The characters of Gra. Visata disappeared as if they had melted into her skin. In their place was the name she knew all too well—Ivina.
'No, no, I don't want it.' Though she didn't know why Niditara had given her the name Gra. Visata, or why Visata was a term for a lowly bloodline, she was willing to accept it all if it meant she could fulfil the contract's terms, leave this place sooner, and see her father...
'But I like it,' he chuckled softly, feeling a touch of satisfaction at her dejected and flustered expression.
"But it doesn't sound like a vampire's name at all…" Ivina muttered helplessly. Little did she know that this simple remark made the serious Lo chuckle.
"Hmm, I think… we'll add a surname here later." He pointed to the blank space next to the characters on her skin. It had a profound meaning.
Ivina was puzzled when she suddenly heard an odd summoning sound in the distance.
"The Demon Banquet has probably begun. Why don't you go?" Though she was curious about how the so-called "Demon Banquet" differed from an ordinary banquet, she suppressed her curiosity to avoid giving herself away. After all, what she needed to do now was not linger here but hurry to the Sena Hall to investigate. Perhaps she could finally meet the mysterious ruler, the owner of those blood-red eyes.
"Me? Dear Ivina, this is the first time you've shown concern for me." He gave her a sickeningly sweet smile, though he knew she had ulterior motives.
"Let's hurry; we don't want to be late."
"Alright, you lead the way."
"I… I'm an outsider; I'm not very familiar with this place…"
Ivina stammered, but before she could finish, she was suddenly picked up by Luo.
It wasn't a gentle princess carry, but a rough lift by the hips, hoisted onto Luo's broad shoulders.
'You're so light... do you even have any weight?' He smirked, teasing her.
'Put me down. Where are you taking me?'
Ivina hit him hard, but it was clearly useless.
'The Demon Banquet. Didn't you just say so?'
Ivina stopped hitting him. "Then put me down. I'll walk beside you."
'Walk beside me? Given your status, that's probably not possible.' He strode forward, and Ivina struggled to look up. She saw the vampires beside her all bowing respectfully, worshipping the man before them, but looking at her with astonished eyes.
'Who are you?' She grew even more suspicious; his identity must be extraordinary.
But Ivena couldn't see it—Luo's eyes were now a blood-red colour that was impossible to look at, symbolising his unparalleled nobility.
Luo didn't answer; his footsteps led into the depths of darkness.
Soon, Ivina turned her head and found herself before a golden palace of unparalleled luxury.
"Where is this? The Sena Palace? Is this where the Magic Banquet is held?"
Lo still did not answer.
"Welcome, Your…" The palace doors opened automatically, and the servants on either side bowed with extreme reverence yet caution toward the man.
Luo placed his index finger on his lips, signalling the servants not to speak.
Ivina was panicking; she began to pound again. At that moment, she had completely shed her timidity. Under the servants' strange gazes, she resembled a young girl spoiling her lover.
However, the object of her affection was not just anyone. It was the untouchable king.
'Let me go! Take me to the demon feast! I must go to the demon feast!' If she didn't make it in time, she would undoubtedly lose an excellent opportunity to fulfil the contract.
The magnificent double doors were pushed open by the servants standing on either side.
'We're here.'
'S... Has the king not arrived yet... I can't wait any longer.'
'This time it should be my turn, Bia, you don't have a chance.'
"Tsmer, the King favours me. He doesn't even bother to look at you."
"Don't push your luck! The King summoned me a few days ago and said I served him well. He will surely favour me at this Demon Banquet. Perhaps I will be the only woman to possess his surname rune… I will be the blood…"
Slap!
For some reason, Biyia suddenly flew into a rage and slapped her across the face.
The women surrounding Si formed three circles, both inside and out. They chattered excitedly, asking about the King's whereabouts. Two women in particular led the commotion, arguing fiercely. Eventually, it escalated into mutual physical altercations.
'Sisters, why cause a scene here? Do you want the king to see your swollen faces? He certainly won't be pleased...' Si always acted as a peacemaker. After all, the key figure of this magical banquet had yet to make an appearance, and even he, as the king's personal attendant, had no idea where his master was.
'Si... when will the king finally arrive?' The two women indeed stopped fighting and called out to the refined Si in a seductive voice.
Pushing aside the women, Si tried to find the king's whereabouts among the pairs of vampires engaged in lovemaking within the palace. Though it was futile, it was still worth a try.
'Sir. Lord Puzhi.' A servant hurried over to deliver a message.
Seeing the many women, the servant's lecherous eyes flickered, then he immediately grew serious, leaned close to Sir's ear, and whispered carefully.
'Hmm, hmm, I understand. It's none of your concern. You may go.'
The servant was excited and, before even bowing to take his leave, hooked up with an unattractive woman and went off to a corner to 'do the deed.'
Another lewd moan echoed through the palace.
"Alright, sisters, disperse. The king will not be attending this magic banquet. He has... important business.'
Si remained as polite as ever, addressing even those of lowly status with respectful titles. This earned him a wide network of connections.
"What? This demonic feast is at least held in the King's name. What's the point if he doesn't come? I should have accepted Lord Radeni's invitation." One of the women pouted, clearly having made extensive preparations and "sacrifices" in anticipation of the King's arrival.
'Me too. Hui'er Ling Shi kept insisting that I serve him.'
'Sisters, let's quickly find some 'food.' There's still time.' Si suggested kindly.
'Sir Si... actually, you're not bad either. Why don't you let Biya serve you properly...' With that, Biya wrapped herself around Si like a water snake. To outsiders, being favoured by the most beautiful woman of the Blood Clan was truly a stroke of luck.
'No, thank you. I have a mission to fulfil and dare not delay. Besides, since Biyia is so favoured by the great Earls, I dare not treat her lightly.' Si refused firmly yet gracefully, giving Biyia a good way out.
Biyia, being a clever woman, rolled her eyes and then smiled again.
'Biyia was just teasing you, Sir. Please don't be angry. Biyia will take her leave now.'
'Zmel, you may also withdraw.' Seeing there was no benefit to be gained, the women dispersed one after another.
Si's vision finally cleared somewhat. But what he saw before him was still a murky mess.
Men and women indulged in mutual desire, and the Senna Palace, which had been desolate for centuries, once again buzzed with 'springtime vitality.' This was all thanks to the host.
'The Magic Banquet' was not a dinner party but a gathering of desire. Men sought satisfaction, while women sought fame. For as long as the men were thoroughly satisfied after their revelry, they would leave their surnames on the women's arms, thereby elevating their status. But this surname would never remain unchanged. The next man to possess them must be more powerful, replacing the surname on their arms and helping them step by step toward the highest honour they aspired to.
And Bia... this stunning beauty. It was rumoured that her first time was taken by a lowly servant in a haystack. And this man had the audacity to deeply brand her arm with his surname. From then on, Biya never rolled up her sleeves to show it to others. Even when engaging in intimate activities with men, she would use a cloth to firmly conceal this mark of shame.
However, when many counts who deeply loved her offered to leave their surnames to cover that filthy mark, she rejected them without reason.
Now, the only man who could leave his surname on her wrist, her final target, was—Loth. Dandel.
A bitter smile was hidden on his lips.