Mefia pulled the trembling Vampire Lolita into her arms, feeling the little one’s delicate frame shiver. She sighed inwardly—part exasperation, part delight.

This was exactly why she’d sent Shelley Sister away.

Avril was just a clueless, silly little lolita.

Training her should’ve been simple.

But Lucy’s sudden arrival had ruined Mefia’s plans. And after Shelley’s teasing, Mefia had grown impatient. She hadn’t visited Avril that night.

Now, Avril had placed all her trust in Shelley.

True, Mefia couldn’t match Shelley’s gentle warmth.

But that trust belonged to her—she was the Master!

Her embrace should be the warmest place in this cold, unfamiliar Fortress. After all… Shelley had been like that. Instinct told Mefia Avril should be too.

Her mistake had derailed everything. Seeing Avril now, Mefia admitted it: a real blunder.

That night, seeking Shelley, Mefia had thought leaving Avril alone for a day or two was fine. The little one understood nothing anyway. Boring.

She never expected Avril and Shelley’s bond to deepen so fast.

So fast Avril likely saw her as the villain now—and Shelley Sister as the hero.

A bad sign.

Avril fearing her wasn’t the problem. The danger was Avril finding comfort elsewhere. Stealing her heart would be harder now.

A wounded soul opens easiest to kindness.

But if Shelley filled that space… could there be room for Mefia?

That terrified her. So she’d banished Shelley, forbidding any contact with Avril.

Again. She’d shatter Avril’s “silly” fantasies once more. Then replace them herself.

She’d care for Avril. Earn her trust. Finally… make the little one willingly offer herself to her Master.

The perfect script.

Accustomed to darkness from her lofty position, Mefia felt no guilt.

No remorse for crushing the innocent dreams of this Bloodkin lolita—who should’ve smiled every day.

Leaving her alone in the strange Fortress.

All hope should rest on Mefia alone.

As a Pet, Avril should only long for her Master’s return each evening.

In that chilly room, eyes closed, her thoughts should be of Mefia alone.

Mefia could tolerate Avril liking Shelley… but not more than her.

What would that make her?

A neglected ruler while her harem sisters grew close?

“Master…”

Even with gentle strokes, Avril trembled in fear.

Holding her, Mefia felt every shiver. She forced patience—comfort was essential now.

The girl was too tempting. Mefia lifted Avril princess-style, sat down, and settled the tiny silver-haired lolita on her lap.

“Don’t be scared. It’s alright.”

“I won’t punish you.”

Mefia used her softest tone. Avril clung loosely, avoiding contact, her small face etched with terror. Mefia saw doubt and distrust in those eyes.

But the little one lacked courage to ask why.

Mefia cradled Avril, gently stroking her hair, whispering reassurance. She’d wait—let emotions settle.

In the quiet room, the golden-haired woman held the petite silver-haired girl. From afar, it might look like an older sister soothing a tearful sibling.

Time heals all wounds.

Slowly, Avril calmed.

Shelley Sister was nowhere to be found. Though Avril distrusted Mefia deeply… no punishment had come. Her fear eased slightly.

Still, Mefia’s warmth couldn’t earn true trust.

At best, the terror lessened.

Avril remained afraid. Afraid this sweet-smiling Master might snap—becoming a monster like in her father’s old horror tales.

“Hungry, Avril?”

Noticing Avril’s cautious glance, Mefia broached the unspoken need. She’d brought blood—ready to feed her.

A starving Vampire Lolita craved blood.

But Mefia must be the giver. Only then would blood tie to her. Making her Avril’s most important person. Like the father Avril always mentioned.

Mefia would become Avril’s father too.

A… dark father.

“Mm…”

“I…”

“Hungry…”

Avril’s beautiful blue eyes blinked rapidly. She hadn’t expected this question. Hesitating, she finally gathered a little courage and nodded.

Thankfully, Mefia had fed her once before. That memory let her believe now.

She watched Mefia hopefully, still wary. Yet hunger made her lick her lips. The thought of sweet blood had her drooling.

“Good.”

Mefia was satisfied. She pulled the teacup and pot closer, pouring crimson liquid until the small cup brimmed.

Under Avril’s fixed gaze, she held it to the girl’s lips.

The scent of sweet blood filled Avril’s nose. She stared at Mefia, disbelieving, waiting for permission.

Without it, she wouldn’t drink.

Though her bobbing throat betrayed desperate hunger.

Days had passed since her last full meal.

“Drink.”

“As much as you want.”

Mefia’s voice stayed gentle—a lure for prey near a trap.

“Mm.”

Avril sipped carefully from the cup Mefia held. She didn’t reach for it; her Master hadn’t offered.

But the taste of blood was enough.

She drank slowly. Noble upbringing demanded grace. And with her Master watching, she dared no sudden moves.

Yet the teacup held little. Two days ago, this amount hadn’t filled her.

Still, Avril was grateful.

“More?”

Mefia guessed it wasn’t enough. Before Avril could answer, she refilled the cup and offered it.

“If you’re still hungry, drink up.”

Avril couldn’t believe the soft words.

“R-Really? Can I?”

Two days prior, only one cup had been given. She’d been happy with that.

Now… a second cup? Permission to eat her fill?

Unthinkable.

The weak little Vampire Lolita lifted her head, gazing at her Master’s face, seeking confirmation.

“Of course. Until you’re full, Avril.”

Mefia nodded, pressing the advantage.

“Thank you.”

“Thank you…”

“Thank you, Master… sniffle…”

Tears welled as Avril sobbed her thanks. She didn’t touch the cup yet. Her eyes softened—fear fading.

Her tender lips met the cup’s rim. A new thought flickered inside.

Maybe Master… wasn’t so bad after all.