The inheritance (English version)

Second part: Gala de Laux

With quick steps, she followed him to the carriage. Once again, she wondered if vampires had any idea about modern technology.

"For tonight, this is the plan," Felix explained neutrally. "First, we'll introduce ourselves to the others. Then I'll disappear for a bit and return later. If all goes well, we won't run into my parents since there'll be a lot of people. Understood?"
Y/N nodded.
"Yes."
"Good."

They spent the rest of the ride in silence. When they arrived, the door was opened for them and they stepped out. Felix offered Y/N his arm, and she linked hers with his. The gala was breathtakingly beautiful. Waiters were walking around with champagne and glasses filled with red liquid, and the large windows were decorated with golden curtains. Several chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, and although it was still early in the evening, many guests were already present.

A short while later, Felix pointed to a middle-aged couple and whispered in Y/N's ear. Immediately, the hairs on her neck stood on end.
"That's Duke and Duchess Kenor of the vampire isles Cherog and Kamine. They're already looking at us, so let's go over. Pretend I just said something funny."

As Felix stepped away from her with a smile, Y/N gave a light laugh.
"That was by far the worst fake laugh I've ever heard," he said, amused.
Aha—so now he was suddenly talking to me like a normal person?

They slowly made their way over to the couple and introduced themselves.
"Good evening, Duke and Duchess," Felix greeted them politely.

The two gave a small bow.
"Is that your girlfriend, Mr. Lee?" the duchess asked, throwing Y/N a disgusted glance. Her yellow dress and hat were anything but tasteful—but to each their own.

Her husband nudged her. "Grete!"

But Felix placed his arm around Y/N's waist and pulled her abruptly closer. The spot where he touched her felt too warm.
"She is. And I'm glad you're so interested in meeting Ms. Y/N."
The duchess twisted her lips into a sharp smile.
"But of course."

Felix bowed again, and Y/N followed his lead.
"If you'll excuse us now."

With that, he walked away—dragging Y/N along.
"Is this how it's going to be from now on?" she asked.
"Yes. But don't worry. I don't like it either."

Suddenly, he let go of her and began telling her more about one of the other noble families. They spent the next hour introducing themselves to various guests. After a while, Felix announced he had to leave for a bit and left Y/N alone.

Unnoticed, she began putting her own plan into motion. She spotted a slightly tipsy man and walked over to him.
"Excuse me, I'm still new here. Did the ruler of the Shadow Realm organize this event?" she asked in an overly sweet voice.

The man giggled.
"'Course not. He's way too busy. His wife always handles this stuff."
"And... is he nice?"
"Well... most of the time. But he's got it rough these days."

Curious, Y/N probed further.
"How so?"

Before the man could answer, she was suddenly pulled away—by Felix.
"Excuse us."

The man simply nodded.

"What the hell was that?" Felix hissed. "I told you to keep a low profile!"
Y/N flinched at the anger in his voice.
"I just wanted to learn something about the ruler of the Shadow Realm. I don't know anything yet!"
"Still, that was way too obvious!"

He looked like he was about to scold her further—but they were interrupted.

"Oh Felix, darling! I'm so glad we got to see you tonight! You must be Y/N! We're so happy you accepted our invitation!"

Y/N swallowed. So *these* were Felix's parents? His mother had long blonde hair and, in her flowing green dress, looked like an elf. His father also appeared very elegant—in a cream-colored suit, with a long cane resting in his hand.

"Yes. Thank you very much for the invitation. I was really looking forward to it," Y/N said, slightly overwhelmed and uncertain—hadn't Felix said they wouldn't meet his parents?

"And how do you like it here?"
"It's wonderful. Everything is beautifully arranged."

Felix's mother smiled.
"I'm so glad! I planned everything myself—with a few helpers, of course. My husband is very busy. But—oh, how rude of us! We haven't even introduced ourselves. I'm Saiana, and this is my husband, Jong-json."

Y/N froze.
"Um... I believe I've heard of you before, Mr. Lee. May I ask—wasn't your name Kim Jong-json before?"

For the first time since their encounter, Mr. Lee spoke himself.
"Yes. I used to be Kim. But when I married Saiana, I took her name."

Y/N felt dizzy. She was standing in front of the ruler of the Shadow Realm. She staggered, and Felix caught her.

"Are you okay?"
"N... no. I don't think I feel very well. Thank you again for the invitation—it was truly lovely, but I'm afraid I have to go."

Then she rushed out of the hall, leaving everyone behind—and only once she was in bed, back in her room, could she begin to process what had just happened.

She had come face to face with the murderer of her parents.
And the man who was trying to kill her.

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Little Note 💌

Hiii, how are you all doing? I didn't manage to upload a new chapter yesterday because I was studying so much. But the test went pretty well today, and I'm hoping for a B (2)!!!

But seriously—how *crazy* is it that Felix's father is the guy Y/N has to kill, right? Tomorrow's chapter will definitely be a *longer* one!!

See you tomorrow!! ✨💕📚