"Sigh..."

Shelley let out a quiet sigh. She didn’t say anything, but she understood Avril’s thoughts perfectly.

This sweet child couldn’t even bring herself to eat her whole apple at once—yet she still wanted to share it. Even if Avril didn’t grasp the difference between Catfolk and Bloodkin, it warmed Shelley’s heart.

"So, if you won’t eat it now, shall we put it away?"

"Do you have pockets?"

"Or... maybe leave it with Sister Shelley for now?"

Following Avril’s lead, Shelley didn’t push further. She knew splitting food instead of finishing it all at once was the little one’s way of feeling secure.

Fruits like this were endless in Mefia’s mansion. The Princess could easily afford to feed her cute Pets.

Shelley could’ve gotten more apples tomorrow from the Maids if she wanted. Normally, she wouldn’t bother asking. The fruit platter was strictly portioned by the butler and Maids—only two perfect, crimson apples today. They were gorgeous. And sweet. Shelley had tasted them; all the fruits here were special. But she wasn’t greedy, so she never paid much mind.

Watching the little one fiddle with her apple, Shelley felt helpless. She dropped the topic but made a mental note: tomorrow, she’d ask the butler or head Maid for extra apples. Better yet—swap most of the daily fruit supply to apples. That’d let Avril eat her fill. Actions spoke louder than words.

"Pockets?" Avril blinked, snapping back to reality. The Vampire Lolita rummaged through her new dress, unsure if it even had pockets.

"Got one!" She beamed, tucking the apple into a tiny side pocket. It bulged full with just that single fruit. Like a little hamster hoarding snacks, carrying food close made her feel safe.

Seeing her joy, Shelley said nothing. She just gently wrapped an arm around Avril’s soft shoulders.

Pausing, Shelley gazed at the petite silver-haired girl. Memories surfaced—she’d once had a sweet little sister too. Long ago.

Curious, she wondered: What was your past like?

Since they were alone in the basement, silence felt dull.

"Hey, Avril," Shelley murmured. "Tell me about yourself?"

As Mefia’s tamed Catfolk Pet, Shelley’s world had shrunk to just her Master. Obedient and gentle, she never caused trouble—only warming Mefia’s bed when needed.

"About me?" Avril tilted her head, confused.

"What does Sister Shelley want to know?" She’d lived quietly with her parents, never meeting outsiders.

Shelley hadn’t planned this question. She wanted to ask about Avril’s family but feared stirring sadness.

"...Hmm." She scrambled for a safe topic, recalling Bloodkin lore from Mefia’s vast library.

"I read somewhere that Bloodkin fear sunlight. Is that true?"

"Fear light?" Avril nodded slowly. "I... I do. But Papa doesn’t."

"Oh?" Shelley’s curiosity sparked—the answer clashed with her books. "Why’s that?"

"Why do you fear it when your father doesn’t?"

Clueless about Bloodkin traits, Shelley became a curious child herself.

"Papa says it’s about magic strength," Avril explained softly. "If I train hard, I won’t fear it either. Our family descends from Duke Mespheres, so even I can walk in daylight... but it feels awful. I just never practiced magic well."

Her words were jumbled, but Shelley understood.

"Oh! And Bloodkin make UV-blocking bracelets," Avril added. "Even weak ones can go out in daylight wearing those. But Papa stopped giving me mine long ago. Said I must adapt."

Shelley pieced it together: ordinary Bloodkin feared light, but power lessened that fear. Avril was adapting—uncomfortable in sun, not crippled by it.

"So you only go out at night?"

"Not always. Papa sometimes takes me out in daytime. He says I must adapt... even if it hurts." Avril’s voice dimmed, remembering. "This time, I was searching for Mama and Papa when... when slavers caught me." She didn’t know terms like "Lor Empire slave traders"—only that she’d been sold to Mefia.

Shelley’s brow furrowed slightly. She couldn’t reply. Her own past echoed Avril’s: Catfolk were prized catches on human slaver markets, fetching high prices at auctions.