"Apple... you can eat it."

"..."

Avril murmured this softly, her gaze locked on the crimson apple.

The fruit was a premium variety reserved for the Lor Empire's royal family. Just by looks, it was far more appealing than any she'd ever tasted.

"Really?"

Shelley, newly realizing Bloodkin could eat apples, felt an unexpected warmth.

Seeing Avril hesitate to take it—perhaps out of politeness—Shelley handed her a larger red apple.

"Go ahead and eat if you want."

"Oh, take this one too."

After placing the first apple in Avril's hands, Shelley took another from the bowl and set it on the Vampire Lolita's little skirt.

"Mmm..."

A faint smile touched the little one's lips.

Cradling the apple that seemed bigger than her palms, Avril stared at it.

Its sweet fragrance drifted to her nose, making her slightly wrinkle her cute little nose.

"Thank you..."

"Sister Shelley..."

Suddenly recalling her father's lesson—to thank givers—Avril belatedly looked up. Gazing at the kind Catfolk sister she admired, she whispered her gratitude.

Her voice was sweet, hinting at happiness. Seeing Avril's mood lift, Shelley felt relieved.

Somehow, despite their first meeting, she instinctively wanted this girl to smile.

Perhaps... after being a Slave so long with no one to talk to.

Or maybe she saw her younger self in Avril.

"If you're hungry, eat up~"

Shelley placed a hand on Avril's head, gently stroking her hair like an older sister comforting a younger one.

Though Lorin had warned her not to let Avril drink blood...

Which basically meant keeping the little one hungry.

But blood and apples were different. Clinging to that hope, Shelley gave her the fruit despite her worries.

Surely it would be fine.

"Mm."

Avril responded softly, her sapphire eyes narrowing slightly. She didn't mind Shelley's touch—in fact, it felt safe.

She lifted the apple to her lips, parting them gently.

But she paused, as if remembering something. The Vampire Lolita looked up.

Her eyes met Shelley's.

"Really... can I eat it?"

Her voice trembled with fear and uncertainty. She sought confirmation, needing to hear it.

"Master..."

"Will she get angry..."

Remembering how Mefia punished her for saying she was hungry, and Lorin refused her—Avril was now hypersensitive. She dreaded another mistake.

Mostly, she feared her Master's punishment.

So even after days without food, even with the urge to devour the apple, she needed to confirm.

Would this anger Mefia?

Not from affection.

But Mefia's harsh lessons were deeply etched into this Bloodkin lolita, untouched by the human world.

What Master says is always right.

Avril remembered that.

"..."

Shelley fell silent.

She understood Avril's state all too well.

A Slave brought in just today couldn't truly obey Mefia out of loyalty.

It was pure fear.

Yet she didn't know what Mefia had done before this.

Still, Avril was too timid. Couldn't she just eat it and stay quiet?

Besides... Lorin only forbade blood. She likely didn't know Bloodkin could eat apples.

But Shelley dared not ask—afraid to reopen old wounds.

"No."

"She won't be angry."

"Eat up."

Seeing Avril's hunger, Shelley lied to comfort her—to let her forget sorrows here.

She had no clue if Mefia would care.

"Mm."

Reassured, Avril finally relaxed.

And she was starving.

She took a huge bite.

Sweet juice flooded the Vampire Lolita's mouth, a trace spilling from the corner.

Before swallowing, she bit again.

"Slow down~"

Watching the little one wolf it down, cheeks puffing adorably, Shelley chuckled softly.

A pang of sadness followed.

How long had it been since her last meal?

"Take it easy, don't choke."

"There's plenty more."

"Mm..."

Avril paused, chewing slowly. Shelley gently wiped the juice from her mouth with a tissue.

Her words reminded Avril of her father's teaching.

'A lady eats gracefully.'

As noble Bloodkin, even with only apples and blood, elegance mattered.

Like... her father savoring blood slowly from a wine glass under moonlight.

Suppressing her hunger, Avril ate more carefully.

Seeing such maturity, Shelley's heart ached.

Just watching Avril eat, she forgot to teach Pet duties.

Unwilling to shatter this peace—Avril seemed genuinely happy now.

"Can you eat other fruits?"

"Grapes? Oranges?"

Mefia had ordered the Maid to bring every fruit available in the Lor Empire. Shelley, never picky, hadn't requested specifics.

"Mmm..."

Holding her half-eaten apple, Avril glanced at the bowl in Shelley's hands, then shook her head.

"No..."

"Can't."

"I'm full."

She showed no interest in the other fruits.

"Full?"

"Why?"

Shelley was puzzled. Same fruits—why only apples?

"I... don't know."

Avril didn't understand the deeper reason. She only knew she'd eaten nothing but apples and blood since childhood.