“Wake up, Selene. It’s morning.”

I hear a familiar voice pull me from my deep slumber. Yesterday, I was able to enjoy a long night of talking and playing with my papa, so I was pretty tired.

“Haaaaaa-ah.”

With a big yawn and stretch, I try to get up out of bed. However, the moment I start to sit up, I feel the inviting comfort of my bed call me back into sleep, to which I could only fall back down.

“Hey, we have a meeting to uphold. I’ll go make us some breakfast, so get up soon okay?”

“Okaay.” I answer unenthusiastically.

“Heh.”

After papa left the room, I spent another 5 minutes in bed battling against the sleepiness, before finally forcing myself to get up. I roll out of bed and put on my slippers. I then lazily and slowly trudge my way out of my room and to the bathroom to wash my face. I start the hear the sizzle of cooking coming from the kitchen, which helped me to move my feet.

Passing the kitchen on the way there, I hear my papa call out to me.

“Oh, you’re up. I’m cooking breakfast now, so go wash up.” Papa said and then turned back to his task.

“Uh-huh.”

Once I got into the bathroom, I splashed water on my face and wiped out the sleepiness from my eyes with a towel. I look in the mirror and see that my hair's a mess. I fear that trying to tame this morning beast would take too much time, so I decide to leave it for after breakfast.

After brushing my teeth and washing my face, I exit the bathroom and make my way back to the kitchen, where papa was waiting for me.

“Whoa. do you need a hair band?” Papa chuckled.

“I’ll take care of it later, right now let’s eat, I’m starving,” I complain.

“Heh, alright. I picked up some fresh bread from the shop this earlier this morning. Here have a slice.”

“Aaa-mh…!”

After I took a bite, I was meet with the satisfying crunch of crispy toast along with the sweet smell of butter that filled my mouth. The inner part of the bread was soft and easily slid down my throat. I can’t resist the urge to take another bite and before long, the toast was quickly demolished.

“This is amazing papa! You should buy this every day!”

“Really? Let me see…! Wow yeah, this is good. It was a new bakery that just opened too, so I decided to give it a try. Here have another.”

“Thanks, papa!”

I enjoy a simple but delicious breakfast of toast and eggs with my papa. After we finished, I went to my room to prepare for the day. I picked up a change of clothes and walked into the shower that was built for me adjacent to my room. While in the shower, I took off my clothes, including my bracelet. I’ve had it for what feels like forever now. If I ever forget it, it always suddenly appears back on my wrist.

I spend a couple of minutes rinsing my hair before I start washing it. Mary gives me new shampoo every time I almost run out, so I always have them ready. I even have some hair conditioner from Jotum that lady Aura gave to me. After another 15 minutes, I finish washing up and exit the shower.

Now starts my morning preparations. Using a fire and wind rune engraved device, I dry my hair before spending another 30 minutes conquering my previously unruly bed hair back to the straight perm that it usually is. Satisfied with how my hair looks, I decided that I’ll try on that new dress today. A white lace blouse with a high-waist long green pleat skirt that reached just past my knees.

Happy with how my outfit appears in the mirror I pack a few things in a small purse that Mary gave me, including my newly acquired pocket watch. After I finished, I leave my room and walk to the living room, where I see papa waiting for me.

“Oh, is that a new outfit?” Papa asks.

“Yeah, Mary gave it to me last week but I haven’t gotten to try it yet.”

“You look great, Selene.” He says with a smile.

“Ehehe~”

“Alright, let’s head out now.”

“Mhm!”

While papa put on his jacket, I took off my house slippers and wore my usual shoes. With one last check at each other, we gave a thumbs up and headed out.

***

Papa and I made our way to the main mansion hand in hand, greeting the guards when we got there. Ever since I became teacher’s student, we stopped having to have ourselves announced and can freely walk in.

Entering the building, I see the familiar scene of maids bustling about every morning preparing for the day. We make our way to the third-floor balcony room as usual, where teacher is probably waiting for us. Once we arrive at the door, we knock on it per usual, which was quickly followed by teacher’s voice.

“Enter.”

Papa opens the door and when I look inside the room, there was only teacher and Mary. We walk over to the sofa where teacher was seated.

