Reincarnated As a Vampire [English Version]

Volume 3 Chapter 18 Epilog

Chased by Half-Naked Maids in the Palace-This Isn't a Nightmare, It's Morning!

Morning sunlight pierced through the white curtains of my room and gently warmed my cheek. Slowly, I opened my eyes, squinting as the blinding light rudely greeted me.

"...Mmmh..."

I stretched lazily, burying my face into the big lavender-scented pillow. Today-no royal meetings, no official duties. Today was supposed to be mine.

Hugging my body pillow tightly, I pulled the blanket up to my chin and murmured softly,

"Ahh... what a peaceful morning..."

But then...

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Footsteps.

More and more of them.

I bit my lip, trying to ignore it. Maybe Rose was bringing breakfast, I thought. But then...

"Avrora~ darling~!"

My heart nearly stopped.

No. Not that voice.

I slowly turned toward the door.

"...No. Please, not now..."

BANG!!

My bedroom door swung open. A rush of morning wind blew against my face, followed by excited voices of cheerful maids storming in like a tactical assault team.

And in the middle of them...

"Mother!?" I croaked.

Just as I feared. My dear mother-the dignified Duchess herself-stood there in an elegant gown, wearing an expression far too energetic for this early in the morning.

"Avrora, sweetie~ Mommy's here!" she said. "The weather's perfect today-let's take a bath together!"

"KYAAAAAAAAAA!!" I screamed, instantly wrapping myself in the blanket like a cocoon.

Several maids approached, carrying towels, brushes, herbal soap, and-where did they even get that!?-brand new glittery lingerie with golden lace!

"T-This is too fast!! I haven't even fully woken up yet!"

"Waking up and going straight to the bath is a healthy routine, Avrora-sama~" said Rose-my most fanatical subordinate. She was already licking her lips, eyes gleaming like a predator eyeing its prey, staring at my blanket-covered body.

"Avrora-sama must take a bath!" she declared. "We've prepared warm rose tea and soft skin lotion from the North for your delicate body!"

"I DON'T NEED SKIN LOTION!!"

I leapt from the bed, one leg still tangled in the blanket, and bolted toward the wide-open window. Morning wind tousled my messy hair.

"Don't let her escape!" shouted one of the other maids, ready to give chase.

"I'M NOT TAKING A BATH WITH THAT SADISTIC WOMAN WHO CALLS HERSELF MY MOTHER!"

"Avrora, Mommy's hurt... don't you want to bathe with your own mother?" said my mom, putting on an expression that was way too emotionally manipulative.

Damn. Teary eyes. Pouting lips. That was the Noble Mother's emotional attack technique.

But I wouldn't fall for it this time! I needed to fly out-fast!

"...Eh?" Why... why isn't my flight skill working?

"Damn it... no choice, then."

With the courage born of shame, I jumped out the second-floor window, landing fairly gracefully in the palace's back garden.