A Game Of Chess With A Vampire
Chapter 288: I Like Being With You, Avelina! A Lot

Chapter 288: I Like Being With You, Avelina! A Lot

Without saying a word, Draven walked past them and strode toward his quarter. He approached Santino, who was standing guard by the door, and Santino gave him a respectful bow with a light smile apparent on his face.

Draven opened the door and walked in, shutting it behind him. He took his coat off and began to walk towards the closet, but he came to a stop at the sight of Avelina, who lay on the soft sofa on her back.

Her hair was scattered all around, and her dress was pulled up along with it. On her chest was a book, which her hands were still holding onto.

He didn’t need to be told to realize that she had fallen asleep whilst reading. Reluctantly, he stepped next to the sofa and squatted down. He stared at Avelina’s sleeping face and reached out his finger to playfully poke her cheek.

A warm smile emerged on his lips, and he brushed off her hair that fell over her face. He cannot explain it, but looking at her face entertained him quite a lot.

She was too pretty and adorable, so he could not help it. He had the urge to cup her cheeks, to constantly kiss her cute nose, and to watch her laugh.

Oh, her laugh—it was the best thing he liked about her. It often brightened his day and perhaps made his soul flutter at the sight of it.

"Haha..." Draven chortled softly to himself and tucked her hair behind her ear. He began to caress her cheek, causing Avelina to react to his cold touch.

She yawned and gradually fluttered her eyes open. Draven’s smiley face was the first thing that came into her view.

She blinked rapidly, and as though instinctively, she sprang up, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him.

"You’re back!" she exclaimed.

Draven was surprised, so he found himself, widening his eyes. She was still quite mad at him, so a hug was the last thing he’d expected from her.

"I waited and waited and waited, but I didn’t see you." Avelina chuckled in the process of saying her words.

Draven slightly smiled. "I’m sorry. I just had something to do, but I’m back now." He wrapped his arms around her, embracing her.

"I like being with you, Avelina! A lot," he mumbled against her shoulder.

Avelina’s smile slowly disappeared, and her expression was replaced with doubt. "R-really? You...do?"

Draven nodded, sparing her a glance. "That is why I must spend as much time as possible with you."

"Spend...? What? What do you mean?" Avelina questioned, furrowing her brows. What could he possibly mean by such a statement? It was not as if they were separating.

Draven gently caressed her hair, no longer furthering his words.

Avelina frowned. "Draven, is something wrong? What did you do?"

"Everything is fine, Avelina," Draven assured her, pulling back to look at her face. He half-smiled at her, lifting his hand to pat her head.

He asked, "Are you hungry?"

Although Avelina held a frown of confusion, she still nodded at him. "I am."

"Then come." Draven straightened up, extending his hand out for her. "Let’s go to the pavilion."

Avelina gazed at his face. She could feel that something was not very right, but she was completely clueless, thus she could only grab his hand and leave the room with him.

—

Before the door of Old Master Lenort’s quarter, Edward stood.

"My lord, Edward Moriarty, has arrived," Aldéric announced.

Old Master Lenort’s voice resounded from within the office. "Let him in."

Aldéric opened the door, allowing Edward to step in. As soon as Edward entered the office, he shut the door.

Edward stood, gazing at Old Master Lenort, who sat at the far end of the office at his table. He was flipping through pages upon pages of his documents, signing some at one point or another.

"Come closer." Old Master Lenort’s voice was calm, yet it held this hidden intimidation.

Edward let out a soft breath and took a step forward, approaching the desk. In deep respect, he gave a bow, his hand to his chest. "Bonsoir, my lord."

"Bonsoir, Edward." Old Master Lenort finally lifted his head, acknowledging him.

He asked, "Do you know why you have been invited to the royal mansion to stay for a little while?"

Edward responded honestly, "I do not have the slightest bit of idea, My Lord."

"Well, I am sure you must have an idea of my deceased daughter-in-law." Old Master Lenort raised a brow.

Edward immediately lowered his head.

"My condolences, my lord."

"It’s alright." Old Master Lenort smiled. "You are one of the best state county coroners, so I invited you to run an autopsy on my daughter-in-law and help figure out what the cause of her death was. You see, we are trying to find the culprit, and the best way to start is to know what actually caused her death."

"Or... is it not?" He looked at Edward with intimidating eyes.

Edward frantically darted his pupils, his soul able to feel the intimidation from just that one gaze. He smiled awkwardly, trying so hard to hold his composure. He couldn’t even hide the cold sweat dropping right from his forehead.

He nodded. "Of course, your majesty. I’d be happy to help."

"Good." Old Master Lenort lightly smiled. "You have a week and a few days. If you are not able to find anything by then, you may leave the royal mansion and return to your home."

"Yes, my lord." Edward gave a nod.

Old Master Lenort waved his hand at him, dismissing him. "You may leave now."

Edward turned around and left the room. He stopped once he stepped out, and Aldéric, who was waiting by the door, smiled at him.

"Shall I show you to your guest room, Sir Edward?"

Edward reluctantly nodded at him. "Yes, sure, of course." He followed Aldéric, who began to lead him to his guest room.

Throughout the walk, Edward could not help but be stuck in his thoughts. Had His Majesty really invited him to the royal mansion just for an autopsy?