Bitter Chocolate

Mother wouldn't allow me to eat any sugar, but father is easy. He held my hand as I waddle my way to the table. Naturally, the nobles that are around the table began to make way. They all watched me with so much interest.

Father lifted me so I can grab the strawberries from the bowl, then dip the tip of the fresh strawberry into the chocolate fountain.

I popped the strawberry in my mouth, then squealed happily.

"You're enjoying this too much," Father chuckled softly.

I looked at him while munching my strawberry. "Mhm," I nodded innocently.

In my original life, I don't like eating sweets at all. Maybe because I'm in a new body, plus I'm just a baby. Kids love sweets!

"Young Master Ezra is such a cute child,"

Father turned around and I peeked. Who's this man? he looked like he's around father's age. Silver hair, pale grey eyes, porcelain complexion; this guy is a vampire.

"Thank you Viscount Morven," Father replied. "He's the smallest and cutest among my sons. I thought he's a girl,"

"Oi," I muttered.

"Haha, don't say that. He'll grow up into a handsome man," Viscount Morven said. "Suddenly I got reminded me of the Crown Prince,"

"Right, he turned four last year correct?"

"Yes. And I understood that you couldn't attend the birthday party,"

"..." Father glanced at my way. I looked at him curiously.

I see, maybe the Crown Prince's birthday happened during the incident that happened to me.

After that father and Viscount Morven continued their chatter. Wow, this is so boring. Why do I have to listen to them? I sighed and hugged my father's neck while resting my chin to his shoulder.

I noticed a lot of nobles are still staring at me from Father's back. The ladies giggled and waved my way. I waved back lazily, they squealed. Then my eyes caught something else.

A person. He dressed up like other nobles, but he's been staring at me. Looking so determined and focused. His arms are crossed. When he realized I finally noticed him, a creepy smirk formed on his face.

All of the hair on my body stood up. I shivered down my spine. Is he? No, it can't be. I can't make false assumptions. I furrowed my eyebrows. Then the man's smirk turned into an innocent smile. He waved his hand to me.

I didn't respond. Instead, I looked away.

What a creepy dude. Why did father send an invite to that creepy noble dude?

I still feel him staring toward my way. When I stole another glance, he's gone.

Ok, that's creepy.

"Dadda," I called my father. His conversation with the Viscount stopped. He looked at me.

"What's wrong?"

I pointed at where the creepy man just at. I followed where my finger is pointing, just a wall. He looked at me again.

"Someone is there?"

"Is there something wrong?" Viscount Morven asked.

"Maybe he just saw a bug," Father replied.

No, you dummy crazy dad! there's a sketchy guy just there! Ugh, where's brother Juno?

I looked around frustrated. My eyes caught Juno near the pillar, blending in perfectly with the crowd. I bet no one saw him. I have a feeling he let himself exposed just for me because he saw how I've been acting strange.

His dark blue eyes met mine. I frowned.

How do I tell him?

I pointed at the wall again. Juno followed it. He looked back at me, then he disappeared. He reappeared right on the spot where I pointed. Yes! there's where the creepy man is standing!

Juno nodded his head to me before disappearing.

I knew I can rely on my brothers. I sighed in relief and rest my chin to my father's shoulder again.

"Duke-"

I blinked when I heard a butler hurriedly running toward my father. The atmosphere has gotten quiet because of the face of terror on the servant's face.

Father looked concerned.

"What's wrong?"

"D-Duchess!"

"!"

I wide my eyes and straighten my back.

Mother?