The Bloodsuckers' Servant

CHAPTER 1

REINA HEARTS

"I'm only giving you one year to pay the remaining balance of your debt! If you fail to pay me by the date we've agreed upon, I'll seize every single property in your manor! Is that clear, Mr. Hearts?!"

My fingers trembled despite my desperate attempt to steady them as I carefully poured the steaming tea into Mr. Harve's fine porcelain teacup.

I stood silently beside him, keeping my head lowered. After setting the teapot down, I stole a quick glance across the long table.

My heart clenched.

Dad sat frozen in his chair, sweat beading across his forehead and slowly trickling down the side of his face. His shoulders seemed weighed down by burdens too heavy for one man to carry. His lips parted as if he wanted to speak, yet no words came out.

Beside him, Mom looked like she was barely holding herself together. Her eyes were glossy with unshed tears, and her trembling lips were pressed into a thin line to keep herself from breaking down completely. Every now and then, she wiped at the corners of her eyes before the tears could fall, but her fear was impossible to hide.

The room was engulfed in a deafening silence.

I could barely breathe.

"Well?!" Mr. Harve suddenly thundered, his voice booming through the manor's living room. "What's your answer?!"

Before anyone could react, he slammed his tightly clenched fist onto the polished wooden table with such force that the entire table shook.

The porcelain teacup rattled violently against its saucer, and the freshly poured tea splashed dangerously close to the rim, nearly spilling onto the tablecloth.

I instinctively flinched.

My eyes shifted back to Dad.

I watched his lips tremble uncontrollably as he swallowed hard, trying to gather what little courage he had left. His hands were clenched tightly on his lap, and I could see the veins on the back of his hands straining from how hard he was trying to keep himself together.

"W...We'll do everything we can to pay you back," he stammered. "P-Please don't worry. One year... one year is enough. I promise you... we'll settle the remaining balance before the deadline."

Mr. Harve let out a cold, humorless scoff.

"Yeah! You already signed the contract!” he barked. "And remember this... If you fail to honor our agreement, every single asset you've built in this manor will become mine. Everything... Keep that firmly in your mind."

Without waiting for another response, he shoved his chair back and rose from his seat so abruptly that it scraped loudly against the polished floor.

The sudden movement startled me.

As he strode past me, his arm accidentally struck the porcelain teacup I had served only moments ago.

The cup tipped over.

It crashed onto the table before rolling onto its side, sending the hot tea spilling across the wood. The amber liquid flowed over the edge of the table and dripped onto the marble floor below.

Without looking back, he left our living room, accompanied by the men dressed in black suits who had remained silently standing behind him the entire time.

The moment I heard the front door slam shut with enough force to shake the walls, my mother's sobs echoed throughout the house. Dad immediately wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

I turned away.

There was nothing left for me to say, nothing I could do to ease their pain. With slow steps, I walked out of the living room.

This scene was no longer unfamiliar to me.

For the past two months, this had become our daily reality, a painful cycle of fear, disappointment, and helplessness that none of us could escape.

Our family's mining company, once the source of our pride and stability, was slowly falling apart.

The miners who had worked for us for years resigned because we could no longer afford to pay their salaries on time.

Without enough workers, the business suffered even more. To make matters worse, the government had ordered the suspension of operations in one of the largest sections of our mining site after discovering that Dad had been operating there without the necessary permits.

Everything spiraled downhill after that.

The income stopped coming in, but the debts continued to pile up.

Dad had no choice but to borrow large amounts of money just to pay the miners the wages we still owed them. Every payment we managed to make only pushed us deeper into debt, and soon our creditors began demanding what was theirs.

Ever since then, our home had become a place of constant fear.

Three intimidating men had been taking turns visiting our house, demanding repayment and threatening our family whenever we failed to meet their deadlines. They never cared about our situation or listened to our explanations.

All they wanted was their money.

The man who had just stormed out and slammed the door moments ago was one of them.

Mr. Harve.

And judging by the fury in his eyes before he left, I knew he wouldn't be patient much longer.

We had already sold almost everything we owned.

Our family's assets disappeared, each sale taking another piece of the life we used to have. The servants who had worked in our manor house for years gradually left as well. Some resigned because we could no longer afford to pay them, while others simply wished us well before saying their goodbyes.

Now, the once lively manor house felt hauntingly empty.

The hallways that were once filled with footsteps and cheerful conversations echoed with nothing but silence. It was hard to believe that this was the same home where we had spent countless happy memories together.

Our lives had changed so quickly.

Because of everything our family was going through, I couldn't focus on my studies at the academy anymore. No matter how hard I tried to pay attention during lectures or finish my assignments, my mind always wandered back to our financial problems and the uncertainty of what awaited us.

