The Beloved Youngest Daughter of a Noble Family

Chapter 2- I’m a Baby Vampire?!

Hours had passed since I had been reborn in an unknown place, inhabiting the body of a nameless baby.

Thrown into utter confusion by the sights and sounds, I was surrounded by a sea of medical personnel and maidservants. With no time to gather my thoughts, I was forced to endure this chaotic period.

Once the commotion subsided and the diagnosis revealed that I was perfectly healthy, everyone around me breathed a sigh of relief.

“To think, our precious baby who slumbered for so long has finally awoken! A miracle indeed!”

“Truly, to see you open your eyes again in such good health…it’s deeply moving.”

Desperate for information about my identity and whereabouts, I strained my ears to catch snippets of the conversations around me. After a while, I was able to piece together a few facts based on the knowledge I possessed.

‘Firstly, someone intervened in my reincarnation.’

Inserting a different soul into a living body requires very specific conditions. The most crucial of these is that the vessel, the body, must be alive and breathing. It’s absolutely impossible to place a living soul into a deceased body.

That means someone must have extracted my soul just before I was to be burned at the stake.

‘No wonder I don’t recall the pain of being burned alive.’

My last memory was succumbing to the acrid smoke that stung my eyes and nose.

My last memory was of losing consciousness due to the acrid smoke that stung my eyes and nose. My body must have already turned to ash, but at least I was spared the agony of burning flesh and bones. A small blessing in disguise, I suppose.

‘It’s impossible to infuse another soul into a body that already has an owner. That means…’

Unfortunately, it means the baby’s soul had already departed this world. I don’t know how a soulless, decayed body was kept alive, but it was clear that I had possessed the baby’s empty shell after its soul had departed.

‘Who on earth did this?’

The unsettling thought lingered, but for now, it was beyond my immediate comprehension. I decided to set it aside. More importantly, I needed to analyze my current situation accurately.

‘Secondly, this baby must be royalty or at least upper nobility.’

Instinctively, I chomped down on the teething toy that the maid had placed in my mouth, all the while carefully observing the room. The dignified, antique interior decoration and the servants’ neat attire all hinted at the baby’s high status.

‘It’s incredibly cozy… so comfortable that it feels strange.’

Born a princess of the empire that ruled the largest territory on the continent, raised in a bleak tower, this environment was beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of.

By carefully observing the people coming and going from the room, I was able to gather a significant amount of information. The imperial calendar noted on the doctor’s examination chart confirmed my suspicions – it was the date of my cremation. The people spoke the common language of the continent, a language familiar to me.

While many here had white skin, their clothing, hair, and eye colors differed from those of the imperial people. However, the differences weren’t so stark as to cause any real sense of alienation.

‘Now that I think about it, the maid who first discovered me also possessed an unusual appearance.’

My gaze fixated on a beautiful woman with striking red hair and ashen eyes. Sione, the maid, appeared to be my caretaker and held some position of authority here.

As she was about to leave after the examination, she stopped the middle-aged doctor and engaged in a heated discussion.

“This cursory examination is insufficient. A more thorough inspection is necessary to identify any potential health concerns with the baby,” Sione insisted.

“In my professional capacity as a physician, I’ve done everything within my purview,” the doctor countered. “The baby is demonstrably healthy. There’s no need for undue worry… for now.”

“You understand my concerns perfectly well. The baby requires an audience with him. The child has been slumbering for fifty years!”

‘What?’

‘What? Fifty years?!’

The startling revelation caused the pacifier I’d been sucking on to tumble from my mouth.

‘Wait, this isn’t just reincarnation, but possession?’

The thought of being alive for so long without waking up was unfathomable.

As I gaped in disbelief, the middle-aged doctor offered a troubled reply.

“Sione, I empathize with your feelings. You’ve tirelessly cared for the child for so long, but surely there’s no reason for him to see her.”

“He must see her now. Decades have passed since their last encounter, and she hasn’t even been given a name or a title. Since the child has awakened, there’s no further justification for his avoidance.”

“It’s not feasible at present. Perhaps with time, his stance might soften.”

“What if the sleep cycle returns? Only he can accurately predict the child’s sleep patterns. If she falls asleep again, there’s a chance she might never wake up again.”

“That’s…”

The doctor’s pursed lips acknowledged the validity of her argument.

A moment later, Sione, her resolve solidified, spoke with a clenched fist.

“I’ll confront him myself.”

Her voice brimmed with determination, and her eyes blazed with unwavering resolve.

The doctor, surprised by her declaration, offered no resistance.

“But how will you gain entry? He’s in seclusion, and no one is permitted access.”

Sione’s expression hardened further.

“I’ll find a way.”

With that, she turned and exited the room, leaving the doctor alone and contemplative.

I watched her go, a strange sense of unease welling up within me.

I had no idea who this “he” was, or why he avoided me. However, I could sense Sione’s unwavering determination to reunite us, regardless of the obstacles.

For some inexplicable reason, I found myself hoping for her success.

I yearned to discover my identity and the reason for my revival.

