"It seems that for unknown reasons, I have been reincarnated in another world as an infant... This world is either set in a medieval era or my new parents are mentally unstable. Further observation is needed. Besides, it appears I have some night vision capabilities. My physical condition seems enhanced as well, and most importantly..."

He attempted to channel a bit of psionic power, and a flicker of pale flame appeared on the raised finger of the newborn.

"My psionics have increased and my innate talent is even better than that of the previously specially engineered artificial body. This world is rich in psionic energy, accessible without the need for artificial synthesis. In a sense, it's a fortunate turn in an unfortunate situation. At least, it can’t be worse than the world I lived in before. Surviving is what matters."

Despite having many questions, the sergeant major, who had only been awake for a short while, started to feel sleepy again. Most of a newborn's time is spent asleep, and not even the former sergeant major of the Galactic Federation is an exception—perhaps now he should be called Norton von Carstein.

The next time he awoke, it was daytime. The woman who seemed to be his birth mother was no longer beside him. The weather was chilly and the dark castle interior, poorly lit, gave Norton the impression it was still night.

Even so, he didn't wish to go back to sleep—newborn issue number two was bothering him. He was hungry. Without much thought, he started crying like a true infant, without any shame.

His cries woke the maids nearby, who rushed to his bedside. They picked him up, and the experienced maids quickly understood his needs. They brought three small bowls and spoons filled with warm rice porridge, milk, and minced meat to feed Norton.

Just then, the door to his room opened. A girl wearing a black Gothic dress, striped black and white long socks, with ivory skin, shiny black hair, and emerald eyes stepped in. Her features were exquisite, though her lips were a bit thin, and she looked no older than six, perhaps even younger.

"Miss," the maids greeted her quickly. The girl didn't respond to them but walked straight to the maid holding Norton, looking at the now-calmed baby with delight.

Under her stare, the maid hesitated only briefly before handing Norton over. The girl carefully took Norton into her arms, prodding his soft, chubby face and managing a rare smile. Despite her carefulness, she was not adept at holding a baby, making Norton uncomfortable, prompting him to cry again.

"My dear brother, why are you crying?"

Seeing Norton cry again, the girl panicked a bit, trying to imitate the maids in calming him. Despite a slight improvement in her handling, the fussing made Norton even hungrier.

"My dear brother, what are you crying about?" she asked, bewildered. Norton, naturally, couldn't answer her.

"Um, Miss, I think the young master might be hungry," came a timid voice from behind the girl, belonging to another young girl. Peeking with his peripheral vision, Norton saw a similarly beautiful girl with chestnut hair and brown eyes, dressed in a maid's outfit with a shy expression.

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"Is that so? Oh," the girl who called Norton her brother replied with a hint of dissatisfaction. "Then just feed him already. Isn’t that what you’re here for?"

"Y-yes... No, I mean—even if newborns are vampires, they shouldn't—"

Before the young maid could finish, Norton's sister interrupted her.

"Shouldn't what? Are you questioning my judgment?" The young lady raised an eyebrow, almost bringing the young maid to tears.

"No, no, that's not what I meant." The maid waved her hands frantically to show she didn't mean that. The young lady sighed, handing Norton back to the maid, who dared not breathe. She drew a dagger and said to the maid:

"Then stretch out your hand."

Hearing this command, the maid knew resisting further would make things worse. Despite her pale face and immense fear, she trembled but extended her hand. Without hesitation, the young lady sliced her wrist, leading the maid to Norton, and offered the bleeding wrist to his mouth.

Towards Norton, she maintained a cheerful and loving demeanor. "Drink up, my dear brother."

Norton was shocked, reinforcing his suspicion that these people were all deranged cultists. Yet, inexplicably, the scent of the blood, with its faint iron tang, ignited a deep longing within him—far more intense than his desire for porridge, milk, or meat.

In an instant, he was entirely captivated by the scent, not resisting as the blood flowed into his mouth, stimulating his taste buds. A blend of joy, confusion, and contentment coursed through him, prompting him to raise his head and, with toothless gums, greedily suck at the wound.

As the blood continued to flow into him, Norton's thoughts became clearer, and his hunger vanished. Simultaneously, he felt a significant boost in his strength and the psionics reserves, which were laughably small compared to his peak. The sensation was wondrous, making it impossible to stop.

With the continued blood loss, the young maid's face grew paler, though mostly due to psychological effects, as Norton's consumption was minimal. Only a few dozen milliliters sufficed to satisfy him. Meanwhile, his body secreted special chemicals to numb the maid's nerves, sparing her from pain.

Finally, with a small burp, Norton fell asleep once more, stomach full. Ignoring the slight trace of blood at his lips, anyone would think this extraordinarily cute child resembled an angel.

"Alright, you may go." Norton's sister gazed at the sleeping Norton as if observing a rare treasure, indifferent towards the timid maid, whose beauty almost matched hers, and whom she no longer wished to see.

Snatching Norton from the maid, her awkward grip made Norton squirm. Reluctantly, she carefully placed him on the bed, leaning over to watch him, lightly poking his face and tugging his little hand before gently kissing him, unable to tear her eyes away.

"Yes, Miss," said the maid, relieved, pressing her intact right hand against her still-bleeding left wrist. She bowed and retreated, other maids seizing the chance to leave, too, leaving the siblings alone.

Remaining by Norton's side was the eldest daughter of the von Carstein family, Norton's full sister, Juana von Carstein. At just six, she had inherited her mother's beauty, becoming quite the budding beauty herself. Her presence at family gatherings had caused quite the stir, and many predicted that she would grow into the most renowned beauty in Sylvania.

Though some of these comments were flattery, many were sincere. Juana's talents were equally remarkable, with keen instincts for weapons and high aptitude for alchemy, magic item creation, and potion making. Despite her young age and only casual exposure, her impressive potential amazed her tutors.

Juana’s gifts, beauty, and distinguished family background made her proud, perhaps excessively so. Even among her kind, the vampires, let alone other races like humans, elves, or dwarves, few met her standards. Consequently, she grew increasingly isolated and aloof—though still a child, this tendency was not yet fully developed.

Despite her pride and aloofness, Juana longed for a playmate or hoped for a friend deep within her heart. She often thought, "If only I had a little brother or sister."

When she learned of her mother’s second pregnancy, Juana was the happiest in the Carstein household. After her mother gave birth to a baby boy, Juana was eager to meet him, and from the first sight of Norton, she adored this strikingly beautiful little creature.