If there's any comparison to be made, it's the simple fact that both are girls, despite the vast difference in status. Such a notion is perhaps a bit too mischievous, a tad impure. Maya, for instance, is just a maid, and it's not uncommon for young masters to engage in all sorts of playful antics with their maids in this world. But Juana is Norton's actual sister—though Norton might not fully embrace that relationship mentally, it's undeniable by blood. As the saying goes, he might protest verbally, but his actions tell a different story.

Norton shook his head vigorously, dispelling the chaotic thoughts, and summed up by saying, "Anyway, keep it down. I’m going back to sleep." He then turned and firmly shut the door with a bang.

"Am I spoiling him too much?" Juana pondered with a twinge of disappointment as she stared at the closed door. She wondered if she should assert more sisterly authority to make her unruly brother more obedient.

However, she quickly abandoned the notion. As mentioned earlier, in their playful exchanges, Norton often came out on top. Each time Juana resolved to discipline him, she found her resolve quickly melting away after spending just a few moments with him.

Thinking of this, Juana sighed, acknowledging to herself, "I really am a good sister," before giving Maya a sharp look and departing. She went downstairs, left the house, and took a carriage to the academy. Norton’s mother, Lady Windsor, had also left earlier for her duties, not even seeing her son.

Since Norton’s father died early, and Norton was only six years old, Lady Windsor had to assume the responsibilities of running the Castine estate. However, lacking talent and experience in governance, her efficiency was low. Despite her efforts, her management wasn't particularly successful, sometimes even counterproductive.

Still, while her efficiency was lacking, no one could question Lady Windsor’s diligence. She worked as if to make up for her late husband, with a dedication that bordered on self-destructive. Norton privately speculated that her relentless effort was partly due to the death of her husband, leaving her with little will to live, and partly to safeguard the family legacy for her child. Her intentions were something Norton couldn't help but appreciate.

"Ten more years, and once I come of age, you can finally rest," Norton had once thought to himself, considering Lady Windsor’s relentless pace. Yet, he also wondered if she would be able to continue living after entrusting him with such grave responsibilities.

Norton forced himself not to dwell on such thoughts. Truthfully, there was nothing he could do about it.

After his brief exchange with Juana, Norton went back to sleep for another two hours before waking up reluctantly. It wasn’t that he had slept enough but rather that it was nearly noon, and his tutor would soon arrive. Not greeting them would be considered impolite.

Groggy, Norton got out of bed with a yawn, shaking off the remnants of sleep. Maya handed him a warm washcloth for his face, helping him wake up further.

"Maya, what time is it?"

"It's just past eleven, young master," Maya replied, recalling that just before Norton had awoken, the highest clock tower in Deckenhoff Castle had chimed noon. While this world had primitive technology, the pervasive magic wind allowed civilizations that harnessed this supernatural power to create accurate timepieces cheaply. These timepieces required only basic skills to manufacture, even for a novice.

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"It's already so late," Norton grumbled, resigning himself to the reality that he couldn’t indulge in a nap. Complaining, he rose from bed, washed up, and dressed under Maya’s care, tying his light golden hair into a ponytail before starting breakfast—toast, ham, eggs, and a salad.

Essential to the meal, of course, was the special ingredient: blood. After finishing his meal and rinsing his mouth with lemon water, Norton gently "kissed" Maya’s neck, drawing just enough blood to sate his craving and replenish his magic.

The taste of blood spread through Norton’s mouth, providing an almost euphoric satisfaction. After enjoying the moment, he reluctantly pulled away, savoring the sensation. Living in Sylvania meant dealing with a vampire's innate thirst for blood, possibly the sole discomfort for Norton.

The craving was unlike hunger or lust; it was a dependency akin to addiction. Without consuming blood to ease the torment, a vampire would find life unbearable—a critical weakness of their kind.

Unlike those mentally fragile who fail to overcome addiction alone, vampires acknowledged this and extensively sought to break the curse. At the very least, they aimed to minimize the risks associated with it.

All vampires undergo a trial known as weaning from the blood craving before reaching adulthood—a rite of passage or punishment, depending on perspective. They are isolated, given only food and water without a drop of blood, for at least a month. Passing this trial is required for adulthood, with the duration reflecting the participant's willpower, earning esteem and accolades.

The Aubrecht family blood dragon knights are renowned for their unrivaled discipline, able to abstain from blood for a lifetime. As spiritual ascetics among vampires, they are Sylvania’s elite force, reputed to have once bested a red dragon in single combat.

But that's ancient history. Norton, at just six, with six to eight years before his coming of age, is exempt from such trials. Vampires tend to be lenient with the young, sparing them from being locked away without sustenance.

After completing his grooming, satisfied with his reflection, Norton checked himself in the mirror. The young boy with green eyes and finely wrought features wore his golden hair in a ponytail. Dressed in a white shirt with gold buttons and fringed cuffs, a black cloak lined in red draped over his shoulders, embroidered in gold and red thread with a golden chalice of blood. Black trousers, boots, and a slightly shortened rapier completed the outfit.

Norton looked like a handsome, albeit slightly frail, noble vampire—showing the beginnings of such a figure. Though a bit commonplace for vampires, he was content with his appearance. At social gatherings, the outfit might not stand out, given its popularity, but that didn’t matter much to him.

Similarly, he disregarded the odd noises Maya made when dining and the faint blush that lingered on her cheeks. Such matters were of little concern.

At half-past twelve, Norton’s tutor arrived. Miss Triss, who was also Juana’s instructor in magical studies, was known to Norton simply as "a good person."

One hundred and twenty-four years old, Miss Triss had been a junior at the academy during Lady Windsor's time there, owing much to the Countess’s support. In vampire society, inviting friends to educate their children is a customary means of maintaining strong bonds.

Had Norton’s father lived, his tutor would likely have been his father’s close friend. But his father was gone, and now Lady Windsor controlled the Castine family, so she invited her confidante.

Norton had no particular feelings about this— essentially indifferent. As a tutor, Miss Triss was thoroughly professional, which Norton appreciated. Though initially expressing concern to his mother, Miss Triss accepted the teaching role after Lady Windsor hosted her, marking Norton’s first meeting with her.

Initially, Miss Triss didn’t impress Norton favorably. She seemed exceptionally frail, even sickly, appearing unreliable. But after learning more about her background, Norton realized he had underestimated her.