"Mei Yige, don’t think I won’t lay a finger on you just because you’re the Association’s Magic Consultant!"

By now, Shiren would’ve been a fool not to see Mei Yige’s hidden agenda.

She immediately matched Mei Yige’s act with open disdain and hostility. The onlookers froze for a moment—then, ever the shrewd townsfolk, they erupted into even louder protests.

They pounded on the magical barrier, demanding the bodies on the ground be dealt with.

Albert was thoroughly delighted by the scene.

As an "upper-class gentleman," he relished this privilege.

*Of course—there’s nothing power can’t buy. If it fails, you simply don’t have enough of it.*

"Well then, Mr. Albert."

Once the atmosphere peaked, Mei Yige snapped her fingers. Her Magic Wand materialized with a flick, and energy ropes coiled around "Sami," binding her tightly.

"How’s this?"

"Excellent. I knew the Association understood noble etiquette."

Seeing the infuriating woman who’d attacked him moments ago trussed up, Albert beamed.

"I’ve always respected true gentlemen. So before I escort you back… may I *treat* your wounds? Letting you leave before full recovery would be terribly inhospitable."

Mei Yige’s smile was sweet as honey. Ryan, who’d just endured her "efficient" healing magic, felt a chill down his spine.

Truthfully, that magic was agony.

Effective? Yes. But the side effects were brutal—like getting beaten all over again, reliving every ounce of pain.

No wonder her academy taught that the most potent healing spells bordered on torture. Mei Yige, the Magic Consultant, didn’t wield the Goddess’s gentle blessings. Her magic was refined torment.

Yet only Ryan—who’d received a *weakened* version—and Shiren, who knew healing magic’s true cost, understood her words.

To common folk, being healed by magic was an honor.

Their simple faith told them so.

The crowd grew feverish. Some extremists even considered self-harming just to receive Mei Yige’s touch. After all, the Association’s Consultant might deliver bizarre results, but she was undeniably stunning—a kind, gentle, beautiful mage.

Who wouldn’t want *her* to heal their wounds?

This was a reward!

*Let that lump on the ground die already.*

The shrewd townsfolk vanished. In their place stood jealous, furious residents of Tata Town.

Blissfully ignorant, Albert felt a flicker of unease at Mei Yige’s suddenly ethereal tone—but the crowd’s reaction swelled his pride. He accepted eagerly.

"Of course. It’s your duty. Get on with it."

*Still arrogant at a time like this? Hopeless.*

Shiren nearly snorted. But Master Mei remained serene, chanting a full-strength healing spell over the fallen Albert.

[*Words shape magic. Beyond casting, they forge contracts—binding chains.*

*You’ll never leave this place, Mr. Albert.*]

Smiling, Mei Yige unleashed her favorite "healing" on the poor man.

"Hold still now. Bones set crooked are such a nuisance."

"Ghh… Aaargh!"

His agonized screams silenced the crowd. His twisted face laid bare the torment. Even Ryan, braced for it, flinched at the baron’s howls.

Wounds closed. Bones mended. But the pain left Albert frothing on the ground.

"Seems effective. What do you think, Miss Sami?" Mei Yige turned to the bound Shiren with mock concern.

Shiren shook her head gravely. "Not quite. Your skill’s lacking."

"I agree. Perfect chance to use your bone-shattering specialty, Leya!"

"Teacher!"

Leya arrived just as Mei Yige snapped her fingers, dispelling the barrier. The crowd scattered instantly.

Confused, Leya stepped inside—her scolding words dying at the sight of fallen guards and the foaming baron.

"You wanted magic guidance? I found you a partner. This generous gentleman *volunteered* to help the Association refine its healing techniques." Mei Yige’s smile widened. "Practice freely. He won’t be leaving our hospitable Tata Town anytime soon… right, everyone?"

She dissolved the barrier, addressing the crowd. "We welcome Mr. Albert’s *enthusiastic* cooperation—a mutually agreed arrangement, sealed by magical contract."

Understanding dawned. The townsfolk beamed.

"Wonderful! Only a true mage could find such a selfless patron!"

"Training healing magic *does* require fresh injuries, doesn’t it?"

"Exactly! Miss Sami said his bones aren’t set—shall we help realign them?"

Tata Town’s "hospitality" descended. Leya, now in charge, winced at Albert’s "grateful" shrieks—but seeing her teacher and Miss Sami chatting cheerfully nearby, she focused on keeping the baron alive.

Residents who disliked fists used boots instead, "encouraging" Albert’s cooperation.

Warmth and goodwill filled Tata Town. Nearby, Larin sold iced juice from her cart, her cheerful cries spreading news of the baron’s noble sacrifice for magic.

*Tomorrow’s headlines are guaranteed.*

"Mei-*jiejie*, was this your plan from the start?"

"First ‘Miss Mei,’ now ‘sister’? So fickle, Miss Sami." Mei Yige chuckled, unfazed by Shiren seeing through her act.

"If *this* is fickle, then what should we call you, Mei-*jiejie*, for tying me up without warning?" Shiren smiled calmly.

*She’s fascinating. I don’t even feel the urge to devour her.*

[*Devouring is just boredom relief, Shiren. With her around… you won’t need to eat anyone.*]

But…

She *had* to reclaim her dignity as the Great Lord Blood Demon.

It was her obsession.

As for devouring humans? A mood.

Demonic Beings clashed with mortals by nature—blood or flesh, the hunger remained. She couldn’t deny it.

And Shiren was traditional. Right now, she wrestled with one thought:

*‘Ancestral laws must not change.’*