"Dad… Dad."

"What is it?"

"Dog… dog?"

"No!"

Baiyi walked back to the Imperial Palace, his left hand holding Lian Ye’s snow-white, tender little hand. His right gripped a black iron chain.

His face was as dark as the chain. He looked utterly furious.

"You pervert… I’ll kill you…" the girl muttered.

"Tch, I told you—it’s not my fault!" Baiyi snapped.

The chain led to a black collar adorned with pink hearts. It encircled the girl’s smooth neck tightly, locking her in place. Energy pulsed from it, making her body tremble slightly.

"You bastard… pervert…" A faint blush spread across her cheeks, but her eyes burned with pure hatred for Baiyi.

"Damn it, I didn’t choose this collar! Shut up!" Baiyi retorted, his voice sharp with anger.

He had no idea what to do with her. That damn Warden—what had he bought with state funds? A pleasure collar? That old pervert! Disgusting!

Actually, Baiyi had made her wear it because…

…

"General, you’re taking this prisoner out?"

"Yeah. Got any power-restraining locks? Hand me one—I need it."

At the tower gate, Baiyi feared she’d escape or attack his allies when he wasn’t looking. He needed a limiter.

"Sorry, General. All standard energy locks are gone."

"Huh? Gone?"

"Yes. The new prisoners used them up. You brought her in days ago—we had nothing ready."

"Tch, damn it…" So he couldn’t take her? He’d forced her out at great risk, only to say, "No limiter? Go back"? Ridiculous.

"But, General… we have one thing that might work."

"What?"

"The Warden’s pleasure collar. He uses it on female prisoners. It stirs desire, heightens sensitivity, and cripples power the most."

"A pleasure collar? That old pervert’s toy!?"

"Calm down, General! We have nothing else. If you refuse, I’ll put it away—"

Seeing the general explode, the guard flinched, hiding the item.

"No. Give it here…" Baiyi sighed inwardly. Why had he dragged this girl out? Now he had to strap on this humiliating collar. Damn it…

"Uh, General—you actually want this…?"

"I said give it! One more word, and I’ll crush your skull!" Baiyi snatched the black collar and stormed off with the girl.

The guard stood frozen, staring after him. Had the General… fallen for this prisoner!? Wow—huge news! He’d tell his drinking buddies tonight.

…

"I’ll kill you… definitely…"

"Oh?"

"I will… I won’t let you…"

"Tch, all talk? No action?" Baiyi expected a sharp retort.

Silence. She said nothing more.

Huh? Why quiet? Did I mess up? It was just words—no real threat.

"Disgusting… as expected… all men are like this…" To a Succubus, his words felt like harassment. Though Succubi craved such things, hearing it from her most hated enemy deepened her loathing.

"Whatever. I’m not wasting breath on you." Baiyi stopped talking. He was thinking of Lian Ye. He hadn’t pried her secrets yet—he couldn’t release the girl. But leaving her in that dark prison meant the Warden would lock her up and abuse her endlessly upon his return… Sigh. Why now?

"Dad… Dad."

"What is it?"

"Say… good, eat… food!"

Food? Right—he’d promised to take her out tomorrow. Tch. This fool gave him one minute to interrogate, then demanded treats. Seriously…

"I remember."

"Re… really?" Lian Ye’s face showed doubt. Baiyi released her hand and gently ruffled her hair.

"Really, dummy. Tomorrow, I’ll take you for something delicious."

Relief flooded her features. She clung to him tightly, chirping in her childlike voice, "Mm! Dad… Dad, best… best!"

"Yeah. Whatever you say…"