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Royal Blood

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You people are...… what?!

Theo- Yeah, so that I don't get bored while doing this.

I watched him unload the bags... Then Theo smiled

Theo- See? It does make a difference. When a pretty lady like you looks at me, I feel empowered!

Jasmine- Pfft!

He seems like a nice person. Maybe he'll answer my questions about this curious place...

Jasmine- Ummm... Sophia says that there are wolves in the forest... Are they dangerous?

Theo- Hmm... I guess the answer to that is yes. But you'll be fine if you stay by my side.

Jasmine-...

Theo- There you go!

When Theo carried an armful of luggage, I heard a growling from behind!

Grrrrrrrrr!

Jasmine- Ahhhh!!

Theo- Be careful!

Theo held me as I fell down in surprise. I felt a broad chest holding me and could smell the sweet smell of flowers.

Jasmine- I-I'm sorry!

Theo- I'm surprised to see you acting so bold.

Jasmine- Sorry?!

Theo- Don't worry. You don't have to be shy.

Jasmine- No, I wasn't being bold....!

I tried to get back to my feet- but I lost my balance and fell on top of him again.

Theo- Ow, that hurts...

Jasmine- I'm so sorry! Are you hurt?

Theo- I'm not hurt, just didn't see this coming.

He turned his gaze towards the lower part of his body... and changed the topic with a mischievous smile on his face.

Theo- It was just a baby wolf. Calm down. You're with me.

Just as he said, there was a baby wolf running back in the forest. Embarrassed, I made an excuse in a low voice...

Jasmine- ...It's because we were talking about wolves...

Theo- Don't worry about it. I hate wolves, too.

Theo murmured and brushed the hair out of my face.

Jasmine- Th-thank you.

Theo- You're welcome. Let's head inside, shall we?

Theo asked me as he helped me stand. I nodded silently as I hid my blushing cheeks.

........ (Inside the castle)

Andrew- Oh! You went to help him with the luggage! How kind of you!

Andrew praised me, drawing everyone's attention.

Andrew- Now that we all are here, I want to ask you a very important question, Jasmine.

Jay- I have a feeling that the question isn't important.

Theo- What are you going to ask her?

Andrew asked me with his doe eyes locked with mine.

Andrew- Jasmine, please be honest.

Jasmine- About what?

Andrew- Out of us three, who are you attracted to the most?

Jasmine- Huh?!

What an interesting question. All the three men are handsome... but...

Jasmine- I think Theo is the nicest!

Theo- See? A man needs a hot body. You heard that, right? Jasmine likes me!

Jasmine-...

No-not in that way...

Theo- Jasmine, I'm all yours!

Andrew- Theo, please stop.

Jay- He's completely nuts.

At that moment, Sophia called us from the hallway.

Sophia- Oh....! You're all here! The master is waiting in the living room.

Sophia guided us to the living room.

THE LIVING ROOM

Edmund- Jasmine! I'm glad that you came. Everyone was hoping for your arrival.

?Woman- Hah! I guess I don't even count then? I was hoping that she'd never show up.

I instantly knew that this woman hated me, but I didn't feel the need to answer her. Standing in this elegant, magnificent room stirred something inside me.

Jasmine- Paintings from well-known artists, diamond-encrusted ornaments, crystal chandeliers... luxurious leather sofas, it was the best furniture money could buy... I wondered what sort of life you traded for your family... but I have nothing to say now. While mom and I were drowning in poverty, you must have been very happy?!

?Woman- ..... What did you just say?!.... Who do you think you are?!

The woman walked threateningly toward me. Her killer gaze scared me, but I forced myself to look straight into her eyes. She walked right up to me and whispered in my ear...

?Woman- Mind your words, otherwise...you might end up on the dinner table.

Jasmine- What?!

She bit my earlobe.

Jasmine- Oww! What are you doing?!

I wiped away the blood with my hands.

?Woman- Hmm... She doesn't taste any different.

Jasmine- What?!

Edmund- Monica, behave yourself!

Monica- Hmph! Let's see how long this pretense lasts.

She sneered at me, and left the room, smacking her lips.

Edmund- Are you okay?

Jasmine- Are you kidding me? Why did you bring me here? To see me suffer?

Edmund- Jasmine... This can all be yours if you wish it to be.

Jasmine- ......?!

I was surprised by Edmund's words. Just one painting from this room can solve all my problems. Edmund went on calmly.

Edmund- You are my child.

Edmund came up to my ear and whispered.

Edmund- I collected these for years, just for you.

Jasmine- Ha.....!

Edmund- You might not believe me, but it's the truth. I wanted to stay... after you were born, but...

Edmund bit his lips and paused. With a painful expression, as if he was swallowing his sorrow.

Edmund- Alice and I always wanted the best for you. That's one thing I want you to understand.

How can you say such a thing?! That's why you went away?! Left me alone?!

Edmund- Alice's death will be a grief that will never be erased for both of us. But... we need to move on, Jasmine. My sons... will be your new family from now on.

Jasmine- ......

New family? I instinctively looked at Jay, Theo, and Andrew. They looked at me with a concerned face, giving me an indescribable feeling. Maybe.... just, maybe. As soon as the thought came into my mind,

Edmund- Wait... Do I smell blood?

Jasmine- Sorry...?

Edmund glared at me.

Edmund- Blood...?!

Jasmine- That...that woman...

Andrew- Father!

Jasmine- Edmund? Wh-what's wrong?

Edmund- Blood...

His eyes were redder than blood...

Jasmine- Blood...?

Jay- What are you doing!!!? GET OUT!

Suddenly... Edmund bared his fangs, and came straight at me...!