Chapter 14: Malicious Intent

" You are really dedicated as always. I know I said those words but didn't I also tell you that, I will ask for you when I need your blood. You don't need to give your blood right now. So just keep taking care of yourself for now. Make that your top priority. You understand?" Keith looked straight into her eyes.

" Mhm… but I want to be more useful to young master, so I…"

" You are being useful all the time, what more do you want? I told you to improve your health, and that's what you have to do for now." Keith said in a heavy tone.

" Alright then, I will go eat something. And I will come to your room in the afternoon." She bowed her head and turned around to leave.

" And, don't stress yourself over this, I really want you to be healthier. I will need you later so don't overthink it." Keith said as Rena was leaving.

" Mhmmm…Understood, young master. I will try my best to improve my health."

She left the corridor and headed to her place. All the maids have their servant quarters on the left side of the castle. The rooms that were given to the maids and the workers were not too big but they were big enough to live comfortably. Usually, those who lived in the castle area were given better treatment than humans that were used as blood banks.

Keith looked at Rena's leaving figure and sighed. He knew she had great affection towards him, but he was reluctant. He was not the same Keith as before, and he didn't want her to get too attached to him. He won't stay here for long anyway. He wanted her to get a better position here before he leaves this castle.

She helped him on many occasions, so he wanted to repay her, to keep a stable and good life here. After all, he was a vampire. And there was no telling where he will be in the future. This place, ruled by vampires, was cruel and ruthless for weak humans like her. She could maintain a good life because she was in his family and her personal maid.

And turning humans into vampires was very risky, as mostly they turned into mindless ghouls. There were rarely any humans that could maintain sanity after getting turned. For a successful turning, one had to be really lucky. So, the vampire council restricted turning humans, unless they needed ghouls.

Mindless vampires, also called ghouls, were creatures that couldn't control their hunger and lost their sense of self. They succumbed more to hunger and even consumed flesh, even though blood was enough for them to survive. Their mindless greed was uncontrollable as they killed anyone in their sight.

Due to this, the vampire council banned the turnings thousands of years ago. The rogue ghouls were spread across the desolate forests and blood woods. They lived in those confines and consumed whatever they could find. Sometimes, they would come to the vampire cities, but they would be killed off by the hunters from the council.

Although the council banned the turning of humans due to the uncertainty of being converted into a vampire, they allowed some families to keep ghouls for experimental purposes. Those families that did research on blood core and blood qi were allowed to keep them.

His family also had ghouls locked up in the underground dungeon. They were used as experimental subjects. There were occasions when they were used as hunting dogs. But for that, they had to raise the ghouls from an early age.

That's why he didn't want to take the risk to turn her into a vampire. He wanted her to live happily and peacefully as long as she was alive.

' I hope she can live a good life here.' He turned around to leave the corridor and headed towards the courtyard.

When he reached the courtyard, he found that there were two elders along with his uncle, talking to each other. As he approached them, their conversation stopped and their attention turned towards him.

" I heard that you were looking for me?" Keith asked in a stoic manner.

" Yes, I wanted to discuss something with you." Rufus turned towards him.

" Sure, as long as it is not about giving up my position, then I'm all ears," Keith replied in a sarcastic tone.

" That has been decided, and it can not be changed now. What I wanted to let you know is that I am very sorry for Marvin's actions. He shouldn't have injured you like that."

" Well, I returned the favor, so there are no hard feelings," Keith replied casually.

" Then, that's good. I think you will be a great leader one day. "

" Thanks for your kind words. '' Keith replied while nodding his head.

" If it's not much, I would like to accompany us to a special gathering of nobles. You will meet so many other noble heirs there that you can interact with and build your connection." Rufus asked him.

" Oh! A special gathering. When is it then?" Keith asked curiously.

" Nine days from now. There will be a lot of entertaining events, I'm sure you'd like it."

'Nine days from now, a gathering….'

After hearing those words, something clicked in his mind.

' Are they talking about the tournament in the colosseum?'

He wasn't a hundred percent sure, but from what he could guess, there was a good chance that where his uncle wanted to take him was the same colosseum that the manager had told him about.

' If it's the same, then great. I don't have to worry about the pass either. Although I am suspicious of what they are trying to do, only by going there, I can find out about everything.'

" Sure, I will free up some time to tag along," Keith replied.

" Then, it's decided. I will let you know when we will be leaving for the gathering. I'm sure you won't be disappointed by the event." Rufus replied with a grin on his face.

" Then, I'll be off. I will be looking forward to the event." Keith turned around and walked off as he replied to his uncle.

while he was walking out of the courtyard, the eyes of his uncle turned sharp, as he gnashed his teeth. Keith didn't even bother to show proper courtesy to him. It was humiliating for him. But he had to endure that for now.