Mefia didn’t return too late.
She wasn’t particularly interested in nobles’ gatherings.
After all, no one there caught her eye.
But for the future throne, she sometimes had no choice.
She had to play along with certain nobles.
After her sister Lucy left, Mefia only stayed symbolically for a while.
With Lucy gone, there was no rival to compare herself to—no reason to linger.
So many people with impure intentions tried to flatter or approach her. It was truly unpleasant.
“Sigh…”
She sighed.
Who could know the Princess’s sorrows?
Though she held immense power, some things were beyond her control.
Like… her two little Pets.
She couldn’t openly tell her father about disliking men.
If she ascended the throne, she might reveal it then.
But even then, repercussions would matter.
“The throne…”
Suddenly, she recalled: if she inherited it, Shelley and Avril would become her imperial consorts.
Though… Pets seemed far from “imperial consorts.”
But she liked no one else, so they could count.
Obedient consorts, at that.
Thinking of her adorable Pets, Mefia cheered up.
“Welcome home, Master.”
At the Fortress gates, the first person she saw was Lorin, waiting early.
As her personal Maid, Lorin always prepared first when Mefia returned.
“What are you thinking about?”
“…Smiling so creepily~”
Seeing Mefia happy and grinning to herself, Lorin teased softly.
Only they two were here, and their close bond allowed such jokes.
“Tch, Lorin.”
Annoyed by the remark, Mefia glanced around. No one else was near. In a good mood, she let it slide.
“How are Avril and Shelley?”
“Did Avril run wild today?”
She’d been out since morning, only returning now.
She hadn’t seen Avril once all day.
She couldn’t help missing her a little.
After all, her cute little Vampire Princess hadn’t been tasted yet.
She didn’t even know what flavor that unripe apple held.
“They…”
“I had Shelley show Avril around the Fortress today.”
“Shelley arranged their schedule.”
“They stayed in the library all morning.”
Speaking softly, back in work mode, Lorin remained meticulous.
“As for running off—no.”
“She didn’t step outside the Fortress once.”
Lorin wasn’t surprised.
Shelley was teaching Avril, after all.
She trusted Shelley to be sensible and know her limits.
What kind of person was Shelley?
A well-behaved Pet who always pleased her Master and never overstepped.
In that way, she resembled the meticulous Lorin at work.
Whether Shelley truly liked it or was forced remained unclear.
“Hmm, that’s good.”
Slender fingers lightly resting on her chin, Mefia seemed slightly surprised.
She’d thought Avril needed more lessons to abandon escape attempts.
She’d planned whether to comfort her after punishment or use gentler training.
Unexpectedly…
“Quite obedient…”
Unable to hide her smile, Mefia changed out of her gown with Lorin’s help.
“Shall we fully feed Avril today, Master?”
Shelley skipped lunch to accompany Avril, eating only a simple dinner—perhaps with her own plans.
But Avril hadn’t received her scheduled food.
The adorable Vampire Princess needed only simple nourishment.
No special meals—just a cup of fresh blood.
Without Mefia’s permission, Lorin couldn’t give it.
“Did she say she was hungry?”
Mefia hadn’t been home all day, so she wasn’t sure.
But when she’d bought Avril, the little one went days without blood and was fine. Probably no issue.
“No, Master.”
“I didn’t hear her mention hunger today.”
Shaking her head, Lorin—the meticulous head Maid—never lied or hid things.
“Nor did Shelley say so.”
Lorin added, hanging up the gown.
“Then don’t feed her yet.”
“When she’s hungry, she’ll come to me on her own.”
Yesterday’s order to underfeed Avril was for easier training.
Since Avril hadn’t complained, Mefia would wait.
The little one couldn’t hide her feelings—she’d speak up when ready.
“Understood, Master.”
Lorin nodded indifferently. She knew her Master’s mind. She just hated seeing sweet Avril go hungry—that’s why she’d reminded her.
But if forbidden, she’d obey.
Yesterday’s teapot of blood—only one cup poured. Lorin stored the rest with a cooling crystal.
How long would that scarce supply last…
What did hunger feel like for a Bloodkin? Like humans?
Curious thoughts flickered, but they might cost Avril pain.
“I’ve arranged for Avril and Shelley to rest.”
“Master, would you bathe, dine, or visit Shelley and Avril now?”
Back at her Fortress at night, Mefia had no duties left.
The bathhouse was open anytime; maids cleaned it after dark.
Dinner was prepared by the royal chef on schedule.
When Lorin learned of Mefia’s return, she sent Shelley and Avril to their rooms.
This made it easy for the Master to choose one… uh, to favor.
The Master loved such lewd-sounding words.
Though lewd things happened every night anyway.
“I’m not hungry.”
Mefia had snacked at the banquet.
“Tonight, I’ll visit Shelley.”
Hesitating, she’d check on Avril there first, then plan carefully.
“Understood, Master.”
“I’ll remind Avril to rest early.”
Lorin nodded, not questioning reasons. For this, she simply obeyed.
