Temptation?

Mei Yige didn’t consider herself ambitious enough to aim for becoming one of the house’s owners. She’d merely said something perfectly ordinary—utterly innocent, yet effortlessly misleading.

Yes, she’d meant it that way.

*Looks like the gullible type. Hmm, better lock this one down tight.*

Stripping off her clothes, she’d already sized Shiren up: likely a shut-in, socially inept, probably some enigmatic figure even among high society circles.

That was perfect. Mei Yige had zero interest in dealing with calculating power players—like that certain imperial princess who’d tried to make her a tutor.

*Hah~ How do I make Sister Shiren blush?*

Humans always stir up trouble once settled. With a job secured and a roof over her head, Mei Yige craved mischief. This world lacked electronics for entertainment, and she had no friends to party with.

Truthfully, aside from that dragon at the Association, this new roommate was the only one worth playing with.

*Playing?*

Exactly—playing. As a sensible adult, Mei Yige felt thoroughly intrigued by the adorable flat-chested lady.

*If I cook her something delicious… would she smile at me?*

And if she did—should she respond with a satisfied smile? Or a motherly one? Such a dilemma.

She slipped into a simple slip dress and headed downstairs.

The lights were on. Shiren, apron tied, fried sausages in a pan. Rich aromas filled the air. Mei Yige inhaled deeply.

“Grain’s red sausage? Smells amazing.”

“Perfect with wine. Found work in town?”

Shiren needed to clear out gifted stock—her homemade preserves wouldn’t fit otherwise. She didn’t *only* consume humans; ordinary food was fine, though she often found non-hunted meals bland.

“Magic Consultant for the Association. Mostly fixing gear. Let me help, Shiren-jie.”

“No need, I—uh?”

“Hold the knife like this.” Mei Yige slid behind Shiren, resting her chin lightly on the Blood Demon’s right shoulder. Her hands covered Shiren’s. “Left hand steadies it. Right index finger presses the blade’s back. Yes, just like that. Slice… slice… slow and steady.”

Patient, hands-on guidance.

The teacher was oblivious. The student was not.

The soft pressure against her back. The warm breath tickling her ear. That teasing yet earnest voice—it felt like sorcery.

The Great Lord Blood Demon, utterly unaccustomed to such intimate “lessons,” froze.

Then—

Her face flushed crimson.

Mei Yige, shielded by both her gender and an artfully innocent demeanor, smoothly ignored Shiren’s fluster.

The more patiently she taught, the more her touch edged toward temptation. Feeling the body in her arms stiffen, Mei Yige chuckled inwardly.

*Surprise attack: successful.*

A direct proposition would’ve given Shiren room to dodge. But this bold move? Guaranteed to leave her floundering.

Thirty years in her original world plus thirty here—as a dual-core office drone turned Sorceress, Mei Yige knew confidence.

She wasn’t a master of hearts, but after being played by Heroes, she’d studied the art.

“Right. Now, melted butter—overcooking toughens the sausage. One and a half minutes per side for Grain’s red. A sprinkle of rosemary powder. Parsley works too. Open up—ah—”

“Ah…”

“Good?”

“Mm… delicious… wait!”

Shiren wrenched free, face burning, escaping the dangerous embrace.

“You’re treating me like a child!”

Recalling the moment, centuries of Blood Demon composure crumbled. Heat surged through her veins—blood that usually obeyed now rebelled. All because of this woman she’d met mere hours ago.

“Did I… upset you? I’m sorry. I just… wanted you to taste my cooking. I won’t overstep again.” Mei Yige’s voice trembled. Head bowed, tears streamed down her lovely face.

Even a Blood Demon couldn’t withstand a beauty weeping.

“Wait, that’s not—”

“I understand… I crossed a line, Shiren-jie… I won’t dare again.”

*Mei Yige was laughing. Laughing wildly inside.*

*This is too fun.*

Shiren’s conflicted expression—desperate to apologize yet utterly bewildered—confirmed it: a true softie. Only kind souls fell for such clumsy acting.

Mei Yige choked back laughter, lifting her tear-filled eyes with sudden resolve.

“Let me… make it up to you. Please let me finish cooking.”

*First, the resilient little flower act. Give sweet Shiren-jie some isekai shock therapy.*

*Then… stir the pot. See what other fun reactions she’ll show.*

“This… alright.”

Shiren couldn’t name the ache in her chest. Mei Yige’s rapid-fire tactics had shattered her calm.

*Don’t make her cry, Shiren. Don’t.*

Why did seeing her tears hurt?

Strange.

Ah—

Sitting on the sofa, Shiren finally understood. She pressed her lips together.

Such a delicious morsel… tears would ruin the flavor.

She turned, kneeling on the cushions, peering over the backrest. In the dining room, Mei Yige tied an apron, pumping her fists with determination.

*What a strange creature I’ve taken in.*

Just a mere mage—yet her presence alone scrambled Shiren’s thoughts.

An Eternal Being’s sluggish emotions offered no answers to this confusion.

After a pause, she settled on one conclusion:

Mei Yige was a delicacy demanding the highest reverence.

If mere proximity stirred such turmoil… what ecstasy would consuming her bring?

Satisfied with this logic, the Great Lord Blood Demon stretched out on the sofa. Memories of Mei Yige’s closeness replayed in her mind.

Her thoughts grew hazy.

Soon, she drifted into light sleep.

Even in dreams, she saw Mei Yige cooking—apron-clad, bustling in the kitchen.

Only…

Why was she wearing *only* the apron?!