"The point is, a Pet naturally wants to please their Master."

"Ah… that makes sense to Avril now…"

Shelley carefully chose harmless answers—she dared not weave outright lies when her Master questioned her.

"Did she say nothing else?"

"Nothing like… not wanting to be a Pet?"

It sounded plausible, but Mefia didn’t fully believe it.

From last night’s behavior, Shelley seemed rather fond of Avril.

Besides… the little one who’d just arrived at her Fortress yesterday had tearfully begged not to be a Pet, pleading to go home.

Repeating yesterday’s actions and words today wouldn’t be strange at all.

"…"

Shelley froze for a moment.

She’d never expected her Master to bring this up.

Those words… Avril had definitely said them.

She’d even warned Avril repeatedly today not to mention such things to their Master.

What Shelley didn’t know was that Avril had already told Mefia the same yesterday—and been punished for it.

"No need to tense up. I’m just asking."

"I won’t do anything to you two."

Mefia smiled wryly. She knew Shelley well—and Shelley knew her little Pet too.

She understood Shelley feared punishment for Avril, holding back certain truths.

"Mm…"

"Yes…"

Realizing she couldn’t hide it, Shelley reluctantly admitted the uncomfortable topic, watching Mefia’s expression warily.

Seeing her still smiling, not the slightest anger in her eyes, Shelley finally exhaled softly.

Mefia, the Imperial Princess spoiled by the Emperor, was no saint—she always acted on her whims.

"But Shelley already taught her."

"Told her never to say such things again…"

Her voice dropped, laced with guilt.

"Mm."

"You did well."

Satisfied with the day’s summary, Mefia felt at ease.

Shelley would never overstep—like Lorin, she was utterly trustworthy.

"Still… about yesterday."

"That apple—you gave it to her?"

It was nearly a certainty, but since it involved unknown Bloodkin traits, Mefia pressed.

"Yes."

"I saw her staring at the fruit on the table, so I offered it."

"Avril said she could eat apples…"

"It was nothing serious. Since Master already knows and didn’t react, it should be fine."

"Did you ask Avril today how often Bloodkin need blood?"

Crucial for Avril’s training—but Mefia, unfamiliar with vampires, could only guess.

Losing control of such details felt unsettling.

"N-no…"

Shelley shook her head.

Considering how much Avril had endured today, she’d avoided prying into her past to spare her distress.

"Never mind."

"We’ll learn soon enough."

After all, a starving Avril had confessed her hunger yesterday.

One or two more episodes would reveal the Bloodkin’s blood needs.

"Mm. You taught her well."

"Keep it up~"

Though imperfect, Mefia hadn’t specified what to ask Avril.

Pleased overall, she pulled Shelley into her embrace, letting the catgirl’s soft ears rest against her chest.

She stroked Shelley’s blue hair and warm head like petting a kitten.

If Shelley could reshape Avril’s attitude… that would be perfect.

A second obedient Pet like her would be ideal.

Yet from Shelley’s brief, strained words, Mefia sensed something else—

Her little cat seemed far too attached to Avril.

"Master~"

Breathing in Mefia’s scent, Shelley murmured shyly.

"Shelley."

"Tomorrow… or the day after…"

"Want to go out?"

The sudden topic shift caught even Shelley off guard.

"Out?"

Surprise flickered in her eyes.

Pets had no freedom.

They couldn’t leave Mefia’s Fortress.

Well—not absolutely.

With permission, they could step outside.

The Lor Empire permitted Slaves openly; nobles often sent them shopping.

Collars were mandatory proof of status. Shelley had heard of kind Masters—but never one removing a Slave’s collar.

As Mefia’s ‘Pet,’ she rarely needed to leave.

The Third Princess of the Lor Empire lacked nothing; her secret garden’s ‘bedmate’ had no reason to venture out.

Though Mefia had taken her out before… it was rare.

The Fortress’s third floor had been Shelley’s world for years.

"May I, Master…?"

"W-where to?"

A flicker of joy lit her eyes. She’d accepted her fate, never showing sadness before her Master—but that didn’t mean she didn’t crave the outside world.

Who’d want to stay trapped in a castle forever…?

