In a bright, warm room, the patiently waiting girl sat with her legs crossed, leaning against the sofa back. Her gaze rested on the bare tea table.

From time to time, bored, she sipped her favorite black tea.

Lucy looked so quiet now—utterly unlike the venomous girl who could sting Mefia’s nerves with just a few words moments ago.

Of course, it wasn’t that Lucy preferred stillness or targeted her sister.

Rather… no one worth her attention was around right now.

Unless her sister, a cute little sibling, or some charming girl was nearby, she couldn’t be bothered with Mefia’s ordinary maids.

So she waited quietly for her sister to bring that curious Bloodkin.

She wondered: tall or short? Fat or thin?

But Bloodkin were always handsome or beautiful—surely this one wouldn’t disappoint.

Lucy carried elf blood in her veins—royal lineage refined over generations. Herself a breathtaking beauty, she was naturally picky about girls’ looks.

Even the few girls she’d occasionally played with weren’t necessarily prettier. Some were merely decent-looking, chosen on a whim.

She wasn’t in a hurry.

Her sister wouldn’t risk hiding this small thing, betting on whether she’d tell their father.

Even if their father knew, he might not harm the little one. But Mefia surely didn’t want others discovering she’d brought a Bloodkin.

Though trivial, for Mefia, smoothing over troubles was best.

*Creak…*

The wooden door groaned softly. Lucy noticed the newcomers entering.

Her sister, Mefia.

And beside her—the silver-haired girl.

So beautiful!

A fleeting glance, yet Lucy’s attention locked onto Avril.

She ignored Lorin behind them. Though she didn’t rush over, Mefia caught how Lucy couldn’t tear her eyes away.

*Hmph!*

Mefia snorted coldly but didn’t bicker—not yet. She’d already agreed to show Avril.

Ignoring her sister, Lucy studied the girl before her.

Shy, standing slightly behind Mefia, as if dodging Lucy’s gaze.

Perfect.

Lucy silently branded Avril flawless in her heart.

Absolutely no less than Shelley—surpassing her, even.

Especially compared to Lucy’s own petite frame, this tiny Bloodkin Lolita was the ideal companion. Being with her would satisfy both conquest and pleasure.

*Tsk tsk.*

"Sister, you’re so lucky," Lucy murmured, smiling faintly at Avril. After examining the silver-haired Lolita, her voice held a hint of envy. "Where’d you find such a cute little one?"

"What’s it to you?" Mefia snapped. "You’ve seen her. Leave now."

Meeting Avril was pure coincidence—no grand spy network tracking Lor Empire slave traders. Mefia had no urge to explain.

"Huh?" Lucy pouted. "So heartless. You just brought her and now kick me out? I wanted to look longer~"

She stood, walking toward Avril. Though speaking to Mefia, her eyes never left Avril.

As Lucy focused on Avril, the timid Bloodkin Lolita beside Mefia observed her too.

This "person" Mefia mentioned resembled her closely. Only the golden bob and shorter stature set them apart.

With elegant steps, Lucy reached Avril, ignoring Mefia. She curved her lips warmly. "Little one, what’s your name?"

She knew Mefia had a cute Bloodkin but not her name. Asking Mefia now would be pointless.

"A-Avril…" Avril whispered, stepping back slightly. She stared at the Mefia-like woman, instinctively answering.

"Avril?" Lucy stroked the Bloodkin Lolita’s head gently, ignoring Mefia’s glare. "What a lovely name."

Avril froze, unsure how to respond. Startled by the touch, her blue eyes squeezed shut.

"You’ve seen her. Touched her," Mefia said flatly. "Time to leave."

Barely a minute had passed since bringing Avril to the parlor. Mefia felt she’d shown enough patience.

"Sister, really," Lucy sighed. "This impatience isn’t befitting a future heir~"

Twice dismissed in moments, Lucy felt exasperated. She’d promised to leave after seeing Avril—but now, she wanted to stay.

"You said you’d leave after seeing her," Mefia pressed, ignoring the "heir" jab. She didn’t trust Lucy’s promises, but the words were useful.

"But I never said *when*," Lucy countered. Her earlier compromise meant nothing. As the Lor Empire’s second Princess, skilled in cunning, reneging came naturally. Besides, she’d leave eventually—just not yet.

"Hey, sister," Lucy patted Avril’s cheek, turning to Mefia. "Give me this little one. Name your price. I’d even quit fighting you for the throne~"

She was serious.

At first, she’d only wanted to see the Bloodkin girl. But now, she couldn’t walk away.

Silver hair. Obedient. Bloodkin. Lolita.

Other traits like bloodsucking likely existed—but this rarity, beauty, and cuteness were exactly her type. A dream lover, piercing her heart in seconds.

As expected, Mefia’s reply was sharp and final.

"You know that’s impossible."