“Lady Babylon.” Papa greets with a bow.

“Good morning, teacher!” I say while doing a curtsy.

“Good morning to you, Selene, and Abel. Please, be seated.” Teacher nodded with a smile.

“Mary, would you serve us some tea please.”

“Yes, mistress.” Mary answered with a slight bow.

After Mary gave papa and I each a cup of tea, for a while there was silence. I notice that teacher, as well as Mary, were both taking peeks at me. I know I must be the one to speak up.

“Teacher, papa told me everything last night.” I suddenly say while looking into her red eyes.

“Well. Is that so?” Teacher answers calmly but I notice her pinkie twitch slightly at my words.

Teacher then starts to sip her tea while avoiding eye contact.

(I didn’t know she could be this nervous.) I think while smiling inwardly.

It kind of comforts me to know that she cares enough about me to be worried about how I would react to learning the shocking news from yesterday. Reaffirming my conviction, I stand up.

“I know that I am not a vampire, or a girl, but I still want to be teacher’s student! You’re the best teacher in the world, I know you don’t like human boys but please, allow me to stay here with you, with everyone!” I humbly yet desperately request with a bow.

“I ah uh, ahem, there’s no need for this. I’ve already decided when I took you as my student to protect you. And besides, you still haven’t learned everything I have to teach you, so there’s no way I’d let you leave even if you wanted.” Teacher says while looking to the side.

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Her pretty face becomes slightly flushed, it almost matches her hair color. While comparing her current expression to its usual self, I can’t help but let out a short laugh.

“Pft”

Teacher gives me a bewildered look, and then, I walk towards teacher and sit down next to her to wrap my arms around her waist tightly in a hug while resting my head on her shoulder.

“I love you, teacher!”

“Ahem. Of course. I’m your teacher after all. You should be happy and honored.” She shyly says while patting my head.

“Ehehe~”

I look up and see Mary looking at us with a satisfied expression.

(Oh no you don’t.)

I reluctantly leave teacher's embrace and with a smile on my face walk up to Mary much to her puzzlement. Before she can react, I give her a hug and say.

“I love you too, Mary! You’re the best! And your cooking is the best!”

“I-it’s nothing. That much should be expected.” Mary says as she pushes her glasses up, patting my head with her other arm.

“Hey, why didn’t you praise me that much?” Teacher interjects with genuine complaint in her voice.

Mary gives me a weary smile while I silently let out a sigh of relief that everything went well. I return to my seat and gave papa a big smile, to which he returns with his own subdued version.

Teacher gave a slight cough to get our attention and then said,

“Well, Selene, I don’t usually ever change my mind but for you, I’ll make an exception.”

“I’ll call off the dhampir ritual.” Teacher finished with a serious tone.

Papa and Mary both gave a surprised gasp, but I’ve already made up my mind.

“No, I want to go through with the ritual,” I interjected.

Teacher blinked in surprise at my decision.

While everyone remained speechless, I continue speaking.

“I know that even though I am not papa’s real daughter, he loves me very much. I know that teacher and Mary do as well. But still, even if it’s just a half-vampire...I want to be like teacher and papa” I end with conviction.

I look teacher in the eye with complete sincerity. Her surprised expression changed into a smile, and then she gave me a slow nod.

“Very well. I will accept your request, my disciple.”

“Thank you!” I smile in gratitude.

“Selene...”

I heard my papa and look to him. He has a worried look on his face, I know that he doesn’t want me to do the ritual, but still, I want this.

“I’ve made up my mind papa.”

“...Alright, if you decided on it with such conviction, then what kind of parent would I be if I said no? I will support you, Selene.” He says with a slightly sad smile.

“Thank you, papa.”

“That leaves just one last thing then...Ahem. Selene, do you want to live as a boy or a girl from now on?” Teacher asks with a weird expression.

“Huh?” I say with an oblivious face.

I hadn’t really thought about it yet. All I knew was that I wanted to be papa’s daughter and stay here with everyone.

“If you live as a boy, you won’t be able to wear cute dresses anymore you know.” Teacher persuades.