Her bright blue eyes gazed up at Mefia, trusting yet curious.

"Where~?"

Mefia chuckled softly. "How about I take you out to play?"

"Anywhere in the Imperial Capital—you choose."

Spending a day with Shelley was no trouble.

Staying within the Imperial Capital wasn’t the real point, of course.

"Mm…"

"Wherever Master goes, Shelley follows~"

Even given a choice, Shelley deferred instinctively. ‘Pets don’t choose’ was etched into her bones.

"Then we’ll stroll the streets. Buy you new dresses."

"Mm… and the zoo? We have a full day. We’ll decide later."

Since Shelley wouldn’t choose, Mefia didn’t hesitate. Years of dominance made her dismiss sincerity—days spent scheming against her sister, hiding secrets from the Emperor, and flattering nobles left her craving simple nights with her Pets.

"Mm…"

Shelley gave no sign of delight or reluctance, only clinging tighter to Mefia’s warmth.

"Master… should we take Avril too?"

She suddenly realized Mefia hadn’t mentioned Avril once.

"Take her? Why?"

A faint smile curled Mefia’s lips—as if she’d expected this. Truthfully, Avril was partly why she’d suggested the outing.

"Why…?"

Shelley echoed softly, studying her Master’s face. That simple question held layers.

Clearly, Mefia had no intention of taking Avril.

She had no right to ask.

"N-nothing~ Just wondering…"

"If Avril stays alone… she might be sad…"

Her voice dwindled like a child fearing broken porcelain.

She hoped, faintly, to change Mefia’s mind—but knew her Master’s nature.

She’d also sensed the reason.

Shelley survived in Mefia’s Fortress by reading the air.

Her soft tone, the hint of fear, the hesitant phrasing—

Even if she displeased Mefia, this careful plea wouldn’t earn punishment.

"Mm. Don’t overthink~"

Mefia was in good spirits; two words wouldn’t sour it.

Even if they did, she’d never scold the catgirl nuzzling her chest.

"Taking you out is a reward for a good, obedient Pet~"

This time, Shelley understood perfectly.

If she was the ‘obedient Pet,’ Avril was the ‘disobedient one.’

Rewards for her meant punishment for Avril.

Helpless to change it, Shelley still worried.

"Mm… Shelley will help Master train Avril properly."

She offered the answer her Master wanted. No reward was bearable—but punishment? Unthinkable.

Brief time together had shown her: in this castle owned wholly by their Master, Avril was a pitifully innocent girl.

A pure-hearted Vampire Princess.

*‘Sorry… Shelley Sister…’*

*‘Did… did I say something wrong?’*

*‘Shelley Sister… why are you crying?’*

Eyes closed, she saw the girl sharing her fate—

Panicked, tiptoeing to wipe Shelley’s tears with her sleeve.

The one disheartened by her own collar.

The stranger who trusted her instantly.

The one who beamed over a single apple.

Avril appeared before her eyes…

*‘Shelley Sister…’*

It felt like ages since she’d heard that name.

She loved it. Loved this title...

Sister Shelley~

It felt like returning to her old home. Meeting that younger sister who was a head shorter and always smiled at her.

But her thoughts didn’t last long before Mefia interrupted.

“No~ Mmph, Master’s hands are so cold~”

Shelley felt Mefia’s hands on her. Though reluctant to do this at the table, she only protested slightly with words, not moving to resist at all.

“Hehe~”

Grinning widely, Mefia scooped Shelley up in a princess carry.

With her height advantage, Mefia looked every bit the big sister.

Leaning close to Shelley’s soft, little black ears, she blew a warm breath and teased:

“Shelley’s helped me so much. I must give you a reward~”

“R-reward...”

Stammering the word, Shelley—fully understanding Mefia’s meaning—had a bright red face. She went limp in Mefia’s arms, burying her face in her chest.

“Mm, that’s right~”

Mefia placed Shelley on her large bed. Though her hair wasn’t fully dry, she was already eager for what came next.

Sitting atop Shelley, she looked down at the blushing face beneath her. She was quite skilled at this.

“I’ll make sure you’re very, very happy~”