Vampire 2
Tang Xi had done something wrong. His face turned red, and he didn’t dare to look at Grover.
Fortunately, the original character had always been an arrogant noble, and Grover, as the butler, was long accustomed to such treatment. Sensing the young master’s displeasure, he obediently lowered his head.
After that swift kick, Tang Xi was finally free from having his feet grabbed and forced into shoes. Clearing his throat, he put on a serious expression and ordered, “Go check on breakfast. I want cod today.”
After a moment’s thought, he deliberately added, “It has to be freshly caught this morning.”
His voice seemed softer than usual today, and even his commands carried a hint of coquettishness.
Grover, however, was used to it.
This spoiled little noble not only demanded the freshest fish but also had a habit of randomly making difficult requests for rare ingredients when the mood struck him. If the kitchen failed to meet his expectations, he would throw a tantrum—sometimes even resorting to whipping the servants.
After all, the lives of commoners didn’t matter.
Lowering his gaze, Grover thought this with absolute certainty.
Trained at an elite butler academy, he had served this noble-born young master for five years. Deep down, he saw himself as distinct from ordinary civilians.
When facing Tang Xi, he remained respectful and deferential. But the moment he stepped outside and saw the maid waiting by the door, his demeanor changed entirely.
Straightening his back, he spoke in a sharp, condescending tone. “Linda, tell the kitchen to prepare cod—quickly. The young master will be dining soon.”
The harsh expression on his face twisted his otherwise handsome features into something cruel.
The maid named Linda quickly nodded and rushed downstairs.
Meanwhile, Tang Xi, following the system’s instructions, finished dressing in the complex and elaborate attire of nobility.
Standing in front of the mirror, he was met with the reflection of an exquisitely delicate young master, like a porcelain doll brought to life.
Even 1551 couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
Ever since discovering that its host’s poop scooper was none other than the Supreme Judge himself, the system had become especially eager to please.
Tang Xi rubbed the goosebumps on his arms and said, [Just treat me normally.]
He still hadn’t fully grasped what kind of existence Ji Wu really was.
[Oh.] 1551 responded simply.
Tang Xi idly chatted with the system for a while, killing time before finally leaving his room at a deliberately slow pace—giving the kitchen enough time to prepare his meal. After all, even setting aside the cooking process, just finding a cod that was still fresh enough to “breathe” would take some time.
Luckily, the original character’s estate was absurdly large. Living in a castle was one thing, but the entire estate encompassed an entire mountain.
Perhaps there was a chance they could fish one out from that ridiculously oversized pond.
As Tang Xi stepped out, Grover appeared beside him, attentively holding a tray with a glass of warm water.
The original character had a strict morning ritual—drinking a cup of water at precisely twenty-five degrees. Even the slightest variation in temperature would set him off.
Taking the delicately crafted glass—considered quite luxurious in this world—Tang Xi sipped it slowly as he made his way to the dining hall.
By the time he arrived, the long dining table was already set with an array of exquisite dishes.
The maids were in the process of serving the freshly prepared cod. Upon seeing Tang Xi enter, they quickly lowered their heads in greeting.
“Good morning, young master.”
Tang Xi nodded reservedly. “Mm.”
His parents had passed away three years ago. Due to the hereditary system, Tang Xi had directly inherited the title of duke. However, being used to a life of indulgence, this spoiled young master disliked being addressed as “lord.”
Thus, everyone in the manor still called him “young master.”
After receiving his response, the maid resumed setting the table, placing dish after dish before him.
Tang Xi’s eyes flickered in confusion. Is this even more extravagant than when I was an emperor?
1551: [The original character was an immensely wealthy duke—rich enough to rival entire nations. He certainly had the means for such extravagance. The kitchen staff probably feared choosing the wrong dish for you, so they prepared cod in every possible way.]
Tang Xi twitched his little nose, savoring the delicious aroma of fish.
He ate happily, only stopping when he was too full to continue, resting his hands on his now-round belly. If the situation allowed, he would have loved to transform back into a cat and roll around on the dining table, grooming himself.
Grover approached respectfully. “Young master, do you have any plans for today?”
Tang Xi silently recalled what the original character usually did. It seemed that most of his time was spent idling, doing nothing, and occasionally bullying the servants.
There didn’t seem to be anything in particular that needed his attention.
Sensing the situation, Grover took the initiative to speak. “A new batch of slaves has arrived today…”
Tang Xi’s eyes sparkled. “Oh? Let me take a look!”
His response was so quick that Grover almost didn’t react.
“As you wish.”
With Grover leading the way, they boarded the manor’s exclusive carriage.
The farther they went, the more something felt off to Tang Xi. This route… wasn’t it leading to the dungeon?
He searched through his memories. The original character had little to no interest in slaves. Newly acquired ones were always left to the manor’s staff, who simply threw them into the dungeon.
Slaves were ridiculously cheap—just a bit of food could buy one. Even if they perished in the dark, damp dungeon, it was no real loss.
No one cared.
Tang Xi frowned in discomfort as he stepped into the dungeon. His once-spotless boots were now stained by the filthy floor.
Grover called for the dungeon’s warden.
The man arrived late, his disheveled appearance making it clear he had scrambled straight out of bed.
Cold sweat covered his forehead as he bowed repeatedly to Tang Xi.
He had no idea why the young master had decided to come here in person today. Although Tang Xi had a habit of tormenting new slaves, he had never actually visited the dungeon before.
