Morning came softly.
Sunlight streamed through the tall, arched windows of my mansion, spilling golden rays across the marble floor. I stood beside the window, sipping a glass of my usual—blood-wine, as I had come to call it—a crimson blend of rich red wine and animal blood. A strange concoction, yet oddly refined on the tongue.
I wore only a satin nightgown, nothing underneath. The morning breeze brushed against my skin, teasing the fabric lightly as I gazed out over the estate grounds.
The sunlight warmed me, but did not scorch.
No smoke curled from my flesh. No pain flared across my skin. Unlike other vampires, I didn't need to smear myself with protective ointments or wear sun-filtering eyeglasses—strange devices commonly used by nobles of the night in this world. My eyes adjusted naturally to the brightness, and I felt no discomfort.
I was a Daywalker, after all.
There was a soft knock on the door.
"My lady, your bath is ready," said Tania, my personal maid, her voice as gentle as ever.
"Thank you, Tania," I replied, setting down my glass.
I entered the bathroom, where a large tub awaited me, already filled with warm, lightly scented water. I slipped out of my gown, letting it fall in silence, and stepped into the tub. The warmth embraced me like velvet. I submerged slowly, letting my muscles relax as I leaned back against the curved edge.
Steam curled upward. I closed my eyes.
Fragments of memory floated to the surface.
The former Ella Esklair… her life… her legacy… and her secrets.
I am Ella Esklair, the only daughter of Flint Esklair and Sarah Esklair. My father is a viscount of the Kingdom of Esklaira. Funny, isn't it? Esklair and Esklaira—so similar it causes confusion.
That's no coincidence.
The royal family once shared our surname, Esklair, but changed theirs generations ago to Esklaira to distinguish themselves from the lesser branches. Still, a trace of royal blood runs through my father's veins. A distant connection. One that grants us prestige, but not power.
Our territory is called Ptere, a modest but prosperous domain. It includes Limere Town, Sagrea Town, the coastal hub of Milea Port, ten agricultural villages, and a single silver mine—though sadly, the mine remains under royal ownership.
And then there's the question. The question no one dares to ask.
How did I become a vampire?
The answer is… both tragic and strange.
When my mother, Sarah, was nine months pregnant with me, she was attacked by a vampire. During the struggle, some of the creature's blood entered her bloodstream. Though she fought bravely and survived the assault, she lived for only one week after that night.
Just long enough to bring me into this world.
Thus, I was born neither fully human, nor fully vampire—something in between. A rare Daywalker. A creature of shadow blessed with sunlight.
But my father never shunned me. He raised me with love, shielded me from scrutiny, and concealed the truth of my nature from the world. No one in the kingdom knows that I am a vampire. At least… not yet.
Due to his age and declining health, my father officially passed his title to me, with the approval of King Samuel Esklaira himself. Though no longer active in politics, Father still resides in the estate, enjoying his quiet hobbies—woodcraft, painting, and gardening.
When I'd soaked long enough, I rose from the water and dried myself. Tania returned to assist me, dressing me in an elegant crimson gown trimmed with black lace and silver embroidery. I adorned myself with simple jewelry and stepped gracefully out of the chamber.
The manor halls echoed faintly with morning bustle.
In the grand dining hall, my father waited with a warm smile. Today's breakfast was fish and chips, oddly reminiscent of my old world. I found comfort in its familiarity.
Our conversation, as usual, circled back to marriage.
"My dear Ella, have you considered suitors? You are the last of our line," he said gently between sips of tea. "A child—an heir—would bring me peace before I pass on."
I offered him a smile, but gave no firm answer. How could I tell him that I—now a soul from another world, and a vampire no less—could never live the future he hoped for?
If I said the truth aloud, he would surely break inside.
---
Later that morning, I took a stroll through the garden. Tania followed quietly behind me, always watchful, always loyal.
The roses were in bloom. The air was clean. I sat beneath a parasol and watched the estate servants move with practiced rhythm.
A soft breeze passed. I let my thoughts wander.
What is my purpose in this world?
Should I fight the vampires who treat humans like livestock? Should I build a new legacy—one of peace, perhaps? Or… should I indulge in pleasures this world can offer?
Maybe a harem of beautiful women? I mused silently.
There were no answers here. But perhaps there were answers out there.
I rose from my seat with a subtle flair, brushing off my dress. "Tania," I said, turning to her, "let's visit the town."
"Yes, my lady," she replied with a bow.
And so, with measured steps and the poise of a noble, I began my first walk beyond the estate—into a world waiting for my next move.