Shelley went back.

She returned to her own room.

The worried Catfolk girl sat upright on her bed, glancing often at the wall next door.

Separated from Avril by just one wall, she couldn’t know a single thing about her current state.

Shelley roughly understood Mefia’s intentions.

Telling her not to bother with Avril, urging her to rest early, taking her out—it was all to wait for Avril’s hunger to drive her to seek the Master.

That way…

She could achieve all her goals.

“Avril…”

Bound by the Master’s orders, she couldn’t approach, only praying silently in her heart.

Unaware that Sister Shelley and the Master had returned, Avril still hid fearfully under soft blankets, peeking out with just half her small head.

She listened cautiously to sounds outside. The usually quiet third floor had some noise now, making her even more uneasy.

Naturally timid, Avril didn’t grasp much, but this time, she knew she’d caused trouble.

She shouldn’t have gone to the forbidden gate area—pets weren’t allowed there. She shouldn’t have thought of escaping.

She feared seeing the Master return. She feared punishment. And Sister Shelley, the only one she wanted, was nowhere to be found.

*Creak…*

A soft door-opening sound let hallway light spill in. Mefia quickly turned on Avril’s room light.

This visit was carefully considered.

She’d planned to leave Avril alone another day, checking tomorrow.

But the little one’s escape attempt today surprised her.

Though it never happened.

Mefia wasn’t foolish—she didn’t buy Shelley’s quick explanation.

She trusted her Maid’s judgment.

Besides, seeing for herself would confirm it. Even if she wronged Avril, it didn’t matter. After all, she was the Master; Avril was her Pet.

“Asleep?”

Entering, Mefia saw the lump under the blankets—Avril completely wrapped, looking rather improper.

Though it was a question, Mefia clearly saw the blanket shifting.

“Don’t cover your head.”

Mefia approached, bringing a teapot of blood and a delicate gold-rimmed ceramic cup.

She’d feed Avril now.

Today felt right—she’d guessed Avril’s state.

A whole day without familiar faces.

Caught trying to escape earlier, then hiding alone in her room after Mefia didn’t return.

She must be terrified.

Afraid of punishment? Scared of this unfamiliar place?

Mefia wasn’t certain—just rough guesses.

But as the Great Princess of the Lor Empire, she’d judged countless people. Calmly, her instincts were usually accurate.

Especially with simple souls like Avril.

“Mmm…”

“M-Master…”

Pulling the blanket down, Avril’s small face appeared. Seeing Mefia, she shrank back, voice trembling. Tears glistened in her beautiful blue eyes. Even without a single harsh word, she shook, on the verge of crying.

Mefia couldn’t help but smile.

This confirmed her thoughts.

*Avril, Avril—you’re confessing without being asked.*

*So scared, you’re rushing to tell me you wanted to escape today, aren’t you?*

Unlike calm, clever Shelley who handled such things well, Avril had no idea how to please Mefia or avoid pitfalls. In moments, Mefia’s half-formed suspicion became certainty.

Before Mefia could speak, Avril gathered courage and apologized:

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

“M-Master, Avril shouldn’t have wanted to escape.”

“Please don’t punish Avril.”

“Avril knows she was wrong…”

Sitting up, the crying girl pushed the blanket away. Even naive as she was, she knew soft covers couldn’t protect her.

She sat before the Master, gazing pitifully at Mefia, hoping for mercy.

Avril truly feared punishment.

Mefia: “…”

Mefia chuckled softly, lips curving.

Amused by Avril.

She found her little Pet utterly adorable.

A stark contrast to sensible, caring Shelley.

She hadn’t even asked, yet Avril spilled everything.

Well… honesty was a virtue too.

Mefia liked honest Pets.

Setting the cup tray on the table, Mefia gently placed a hand on Avril’s head, stroking softly.

“There, there—no crying.”

“Avril admitting fault is enough. Master won’t punish you~”

Mefia soothed warmly. She hadn’t planned punishment today anyway.

Avril hadn’t actually escaped—just thought about it.

Besides…

This was a good time for training.

Or rather… for closing the gap with Avril.

But seeing the little one’s terror, Mefia realized she’d made a foolish mistake earlier.

Punishing Avril, then taking her to Shelley.

Ignoring her that night, sending Shelley to care for her the next day.

Imagine a pure, pitiful, weak-willed Vampire Lolita.

In a strange place, meeting a “bad sister” who bullied her, then a gentle, caring Catfolk sister.

What would happen?

Would she pin all her hope on her?

Would she trust this kind person far beyond ordinary friendship?

Avril had no choice.

She had to believe in Shelley. And Shelley hadn’t betrayed that trust.

Their bond was strong.

Truly strong.

But…

Mefia felt a twinge of jealousy.

Harmony among her harem was lovely, yes.

But only if they all loved her too.

You’ve grown so close, so quickly.

What about me??

Where do I stand?

She’d outsmarted herself.

Mefia played the villain; Shelley became the kind sister who won Avril’s heart.

True, she’d caused this. She’d arranged it. And Shelley, true to her nature, only cared for Avril.

Mefia didn’t want this outcome.

If forced, she could be the villain who only wanted Avril’s body.

But now, she had a choice.

She wanted to be the good one.

In Mefia’s Fortress, there could be only one good person.

The Master herself.