Shock collars were first used on dogs, cats, and large wild or domesticated creatures trained by the military. They served mainly for combat operations, circus acts, and animal experiments within the Lor Empire.

Imperial beast tamers found that a punishment-and-reward system effectively taught skills to intelligent pets. Even hard-to-tame wild beasts and mythical creatures responded well to it.

Later, human nobles added the shock function from animal collars to slave collars, originally meant only for restraint. This new punishment feature spread rapidly due to its effectiveness.

Intelligent beings understood their "Master's" commands more clearly than trainable pets. This made them far easier to tame.

Taming became much simpler compared to labor-intensive animal training. Now, circus performances were largely replaced by beastkin acts.

Unlike whips, it allowed precise punishment control via magic. It also left no scars.

That’s why Mefia, facing Avril the Vampire Princess, felt a bit soft-hearted. She had no sadistic tendencies. Crueler slave owners, buying adult beastkin laborers, might push the electrodes to lethal levels.

"As a Pet, you must learn to please your Master."

Watching the trembling little one, Mefia seized the moment to continue teaching. From their brief time together, Avril seemed to know nothing at all.

Not knowing was fine; she’d teach her slowly. After all, there was fun in raising her. Especially since books labeled vampires as "fierce" and "brutal."

Hmm… though Avril was her only reference, Mefia doubted whether the author of those vampire traits had ever seen one. Or if it was all subjective speculation.

At least, the little Bloodkin before her was timid and weak-willed.

Perhaps because she’d never preyed on humans?

With this thought, Mefia silently resolved again to train the innocent Vampire Princess into an obedient Pet while she was still pure.

"Your answer?"

Gently pinching Avril’s jaw, Mefia tilted her head. Her deep emerald eyes held a questioning look.

"Y-yes…"

Her voice was very soft, very faint.

Tears streamed endlessly from Avril’s eyes, unceasing from fright. They looked aggrieved, yet she didn’t dare sob loudly.

Hearing Mefia’s question, she dared not hesitate or refuse. Fear made her faint voice tremble slightly.

"You may only call me 'Master'."

"Mm…"

Afraid to meet Mefia’s eyes, Avril’s body stiffened. She didn’t dare move while Mefia held her chin.

"No crying."

Gently wiping Avril’s tears, Mefia’s tone softened despite the command.

The little one was timid. Constant threats might break her, which wouldn’t be good.

"Be good. As long as you don’t make mistakes, Master won’t punish you."

As she spoke, she gently stroked the little girl’s head. As a princess of the Lor Empire, she had no experience comforting children. Doing this much was decent. Whether Avril found comfort didn’t matter.

What mattered was that Mefia believed this method worked.

"Master will take you to bathe and change clothes."

"Yours is a bit dirty."

Avril wore a pure white dress she’d brought from home.

It wasn’t large, but fit her well.

Out of curiosity about Bloodkin, Mefia examined the fabric. It looked quite good.

The snow-white dress was accented with simple sky-blue ribbons. Combined with Avril’s snow-pale skin, her exquisite silver hair, and two white satin ribbons tied on her head…

The little one’s simple, pure white attire added a holy glow to her.

As Avril said, the Mefis Family had ancient methods to hide their identities.

Without prior knowledge, it’d be hard to tell she was the fierce vampire described in books.

If anything, she looked more like a fairy-tale angel or a Holy Maiden from human fantasies.

What pleased Mefia was not just the pure white clothes, but the innocent aura.

And that pure heart, untouched by any stain.

"Mm…"

Even if she wanted to speak, Mefia’s punishment had scared her silent. She obediently followed her lead.

Leading Avril to her bathroom.

To a vampire, human body heat felt warm. Being pulled along, Avril didn’t dare mention her hunger. She feared saying the wrong thing would anger her Master.

However, her weakened body from long starvation couldn’t hide it. Even walking a few steps in Mephya’s Castle, hunger and the Collar’s restriction made her feel exhausted.

Fortunately, it wasn’t a tour around the imperial palace.

Though Mephya’s Castle was vast, the bedroom and bathroom were just two corridors away, between the third and second floors.

Mefia’s bathroom sat in a corner on the second floor. It was a large, curved room occupying a significant area.

Luxurious noble life meant it was never closed when unused.

Considering temperature, humidity, and other factors, it stayed open twelve hours daily for her convenience.

"Huff…"

The bathroom air was humid and brightly lit. Avril, who’d never seen such a large bathroom, couldn’t help but stare.

Undoubtedly, this room was larger than her entire home.

Avril felt no jealousy or envy. Soon after entering, she didn’t even think to watch Mefia’s expression.

Because… the bathroom was warm. Though air circulation was decent, the humid air made her uncomfortable.

Mainly, prolonged hunger and the Collar made her feel very unwell.

But she didn’t dare say a word.

Her expression was dazed. Avril’s small chest rose and fell with each breath. Her faint breathing mixed with the bath taps’ running water.

The little one lightly touched the Collar with her free hand. But she didn’t dare make big movements, let alone mention her earlier wish to remove it.

She silently waited for her Master’s command.

"Go on~"

Patting Avril’s soft little bottom, Mefia released her hand and stood behind her.

Watching her silver hair fall to her waist, the girl’s petite back came into view.

Mefia couldn’t help but smile in satisfaction.

She would dye the pure white Vampire Princess with her own colors.