|| Chapter 1.19 || Happy Birthday

The night of Cedric's birthday arrived. It is a momentous occasion and the Grey Clan did not plan to make it discreet before the nobilities. Many clans, whether they be vampires, humans, or hunters, looked forward to the occasion. However, what made this day especially important than the rest of the young hunter's birthday celebrations was because of the Patriarch's implication of granting the clans a chance to introduce their children as marriage candidates for his powerful and indifferent grandson.

It was an interesting thing for the curious Cadel who had never attended such events. He too, looked forward to it. However, the idea that it was all for finding Cedric a future bride left a faint sour taste in his mouth. Admittedly, he has grown fond of the little hunter, but he was never a master of unraveling his own feelings. Perhaps, it was just a momentary fondness...

Cadel sat on the cushion on the floor and lazily leaned against the short coffee, staring at the screen Kerpuffle opened for him. The mansion remained dark and lonely. For the first time since Mary left, he wished that she was here. A bit of noise in this desolate abode could lift his mood.

The venue of the celebration was located in one of the few discreet seaside mansions the Grey clan owned. The estate wasn't well-known but it was the biggest and grandest and perfect to host all the prominent guests. The Grey Patriarch had hundreds of hunters secure the estate and even shut down any form of contact within the land.

'How grand indeed?' Cadel smirked while twirling a teaspoon in a glass of warm milk.

The ballroom was filled with countless significant figures dressed in their grandest formal wear. All corners of the hall stood good-looking men and women, ready to impress the star of the banquet.

However, not one even dared to take a step near the said 'star'. Regal and cold, outfitted in an elegant silver suit. The thin silver chain linking his collar glistened, attracting the eyes of several people around him. Tall, and handsome with the aura of a lonesome king, he remained impassive while he stood beside his grandfather. Pleasantries were exchanged between his grandfather and the braver people who were determined to meet the heir of the Grey Clan.

"Mr. Grey," a bald middle-aged man approached the pair of grandfather and son. There was a sly smile in his eyes when he spoke.

Cadel could tell that he wasn't up to any good.

"Mr. Rusvelte." Grandfather Grey nodded to him.

"Please, let me introduce to you, my granddaughter. Corine, come." Mr. Rusvelte spoke and took a step back to present a beautiful blonde young woman.

Her eyes were bright and blue and a sweet smile graced her face. The baby-blue dress she wore wasn't too revealing and conservative. Just as Cadel thought of investigating her, Kerpuffle pulled out her information within a transparent screen before him.

Cadel: You're being quite convenient.

Kerpuffle: Can't you praise me genuinely?

Cadel:...

She was clean, good, and... just perfect. Cadel felt something twist inside him.

"Young master, it is a pleasure to meet you." Corine beamed. Her eyes shone like lost sapphires on the shores of a white beach.

Cedric nodded. He spoke a few words, acknowledging their presence briefly. His mind seemed to wander elsewhere but no one noticed the change. Grandfather could not force his grandson to continue to converse with the young lady. She could try to earn Cedric's attention, but he doubted his grandson would spare her any more than he'd already given.

Grandfather instinctively tried to change the atmosphere and conversed with Mr. Rusvelte instead. His words kept the man on a leash, unable to steer away from the topic.

"I don't know what Luke sees in that child." Patriarch Vermillion eyed the expressionless young hunter from afar. He raised the wine to his lips while observing Cedric and his Grandfather.

The woman who stood beside him shook her head, "I am confused as well."

Mary did not like Cedric. No matter how hard she tried to hide it, anyone could tell. Not that she cares. The only thing that mattered was her young master's safety and health.

... And of course his "feelings".

"We shall see if he lasts at all... " Patriarch Vermillion spoke with narrowed eyes and checked his watch.

"Preparations to depart have been completed this afternoon. When shall we leave, master?" Mary questioned while he stared at Cedric's back.

"In a few hours..."

The music was slow and melodious, several pairs joined the dance on the floor. Many eyes were drawn towards the handsome young man who stood expressionless while observing the festivities. Cedric remained uninterested.

It was only when he could not escape his elder's eyes, especially his grandfather's, that he took a random partner to the dance. Cadel wasn't surprised when he realized that the dance partner was none other than Corine Rusvelte.