I think about what teacher said with a frown on my face.

“You’ll also have to cut your hair, and who knows, maybe your papa and Mary won’t dote on you as much anymore.”

I look at papa and Mary and they both look away, which only served to make me more worried.

“I-I want to be a girl!” I hurriedly exclaim.

“Fufu, good choice. As expected of my student.” Teacher says with a smug expression.

“I have a couple new dresses prepared for you as well, feel free to take them all home today.”

After saying that, teacher clapped twice, and a couple of maids came in carrying various dresses. After laying them out, I counted nearly 20 blouses and 15 new skirts. I walk over to examine them and they all look amazing!

(So many pretty colors and patterns.)

“Wow! Thank you, teacher, you’re the best!” I say with a glitter in my eye.

“Fufu, looks like I didn’t need to resort to plan B.”

“Huh?” I turn to teacher inquisitively.

“N-nothing. Anyway, is there anything else you’d like? My dear pupil.” She quickly says.

“Anything?” I nervously ask.

“Of course, there is nothing that I can’t get. Dresses, accessories, or perhaps you’d like some beauty products? Fufu.”

“I... I want to go to Alex’s school” I hesitantly answer.

“The royal academy huh...Well, it's not like it’s impossible but...” Teacher says with a pondering look.

“The royal academy?! That would be great! Please, allow Selene to go, I beg you!” Papa suddenly said with an excited yet polite tone.

Teacher simply stared at me and papa for a short while, and then,

“Ngh, fine. I’ll see what I can do.”.

“Yesss!”

I jump up out of my seat in excitement and cheered. Now, I’ll be able to see Alex even after he goes to school! I can’t wait to make new friends.

“But! I won’t allow you to go as you are. Effective tomorrow, you’ll start taking noble etiquette lessons with Mary. You’ll have to learn how to act like a proper lady if you want to go to the academy.” Teacher added.

“Aww, more lessons?” I whine.

“It’ll be okay, Selene. If you graduate from the royal academy, you’re guaranteed to have a bright future!” Papa says with vigor.

I can only show a crooked smile as I think about Mary’s previous etiquette lessons. Oh well, how bad can it be? I thought and then nodded.

“Okay, Aura should be waking up soon, would you two like to join us for breakfast?” Teacher offers.

“I ate with papa today!”

“Oh really? How nice.” Teacher suddenly leered at papa.

“Ah-haha...”

“Well there’s going to be a special dessert today, Mary made it herself from a new recipe. Isn’t that right?” Teacher then turned to Mary.

Mary paused for a moment while looking at teacher and then suddenly said,

“Oh! Yes. I’ll be making...a soufflé! With chocolate mousse topping, fresh from the elves of Ayrshire Forest.”

“Whaaat! Really? Can we go, papa?!” I beg.

“Yeah of course, why not.” He swiftly said.

Teacher then clapped in satisfaction with a smug smile. Mary for some reason gave a tired sigh instead.

“Alright then, breakfast won’t be served for another hour. Why don’t you go talk with the serious boy, Selene? He’s been brooding all morning.” Teacher explained.

“Alex? Where is he?”

“He’s out back, carefully examining the same page of his book for the past 2 hours.” Teacher said with an amused tone.

“I’ll go talk to him, see you guys soon!”

With that, I dash out of the room and head down the stairs towards the entrance. On my way out, I saw lady Aura sleepily walking about so I stopped to wave to her, to which she lazily waved back. I continue out the mansion and head around to the backyard training ground, where I spot Alex sitting in the shade of a tree staring at his book.

I silently approached deciding to prank him a little bit. As soon as I step into the shade he was in, I activated my ‘Shadow Walk’ and sneak up behind him. Once I get into position, I pop out and tackle hug him from behind.

“Got cha!” I say into his left ear as I wrap my arms around his neck from behind in a hug.

I feel his back and shoulders tense up and stay that way as soon as I hug, even when he recognizes me.

“Aah! Selene! W-what are you doing here?” He says clearly flustered.

“Hehe” I smile as I held onto him.

“You looked gloomy about something, so I decided to surprise you!”

“I-is that so. Ahem. Well, you can let me go now.”

