If anyone in Tata Town wished most fervently for it to become a metropolis, no one's desire burned stronger than Miss Shiren's.

After parting ways with Mei Yige, who was tangled in work disputes, Miss Shiren tucked away her blood-bound pet Sami. Then, shifting her true form into Sami's likeness, she descended to the basement.

"One, two, three, four, five—who's the crybaby?~ Awake yet, kids?"

"S-Sami Miss?!"

Hanging from racks in the basement were today's haul. After verifying locals versus outsiders and checking criminal records, Miss Shiren had kept five uneaten adventurers.

"It's Sami! I'm here to save you!" she chirped, clapping her hands. Her grin sparkled as she eyed these carefully selected morsels.

"Save us? But... ah... no..."

Luna instantly knew this Sami was lying. Anyone with half a brain would realize this woman had tied them up.

"Help! Wah-wah-wah..."

Jessie could only sob. Cardy and the other two adventurers had gone pale, speechless.

"Why so glum? Fine, no teasing. You're lucky I found you—you get extra days alive. Iris? Pick one you like. The rest are my reserves."

Shiren's smile vanished. She waved a hand. A tall, short-haired woman with black hair and eyes materialized—nearly 1.8 meters, delicate features, dressed plainly like a housekeeper.

To the captives, she didn't matter. What mattered was what Sami—the one who'd led them into the cave that day—had said.

What did "reserves" mean?

"Miss Sami, you mean to eat us?!" Jessie wailed, crumbling.

"One more peep, and I'll mince you on the spot." Shiren's gentle smile silenced Jessie instantly. She turned to Iris. "Shall I choose for you?"

"Must it be this way, Master? I just..."

"I don't need a housekeeper. Splitting my blood to make kin benefits me little. I simply think you deserve a fresh chance to meet useful people."

The red in Shiren's eyes deepened, bewitching and irresistible. Iris pressed her lips tight.

She suddenly regretted her past thought—

*As long as Miss Sami is safe, I'd give even my dying self.*

The guiding Sami truly was dangerous—a man-eating Blood Demon. Her soul had sold itself to the devil, who'd turned her into a thrall. Suicide was impossible. Only obedience remained.

"Her. I promised to take her home after the adventure."

Iris, unable to defy the Blood Demon King's will, pointed at Jessie, who strained to hold back tears. The bound group froze.

"Ister? Is that you, Ister?! Wait... why this form? No—why not me! Ister!"

"Why aren't you dead? We searched for you! You traitor!" Luna and Cardy roared, demanding answers from their former teammate. Shiren beamed, glancing at Iris, who stood silent and turned away.

"Take her. Handle her as you wish. I dislike processing ingredients before an audience."

Shiren licked her lips, stepping toward the captives. Their faces shifted from rage to terror.

"Survival is a reward for Heroes and the righteous. I planned to eat you all—but met someone... tolerable. Heh. Blame fate. Treat it like facing an unbeatable monster. Humans always see Demonic Beings as human-shaped beasts anyway."

"No! My father will hunt you down!"

"Save me, Ister—ah!"

Iris led the dazed Jessie out. Screams, pleas, and Shiren's delighted laughter trailed behind—but Iris's steps never faltered. Shiren, her resurrecter, had numbed her emotions. Only faint memories and pressure drove her choice.

"I'll take you home. Then forget this."

"Ister... big brother."

Jessie snapped out of her daze, wanting to talk—but only that name escaped her lips.

Silent, Iris left Tata Town with her last former companion.

The cruel Shiren finished processing her fresh ingredients the moment her impromptu housekeeper departed.

"Big job, heh heh."

Back in her true form, Shiren stood hands on hips, surveying the neatly arranged semi-finished products. Deeply satisfied.

She wasn't truly cruel or bloodthirsty. Nor a hypocrite.

After heavy killing, she'd ease off next time. Killing was killing—no excuses. Criminals meant less accountability; adventurers could be blamed on monster attacks. Few vanished like Hans, whose fate was traced so meticulously.

Content, she gathered the fragments, planning months indoors.

Only the recipe remained.

Far trickier than processing ingredients.

So busy, diligent Chef Shiren didn't sense the restrained aura of someone just home from chatting with the guild president.

"Sister Shiren~ Haa, I'm back~!"

Mei Yige pushed open the door, exhausted. She longed to cling to her landlady sister, cooing and teasing until Shiren blushed. Her heart brimmed with disdain for that stupid dragon's wild schemes.

*Could Carlicart's pea-brain even grasp a free-city plan?*

She'd wanted to tell Carlicart: *Your IQ disqualifies you.*

How had that dragon replied?

"Eh... you're here! You boarded my ship, took my coin—you owe me help. Refuse, and I'll scream everywhere: 'Void Witch Mei Yige deceived a pure dragon girl's heart!'"

Mei Yige had nearly drawn her sword on that impure, beyond-stupid creature.

But it was just about securing regional power—for the town's stability. She'd grudgingly accepted it.

Still...

"Sister Shiren? Where are you? I miss you... wah-wah-wah..."

She craved madness. Today's chaos left no outlet but hysteria. Only Shiren's soft, fragrant form—blushing under her teasing—could soothe her.

Yet.

Shiren wasn't home.

A magical scan revealed an unfamiliar Demonic Being's aura. Similar to Shiren's.

"Huh? Team-building trip? Leaving me alone... damn."

The lonely Sorceress clenched her fists, then let them drop. She flopped onto the sofa, legs swinging.

"So lonely~"

This old lady needed cute comfort!

Staring at the ceiling brought no relief. Mei Yige glumly checked the clock—barely ten.

"Fine. I'll visit Larin."

Too restless to sleep, she headed out.

At the general store, before greeting anyone, she spotted a silver-haired girl and Larin perched on stools, munching skewers.

Oh really!

Midnight snacks without her?

No...

"Tell me—where did you rent your place?!"