The music slowed the moment Cedric and Corine entered the dancefloor. They drew many eyes, burning in greed and envy, towards them. The Rusvelte family was a clan of pure hunters. If they officially join hands with the Grey clan, these two would rule over the hunter society. Furthermore, Cedric and Corine were an appealing pair. Their children would look undoubtedly beautiful. Many already imagined it.

Watching from thousands of miles away through a small translucent screen, a lonely vampire watched the pair of elegant youths dance together. Their figures are reflected in his dark ruby eyes.

Unconsciously, he reaches out his hand but his fingers only go through the screen. Sizzling ripples surrounded his fingertips as they moved slightly.

It aches. He doesn't know where.

Cedric's expression was indifferent as though he couldn't wait for the dance to end. Corine on the other hand looked estatic. However, she knew well enough not to overstep.

Cadel could not tear his gaze away from Cedric's face. He wondered... What if he was the one in Corine's place?

Would Cedric act differently? Would his expression change?

The hunter's gentle smile reappeared in his mind. Suddenly, Cadel is reminded of Cedric's doting smile whenever they spend time together in the estate's secret attic. He remembered how Cedric's eyes curved beautifully. The hunter's prominent dimples when he laughed. His careful and gentle embrace. His worried-filled gaze. His deep voice...

Perhaps... If he was the one who danced with him. Cedric would look at him... differently.

An explosion of red spreads on Cadel's face...

Is this...

Kerpuffle: ...

Cadel:...

With furrowed brows, Cadel decided not to dwell too much on his emotions. With a sigh, he leaned his head on his folded arms and listened to the ballroom music. He did not continue to stare at the dancing pair and was oblivious to the conversation occurring between the dance partners.

"If the young master, doesn't mind me talking... I've heard rumors..."

When she saw that Cedric continued to remain apathetic, she continued with curious eyes.

"... Is it true that you already have someone in your heart?"

This time, the hunter looked down at her. His gaze was indescribable. "..."

With a chuckle, the girl shook her head. "Please don't blame me. I don't mean to pry. It's just... anyone would be very curious if it's anything related to you. Even if they are just rumors..."

Her fingers began to sweat as nervousness slowly crept in. "It is said. You met her during the most desperate hours when our hunters and vampires were poisoned. She was your only hope and she gave you the cure to treat our men. Of course, the person you've promised your heart to wouldn't be any less outstanding than you are, young master."

Cedric did not reply. However, his mind began to drift elsewhere.

He couldn't deny it... 'He' is outstanding.

Finally, the dance ended peacefully, Cedric turned and left the hall before anyone would get any idea of forcing him to dance with anyone.

He headed towards the open balcony facing the dark sea reflecting the beautiful night sky. The warm sea breeze plucked a few strands from his neat hair. It caressed his skin like a lover's familiar touch.

The natural warmth of it all reminded him of a certain hidden abode. Where he left a large portion of his heart.

Resting his elbows on the marble balustrade, he closed his eyes. When he did the sharpness of his whole being, softened. There was only one birthday gift he wanted.

Suddenly, another person joined him.

"At least, pick another partner to dance." Cedric's grandfather suggested, approaching with a sigh. "The young flock of children within this hall is getting restless. It is unbearable to watch."

Cedric opened his eyes. Recovering the solemnity within them, he spoke, "Grandfather, I can't."

"Why?"

The young man's golden eyes were piercing. "You already know why..."

"..."

In the end, he was caught. Grandfather Grey no longer pretended to be ignorant. The background of Maria's master was immensely guarded by the Vermillion Patriarch. Mr. Grey could only investigate from bits of information by the messengers delivering Cedric's 'packages'. This grandson of his... who made him so perceptive? A sense of regret filled his heart briefly, dissipating as he recovered his composure

"This child... " Patriarch Grey began, speaking in a low voice. "... is quite the person."

To be able to predict Valerian's movements and invent a cure for corruption in such a short time, what is he if not excellent? He is the key to defeating Valerian.

Listening to his grandfather's words, a faint smile appeared on Cedric's face. The small praise for the little vampire, made pride boil in his blood. That's right. Luke is outstanding. A fierce and determined fighter. He is kind, soft, and full of wonder.

Staring at his expression, Grandfather Grey shook his head with a sigh. Perhaps, it wouldn't be long before he and the Patriarch of the Vermillion Caln would propose a meet together to connect these two youths, a hunter and vampire. It was no longer an uncommon situation but the mysteriousness of Cedric's object of affection still made him suspicious and curious.

