"There, there, no more tears now~"
"I'm your Master, Avril. How could I not cherish you~?"
Mefia said this calmly, smoothly presenting her own definition.
Rather than worrying about Avril's likely poor first impression, she preferred Avril to accept her conclusion.
"If you're still hungry, drink up quickly now~"
She didn't hand the cup to Avril. Instead, she gripped it tightly and pressed it to Avril's lips.
This feeding method was essential for training many animals.
It fostered dependence on the Master and prevented food-guarding behavior.
Mefia didn't know if it worked on Bloodkin, but even minimal effect was better than nothing.
"Hmm..."
Starved for days, Avril couldn't escape Mefia's mental trap or grasp her deeper intent.
She only saw the surface.
The usually mean Master had oddly given her so much blood today.
She could finally eat her fill.
Perhaps... Master wasn't so bad after all.
"Hmm, finished again?"
"Want more?"
The cup of blood was nearly empty. Unaware of Avril's appetite, Mefia refilled it without asking.
She'd promised to let Avril eat her fill today. Breaking that would ruin her plan.
Gaining her little Pet's trust required consistency.
Besides, Avril had been so fearful earlier. Kindness now would leave a strong impression.
Overlooking Avril's escape attempt and feeding her well was worth some trust in return.
"Mmm... yes."
This time, Avril nodded willingly, her fear and resistance slightly eased.
Seeing this, Mefia brought the blood-filled teacup to her lips again.
Now mostly full, Avril only drank half this time.
Though she'd thought her hunger could handle three cups, the petite Vampire Lolita filled quickly—even with a small teacup.
She hadn't felt such satisfying fullness in ages.
"Thank you..."
"Master."
Avril murmured her thanks, snuggling into Mefia's arms. She peeked up at her.
A small gesture couldn't erase their rift, yet Mefia showed no sign of it.
Full now, Avril wondered why Master was kind today.
Her pretty blue eyes blinked slowly, staring blankly at Mefia.
Simple as she was, she still had questions.
Meanwhile, Mefia lovingly ruffled the little Lolita's hair, like petting a kitten curled in her lap.
Silver strands spilled across Mefia's chest and knees. The Vampire Lolita's soft body stirred restless thoughts.
This adorable girl had never truly been "consumed" since arriving at her Fortress.
Now, she lay obediently in Mefia's embrace.
"Hmm? Thanking your Master?"
Smiling faintly, Mefia tucked a stray hair behind her ear. She'd avoid mentioning Avril's escape today.
"Just be obedient, little Avril. Master will give you anything you want."
*Except freedom...*
She silently added that deepest boundary in her heart.
Beaming warmly, Mefia gazed into those beautiful blue eyes.
Both had hidden thoughts. Mefia schemed for Avril's genuine trust. Avril simply debated asking a question.
"Something on your mind?"
Unlike clueless Avril, Mefia noticed her hesitation and prompted gently.
"N-no..."
Avril shook her head softly, her voice barely a whisper. She burrowed deeper into Mefia's arms.
After careful thought, she still feared angering Master.
She dreaded the smiling Mefia suddenly shifting to her punishing, furious self.
"..."
Mefia read Avril's every move. Her silence was distrust—but Mefia expected no quick shift from fear to trust.
That was impossible. Yet Avril's simplicity meant change might come in days.
"Well, it's late. Time to rest?"
Mefia whispered near Avril's ear, phrasing it as a question.
She wouldn't force answers. But tonight, she'd stay.
She'd planned this. She hadn't seen the little one's sleeping face or nighttime mood yet—she'd been with Shelley the past two nights.
After today's progress, Mefia couldn't afford setbacks.
"Mmm..."
Avril nodded, accepting without complaint. But she eyed Mefia curiously.
She sensed Master intended to stay—and Shelley's vague hints hadn't fully explained why.
Mefia laid Avril gently on the bed. Without explanation, she slipped under the covers beside her.
"Master..."
Avril had suspected this, yet confusion lingered.
Master had her own room, after all.
Hmm...
Pouting slightly, Avril dared not object. But another question surfaced.
"What is it?"
"Master's holding you while sleeping."
"Unhappy?"
Ignoring Avril's consent, Mefia pulled her close again, pressing her warm body against the small frame.
She'd treat Avril as a pillow tonight—no further advances.
After calming her, risking another mistake was unwise.
"N-no..."
Avril shook her head, denying softly. Her expression showed neither joy nor sadness.
Her earlier panic had settled considerably.
The Pet's bed was large.
Designed for Mefia to share with her Pets anytime, it was far from a single bed.
The bedding could easily fit three people.
"Master... was Shelley Sister with you today?"
"..."
