I gently removed my lips from his soft ones and took a good look at his face from up close.

He was indeed as handsome as he was from afar, but this time, his face had a nice pink tint to it.

His embarrassment and innocence fueled my need to tease him.

I suddenly realized that the whole room was quiet for some time until the annoying Andrik spoke up, "Get away from our esteemed Duke! You'll ruin him with your filthy dirt-blood."

I quickly turned around to face my accuser only to find that he was hidden behind three guards.

"Pah! I can't say I'm surprised. You're as cowardly as you are stupid."

"What-" Andrik tried to speak but I quickly cut him off.

"You idiot. I'm Venus Vastroth, remember it well because you'll see my face in your nightmares for years to come." I was finally releasing all the words I wanted to say to the guardsmen since they stormed into my lovely home.

"V-Vastroth.... You mean... You're the descendant of the Demon King?" The same advisor, who was telling me my crimes, asked.

"Yes, I took his last name just like my aunt and my grandfather before me! You absolute ass for brains. Even if you thought I was my sister, couldn't you tell that my black hair and amber eyes are signs of the inheritor?" I was tempted to kill them where they stood. I wouldn't even use their bodies for spells.

Witch or warlock families who's lineage consists of a high ranking demon will take on the hair and eye color of that demon. That said, our family is known by our midnight black hair and golden amber eyes.

"T-Then you're the Witch of Destruction?" The advisor piped up in a small voice.

"What a distasteful name. You set fire to a few buildings and now people call you a monster." I sighed and looked around at all the people in the room, "I ought to set fire to this castle!"

I won't, but they don't need to know that.

The sound of movement from behind me made me quickly turn back around to the Duke. To my surprise, I found him on one knee with his hand over his heart.

"Oh? A marriage proposal already? Don't you think we're moving too fast?" My teasing made him very obviously uncomfortable, but that was the joy of it.

"Madam, I offer my sincerest apologies to our rude behavior." Whatever embarrassment he was feeling a second ago was now gone. "Unfortunately, under these circumstances.... we cannot let you leave. Your sister is suspected of blood magic. We ask for your help in investigating this case."

I felt my stomach sink at his words. "Blood magic... that can't be. My sister is too dumb to try that."

Blood magic is one of the forbidden magics. People who were not born with magic can use simple spells with their own blood.... or they can sacrifice others to gain powers for themselves. Powers like mind control and necromancy, which is also forbidden. This process usually drives them insane, making them uncontrollable and dangerous.

He stood up again and took his place back in his seat. "My spies and informants have heard that people have gone missing after talking to your sister. Not only that, they are willingly following her. It's as if they're being controlled. We were led to believe that she still lived at your house.... Which caused our early blunder. You still have my deepest apologies for that."

Something still bothered me about this whole situation. My sister could never partake in something as awful as blood magic. "Well, if it really is her... Then I have no other choice but to help."

His serious demeanor quickly fell apart as he smiled brightly at me. "Good. I look forward to working with you."

The sheer amount of his brilliance stunned me. It was as if he was emitting light. Is this one of the powers of an exorcist?

Shaking off the effect of his beauty, I slowly walked closer to him and softly brushed my hand against his arm. "Does this make us partners?"

I felt his whole body stiffen up at my touch. "I- I guess it does."

For a man who puts on such an air of sophistication, he's quite innocent.

He quickly stood up and pushed his way pass me to address the rest of the people in the room.

"Did you hear that? Lady Vastroth is a guest and my partner in this investigation. I expect her to be treated with the upmost kindness and respect you would give me."

His sudden demanding tone almost made me weak to my knees. I will gladly let him use that voice in bed.

After addressing the other peasants in the room, he soon turned his attention back to me. Just how I like it. "Since we're now working together. How would you say we get to know each other's capabilities?"

I chuckled slightly and lightly pressed my body up against his, "Honey, I would like to get to know more than your capabilities."

The Duke grabbed my shoulders and promptly pushed me back while turning his face away from me. "That's g-good then... Please follow me to my study." He left as soon as he finished speaking and I quietly followed behind him, enjoying the embarrassment he felt.