Cedric lowered his gaze, noticing a uniquely elegant car pull over before the manor's entrance. Several bodyguards escorted a familiar aged man and a young woman into the car. They moved, unhurried as though taking a stroll.

A crease appeared between Cedric's brows when he recognized them. Vermillion was leaving the estate.

"They are leaving?" Questioned Cedric curiously.

His grandfather nodded, "They will be leaving the country shortly."

"Why?" A suspicious glint flashed in his golden eyes.

"Why do you think?"

The moment those words fell into his ears, he watched Patriarch Vermillion and Maria pause before the car door. Suddenly, they raised their gaze and met Cedric's inquisitive expression. Cedric's gaze loomed over them, curious.

It looked as though they were waiting.

For whom?

"The banquet can end without you. I will mediate and take care of current issues in your absence. No one would even notice." Grandfather Grey lowered his head and approached the balcony doors. His attendant bowed before escorting him through the doors.

Grandfather gave Cedric one last glance. "Go"

"Grandfather..." Muttered the hunter in surprise.

For a moment, the person in front of him wasn't the cold distinguished patriarch of his Clan but the grandfather who had raised and watched him throughout his life.

Emotions gathered in his chest. Inexplicable and overwhelming. However, he had no time to dwell on them.

The moment the patriarch left, the hunter moved.

"You are late," Mary opened her eyes. Her voice is frigid and her expression could petrify life. She straightened herself from leaning against the car door and elegantly gestured to the back seat.

"Hurry."

Cedric did not speak, but his eyes were full of life. He entered the car and sat beside the Vermillion Patriarch who finally opened his eyes the moment he noticed the disturbance.

"I am not doing this for you." He began. "You are lucky he recognizes you as his friend."

The youth's golden eyes are fierce and determined. "I will not disappoint him,"

"I will remember your words," Grandfather Vermillion replied.

...

Kerpuffle: How romantic. It is strange how this person suddenly weighs significantly in this world's plot.

Cadel:...

Kerpuffle: Host?

Cadel:...

Kerpuffle: Host-

A loud snore abruptly silenced the mind-dumpling. Kerpuffle incredulously observed his paired host who had already fallen asleep on the table. The drool from his lips dripped messily on the table surface.

Kerpuffle: ... this is highly unprofessional.

.....

The bird's morning chirping sounded within the room. Daylight dappled unto the polished wooden floorboards, filtered by the swaying leaves of the trees from beyond the window.

Within the piano room, a youth's slender fingers swiftly pressed countless shiny keys as music flowed into his ears. He hummed a song, melodious and emotional.

For a brief moment, Kerpuffle thought this young man was truly pure and otherwordly. Unlike, the drooling lazy idiot he witnessed yesterday.

The piano keys hummed beautifully as the final notes were played.

Finishing the song, the young vampire released a comfortable sigh. His lashes fluttered delicately. Cadel felt somehow refreshed and relaxed. Taking a deep breath, he leaned his head back. His whole persona looked incredibly gentle and serene. The mind-dumpling watching the scene was almost fooled for a second.

Not long after, Cadel left the piano room and strolled through the hallway, making his way towards the kitchen. He felt like eating pancakes today...

He took a vial of blood and began making the batter of the pancakes.

"Show me what Cedric and the others are doing. I can't believe I slept throughout the party. Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" His expression was calm, ignoring splatters of pancake batter landing on his face and arms. He mixed the batter consistently.

Kerpuffle cleared his voice before helplessly opening the translucent screen in front of him. It would do him no good to start a scuffle with his Host.

Cadel calmly took a sip from the carton of milk he used for the batter and choked the moment his eyes fell on the screen. Silence gripped his entire being. All he could hear was his loud heartbeat, pounding into his ears.

...

The next few seconds were a blur. He felt the wind in his ears. Loud footsteps knocked on the floor. Then the fresh breeze caressed his cheeks. It was as though he was stepping into the other side of a portal. He didn't realize he was already smiling.

When he bursted out of the door, huffing and trembling out of exhaustion. A big smile greeted him.

'This idiot...' Cadel thought. Inwardly, he cursed Kerpuffle for not warning him earlier.

The young man standing afar revealed an amused expression the moment he spotted the person exiting the house. The morning light shone on his handsome face, highlighting every curve and angle. His tall stature looked overwhelming but comforting.

Cedric's gaze softened as Cadel, in a dirty apron and messy hair, began wearily approaching him.