The Duke's Passion

Throughout the dinner, I resisted from moaning and rolling on the ground at how delicious the food was. I felt like I'm ready to die right now — that's how good it was.

Yet, unlike my appreciation, Samael seemed he barely enjoyed it. His attention never left me, teaching me how to use the cutlery properly.

I didn't understand the importance of it, but I listened and tried to apply this newfound knowledge. I loved learning; it excites me every time I get to learn new things.

Now, not only I have a full stomach, I get to learn a skill I could use in the future. IF I have a future.

Soon, the supper ended. We barely talked, I was busy eating while Samael kept his comments moderate.

But now that it finished, I wonder what would happen. Just thinking about what I should anticipate caused my hand to ball into a fist.

"Did you enjoy yourself, Lil?" He asked, wiping the corner of his lips by a small cloth.

"Yes, milord." I nodded, expressing my appreciation for the mouth-watering meal.

"I'm glad to hear that." Pleased, Samael smiled. I smiled back.

What now?

From the corner of my eyes, I glimpsed at his hands tapping on the table. His nails produced this light, consistent sound which only heightened my anxiousness.

I gulped, holding my hand in my lap. Samael was staring at me; his jaw resting on his knuckles.

I felt a bit self-conscious of his flaming gaze. The longer he stayed silent, the more I felt my pulse flick.

"I honestly don't know what to do or say."

Before the silence completely enveloped us, he spoke. I raised my gaze back to him, blinking as I unconsciously tilted my head to the side.

"Come on, Lil. Walk with me."

Upon saying so, Samael placed his hands on the edge of the table, pushing himself away, and stood.

"Ye — yes, milord." Seeing him move, I stammered and clumsily stood.

I nearly fell back as I didn't realize how heavy my tummy could be after having a sumptuous meal. Fortunately, aside from the annoying clattering sound I've caused on the table, I stood without tripping.

"Haha. Careful." He chuckled, and I hung my head low out of embarrassment.

I heard him smack his lips before saying, "Follow me. I want to show you something."

"Yes, milord." I timidly replied, glancing at his back, and followed his tracks.

I kept a safe distance as he led the way. I wonder what he wanted to show me this time or what he was thinking.

I didn't want to conclude. I refrained myself from thinking about my depressing reality. I don't want to feel sick after a heavy meal.

"They said it was good for humans to take a walk after a sumptuous meal."

Suddenly, Samael broke the silence once again. I heard about that as well. But I didn't truly know because I had never eaten until my stomach couldn't take it anymore.

"Is that so, milord?" I replied under my breath.

"I don't know, but you'll know." He shrugged, still not looking back at me.

I wonder what kind of expression he had upon his last remarks. I glanced at his broad back, biting my lips as I fiddled my fingers against each other.

Soon, we reached the vast garden. Since it was night, I can barely see how beautiful the greenery was since the lights were limited. But it didn't fail to give off a serene atmosphere.

I kept a safe distance as I followed him. He was holding his hand behind him.

Aside from the soft whistle of the night breeze, only silence enveloped the two of us. Neither of us spoke: I was busy wondering what he was thinking.

"To be honest, I envy humans."

After a while, Samael finally broke the silence.

"Huh?" I raised my brows.

What was there for him to envy humans? Vampires were far superior to us. Their lifespan was longer too!

"You humans' lives are too short and you're too fragile. If you lost a limb, you'll be handicapped forever. But if vampires or werewolves lost a limb, it'll just regenerate."

He explained in a nonchalant tone. Yet, I could not help but raise my brows higher as I tilted my head to the side.

What's there to envy for not having regeneration abilities?

"Yet, despite how short your lives were, humans subconsciously value their lives more than us. They do their utmost best to survive, appreciating the smallest things as if they were gifts, and struggle to the bitter end."

Samael continued while I stared at his back. Slowly, he turned and raised his head to the moon.

I stared at his side profile. Despite how naturally dangerous the color of his eyes emitted, there was a mix of softness in them.

Seeing how gentle and melancholic those eyes were, a subtle smile resurfaced on my lips. Ever since I've met him, I only have nothing but fear for him.

But the more I spend time with him, the more I realized Samael was more than just a terrifying individual.

He was unpredictable; sometimes, I consider him a shallow person. Sometimes, like this one, I think he was actually sentimental.

Samael then cocked his head and gazed at me.

"Did you enjoy the meal?" He asked out of context.

"Hmm?"

"I am asking if you enjoy the meal." Samael chuckled.

I stared at him and it momentarily mesmerized me by how charming he appeared under the light of the moon.

"Yes, milord," I whispered and looked away. "Did you?" I added without daring to return my gaze back at him. He was too charming for me to look at.

"It's bland. But I enjoyed sharing supper with you."

Samael chuckled, and I unconsciously looked up at him. My brows furrowed, curious about how he called the sumptuous meal bland.

"Human food is nonessential for my kind." Guessing the curiosity I had in mind, he explained in a mirthful tone.

"Ah…" I nodded awkwardly.

Obviously, vampires only needed blood to survive. How am I surprised?

"That's why I envy humans." He smiled as he slowly faced me. "Anyway, come with me. I want to show you a very sentimental place."

With that being said, Samael beckoned me to follow, which I did.

A sentimental place? I wonder what kind of place it was.