She gazed quietly at the ceiling, embroidered with gold-threaded patterns. Admittedly, the royal decor and craftsmanship were world-class.

Directly before the bed, beside a fireplace cast in red, gold, and brown, two golden candlesticks held slowly burning candles, casting a soft glow.

Following the candlelight, Avril saw an ancient yet luxurious timepiece ticking steadily. Beyond it lay spider plants, a spacious wardrobe, a mural taller than herself, and small paintings clearly crafted by human artists.

Even someone picky about room decor would likely be satisfied with this bedroom.

But after a brief scan of the room, Avril paid it no further attention.

The chamber seemed larger than her home. The bed was soft and comfortable. A faint, pleasant fragrance lingered. With the curtains drawn tightly shut, even a light-sensitive vampire felt no physical discomfort.

Yet…

Avril still curled into a tight ball, trembling with fear.

This… was her first time ever leaving home.

Yet she’d been captured and dragged back like this.

“For vampires, humans are dangerous too,” her father had once taught her. “Don’t approach until you’re sure they pose no threat.”

But back then, Avril had only half-understood, not taking it to heart.

Moreover, this was the first human she’d ever met.

So she’d been foolishly caught and sold off as merchandise.

“This…”

“Is this a slave collar?”

Though she’d tried countless times to open or break the tightly fastened collar around her neck, Avril was powerless. She couldn’t even budge it a fraction.

Straining to recall her father’s words and the slave trader’s remarks before her sale, Avril muttered uncertainly to herself.

Yes…

She’d once wondered why captured slaves never escaped.

“Magic… I can’t access it.”

True, as a juvenile Vampire Princess who hadn’t formally studied magic, Avril held little power. But simple spells had always worked fine.

Since the collar’s placement, she couldn’t summon even a trace of magic.

Worse, the collar had other functions. Avril had already tasted its electric shock once.

That terrifying sensation was something she never wanted to relive.

Trapped, with the collar anchored to the wall, she couldn’t even leave the bed. She could only curl up, hugging herself with no sense of security.

The petite, silver-haired juvenile Vampire Princess had never been near humans, let alone sold as a slave by them. For the first time without her parents’ protection, fear drowned out all other emotions. She couldn’t think about what to do next.

Even escape plans were impossible with the collar and chains.

On the exquisite bed, no blanket covered her. Dressed in a snow-white gown, the lolita-form Avril curled tightly. Her tender feet and toes clenched. Hands clasped protectively over her chest. Her beautiful blue eyes held a hint of tears, blinking shut now and then.

Her huddled body trembled faintly. Silver hair spilled across the soft sheets, creating a pitiful sight.

—Creak…

In the quiet room, the candlelight flickered at the door’s groan. The huddled Vampire Princess, facing away, jolted in fright.

—Someone’s here!

She knew it was likely that woman.

Still, Avril’s heart clenched. Her whole body trembled anxiously, yet she dared not move.

Her occasionally opening eyes squeezed shut. She forced her frightened breaths to steady.

Even breaths escaped her lips, but her body tensed with each approaching footstep.

“Hmm? My little slave? Still sleeping?”

A teasing tone rang out. A clear, sweet voice came from behind Avril.

Not knowing how to respond, Avril pretended not to hear, lying perfectly still.

“Tsk tsk…”

The girl behind examined Avril’s turned back with keen interest.

She clicked her tongue softly. “Hmm~”

Letting out a breath, pale slender fingers rested on her chin as she studied the tethered lolita Vampire Princess.

“Your body’s so tense. Your fake sleep is terrible, you know~”

As the Lor Empire’s princess, she’d seen countless ministers, maids, and slaves. Any slip-up would catch her eye. Even an ordinary person wouldn’t fall for Avril’s awful acting. If they did, it’d just be playacting.

Sure enough, exposed, Avril’s body trembled visibly. Before she could speak, the girl gently took her hand, turning her over.

Daring not to resist, Avril obeyed.

Timidly opening her eyes, tears spilled over. Like white crystals, they slid down her right cheek, blurring her vision.

Before her stood a tall golden-haired girl. Her cheeks were smooth, complexion flawless as jade. Delicate features—unlike any human’s—hinted at royal bloodline advantages, making her far more breathtaking than palace maids. But… her slightly pointed ears resembled an elf’s.

Golden hair flowed to her waist. Even in the dim light from triple-layered curtains, its warm, radiant glow shone softly.

Avril felt none of that warmth. Only deep unease gripped her.

Forced to meet the girl’s gaze, Avril felt the hand release her. It traced up her white dress, stroking her cheek, gently wiping tears away. The girl smiled tenderly, like a caring relative.

“Oh dear, oh dear.”

“What’s wrong, my cute little pet?”

“Who upset you?”

“Tell Master. Master will make them pay~”

Though the words seemed caring, the teasing tone made them hollow. Tears clung to the girl’s fingers as she reluctantly caressed Avril’s soft, cool cheek, smiling down brightly.

…

Avril didn’t answer. The warmth on her cheek sparked fresh grief. Tears welled uncontrollably.

Having never faced such cruelty, she couldn’t stop her tears. Soft sobs escaped her lips.