Chapter 9: The Princess’s Little Gesture

Chloe’s sharp voice rang out as she leapt from the bed.

Her gaze locked onto the door, hand reaching for the fruit knife on the table.

Thanks to her enhanced vampire senses, even in pitch darkness, she could make out vague outlines despite not seeing details clearly. If someone broke in, she’d at least catch their general features.

She stared at the half-open door, waiting for the intruder to appear.

“It’s me, it’s me, little Chloe!”

A familiar voice came from the door.

Then, a white twin-tailed figure peeked out.

Click. The room’s magic lamp flicked on, flooding the space with light, revealing the visitor.

“…Your Highness?”

Recognizing her, Chloe sighed in relief, tossing the knife onto the table.

“Your Highness, why aren’t you sleeping? Sneaking into my room in the middle of the night? You scared me!”

Chloe chatted casually, subtly opening a drawer. While Silia turned to close the door, she slipped the knife inside and shut it quickly.

‘I hope she didn’t notice me pointing a knife at her.’

Chloe prayed silently.

Pointing a weapon at royalty, even unintentionally, was a major offense.

“Um… little Chloe, just call me by my name. I prefer that.” Silia smiled. “At least when it’s just us, skip the ‘Your Highness,’ okay?”

Chloe realized she’d been calling her “Your Highness” both out loud and in her head, quickly covering her mouth.

‘I can say it, but I can’t think it!’

‘It’s like I’m actually a maid now.’

“Then… Lady Silia?”

“No, no, drop the ‘Lady’ too, if you can.”

“Alright, Silia…” Chloe hesitated, mumbling, “It feels weird calling you—calling Silia by name.”

She gave an awkward laugh, hurrying to change the subject.

“Anyway, Silia, what brings you here so late? Got orders for me?”

“Nothing major. I just felt bad for you.” Silia stuck out her tongue sheepishly. “I mean, I passed the blame to you to avoid getting garlic smell on me.”

“Plus, after Mother made me drink that coffee, it’s been hours, and I’m still not sleepy.”

She slapped her forehead, as if remembering something.

“Oh, wait a sec!”

Silia dashed out of the room.

Seconds later, she returned with a small basket.

“Almost forgot—this is some snacks.” Silia’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “They’re so good, I’m telling you! I saved some from my midnight snack just for you, little Chloe!”

Snacks?

Food!

Chloe’s eyes lit up, licking her lips eagerly.

She’d originally planned to grab some food.

But Silia’s stunt had delayed her. By the time she was free, the sun was nearly overhead—midnight in human terms, given the vampires’ reversed schedule.

It was too late. Even with her identity badge, guards would likely question her. Chloe wasn’t about to risk another trip to the reflection room.

Unable to get extra food, she’d gone to bed hungry.

Now, hearing Silia brought her something delicious—something she couldn’t even bear to eat herself—Chloe was thrilled.

What could it be?

Chloe was dying to find out but, mindful of Silia, put on a polite act.

“Oh, I’m just a maid. How could I let Sil—let you go out of your way for me? You should eat them.”

‘Tch, can’t break the habit, huh?’

‘She said I could use her name already.’

“No, no, you eat them, or I’ll feel bad.”

“Then… thanks, Silia! I won’t hold back!”

Chloe eagerly reached into the basket.

‘Hehe, what yummy treats are these?’

But soon, her brows furrowed.

This smell… something’s off.

As the scent grew stronger, Chloe’s face soured.

No way!

It’s durian!

“Silia, is this…?”

“Durian pastries!”

Chloe’s expression stiffened.

“Come on, eat up!”

“Silia…” Chloe hesitated. “You should have them. I’m just a probationary maid—eating the princess’s snacks feels wrong.”

“Hm… little Chloe, you don’t like them?”

Silia’s tone carried a hint of disappointment.

“No, no, I love durian!” Chloe blurted out.

How could she admit she didn’t like something Silia kindly brought?

“Then eat up! I won’t tell anyone!”

“Guh…”

No escaping this.

‘Fine, I’ll eat!’

Chloe swallowed hard, grabbed a durian pastry, stuffed it in her mouth, chewed twice, and forced it down.

“How is it?” Silia watched eagerly. “A bit cold?”

“Uh…”

Chloe mumbled.

She hadn’t even tasted it, let alone formed an opinion.

“Sorry, Silia, it was so good I swallowed it without savoring…” she said, feigning embarrassment.

“Really? I knew someone else in the palace must love durian pastries like me!”

Silia leapt up, excitedly leaning closer.

“…Huh?”

“I’m telling you, durians smell amazing, but everyone else hates them! Except for stone-faced Sheffield, who didn’t react, the others spit them out! So annoying! Even Flora said there’s no one else in the palace who likes them! Oh, have you met Flora? She’s my personal maid, usually super gentle…”

Silia rambled on, while Chloe’s head steamed.

‘So everyone else straight-up refused the princess?’

‘Regret, regret, so much regret!’

“Then you owe me one, little Chloe. I’ll bring more next time, and you better tell me how they are!”

“…What?”