I craved the truth about my past and the connection between me and this enigmatic man.

And deep down, I felt a growing certainty – Sione held the key to unlocking all these mysteries.

“I can’t wait any longer! I’m demanding an audience with the Lord right now. If he refuses, I’ll invade his chambers by force if necessary…!!”

“Oh no! Lady Sione! What are you saying?!”

The shocked maids immediately clamped a hand over her mouth.

As if that wasn’t enough, they swiftly bound her hands and feet with ropes, rendering her immobile. Sione, unable to contain her fury, lashed out.

“What are you doing? Untie me this instant! I outrank all of you! In the military, you’d be facing jail time for insubordination!”

“Do you think this is still the military, Lady Sione? We’re doing this for your own good, so please calm down!”

“That’s right. You know how the Lord reacts whenever you bring up the child, don’t you?”

“Ugh, damn it! Who cares about his reaction?!”

It took a considerable amount of time for the maids to finally calm Sione down.

I watched the scene unfold with wide, bewildered eyes, my tiny mouth agape.

‘Lord? Sleep cycle? What in the world is going on?’

Could this place truly be the fearsome Cephesh Kingdom?

The tension in the room crackled as Sione’s frustration reached a fever pitch. Her drastic proposal – to confront the Lord by force – left everyone speechless. The maids, fearing the repercussions, swiftly restrained her, emphasizing the Lord’s authority and the dangers of defying him.

As the young child at the centre of the commotion, I observed the scene with wide, innocent eyes.

The terms “Lord” and “sleep cycle” echoed in my mind, hinting at a complex and potentially perilous world I had been thrust into. The mention of the formidable Cephesh Kingdom only deepened the mystery, leaving me to ponder the intricate web of my new existence.

In this precarious balance of power and protection, the path forward was shrouded in uncertainty. However, one thing remained clear: my awakening had set in motion events that could not be undone. The eyes of the realm were now fixed firmly upon me.

‘This is outrageous! Why, of all the places in the world, did I have to end up in this kingdom…!’

In truth, being in the Cephesh Kingdom wouldn’t necessarily be the worst situation for me. Strategically located near the empire, it boasted considerable influence as a fully independent, self-governing nation.

‘But that’s beside the point!’

The real reason for my shock was entirely different.

It was the fact that not only the Cephesh royal family but also all the inhabitants of its territory belonged to a unique species, similar to humans yet undeniably distinct.

A cold sweat beaded on my prominent forehead as I swallowed hard, my mouth parched.

Then, from my oblivious stomach, a loud rumbling sound echoed through the room, a clear signal of my hunger.

“Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…”

The drawn-out sound, reminiscent of air escaping a balloon, instantly drew everyone’s attention to me.

“Oh no! The baby must be hungry!”

“This isn’t the time for this. Let’s quickly prepare something for the baby to eat.”

The revelation that this might be the Cephesh Kingdom, a land renowned for its unique inhabitants, distinct from humans, was undeniably shocking.

A kingdom of great autonomy and influence, yet the thought of being among a different species entirely sent a cold sweat beading down my forehead.

As the loud rumble from my stomach shattered the tension, it became clear that even in the most bewildering of circumstances, some needs remained universal – like hunger. The people around me sprang into action, their concern shifting from the political implications of my awakening to the more immediate task of feeding me.

In this new life, as the pampered youngest child of the Lord family, I found myself at the center of attention. Every need I expressed prompted a flurry of activity. It was a stark contrast to my previous existence, shrouded in isolation and betrayal. Now, I was surrounded by care and urgency, a small comfort amidst the vast unknown.

Translator’s Note: In the original text, the name of the ruling family is written as “Lord family.” It’s unclear whether “Lord” is a title or a surname for now.

“But… what on earth should we feed her?”

The three maids, clearly unfamiliar with caring for a baby, flustered around in a flurry of confusion.

In a blink, Sione, who had been freed from the ropes, confidently lifted her chin and spoke in a clear voice.

“Well, I anticipated this day might come, so I prepared something in advance.”

“Wonderful foresight, Lady Sione, as always!”

“Let me see… was it in the food storage room? I cast a preservation spell on it, so it should still be perfectly suitable for feeding.”

With a snap of her fingers, Sione conjured a swirling vortex of dark energy, which crackled ominously before revealing a cute pink bottle with a satisfying pop!

Despite expecting a demon to leap out at any moment, Sione, with her deceptively innocent appearance, presented the bottle and winked cheerfully.

“Ta-da!”

“Behold the delicious formula! Packed with essential nutrients and guaranteed to keep you full, it’s made with a whole rare red slime! My magnum opus, created especially for you, little one!”

“Mya… Myah?”

Waddle waddle.

The adorable strawberry-patterned bottle waved enticingly before my face, emitting a faint, metallic scent – a telltale sign of its demonic origin.

As the fears I’d been harbouring all along solidified into horrifying reality, I stretched out my pudgy, adorable arms with surprising strength and let out a primal scream!

“Eeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaa!!!!”

‘What’s this?’

