"I pretended to be Oroda, Prince Lydia's lover, so they wouldn't dare touch me. Then I told Williams the Crimson Princess was his younger sister..."
"Why can't I be the older sister?" The Crimson Princess planted her hands on her hips.
"I think Williams is older than you."
"He believed you?" Dracula worried it was a trap.
Annan recalled how Williams had looked reluctant but unable to deny it. "Yes. This generation's prince of the Morel Family doesn't seem very bright."
"One more thing... Can you tell who someone's real descendants are?"
Dracula smiled. "All the Ancient Families descend from their founders. The Morel Family has no way to tell a true descendant from a false one..."
"Then do relatives ever marry each other?"
"Yes, but only for greater benefits."
"Then I'm relieved."
As her supposed brother, Williams probably wouldn't set his sights on the Crimson Princess again. He might even help her.
Lucy, Dracula, and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Only the Crimson Princess remained troubled. "Are you really Prince Lydia's lover... reincarnated?"
Annan glanced around, then leaned close to the Crimson Princess's ear. "I lied to them."
The Crimson Princess gazed hazily at his face, so close to hers. Then she lunged for his neck and bit—
"Not again!"
Annan nimbly dodged and ran out.
"Lord Annan..."
The old butler bowed outside the door. Annan regained his composure and cleared his throat. "The Crimson Princess is back. Arrange rooms for her and the others next to mine."
"Yes, my lord."
Annan thought for a moment. "How is that cemetery keeper? He seemed to remember me..."
"Do you mean Marquis Joseph? He's being held. Would you like us to release him?"
"Sorry for the trouble."
"Not at all..." The old butler hesitated. "Lord Annan, Marquis Joseph was