It’s only now that I notice his ears and even his neck is flushed red.

(I forgot how easily embarrassed Alex gets.)

“Okaay.”

I let go of Alex and sit down next to him.

“So, what are you so down about? Teacher said you’ve been like this all morning.”

“W-well, before that, what about you? You look especially cheery today.” Alex carefully asked.

“Hmm~ is that so? You see, my papa told me I wasn’t his blood related daughter yesterday, but he still loves me anyway!”

I spent the next 30 minutes explaining what happened yesterday and this morning while Alex quietly listened. I had already gotten over everything and Alex was my best friend, so I didn’t mind telling him. Plus, I couldn’t wait to tell him that I was going to be going to school with him!

“And that’s basically what happened.”

“I see...” Alex says while letting out a sigh of relief.

“Yeah! Although, I was really surprised to find out that I was a boy.” I said, remembering my shock.

“Wait. What?!” Alex bewilderingly yells.

“Oh, I forgot to mention that part. You see, when papa found me, I was a boy! But teacher doesn’t like boys so instead, papa made me his daughter.”

“...Are you sure?” Alex skeptically asks.

“Well I don’t know, but that’s what papa and teacher said, so it must be true!”

“...”

Alex scanned me with an expressionless look on his face and then suddenly face-palmed with an extremely distraught expression.

“What’s wrong, Alex?” I ask curiously

“N-nothing. So, are you gonna live as a boy from now on?”

“No, I told teacher that I’m going to keep living as a girl. I like being papa’s daughter and wearing cute dresses. Teacher agrees that I should be a girl too, that way, everyone will be happy!”

“I see. Haa.” Alex sighed with a conflicted look on his face.

“You’ve been sighing a lot lately, Alex. Cheer up soon, okay? Or else you won’t be able to make any new friends at the academy!” I lecture.

“...Sorry, you’re right Selene. I shouldn’t be so down in front of you...and actually, I have a confession to make.” Alex says with a nervous expression while fidgeting.

“What is it?”

“Actually, I was the one that made your dad and the Duchess tell you that you weren’t a vampire. After the first time we met, I got curious about vampire biology and found out that you were human. I knew they were planning to turn you into a dhampir without you knowing, to which I felt was wrong. Living as a dhampir isn’t easy, and I didn’t want you to go through that.” Alex desperately explains.

Alex doesn’t look me in the eyes after his revelation to me.

(I see. So that’s why he’s been so gloomy.) I thought.

I sigh and place my hand on his shoulder to get him to look at me.

“Thank you, Alex, for doing that for me.” I softly say.

“You- you’re not mad at me?”

“Of course not, you’re my best friend, Alex! Besides, because of what you did, I found out just how much everyone loves me, how can I be mad?” I cheerfully said.

Alex stared at me in bewilderment for a short while before finally returning to his soft smile that I usually see on him. For some reason, I can feel my face get a little hot when I see him smile like that.

“O-oh yeah! Also, I got teacher’s permission to go to the same school as you Alex!” I say to try to distract him.

“You’re going to the royal academy? Earliest you can go is 2 years from now, so I’ll be a year ahead.” Alex thought out loud while holding his chin.

“Yep! So, make sure you make lots of friends to introduce to me, okay?”

“I, I’ll try my best, haha,” Alex says with a wry laugh.

“You’d better, hehe.”

I smile widely at Alex and then he suddenly turned away. I looked over to where he was looking wondering if something was there, but there was nothing.

He turned back and said,

“Selene, promise me you won’t tell anyone that you’re a boy, okay?” Alex says with a serious tone.

“Sure, but how come?”

“Just, promise me, okay?” He says severely.

“Well, okay.” I hesitantly agree.

Alex gave a sigh of relief for some reason, I never know what he’s thinking.

“Anyway, Alex, let’s go! It’s almost time for breakfast. Mary is making a special dessert today! We can’t miss it!”

The moment I mentioned breakfast, I then heard Alex’s stomach grumble a little, to which he immediately became embarrassed.

“Haha, let’s go!”

“Yeah,” Alex shyly answered.

I pull Alex up by the arm, and then we walked back to the mansion.