My siblings weren't any different.

The burden we carried had stolen the smiles from all of us.

"R-Reina... has Mr. Harve already left?"

As soon as I stepped into the kitchen, my three younger sisters immediately surrounded me. Fear was written all over their faces, and I could tell they had been anxiously waiting for my answer.

"Yeah," I replied softly, forcing a small smile that I didn't truly feel. "He just left."

The three of them let out l sighs of relief.

I looked at each of them.

"By the way..." I began. "I have something I need to tell Mom and Dad during dinner later. Mom is still crying right now."

The atmosphere instantly became tense again.

"What is it about, Reina?" Rei asked cautiously, her brows knitting together with worry.

I looked at the three of them.

Their anxious eyes were fixed on me, waiting for an answer.

I took a slow, deep breath.

"I... want to apply for a job," I finally said.

As soon as they left my mouth, silence filled the kitchen.

None of my sisters spoke.

For several long seconds, they simply stared at me before slowly looking away. Then they exchanged uncertain glances with one another, as if silently deciding who should respond first.

Finally, Reign broke the silence.

"To be honest..." she said, lowering her eyes. "We've actually been talking about that ourselves for quite some time now."

My eyebrows lifted in surprise.

"You have?"

She gave me a small nod.

Before I could say anything else, Rina spoke up. "We want to find jobs too, Reina."

I stared at the three of them, suddenly realizing that I wasn't the only one carrying these thoughts.

They had been worrying about our family's situation just as much as I had.

Rei let out a soft sigh before continuing.

"We just haven't found anywhere we can apply yet. We've only been discussing our plans so far."

She paused before meeting my eyes again.

"We didn't tell you about it right away because we know you've already been carrying so much on your shoulders."

A faint smile appeared on her face.

"You're also much busier than we are because of the academy. At least the three of us still have some free time to look around and think things through."

She hesitated for a moment before finishing her sentence. "But you..."

Her expression softened with concern.

"You barely have any time for yourself anymore. We figured finding a job would be even harder for you, so... we decided not to burden you with our plans or ask for your opinion."

I slowly nodded in understanding.

"If the three of you have already been thinking about it," I said, glancing at each of my sisters. "Then let's tell Mom and Dad together during dinner tonight."

The three of them agreed, but before anyone could say another word, Rina looked at me with unmistakable concern.

"But, Reina..." she said hesitantly. "Can you really handle studying and working at the same time?"

She bit her lower lip before continuing, "The course you're taking isn't easy. Isn't your academy focused on culinary arts? You spend most of your classes cooking and training in the kitchen, don't you? You're already busy enough as it is."

Her words made me pause.

She wasn't wrong.

Our culinary program demanded long hours of practical training. We spent countless hours inside the kitchen preparing dishes, perfecting techniques, attending lectures, and completing assignments. There were days when I came home with sore feet, aching arms, and barely enough energy to eat before falling asleep.

Adding a job to my already packed schedule would only make things harder.

Still...

I had already made up my mind.

"Yeah," I answered with a small nod. "I know it won't be easy."

I forced myself to smile, hoping to reassure them.

"But I'll request a change in my class schedule. I'll attend my classes in the evening instead."

I clasped my hands together as I continued.

"That way, I'll be able to work during the day."

I inhaled deeply before finishing my thought. "I'll do everything I can to manage my time. It'll be difficult..."

A faint, bitter smile crossed my lips. "But I don't have a choice."

If I wanted to help my family, I would have to sacrifice something.

There was simply no other way.

Reign slowly nodded.

"Then let's talk to Mommy and Daddy tonight," she said softly. "We should tell them about the plans we've made... We're running out of money for our daily expenses." She lowered her eyes.

"Even if our tuition fees at the academies have already been paid in full, we still have food to buy, electricity and water bills to pay, and so many other household expenses."

Not wanting the atmosphere to become even more depressing, I forced a small smile.

"Come on," I said gently. "Let's start preparing dinner."

Almost immediately, the three of them nodded in agreement.

Each of us silently took on our usual tasks, washing vegetables, preparing the ingredients, setting the table, and cooking what little food we still had.

By the time the clock struck eight that evening, dinner was ready.

Our entire family gathered around the dining table.

Mom and Dad looked exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Mom's eyes were still swollen from crying, while Dad remained unusually silent, absentmindedly staring at his plate.

I exchanged nervous glances with my sisters.

Then, together, my sisters and I finally told our parents about the decision we had made.

Deep down, I had already expected that convincing our parents wouldn't be difficult.

They knew our situation better than anyone.

"We understand," Dad finally said.

I looked at my sisters and saw the same relief reflected in their eyes.

