Under the vampire Lord's protection Chapter 611: Rightful place

Just like her room and Arthur's, their parents' chamber remained completely unchanged. Every item stayed exactly in place from the last time Arabella entered it.

Even some of her mother's jewelry still dangled from the vanity mirror, reflecting that dreadful bluish glow off its sparkle.

Arthur simply stood in the middle of the room, idle and unmoving. Predictably, he showed no reaction as his sister approached and paused beside him. His gaze stayed locked on the portrait of their parents hanging above the bed.

This painting represented one of the few images capturing them together. Above all, it preserved a rare moment where Eleanor smiled genuinely on her lovely face.

"Nothing's changed here at all, has it?" she whispered, eyes fixed on the canvas.

Arthur remained silent, naturally.

"It's rather sad that the only voice echoing in my memory around the manor is Father's shouting," she drew a deep breath, "He lacked any real poise behind closed doors. His business associates had no clue what they were truly agreeing to by signing contracts with him."

The young lady stepped ahead, letting her fingers trace unseen patterns along the wooden bed frame.

"Thinking clearly now, he was truly abrasive," her head tilted slightly sideways, brows knitting as if uncovering something bizarre, "You know... I've never voiced this before. Not to you, anyway, but I'm so relieved you didn't end up like him."

She moved next to Eleanor's open jewelry box on the vanity. Like every other space and object in the manor, just a few specks of dust coated the surfaces.

The staff clearly made efforts to keep everything spotless and neat... just in case.

Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings... gold, silver, diamonds, rubies—Reubon indeed had a distinct flair for jewelry, having selected every piece in that box himself.

No, he wouldn't limit his control to wall colors and furniture styles. He had to dictate what his wife wore each day as well.

This applied to his daughter and son too, since even Arthur, being a man, hadn't escaped that control.

Arabella inhaled deeply, closing her eyes for a moment, "I figured it was just my room, but Mother's scent eludes me here too. It's like she never resided in this place."

Turning to face her brother, she noticed a second silhouette behind him at the door. Rubius stayed silent, undoubtedly wanting to grant the siblings privacy.

"Grandfather," she offered a faint smile.

"I didn't intend to intrude," he stepped into the room, "I just wanted a quick word with you, if that's fine."

"Yes, of course," she nodded.

After a brief hesitation about leaving Arthur alone in their parents' room, they decided to risk it and give him space, since he'd come there on his own.

"I just talked with Silas. He's proving invaluable. I'm truly thankful," Rubius looked forward as they strolled down the corridors.

"He's among the most dependable people I've ever encountered," her smile stayed warm.

"He certainly is," the elder nodded deliberately, "I won't keep you long. I only wanted to inquire about Arthur. Will he come back with you to Umbraria, or remain here?"

"Honestly, I'd be fibbing if I claimed any headway with him since we separated at the castle," she shook her head, dodging his eyes.

"He hasn't uttered a single word, right?"

"No," she answered softly, "Actually, him heading to our parents' room by himself just now is the most initiative he's shown."

"Then..." Rubius cleared his throat, "Maybe staying here suits him best."

"I was considering... But I'm worried that living under this roof only stirs painful old memories. The very ones that drove him away without returning."

They walked quietly for several moments, pondering their exchange.

"I have no issue managing this estate until he's prepared," he continued.

"Thank you for that, Grandfather."

"Very well, let me know if you need anything," with a slight nod, Rubius turned and headed back the other direction.

"Grandfather," Arabella called out, halting him once more, "I'm so happy you've changed your ways. What I mean is..." her chin trembled, "I'm glad you're on our side now."

The shimmer in her eyes betrayed her emotions. Tears welled up at the edges, ready to fall if not restrained.

Rubius stood still for a while, examining her face before his expression softened, "I'm happy I came to my senses too."

After that, they parted ways. When Arabella got back to her parents' room, Arthur had vanished.

She seized the moment to circle the room again, finishing before that same portrait where Eleanor seemed to smile from her soul.

The golden highlights in her brown hair evoked the sunlight that blessed the day she posed for this eternal capture. Reubon had no doubt commissioned the artwork, yet Eleanor appeared far younger than the woman who raised Arabella.

Her features lacked the harsh lines that marked her face on nights of tears, cradling her daughter for solace. On days when Reubon made existence unbearable.

Since fleeing, Arabella had dreamed countless nights of claiming one more memento of her mother, but faced with the opportunity now, she chose not to disturb or take anything.

All things appeared perfectly positioned, as they ought to be.