The place was filthy. One careless step could provoke the notoriously temperamental noble, and that would be disastrous.
Many servants who had displeased the young master had ended up imprisoned here, their fates grim. The warden had often taken pleasure in kicking them while they were down, but he certainly didn’t want to end up like them himself.
Sweat dripped down his back, but Tang Xi didn’t even spare him a glance.
His instincts screamed at him—something was here.
As if drawn by an unseen force, he walked deeper into the dungeon.
Rosetti Morse lifted his gaze.
He could sense something approaching.
A faint rustling, like rats scurrying in the dark.
Expressionless, he stared out from his cell.
He had been deliberately placed in the very last chamber.
He had been separated from the other slaves.
The people in the manor believed he was too dangerous.
In reality, he had simply woken up to find himself locked in a cage. But now, a fraction of his strength had returned.
And that fraction was more than enough to kill everyone who had imprisoned him. No one would be able to stop him.
Or, perhaps, he could simply kill all the other slaves as well. That would make things even easier.
Morse considered this without a shred of empathy. Effortlessly, he crushed his shackles, a crimson glint flickering in his eyes.
Tang Xi turned a corner and finally laid eyes on all the newly arrived slaves. Yet, something still felt off.
He asked for confirmation, “Is this all of them?”
The dungeon warden didn’t dare lie to a noble—especially one with such a violent reputation. He stammered, hesitant to answer.
Grover immediately pressured him with arrogant authority. “Are you deaf? Answer the young master!”
Tang Xi shot him a glance.
Grover quickly offered a flattering smile.
Deep in the dungeon, Morse, whose sharp hearing picked up everything, twitched his ears slightly.
He hadn’t expected this damn noble to have such a pleasant voice.
Maybe he’d save him for last. Let him beg and cry—see if his voice was still that soft when he was about to die.
His expression remained cold and indifferent.
So when Tang Xi followed the directions and reached the very depths of the dungeon, he nearly jumped in fright.
Because in this dark, eerie prison, someone was staring at him with pure killing intent.
Anyone would feel fear in that situation.
And Tang Xi, who had always been on the timid side, almost had his cat ears pop out in shock.
Morse was equally taken aback.
He hadn’t expected someone so… delicate, so well-behaved to walk in.
The boy’s fair skin and obedient demeanor clashed entirely with the dungeon’s gloom, like a ray of light piercing through the darkness.
It was a ridiculous thought, overly poetic even, but in that moment, Morse felt that every word of praise ever spoken about beauty must have been meant for this boy.
As a vampire ancestor, he was certain—he had just seen an angel.
And that angel was now gazing at him with wide, watery eyes.
The scent clinging to him was intoxicating, so sweet that merely inhaling made saliva pool in Morse’s mouth. He wanted to get closer, to bury himself in that fragrance, to nuzzle against the boy’s soft skin until it flushed pink, then lightly graze his fangs against it.
Drowning in the scent, Morse couldn’t tear his gaze away.
He stared at the boy’s delicate face, the sliver of pale wrist peeking from his sleeve—before his eyes finally, uncontrollably, settled on his neck.
Graceful, like a swan’s.
For the first time in a century, Morse felt his long-dead heart begin to race at an incomprehensible speed.
He reached out, pressing a hand against his own chest, his gaze flickering with confusion. And yet, he couldn’t bring himself to look away from Tang Xi.
Grover was also startled by his reaction.
T-This look… it was just like a starving wolfdog that hadn’t eaten in days, staring hungrily at a piece of meat!
Loyal as ever, the butler snapped angrily, “How dare you!”
Morse licked his fangs in displeasure. He very much wanted to kill every noisy insect around his angel.
But he had to do it where the angel wouldn’t see—he mustn’t frighten him.
He rubbed his wrist, forcing down the urge.
Tang Xi maintained a calm facade, but inside, he was bursting with excitement. He’s my poop scooper!
But unlike before, the storyline hadn’t been transmitted into his mind.
1551, knowing exactly what he was waiting for, explained, [This is your final world, so due to its assessment nature, the plot won’t be provided. However, the person before you is indeed this world’s villain.]
That last sentence technically violated the rules, so after saying it, 1551 was immediately silenced.
Tang Xi nodded thoughtfully, then reached out and poked Morse with his finger, his tone firm and unquestionable. “I want him to serve me.”
Based on the original character’s personality, the more rebellious someone seemed, the more he would feel the urge to conquer them.
And once their spirit was completely broken, he would toss them aside like a worn-out toy and move on to the next victim.
The dungeon warden cast a terrified glance at Morse. This strange slave had already unsettled him the night before.
He never expected the young master to take an interest in him.
This one looked far more dangerous than any other slave he had tormented.
Grover, however, processed the situation much faster. Knowing his master’s preferences all too well, he didn’t hesitate before ordering the guards, “Hurry up and tie this one up! Bring him out!”
Morse was sharp—he could tell what Tang Xi wanted just from everyone’s reactions.
An angel. A wicked angel.
His heart pounded even harder, as if it wanted to break free from his chest and confess its devotion to the being before him.
Maintaining his unruly expression, he locked eyes with Tang Xi.
Author’s note:
Before seeing his cat: Tch. Rustling around like a rat.
After hearing his cat’s voice: Hmph. That dog noble has a slightly pleasant voice.
After seeing his cat in person: ANGEL!!! [Excited to the point of incoherence]