In an instant, everyone present shivered involuntarily.

This girl… Ophelia crouched down, her golden eyes gleaming with keen interest at the figure in the cage.

But in the blink of an eye, that chilling aura vanished. The girl before her now stared wide-eyed, brimming with pure innocence and childlike wonder—utterly devoid of the earlier spine-chilling intensity.

Strange? Ophelia slightly furrowed her brows. Had she hallucinated? Impossible—someone of her caliber shouldn’t experience that.

Before, she’d have confidently sworn on her ample chest it was real. Yet gazing into the girl’s eyes now, she felt uncertain.

Those eyes were strikingly clear, holding no emotion—like pristine, untouched paper. Ophelia had never seen such purity.

And to show zero emotion while about to be sold?! To her, it was utterly absurd.

“Brr, kinda cold,” the staff member muttered, blaming the earlier shiver on temperature. “Should install more heaters here later.”

“Not now,” Ophelia said, hand resting on the cage bars as she turned to him. “Did you… give her any drugs?”

The staff member straightened immediately. “Absolutely not, miss. We’d never tarnish our reputation.”

“I see…”

Ophelia’s finger traced the iron bars until it hovered above the girl. Clearly, the girl’s azure eyes followed its movement.

No drugs. This girl might bring unexpected amusement. Ophelia’s gloomy mood lifted slightly.

“Miss, slave trading is banned—you’ll keep this discreet, right?”

“I understand.”

“Then I’ll prepare the Slave Contract now.” The staff moved to open the cage and retrieve the enchanted scroll.

Nefu’s eyes flashed. *Escape chance… and they’ll be my prey!*

“No need. I’ll handle it.”

Unexpectedly, Ophelia declined. She removed her glove and reached a finger through the bars toward the girl.

What is this human doing?!

Nefu stared blankly at the approaching finger. Though she sensed danger, her beast instincts gave no warning to retreat.

Conflicted senses froze her for seconds—just long enough for that slender finger to tap her forehead.

A connection sparked between them. The Slave Contract?!

Per the contract, the weaker became the stronger’s slave. Perfect for Nefu! How could a human overpower a monster beast?

But the contract’s balance began tilting—slowly, steadily—toward the human. No! Wrong!

She thrashed, twisting away from the female human, even trying to shift forms to kill them. Then her eyes widened in shock.

Why couldn’t she transform?! This pressure… like something was suppressing her!

“Behave.”

A crisp, icy voice cut through. Instantly, crushing weight pressed down on Nefu. A primal warning screamed *run*, but terror locked her limbs.

How could a human emit this aura?! Weren’t they prey? She felt like a herbivore facing a predator—a blood-deep fear erasing all will to resist.

*Finally obedient?* Ophelia nodded, satisfied. The Slave Contract neared completion. Full control was moments away.

Then—

Nefu let out a terrifying roar and slammed headfirst toward her.

The iron cage blocked impact, but Ophelia flinched.

Her eyes widened further: the special-steel bars were dented.

Nefu slumped to the floor, a faint trickle of blood seeping from her forehead.

*How…? A high-tier monster beast… bowing to a mere human…?*

A flicker of defiance crossed her mind—then darkness swallowed her.

The staff stared, pale-faced. That roar… it felt like glimpsing a true monster beast.

“Hey.” Ophelia waved, snapping him back. “Help me take her to this place.”

“Y-yes! Right away, honored miss!”

*Interesting.* Ophelia’s verdict shifted. She’d planned to train Nefu for service at the Valkyrie Guild—but now? She’d personally mold her into her personal maid.

After buying a small house in Anlina, Ophelia surveyed the quiet space and nodded. Perfect. Secluded, distant from busy streets—any… *unusual* sounds later wouldn’t draw attention.

“Good.”

After settling Nefu on the bed, Ophelia pondered training tools.

The magic crystal flickered. Sophie’s flushed, annoyed face appeared.

“Guild Master… you’re *on a mission*?”

“Of course! Busy out here,” Ophelia smiled sweetly, tilting her head.

“Then why are you indoors?”

“Your eyes deceive you. Mission calls—gotta go!”

She pocketed the crystal. Sophie’s scolding awaited later, but Ophelia switched it off anyway.

Time to plan.

Spiked collar? Shock collar? No—too harsh for a human girl.

Hemp rope leash. Flameless candles. A leather whip… for spankings if she misbehaved.

A mischievous giggle escaped Ophelia. She covered her mouth, eyes twinkling like a playful pervert lost in risqué daydreams…