Breakfast was last night’s leftover apple.

Avril ate happily.

With nothing to do, Shelley had been waiting at the door early.

The room was dim because the window hadn’t been opened.

Shelley gently pushed the door open. A sliver of sunlight streamed through the hallway window and Avril’s doorway, landing on the little girl still inside.

The small Vampire Lolita shielded her eyes instinctively, unused to the light.

“Mmph…”

Suddenly remembering Avril disliked sunlight, Shelley quickly shut the door most of the way.

Morning light was much brighter than when Avril had opened her window earlier.

“Sorry. Are you okay?”

Avril seemed fine. Last night, she’d only said she disliked sunlight—not that she couldn’t tolerate it. Still, Shelley felt guilty for her oversight.

“Hmm… I’m fine.”

The petite Bloodkin slowly approached. She gently shook her head at Shelley, silver strands swaying slightly with the motion.

Sensing Shelley’s apology, Avril lowered her sun-shielding hand. She took Shelley’s hand and offered a soft smile.

“I’m not afraid of light.”

“Just… a little uncomfortable…”

Since around age ten, Avril’s father had occasionally taken her out to adapt to sunlight. She still disliked it, but it only caused discomfort—never real harm.

“Really?”

Shelley let out a breath of relief. Avril had mentioned it yesterday, but confirmation eased her worry. After all, they’d met at night, deep in a sunless basement.

“Can I open the door now?”

At Avril’s nod, Shelley eased the door open.

Morning light bathed Shelley’s face warmly, adding a glow to the pretty Catfolk maid’s gentle features.

She instinctively tried to shield Avril from the sun.

Warmth touched Avril’s skin. Though uncomfortable, she showed no distress. Instead, she seemed to want to look up at it.

“Shall we go?”

“Shelley Sister?”

Seeing Shelley frozen, Avril tilted her head and whispered, “You don’t need to block it. I’m not scared.”

Avril had long walked outside unprotected. This hallway sunlight was nothing to fear.

“Alright.”

Certain Avril was truly fine, Shelley tightened her grip on the small hand holding hers.

Avril’s hand was icy.

Far colder than human or Catfolk body heat.

Shelley, alone for so long, didn’t mind. In fact, sharing the same fate—marked by matching collars around their necks—she doted on this girl she’d met just yesterday. Different species, age, and personality didn’t matter.

Avril felt the same.

Trusting this older sister so quickly? The identical collar on her neck weighed heavily in that choice.

“Um… that.”

Outside the room, Avril’s gaze drifted to the door beside hers.

Down the long hallway, several rooms lined the walls.

“What is it?”

Uncertain, Shelley followed Avril’s stare.

“Sister Lorin said this is Shelley Sister’s room?”

Yesterday, when led to “her room,” Lorin had mentioned it: this door was Shelley’s bedroom; further down was Mefia’s.

“Yep, that’s right.”

“Usually, I rest here.”

It was just a room. Shelley didn’t care much. Where she slept at night depended entirely on Mefia’s whims. Of course, if Mefia was away or had no plans for her, Shelley did stay here.

“Oh~”

Hearing Shelley’s confirmation, Avril frowned in confusion.

“But… Shelley Sister didn’t come back last night?”

She’d obeyed Lorin and slept. But when Lorin gave her blood, it was very late. Avril heard no sound from the third floor all night. Bloodkin hearing was sharp. Though she couldn’t be sure—she’d fallen asleep too.

“Last night?”

“Ah… it got too late. I fell asleep in the basement.”

Flustered by the question, Shelley twirled a strand of pale hair and explained softly. It was an excuse, but Avril just nodded vaguely. Shelley couldn’t admit Mefia had kept her busy until midnight. Avril would understand someday—but not from her.

Shelley swiftly changed the subject.

“Want to see my room?”

“Or somewhere else first?”

“Hmm… there’s a library on the third floor. Interested, Avril?”

“The collection’s huge. Enough to rival a small town’s library.”

Mefia’s personal books couldn’t match imperial archives. But row upon endless row of shelves held lifetimes of reading.

Without permission, Pets couldn’t leave Mefia’s estate grounds—not even to stroll the garden. With little entertainment, Shelley often buried herself in the library when Master was away. She’d learned about Bloodkin there, though the books didn’t quite match Avril. Understandable—Bloodkin were rare and secretive. Authors’ knowledge often had gaps.

“Library?”

Rare excitement lit the little girl’s face. Rarely taken out by her father, Avril had never visited one. Her home held books too—her father’s collection. Immortal Bloodkin needed ways to pass endless years. Reading was a good pastime. Shelley shared that purpose.

“I’ll show you. It’s right here.”

Seeing Avril’s interest, Shelley led her away from her own room.

The third floor held Mefia’s bedroom, rooms for her little Pets, and two unused guest chambers. The rest was all books.

For quiet, functional rooms—even the maids’ quarters—were on the first two floors. This kept the third floor peaceful. No one would disturb Mefia doing happy things with her Pets.