Chapter 50: The Astute Malina

"How about it, your father hasn't been making things difficult for you again, has he?"

Inside the carriage traveling along the forest path, Fulade looked across at Sibyl and said.

A black silk corseted gown with gold edging clung to her body, setting off her tender, plump skin all the more fair, while the curves of her figure were traced into a perfect arc.

Her smooth, deep brown hair was pinned up with an exquisite hair ornament, complementing her refined and alluring features, giving her a uniquely memorable charm.

Only, at this moment her gaze wandered, a faint flush of pink on her face, and when she looked at Fulade, the spring-water pools in her eyes always gave one an electric sensation.

If one looked carefully, one could discover two barely perceptible red dots on her neck, seemingly hinting at something.

When she looked at Fulade, her gaze would always dodge unnaturally, not daring to linger too long.

"That's right, these past few days Fulade brought you to the palace, which has already shown his stance to your father. Your father shouldn't be so foolish as to still want to marry you off."

Another voice, as lovely as an oriole's, sounded beside her — the one speaking was Malina.

Today she wore a gorgeous golden corseted gown that traced her delicate, slender waist in exquisite detail, revealing an astonishing slimness that seemed barely enough to fill one's hand.

A cascade of golden, soft hair was pinned high, accentuating her elegant, slender neck and her charming, delicate face, making it appear all the more fair and flawless.

An air of nobility and purity arose naturally.

Sibyl first stole a careful glance at Fulade, then said softly, "Everything is fine now. When I went back, my father didn't mention anything."

"It wasn't your fault to begin with. What right did they have to sacrifice you?"

Hearing this, Sibyl looked at Malina gratefully. "I have to thank you too, Sister Malina. Brother Fulade told me everything — you've been worrying about me this whole time."

"We've been sisters for so many years. I couldn't just stand by and watch you jump into a fire pit."

Saying this, Malina seemed to notice the pair of faint red dots on Sibyl's neck, and said thoughtfully:

"Sibyl, has Fulade been treating you well these past two days?"

Sibyl answered subconsciously, "Very well."

Only when she noticed Malina's gaze resting right on her neck did she subconsciously cover it up, and glance at Fulade with a look of slight panic.

And all of this was seen by Malina.

The two chatted and laughed along the way, and soon arrived at their destination, Downton Manor.

That's right — Sibyl was the youngest daughter among the three sisters of Downton Manor.

This matter was also something Sibyl had mentioned inadvertently yesterday, which was when Fulade first realized it.

He never could have imagined that Sibyl, who had grown up by his side since childhood, was actually the one from Downton Manor.

So much so that it gave Fulade the sudden feeling of being struck by a pie falling from the sky.

Stepping down from the carriage, he surveyed this castle with a century of history — its mottled walls bore the marks of time.

Surrounding it was a sizable green grassland, dotted with scattered trees — quite a fine landscape and a good place for a leisurely getaway.

"The last time I came here was three years ago. How about it, Sister Malina, this place isn't bad, is it?"

Sibyl surveyed the surroundings, and her suppressed mood of the past few days immediately lightened considerably.

Malina smiled and said, "The scenery is indeed quite lovely."

Only Fulade, who had followed them down from behind, watched Malina's Oscar-caliber acting with a rather peculiar expression.

This little minx was absolutely doing it on purpose. Only Sibyl was still foolishly thinking she hadn't been found out.

Watching the two women's intimate display, Fulade couldn't help but silently mourn for that silly girl Sibyl.

"In a few days, the Wizard Academy will officially begin recruiting its first batch of new students. You two should go as well."

At dinner, Fulade set down his wine glass and slowly said to Malina and Sibyl.

Malina set down her wine glass and said with some concern, "Won't we be a bit too old?"

Beside them, Sibyl also cast a worried glance.

"Don't worry, both of you have excellent talent. Even if you start learning now, it isn't too late."

Hearing Fulade's words, the two finally felt reassured, though the looks they gave Fulade both betrayed a hint of reluctance to part. After all, the academy was not inside Dracula Castle, so meeting in the future wouldn't be as convenient as before.

Seeing the equally unreserved reluctance in Sibyl's eyes, Malina suddenly coughed.

It immediately startled Sibyl into hurriedly lowering her head, and in her fluster she shoved a large piece of food from her plate into her mouth.

The result.

Watching Sibyl, her face flushed red, coughing incessantly.

Malina gently patted her tender back while saying, "Oh, how could you be so careless? Hurry and drink some water."

Fulade, witnessing all of this, couldn't help but roll his eyes.

He thought to himself: "I knew this would happen."

Fulade, as though he hadn't seen Malina's little trick just now, set down his food and went to Sibyl's side, asking with concern.

"Brother Fulade, Sister Malina, I'm fine — I just need a sip of water." Sibyl waved her hand.

Yet she completely failed to notice the exchange of glances between the two behind her.

Looking at Sibyl, who had finally calmed her breathing, Fulade asked in a seemingly casual manner: "Sibyl, this time we have your father, Count Grantham, to thank for pushing things forward so quickly. How is it I keep hearing that someone has been constantly causing trouble for your family?"

Sibyl said angrily, "Lucian, the deacon of St. Anne's Cathedral, claims they didn't let that clergyman escape, but that we kidnapped him. It's so disgusting!"

Saying this, Sibyl's eyes suddenly reddened.

Fulade nodded and said gently, "Is there anything you need me to help with, Sibyl?"

Hearing Fulade's concerned words, Sibyl felt a warmth in her heart. "No need, Brother Fulade. Father has already resolved it."

Fulade nodded thoughtfully and didn't say anything more.

After dinner.

In Malina's room.

Fulade ran his fingers through the golden hair, smooth as silk, spread across the bed, while gazing at Malina, whose expression was hazy and eyes unfocused.

Licking away a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth, Fulade teased the still-dazed Malina:

"How does it feel? Comfortable?"

"Mm." A slightly more clear-headed Malina reached up and wrapped her arms around Fulade's neck, nodding gently.

"Hmph~ You bastard, you really got off easy."

"By now, the entire Dracula Castle probably already knows about you bringing Sibyl to the royal palace."

With that, Malina seemed to remember something else. She sat up and said with a fierce look on her face: "Spit it out~ Did you and Sibyl do that!"

"No, I only drank her blood." Fulade said with absolute certainty.

"That's more like it." Malina nodded in satisfaction.

Then she pouted her little lips and said: "I'll let it slide this time, but that one — you're not allowed to put her ahead of me, got it? That's my bottom line."

"Don't worry, I would rather die than comply." Fulade raised his hand and promised Malina with a serious expression.

"Hmph, you'd better keep your word. Since we're done now, get out."

The words had barely fallen, and before Fulade could react, he was kicked out of the room by Her Ladyship the future queen.

Looking at the tightly shut door, Fulade sighed helplessly and turned to leave.

He of course knew Malina's little thought — she simply wanted to give him her perfect self when they married.

Fulade naturally would not refuse.

And Prince Fulade, who had just been so solemnly making promises — where did he go now?

(End of this chapter)