They had agreed.

Although the circumstances were heartbreaking, I couldn't help but feel grateful that they trusted us enough to let us help carry the burden.

Dad looked at the four of us with worried eyes. "My dear daughters... If you're really going to work, promise me one thing."

We all listened attentively. "Make sure you only accept respectable jobs... I don't care how much they pay. Your safety, your dignity, and your future will always matter more than money."

Mom nodded beside him, agreeing with every word.

"We promise, Dad," I answered without hesitation.

Mom forced a gentle smile, though I could still see the sadness hidden behind it.

"I hope all of you find good jobs soon," she said softly.

Her eyes began to glisten again.

Dad let out a long, weary sigh.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice heavy with guilt.

"I never wanted the four of you to experience hardships like this."

He lowered his head for a moment before looking at us again.

"But we'll recover."

This time, there was determination in his eyes.

"I know we will. As soon as I find someone willing to invest in my business again, I'll have all of you quit your jobs immediately."

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Your only responsibility should be your studies. That's where your focus belongs."

I couldn't help but smile back, even if my eyes were beginning to sting.

"We're a family, Dad," I said gently. "We're supposed to help each other... And thank you... for trusting us and allowing us to do this."

Dad and Mom looked at me before giving me small, weary smiles.

Early the next morning, my sisters and I left our manor and traveled to the city to begin searching for jobs.

Since it was Sunday, none of us had classes at the academy. It was the perfect opportunity to dedicate the entire day to finding work, and none of us intended to waste it.

Before we even left the house, we had agreed on one goal.

By the end of the day...

At least one of us had to come home with good news.

The carriage carrying us rumbled along the road leading into the city. Outside the window, familiar scenery gradually gave way to bustling streets lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and businesses just beginning to open for the day.

Despite the surroundings, an uneasy silence lingered between us.

Each of us was lost in our own thoughts.

I was certain we were all asking ourselves the same question that will anyone be willing to hire us?

The carriage finally came to a stop near the city's commercial district.

After paying the rider, we climbed down one by one onto the stone-paved street.

Almost immediately, Rei turned to me with a worried expression.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us, Reina?"

I smiled reassuringly as I adjusted the brown envelope I had been hugging against my chest since we left home. Inside were all the documents I had carefully prepared the previous night, my school records, identification papers, and everything else I thought I might need when applying for work.

"I'm sure," I answered with a nod.

Then my smile faded into a more serious expression.

"But promise me something."

The three of them looked at me attentively.

"Don't split up."

I glanced at each of my sisters before continuing.

"The three of you should stay together the entire time. It'll be much safer that way."

They immediately nodded.

"We will," Reign answered me.

"And let's meet back at the city library at exactly four o'clock this afternoon."

"Okay," Rina replied with a small smile.

"We'll be there."

I gave them one last look before offering a gentle smile.

"Take care of yourselves."

"You too," they answered almost at the same time.

After saying our goodbyes, we headed in separate directions.

I watched my sisters disappear into the growing crowd before turning around and taking a deep breath.

Dark, heavy clouds stretched across the sky, blanketing the city in muted shades of gray.

The air felt cool, carrying with it the faint scent of rain that threatened to fall at any moment.

Holding the brown envelope tightly against my chest, I wandered through one street after another, carefully reading every shop sign and every notice posted on windows.

Hours passed without me noticing.

My feet gradually began to ache from walking across the city's endless streets.

Whenever the pain became too much, I found an empty bench outside a café or beneath the shade of a tree in one of the public parks.

There, I would sit for a few minutes, hugging my envelope close while catching my breath.

I'd watch people pass by, workers rushing to their jobs, families enjoying their day together, students laughing with their friends.

For a brief moment, I allowed myself to rest.

Then, as soon as the soreness in my legs faded, I stood up once more.

Adjusting my grip on the envelope, I took another deep breath and continued walking.

"Their sandwiches here are really the best, don't you think?"

The cheerful remark immediately caught my attention.

Just as I was walking past another row of shops, the small brass bell hanging above a nearby doorway rang brightly as the door swung open.

Instinctively, I stopped in my tracks.

A young couple stepped out of the building, both wearing warm, contented smiles. The woman was carrying a neatly wrapped paper bag in one hand, while the man glanced at it with an amused grin.

"So, you got another takeaway?" he asked, chuckling. "Is that your afternoon snack again?"

The woman laughed, hugging the paper bag protectively against her chest.

"What can I do?" she replied playfully. "I just can't get enough of their sandwiches."

The two of them laughed together before continuing down the street, completely immersed in their own little world.

As they walked past me, a warm breeze carried the rich aroma escaping from the paper bag.

