Reincarnated As a Vampire [English Version]

Volume 5 Chapter 2

Avrora — The Welcoming Banquet

That night, the dressing room was filled with the soft rustle of fabric, the murmurs of maids working in harmony, and the faint scent of rose powder floating in the air.
The maids moved like a well-trained orchestra, united under one purpose—to make the new princess of the kingdom look perfect before the eyes of the gods.

I sat on a tall chair, my body still warm from the bath. My heart beat faster from nervousness, though a small wave of relief washed over me. At least this time, they weren’t teasing me like they did when I was first brought here. I should’ve felt calm. I closed my eyes as a gentle brush caressed my cheek.

“Please relax, Avrora-sama. We’re almost finished,” the head maid said softly.

Fifteen minutes later, the mirror reflected someone I could barely recognize.
Silver hair flowed like winter water, neat bangs framing a small face touched with sweet yet elegant makeup. The dark silk gown I wore, trimmed with silver lace, made my figure appear slender and graceful.

Kawaii, I thought to myself, though the word felt oddly foreign leaving my lips.
In the mirror, I looked like a porcelain doll that had just been awakened.

“How do you like it, Avrora-sama? This dress suits you perfectly,” one of the maids said proudly.

I nodded and whispered, “Thank you. You’ve all done wonderfully.”
It was only a murmur, but I saw joy spread across their faces. That tiny spark of happiness reminded me that my presence—however small—had meaning here.

When I stepped into the grand hall, all eyes turned toward me like a gentle tide sweeping across the room. Crystal lights reflected off fabrics and metal ornaments as music filled the air.

Whispers rippled through the crowd:
“Is that Avrora? Zhepyres-sama’s adopted daughter?”
“Her face and hair… she looks just like Ceres.”
“She truly resembles the late—”

Warmth suddenly enveloped me as a familiar figure—Her Majesty the Queen—pulled me into an embrace that made my cheeks flush.

“Avrora, you’re finally here. You look absolutely adorable,” she said lovingly.

“M-Mother… everyone’s watching…” I replied, embarrassed.

“Oh, forgive me,” she laughed softly, releasing me and patting my head—a gesture that made me want to sigh and smile at the same time.

Then, a man with golden hair and a calm, knowing smile approached. His steps were measured, his presence oddly reassuring.

“So, you’re Avrora,” he said, his gentle voice stirring something inside me.
“I’m Michael, second prince of the Asgard Kingdom. Since I’m older, you can think of me as your brother.”

Brother?
The word drifted through my mind—familiar, yet strange. A new role being placed upon my shoulders.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Onii-sama,” I said quickly, bowing to hide my awkwardness.

He gazed at me, golden eyes gleaming. Perhaps he was comparing me to someone—Ceres, the one I resembled—but there was also something else in that gaze.
Protection, perhaps.

The banquet began.
Zhepyres stood before the guests and announced with pride and dignity,
“From this night forth, Avrora shall be recognized as our daughter—by the blessing of the Gods.”

Thunderous applause followed. Some even shed tears of joy.

A few deities invited me to dance. My breath caught for a moment as faint memories resurfaced—lessons from another life, back in Neverland. Closing my eyes, I recalled the simple steps, praying not to trip. For me, dancing wasn’t just movement—it was a language that turned feelings into something visible.

When the music faded, the night gently drifted toward its end.
I returned to my room, body heavy with pleasant exhaustion.
The blanket felt like an embrace that silenced the world.
Sleep came swiftly.

The next morning, a soft voice woke me.

“Avrora-sama, it’s morning. Time for school.”
A maid stood by the door, holding a neatly pressed uniform.

Stretching, still half-asleep, I mumbled, “No need to bathe me, I already did last night.”

She smiled kindly and helped me change into the uniform: a crisp white shirt, a dark blue blazer, a ribbon tie, and a checkered skirt—modest yet strangely familiar.
In the mirror, I saw a schoolgirl version of myself—plain, but with an oddly charming allure.

“Eh… Since when did my chest get this big?” I muttered, frowning at my slightly changed proportions.

When I stepped out, Rafael was already waiting by the door, dressed in the same uniform. Apparently, he would be attending school as well.

“Avrora-sama, I’ve completed your enrollment. Your class is 1-A,” he said in his usual calm, steady tone.

“Thank you, Rafael-san. Are you enrolled there too?”

He nodded. “Yes. But…” His voice faltered for a moment before he continued,
“If you see me at school, please… don’t talk to me. It’s for your reputation.”
A faint blush colored his face.

The words stung, just a little. Why must there be such a thin, invisible line between princess and servant? Before I could ask, he’d already turned away, leaving behind the faint scent of sandalwood and morning dew.

Breakfast in the palace dining room was warm and lively. Michael sat nearby, occasionally stealing glances my way. The Queen teased me, saying I’d surely make all the boys at school fall for me. I only smiled politely.

The ride to the academy in a floating car beside Michael felt both awkward and comforting. His hand brushed my arm once—not possessive, but assuring, as if to say I didn’t have to fear the world’s gaze.

Starlaxy Academy rose before us in majestic splendor.
Its marble pillars shimmered under the morning light, and the wide gardens bustled with students from countless realms. Amidst the curious stares and whispers, I felt something familiar—being the center of attention. A role I once paid dearly for back on Earth… as Yuu.

Among the crowd, a boy laughing with his friends caught my eye.
When he noticed me looking, his expression froze between awe and panic. I decided to test something.

“Excuse me, could you help me?” I asked, my tone deliberately sweet.

His face turned scarlet. “Y-Yes, Hime-sama! W-what do you need?”

The boys nearby started whispering furiously, glaring daggers at him. I stifled a small smile—such a simple gesture, yet it could change the entire atmosphere.

“Could you show me the way to Class 1-A?” I asked hopefully.

He nodded nervously. Without realizing it, I took his hand—a light touch, enough to send a wave of excitement through the onlookers.

When we arrived at the classroom door, I let go and waved him goodbye.
The boy ran off, face flushed, leaving behind murmurs that followed in his wake.

I stood before the door that would hold my days to come.

And in that moment, I realized something—being Avrora wasn’t just about crowns or titles.
It was about living through new roles, facing eyes that judged, and crossing lines drawn by others.

As laughter echoed and the school bell chimed, I took a deep breath.

“Alright. A new day, a new role. Let’s see what kind of adventure awaits.”

To be continued…