"Is there something you want to ask?"

"You can tell me... it's okay."

In the quiet library, Shelley watched Avril sitting beside her. The little girl clearly wanted to ask something but stayed silent.

Avril couldn't hide her emotions at all. Everything seemed written on her face.

Shelley had decided today to teach Avril properly. Certain things needed to be known. Though the harsh reality might clash with her old worldview.

"Yesterday... did Master go to see Shelley Sister..."

Avril was innocent, but last night, Mefia and Lorin hadn't avoided talking near her. Distracted, she'd still caught bits of it. And hearing nothing from the Fortress's third floor, she asked doubtfully.

...

Shelley opened her mouth, stunned. She'd expected questions about Master and Pet bonds. Not this. Unsure how to reply.

But hiding it seemed pointless.

"Yes."

She nodded. Her soft black cat ears twitched slightly. Lips pressed together, looking unnatural.

"Hmm..."

Avril nodded in understanding. She'd only been unsure. This wasn't her main worry.

Avril lifted her head a little. Her bright blue eyes fixed on Shelley. Small hands fidgeted under the table as she asked cautiously:

"Then... does Shelley Sister... like Master..."

Avril didn't understand why Mefia visited Shelley yesterday. But she remembered last night. When Mefia came to the basement, Shelley had leaped into her arms. Mefia had even grabbed Shelley Sister's tail.

A tail... Avril wasn't allowed to touch.

Shelley Sister had seemed happy to see Mefia.

Avril didn't get it. In her simple mind, Mefia was bad. Shelley Sister was good. Yet Shelley liked Mefia.

"...I..."

...

Shelley froze again. The petite silver-haired loli gazed up with pure curiosity. No hidden meaning. Just another tough question.

'Like'.

This word hadn't meant what others thought since Shelley first learned it. Years later, she understood. But explaining its true meaning was pointless now. It was tied to 'pleasing Master' and 'obeying Master'.

What will did a Pet need?

If forced, Shelley didn't know if she liked him. Maybe yes, maybe no. It didn't matter. As a Pet, her only choice was Master's favor.

Besides, Avril was asking. A complicated answer would confuse her. She barely grasped what Slave meant.

"I like him."

After thinking, Shelley gave a clear answer. It fit their situation best.

"Like him..."

Avril repeated softly. Her gaze dropped. She'd half-expected this. Not shocked, but a hint of disappointment flickered.

Watching Avril's low mood, Shelley didn't know how to comfort her. She couldn't say being Mefia's Pet was fine. That'd just hurt more.

Catfolk were gentle and trainable. But that didn't mean they enjoyed being caged.

"Avril..."

Seeing her like a fragile vase, Shelley felt a pang of worry. She'd already said enough harsh things today.

Luckily, she sat beside Avril. Shelley gently wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.

The silver-haired loli blinked in surprise. Blue eyes wide. But she didn't resist. Only Shelley could do this. Mefia's sudden hug would terrify her.

"Remember what I said today, okay~"

"If you dislike Master, tell me."

"But never mention it to Master..."

Repeating old pains hurt. But Shelley did it to spare Avril suffering. Her voice stayed soft and clear. Words couldn't comfort, so she made her tone gentle.

"Mm..."

This time, sensing Shelley's mood or understanding her meaning, Avril nodded willingly. Her small hands tightened around Shelley.

"Avril understands..."

"Avril will be obedient."

"Don't be sad, Shelley Sister..."

Feeling she'd upset Shelley, Avril apologized quietly.

"No, I'm fine."

Shelley shook her head, hiding her emotions fast. She'd planned to cheer Avril up here. But talking about Master ruined the mood.

"If Master has no duties tonight, she'll likely visit you."

Mefia always came home when free. Evenings were her relaxation time. Unless uninterested, she'd seek one of them. Shelley knew this well.

Besides... Mefia was impatient. She wouldn't wait long with Avril.

Serving in bed... would probably happen soon.

Telling Avril to obey was enough for today. How to please Master could wait.

"Hmm... will Master..."

"Come see me?"

"What for?"

Avril only knew Master took her to meet Lucy yesterday. And visited Shelley Sister last night. She knew nothing of Mefia's pleasures. Panic rose.

Yesterday's blood gift didn't soften Master's terrifying image. Fear was definite, unlike her ease with Shelley Sister.

"I don't know."

"But whatever Master asks... just do it."