I shut my eyes, waiting for the pain of having a hole in my neck. However, instead of pain, the fangs I’ve felt against my skin disappeared as I felt the softness of his lips on it.

“Perhaps, next time.” Was what he said, leaving a small trail of kisses on my neck.

His lips felt soft, albeit a little cold. Still, my spine shivered with either fear or excitement with every contact of his lips to my skin.

After that, Samael took a step back and created a distance between us. I looked at him, flabbergasted at the myriads of emotions surging inside me.

What did just happen?

“Your expression tells me you’re relieved, but your blood tells me otherwise.” With a playful smirk, Samael lifted my chin by his finger.

His thumb gently caressed my lips. I fought the urge to bite my lip as I stared at him bravely.

“Your blood tastes exceptional and it never lie.” He said, raising his gaze from my lips and locked with my eyes. “I wonder if the taste would be more… phenomenal if I taste it through here.”

He added. I gulped as I instinctively pursed my lips.

“Should I?” He asked once again.

His tone sounded more airy as he inched closer to me. The apex of his nose brushed mine, and I heard myself swallow.

“Per — perhaps…” I stammered, halting him from his plans. “Perhaps, next time.”

Through my shaking lips, I repeated his previous remarks.

The next second, Samael laughed, and I smiled awkwardly. He laughed and laughed, walking away and creating a distance between us.

What’s so funny?

He was shaking his head and then nodded as he raised his finger. After smacking his lips, Samael beamed at me with a grin.

“I didn’t expect that,” He chuckled, pleased at my indirect refusal.

“Anyway, shall we continue our date as promised?”

Samael added as he stretched his arm and offered his hand for me to grasp. Still pursing my lips, I nodded awkwardly and took his hand.

I didn’t dare retaliate about our small misunderstanding. There’s no point. I’m just glad I’m still breathing right now.

Pleased, he held my hand and smiled. Slowly, with his eyes still locked with mine, he inched closer and left a peck on my knuckles.

“It’s an honor to be your date.” He uttered and my heart skipped a beat for no reason.

He didn’t have to make it sound like it was a proper date. My stupid heart might assume fantasy I shouldn’t even dream of.

Samael led me along the way with him holding my hand. I didn’t have the leisure to map my way as I constantly gaze at our hands.

He was a little cold. Yet, my hands were sweating. Ironic how his cold touches could make cheek heat up.

“You are my human…” Suddenly, his previous remarks flashed across my head.

I gulped as I bit my lower lip once again. Despite the laced dangers in his tone, I hate to admit that it honestly sounded pleasant to my ears.

I could feel my temperature rising just the thought of it. Wake up, Lilou. Get your silly thoughts out of your head.

Without me realizing it, we arrived at the lavish dinner hall. The table was long; they organized candelabra with perfect spacing in between the sumptuous meals served on the table.

I immediately gulped as the appetizing aroma wafted my nose. Samael glanced at me and I offered him a timid smile.

The appetizing sight of the food and the generous variety served on the table was a dream for me. This was akin to a banquet.

Does the duke always have such food on the table? Should I ask him to take my portion to the children in the field? I would love to share this with them.

As I pictured myself eating meat with the children, my stomach suddenly growl. My pulse momentarily stopped as all eyes were on me.

Fabian was standing on the side along with the maidservant. They must be waiting for the duke before they take their seat.

“Hungry, are you?” Obviously, Samael wouldn’t miss the chance to tease.

However, I felt no shame at the honest reaction of my stomach. I’m hungry.

“Hah, come.” He chuckled briefly, pulling my hand, and led me to the first seat on the right.

Samael dragged the chair over and beckoned me to the seat. I nodded without a word and sat. He adjusted the chair closer to the table before taking the seat at the end of the table.

“Fabian, does a date starts with talking or eating?”

When we’re both seated, Samael inquired as he glanced at Fabian. I followed his gaze, glancing at the servants who were still standing.

Why aren’t they taking a seat? I wondered.

After a second, realization struck me. Right, servants shouldn’t share a table with nobles. How ironic that a peasant like me was sitting at the same table with the duke.

“I believed his lordship shall eat first, so he could discussed important matters with her ladyship.” Fabian advised, sounding as if this dinner had something to do with politics.

“I see,” Samael nodded in understanding before casting his eyes back to me.

“Let’s eat.” He said, gesturing me to eat.

I awkwardly cast him a glance before I gazed down. My plate had a chunk of meat and a good portion of vegetable. My mouth watered just staring at it.

Before I could pick the piece of meat by my hand, I unconsciously glanced at Samael. He was holding the fine golden cutlery and sliced the turkey in great precision.

Seeing that, I glanced at the cutlery placed beside my plate. I awkwardly picked them up, the knife on my right hand and the fork on my left; just like how Samael was holding his.

I wanted to mimic how he was slicing the meat, but when I tried, I found it was far more difficult than I thought. Once again, I glanced at Samael and then moved my gaze to Fabian.

Fabian was still smiling, feigning ignorant on seeing my struggles just slicing. Should I just pick it up with my hand?

“Here,” Amidst my thoughts, Samael snapped me back to the current lapse.

When I blinked, he swiftly took my plate away and exchanged it with his. “You can fork it out easily, right?”

He asked, sporting his charming smile. I looked down, breaking my gaze away from him.

Deep down, I was glad he understood my dilemma. He sliced everything in small cuts, enough for me not to use the knife.

“T — thank you,” In a low tone, I expressed my appreciation and glanced at him.

Samael just smiled, “Dig in!” and then followed by a wink.

With a subtle smile on my lips, I forked a piece of meat and shoved it inside my mouth. Immediately, its flavors burst on my tongue, leaving me astounded momentarily.

“Heh, it’s good, right?” Samael chuckled, pleased at my reaction.

****

Unbeknownst to Lilou, as they eat, Fabian was staring at Samael for a long time. He looked at his lordship with bafflement and intrigued.

‘Is this the Duke I’ve known before his slumber?’ Fabian wondered, furrowing his brows mildly.

‘This girl… I’m surprised His Lordship has been very kind and considerate towards her. What did the duke see in her?’

He added inside his head. Not just Fabian, but everyone who witnessed Samael’s actions around Lilou raised the same question.

After all, the Samael La Crox before he went into a slumber was a vile, selfish, and akin to a devil incarnate vampire.