Soft yellow light from dozens of lamps bathed the bathroom floor. Water droplets on the ground, walls, and the white stone bath reflected a faint glow.

Visible mist swirled around, making the room slightly warmer than others.

In the center of the massive bath—easily dozens of square meters wide—a magnificent dragon-headed fountain, carved by a master sculptor, poured warm water from its mouth.

"Pitter-patter..."

The gentle splash was the only sound in the quiet space. Ripples spread from the fountain across the tranquil pool.

Only Avril and Mefia were present. Not because maids weren’t available, but Mefia’s long-serving personal maid knew her mistress’s preferences well. Today, having just acquired a new Pet, Mefia certainly didn’t want disturbances.

"...

—Pfft."

Hearing the little one’s words, Mefia couldn’t help but laugh. She bent down, suppressing her impatience, and gently rubbed the Vampire Lolita’s head. The response was rather cute...

Mefia saw Avril’s desire to refuse but her fear of defying her Master. She pondered the best reply. True—if she insisted, even by force, the little one wouldn’t resist. But that would ruin the fun. Besides, meeting this naive Vampire Princess, sheltered from the world, sparked new ideas.

Hmm...

Perhaps she should cultivate Avril into a yuri girl too? One who depended on her—or even loved her. Forcing a Slave to submit was nowhere near as satisfying as having Avril willingly become her Pet. With that thought, Mefia’s mood brightened.

"Your father said that?"

"Then... did he tell you a girl’s body shouldn’t be seen by boys?"

Wanting to comfort Avril, Mefia softened her voice and touch. Noticing Avril still fumbling with her dress, she gently grasped her hand. Better to guide her willingly than force her now.

"...

"

Avril’s crimson eyes, damp with tears, held confusion. She didn’t understand Mefia’s meaning. Warmth spread where Mefia enveloped her small hand.

"Mm."

After a brief silence, she nodded slightly.

"Then... don’t Bloodkin bathe?"

"Don’t you bathe with other girls?"

Mefia raised the topic to set the stage—and address her own curiosity.

"Other girls?"

"N-no."

"Dad said... the outside world is dangerous. He rarely lets me out."

"Besides Mom, I don’t know any other girls..."

"...

"So your father teaches you everything? You’ve never met other humans?"

As the future heir of the Lor Empire, Mefia had met countless people. She easily extracted answers from words. Avril’s constant "Dad, Dad" revealed a sheltered life—no contact with the outside world. Whether her father acted from love or other motives, Mefia couldn’t know.

"Hmm..."

Seeing the nod, Mefia nodded back. "Your father is right."

"But it’s not for anyone—it’s just not for boys to see."

"Girls can see it fine."

"And your Master isn’t a boy, you know~"

Her coaxing whisper carried mischief, as if she found her own words amusing. With any other Slave she’d bought, she wouldn’t bother with such pretense. A Slave should offer everything unreservedly to their Master. If her maid Lorin were here, she’d probably roll her eyes—she knew Mefia’s thoughts too well.

"...

"

Avril wasn’t sure she believed the explanation. She gazed cautiously at Mefia, neither responding nor refusing, her crystal-like red eyes holding a trace of doubt. Held by Mefia’s hand, she’d stopped undressing. Her snow-white, dusty dress hung half-off her small frame.

"Or do Bloodkin not bathe at all?"

"Didn’t your mother bathe you as a child?"

"Look—your clothes are dirty. Your Master’s a girl. What’s the harm?"

Meeting Avril made Mefia question books about Bloodkin. From Avril’s words, she’d met almost no one—not even other Bloodkin. Surely her mother bathed her as a child?

"N-no..."

Avril shook her head slightly. Mefia couldn’t tell if she denied Bloodkin bathing habits or her mother’s care. Bloodkin resembled humans but differed greatly—she couldn’t judge by her own sense.

"Dad... never said that..."

Avril looked at Mefia with fear, trusting her father more than this stranger.

"...

"

For no clear reason, Mefia grew annoyed. She was never a patient princess—spoiled, scheming, arrogant, intolerant of defiance. That was her true nature. She’d shown enough patience with Avril. It wasn’t about failed persuasion... it was jealousy. The constant "Dad, Dad" grated on her nerves. She was Avril’s Master now. Though natural for a sheltered child to cling to family, Mefia just felt irritated. Extremely irritated. Unhappy, her tone turned icy.

"Take off the dress."

"Go bathe."

Bloodkin customs didn’t matter. Avril was in her hands now, clothes filthy—she couldn’t get into bed unwashed. Mefia hadn’t asked if Avril wanted to share her bed. A Slave was a Slave. A Master was a Master. That was enough. When happy, she’d coax the little one gently. But when unhappy...