The world I’ve awoken to is brimming with mysteries and uncertainties. But right now, one thing is crystal clear: I seem to be reincarnated… as a vampire baby!!

******

Ten minutes later.

After a gruelling struggle to wrest a plain-looking bottle away, I sucked down the formula with a determined frown.

Gulp, gulp.

The whirlwind of events in the past half-day had nearly driven me insane, but filling my stomach brought a sliver of peace.

“Hmm, finally alive again.”

As I contentedly patted my bulging belly, Sione, looking downcast, fiddled with her hands.

“I put so much effort into researching that demon formula…” Shione said, her voice trailing off. “It’s packed with essential magical nutrients that are perfect for healthy growth. Wouldn’t you give it a try, just a sip for me?”

“Mya!”

I shook my head vigorously, clearly expressing my absolute refusal.

Shione’s shoulders slumped in defeat, and a pang of guilt stabbed at my conscience. But there was nothing I could do.

‘How can I, who was human just this morning, possibly eat demon food?’

“Now that your long slumber is over, your growth spurt is imminent. You’ll need to consume more magic power in the future. We’ll have to find another solution.”

Muttering to herself, a sudden spark of inspiration flickered in her eyes. With a flourish, she summoned a piece of paper and a pen and began sketching a complex magic circle.

‘Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being reborn as a different race… especially a vampire.’

Among the numerous coexisting races, vampires held the distinction of being the most superior. They possessed an innately long lifespan, elegant and aristocratic beauty, exceptional physical prowess, and powerful magic. Undoubtedly, they were one of the continent’s strongest.

‘But that’s not all.’

Vampires wielded an additional ability – the power to enthrall and control those with weaker magic, a skill known as ‘Domineering.’ This ability garnered them both respect and awe from other races and humans alike.

‘If this child I’ve possessed is truly pure-blooded… Well, let’s just say I’ve struck gold.’

Considering Lord’s mention in their earlier conversation, a possibility bloomed in her mind: a direct descendant of the Tepes Royal Family.

If that were the case, one truth became undeniable.

Being reborn as a vampire offered a far greater advantage for her impending revenge than being human ever could.

As she lay there, a baby brimming with the potential of a vampire’s might, the future stretched before her like a vast canvas of possibilities. The once-distant schemes of revenge now felt tantalizingly close. The world awaited the awakening of its newest and most unexpected player.

‘Perhaps this rebirth is a singular opportunity bestowed upon me by the heavens.’

In the quiet of the nursery, bathed in the soft glow of the lamplight, the youngest daughter of the Lord family contemplated the profound second chance life had granted her.

The betrayal that consumed her previous life now fueled a burning determination within her tiny chest.

In her previous life, she had relinquished all her rightful privileges, merely existing. It was as if accepting her fate had become second nature, like breathing.

But what did it gain her in the end?

She was nothing more than a pawn in the hands of her brother and fiancée, ultimately discarded and reduced to a pile of ashes in the pyre.

‘I’ll make them pay dearly for their treachery.’

Carl and Lanian, who might even now be raising a toast to their deceitful victory in some distant empire.

The mere thought of those two sent a shiver down her spine.

“They say that anger, taken too far, transforms into a twisted pleasure.”

“Far from feeling sorrow, the thought of my impending revenge against them filled me with a surge of invigorating power.”

‘Just you wait, this time I won’t be a pushover like before!’

Gulp, gulp!

Fueled by her burning desire for vengeance, she devoured the remaining formula with all her might. Perhaps her cheeks, puffed out from her intense focus, were quite adorable, for Sione finally burst out laughing.

“Whew, oh. I’m sorry. You look so adorable when you’re focused on eating so intently.”

‘Huh? You’re laughing?’

Even though it’s just the first day of my second life, I’m being very serious here!

“Mwah!”

With a playful kick, I protested in mock defiance. She carefully hugged me to her chest, her expression apologetic.

Sione’s laughter, though unintentional, was a reminder of the lighter moments of that life, even one as complex and fraught with intrigue as mine, can offer. Her apology and the gentle kiss on my cheek – a stark contrast to the coldness of my past life – were her ways of showing care.

“It was my fault, little one. Please don’t be upset.”

Gently patting my back in a soothing manner, Sione pressed her lips firmly against my cheek.

With a light pop, her lips came off, and my face instantly flushed crimson, like a ripe tomato.

‘What, what was that? Did she just kiss me on the cheek?!’

It was the first affectionate peck on the cheek I’d ever received in my entire life.

Flustered and surprised by the gesture filled with genuine affection, a mix of emotions swirled within me.

The mention of meeting her father, the Lord, hinted at the next step in the unfolding drama of her new existence. It suggested a clandestine operation, a step towards understanding the true nature of your rebirth and perhaps the power dynamics at play within the Chephesh Kingdom.

As she lay there, the beloved youngest daughter of the Lord family, her cheeks flushed from the unexpected affection, a growing curiosity gnawed at her about what lay ahead. The path to meeting the Lord is shrouded in secrecy, and she could only wonder what revelations this meeting might bring.