Freshly baked bread.

Toasted butter.

Melted cheese.

The savory scent of perfectly seasoned meat.

My eyes fluttered shut for just a second as the delicious smell filled the air around me.

Without meaning to, I took a slow breath.

That smells... incredible.

A quiet growl echoed from my stomach, making me instinctively press a hand against it.

Only then did I realize how hungry I had become.

I'd been walking around the city since morning, going from one establishment to another in search of work.

Swallowing, I lifted my eyes toward the building the couple had just exited.

A large wooden sign hung above the entrance.

Lily's Diner.

I softly read the name to myself.

Through the wide glass windows, I could see customers happily enjoying their meals.

Then I looked down at my stomach again.

It wouldn't do me any good to continue job hunting on an empty stomach.

I still had several hours before I was supposed to meet my sisters at the city library.

I swallowed once more before letting out a sigh.

"I should eat a quick snack first," I murmured to myself.

"It'll give me enough energy to keep looking afterward."

With that, I adjusted the envelope under my arm, climbed the short steps leading to the entrance, and reached for the door.

"Good afternoon, Miss!"

The cheerful greeting welcomed me the moment the bell above the entrance chimed as I stepped inside the diner.

I looked up to see a young waitress approaching me with a bright, friendly smile.

"This way, please!"

Her voice was warm and energetic, making the cozy atmosphere of the diner feel even more inviting.

I followed her through the restaurant.

The lunch crowd hadn't completely disappeared yet. Soft conversations drifted through the room as customers enjoyed their meals, while the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread, grilled meat, and brewed coffee lingered in the air.

It was comforting.

Almost enough to make me forget why I had come to the city in the first place.

The waitress stopped beside a vacant table near the glass windows.

"This seat is available."

"Thank you," I replied with a polite smile.

She pulled out the chair slightly, allowing me to sit comfortably before handing me a leather-bound menu.

"I'll take your order whenever you're ready."

She remained standing beside the table, a small notebook in one hand and a pen already poised to write.

I carefully placed the brown envelope containing all of my application papers on the table before opening the menu.

The first thing I looked at was the drinks.

My eyes quickly scanned the list before settling on one of the cheaper options.

"I'll have one lemonade with honey..."

The waitress immediately lowered her pen and scribbled the order into her notebook.

"And..."

I flipped to the page featuring sandwiches, silently comparing the prices one by one.

There were so many tempting choices.

They all looked delicious.

But they were also more expensive than I could comfortably afford.

After a brief moment of hesitation, my eyes landed on the least expensive option.

"I'll have the egg veggie sandwich, please."

The waitress looked up with another bright smile.

"Coming right up, Miss!"

With that, she tucked her notebook into her apron pocket and hurried toward the kitchen.

As soon as she was gone, I let out a slow breath.

I closed the menu and rested my hands on the table.

I had deliberately chosen the cheapest items on the menu.

The truth was...

I was trying to save every penny I had.

I wasn't even supposed to buy anything today.

Every bit of my allowance was meant to last until I found a job.

But after spending hours walking around the city and after catching the irresistible aroma of those freshly made sandwiches outside, I simply couldn't ignore the hunger gnawing at my stomach anymore.

Ironically, I hadn't even ordered the same sandwich that had tempted me in the first place.

A few minutes passed before the server finally returned, carefully placing my order on the table with a warm smile. The delicious aroma of freshly cooked food instantly filled my senses, making my stomach grow. After thanking her, I picked up my utensils and began eating.

As I ate, my eyes wandered around the cozy diner.

It wasn't a fancy restaurant by any means, but it had a comforting atmosphere that made people want to stay. The soft yellow lights gave the place a warm glow. The gentle chatter of customers blended with the clinking of plates and utensils, creating a lively yet relaxing ambiance.

Several families were enjoying their meals together, while a few workers sat quietly in the corners, taking their lunch breaks.

I was absentmindedly observing the people around me when a voice suddenly caught my attention.

"Sofie, has the assistant cook we hired still not shown up?"

I looked toward the counter and saw a middle-aged woman step out from a door leading to what I assumed was the kitchen.

"Not yet, Madame," Sofie replied politely while wiping the countertop with a clean cloth. "I'll try visiting her again after my shift."

The woman let out a sigh.

"What is going on with her..." she muttered under her breath. "I've been waiting for her since the other day, and our chefs still don't have anyone assisting them. Maybe I should just look for someone else."

The moment those words reached my ears, my entire body became alert.

My heart immediately began racing inside my chest.

Without wasting another second, I stood up from my seat. I quickly grabbed the brown envelope containing my résumé and other documents, holding it tightly against my chest as I hurried toward the counter.