to the duke.

"Isn't it obvious?" Samael frowned. "We have to adjust to your body clock. How else would they serve the duchess if they don't adjust?"

Samael explained in a knowing tone. He shrugged before casting Fabian a glance.

"Our Lordship is correct, My Lady. Though we appreciate your concerns." Fabian beckoned a bow.

Unconsciously, I bit my lower lip. Everyone here was adjusting to my natural habits as a human. I'm not even the duchess yet.

Am I troubling them too much? I gazed down at the thought.

"Are you worried about them?" Samael asked, which made me raised my head again.

I didn't nod, nor did I deny it. I don't want them to misunderstand my intention. They were making efforts to adjust their time. I didn't want to offend them.

"Hmmm. Everyone who is having difficulty adjusting to this abrupt change can rest."

After some time, Samael ordered. His gaze still on me as if he had read my thoughts.

"My Lord, we dare not rest knowing our lordship is awake." Fabian informed with his usual polite tone.

"Yet, you dare worry her ladyship?" Samael arched his brow and gave Fabian a side eye.

"Certainly not, my Lord." Fabian was quick to respond.

"Then, rest." The second Fabian answered, Samael ordered immediately. "If My Lady is worried, I would worry about her too. Don't be a hindrance in the duchess' peace."

"Yes, my Lord." Fabian didn't argue further before he glanced to the other servants.

"Thank you, My Lord, My Lady." They spoke in unison, bowing before they leave silently.

I watched them leave and glimpsed at the reliefs in their eyes. A subtle smile resurfaced on my lips. They were tired, I knew it!

"Happy now?" As the maidservants left, Samael queried.

I returned my eyes to him and smiled.

"Thank you, milord." I expressed, doing a neck bow with my hands on my lap.

"My pleasure, my Lady." Samael returned my smile with a magnanimous smile.

I almost felt moved by his action and forgot how he tortured my eyes this morning. However, his generous smile which gradually changed into an evil grin reminded me of his true nature.

"Now, I have you all to myself today since no one will show you around and educate you!" Excited, Samael clapped his hands as he chuckled evilly.

The smile on my face immediately died. My heart sink as my hearing malfunction.

"Huh?"

"As the future duchess, it is not a surprised that you must learn things. You may be physically weak, but knowledge is power, sweetheart." Samael explained as he shrugged.

I blinked my eyes as I processed his words.

Learn things? Knowledge was… power?

The thought of learning more in this world brought a tremor of excitement in my blood. However, was it necessary for the duke himself to teach me?

Subconsciously, I scrutinized Samael's suspicious-looking grin. I didn't want to judge, but... in my eyes, he was radiating with malice? My gut was telling me Samael was concocting other wicked plans that were beyond my imagination.

Could I truly trust him?

"Fret not, My Lady. I believed the Duke wouldn't have the time to tutor her ladyship. I, Fabian, will be at your service."

Suddenly, just when I thought everyone left, Fabian chimed in.

His voice brought life into my eyes as I turned to him. Fabian's palm on his chest, bearing a kind smile.

"What? Fabian. As the Duke, I am worried about your well-being. You should rest as well!" Samael exclaimed, sounding overly magnanimous.

"I appreciate your concerns, My Lord. However, I couldn't let her ladyship down." Fabian argued, albeit politely.

"Tsk,"

With Fabian's help, the corner of my lips stretched wider, relieved. Fabian seemed more knowledgeable and harmless.

Therefore, I would prefer being tutored by him instead of this perverted duke.

"Thank you, Sir Fabian." I expressed, grateful for his generosity.

"Fabian, My Lady. This humble one is undeserving to be regarded higher than her ladyship." Fabian corrected and smiled.

That very moment, an instant connection sparked between me and Fabian. A spark that ignited light of hope to my dim future.

*

Meanwhile, as Lilou and Fabian were exchanging smiles, Samael glared at Fabian.

"What does a butler know the duke don't?" He mumbled, snapping his tongue as he shoved a piece of pea inside his mouth.

As soon as he ate the pea, Samael stuck his tongue in disgust.

"Gross."