"What about Sister Shelley?"

"Why... are you here?"

In Mefia’s secret garden, two girls sharing similar sorrows discussed their pasts.

Avril, who had never spoken so intimately with anyone beyond her parents, took the initiative to ask.

Before Shelley—naturally warm and approachable—even she could relax.

This gentle Catfolk elder sister got along wonderfully with Avril.

"Me?"

Shelley froze for a moment, as if recalling something unpleasant. Her fair hand clenched slightly, then quickly returned to normal.

Unlike Shelley, who carefully avoided topics that might upset Avril, the inexperienced girl didn’t grasp such nuances. She simply shared many ‘secrets’ about vampires.

Driven by childish curiosity, she naturally wanted to learn about the traits of a ‘Catfolk girl’—something she’d never seen—and Sister Shelley’s past.

"I..."

Recalling her memories, so many were unpleasant.

The deepest, most vivid imprints in her mind weren’t beautiful.

She opened her mouth slightly but didn’t know where to start. She intended to sort her thoughts, filtering out all the bad-sounding things.

That meant memories from before human slave hunters captured her.

Herself, her parents, and her sister...

Bang!

The crisp sound shattered Shelley’s recollection and startled Avril, who had been quietly waiting for Sister Shelley’s answer.

Her whole body trembled.

The natural color vanished from her little face. Instinctively, she leaned closer to Shelley.

"Sister Shelley?"

Avril, clueless about what happened, felt her recently eased anxiety flood back.

Helplessly, she looked to Shelley for answers.

Unlike Avril, Shelley clearly identified it as a door closing—much louder than usual.

She didn’t know what occurred.

Few ever visited the basement.

Only herself, Lorin, and Mefia came here.

Other maids and the butler never did under normal circumstances.

If it were Lorin, she’d move quietly.

Even Mefia had no reason to make such noise.

"Most likely, it’s the Master."

Gently gripping Avril’s hand—seeing how tense the little one was—Shelley stroked her head.

"It’s okay."

"Don’t worry."

Though unsure of the reason, if it was Mefia, the problem wasn’t too big for Shelley.

But Avril, far less composed, felt her heart clench at Mefia’s name.

Honestly, she didn’t want to see her.

Though the poor Vampire Lolita knew it was impossible.

At least now, unlike when she first arrived at Mefia’s mansion—locked to a bed, unable to move—or during baths where Mefia wantonly toyed with her...

At least this Catfolk elder sister stood by her side.

With parents absent, Avril—used to relying on others—had been flustered.

Now, Shelley filled that void.

That’s why Avril trusted her so quickly.

"Mm... mm."

Though still fixed on Shelley’s door, Avril’s panic eased slightly.

"I’ll open the door~"

"Will you come with me to check?"

Feeling Avril’s tight grip, Shelley whispered in her ear.

Unlike Avril, frozen and clueless, Shelley knew greeting Mefia was necessary.

After all, a pet’s role was to please the Master.

Shelley handled such matters well. She hadn’t been punished for angering Mefia in years.

"Be good~"

Before Avril could reply, Shelley rubbed her head comfortingly and gently pulled her up.

Checking on the Master mattered more than soothing Avril.

That abnormally loud door sound suggested Mefia was likely angry.

Shelley didn’t know why, but she didn’t want them blamed for not coming sooner.

If it was just an accident, all the better.

Though reluctant, Avril was well-behaved. She didn’t make things hard for Shelley.

Sensing urgency from Shelley’s actions, she obediently followed her out.

"Master?"

"Welcome back~"

"Shelley missed you so much~"

Stepping out, Shelley saw Mefia’s sour expression. She rushed over, pressing herself against Mefia without hesitation.

Hugging her tightly, she rubbed her fluffy ears against Mefia’s neck.

...

That simple gesture instantly dissolved Mefia’s anger. Her stern face softened into a helpless smile.

Lorin, the maid behind Mefia, silently watched, a faint smile on her lips.

She exchanged a quiet glance with Shelley.

Truly, Shelley lived up to her reputation.

She could calm Mefia in seconds, even without knowing what happened.

She knew the Master’s temper inside out.

"Alright, alright, Shelley~"

"Master will keep you company later."

Gently stroking her pet’s cheek, watching her smiling face, Mefia exhaled deeply.

"Is there something the Master needs?"

"Can Shelley help?"

Knowing Mefia likely sought Avril, Shelley wasn’t rushed. She wanted to stay involved.

After all... she wasn’t at ease leaving Avril alone.

"Uh."

"No need. I have other matters."

Considering she still needed to take Avril upstairs to see Lucy—that annoying one—Mefia had no intention of letting her inspect both pets.

It wouldn’t cost her anything, but she just didn’t want to!