“Still guarding your food?”

“No…”

Watching little Nefu shake her head vigorously like a rattle, Ophelia smiled and gave a slight nod.

*Not bad for my chosen little maid. Just moments ago, her eyes were rolled back unflatteringly, mouth wide open—saliva, tears, snot, and milk streaming down uncontrollably. I even had to cast cleaning magic afterward.*

*Now she’s calmed down. Honestly, that shock would break an ordinary person for days. This little one’s resilience is truly astonishing.*

“Good. Eat up.”

*Clang!* Ophelia set Nefu’s iron bowl on the floor with a sweet smile.

“Eat quickly. After dinner, come find me inside. And I *really* hope I won’t need to repeat myself.”

“Yes…”

Only after Ophelia vanished from sight did Nefu relax—just a little. Her body still trembled intermittently, a clear sign of the deep shadow Ophelia had cast over her.

*No idea what comes next… but better fill my stomach first.*

She picked up the steak in her teeth and began her dinner—a serious workout for her jaw.

*All Ophelia’s fault… Even the tender, juicy meat tasted bland now.*

After the brief meal, Nefu straightened up and entered Ophelia’s bedroom.

Ophelia lounged lazily on the bed’s edge, an open magic book on her lap, sipping coffee with serene ease.

Her outfit had changed: a crisp white nightgown, hem resting just above her knees—not overly revealing, yet…

She crossed her legs. The fabric lifted slightly, offering a teasing glimpse of thigh. Paired with high heels dangling precariously from her toes, the look was elegant… and subtly seductive.

Nefu’s breath hitched, just a little.

The dim light hid Ophelia’s expression, but Nefu felt it—the gaze wasn’t on the book. It was fixed on *her*.

“You’re here?”

“Um… Yes.”

*Snap.*

Ophelia closed the book, set the cup aside, propped her chin, and extended a finger. She tapped Nefu’s lips gently, a mischievous smile blooming.

“Call me ‘Master,’ little Nefu~”

Nefu’s pupils dilated faintly. Such a short, simple phrase—why did it weigh so heavily?

“Mas—"

She knew this title. In the Little Prince’s memories, many had used it for *her*.

It meant submission. Would Nefu ever accept it willingly? Never! But now…

This female human watched her with a teasing, amused glint—as if whispering, *I’m waiting for your answer.*

*Damn it!* Nefu clenched her tiny fists. A flicker of struggle crossed her face. After a silent war between dignity and survival, she parted her lips and whispered:

“Master…”

“Too quiet. I like *obedient* girls~”

Ophelia stood, uncrossing her legs, and ruffled Nefu’s silky silver hair.

“MASTER!”

This time, Nefu didn’t dare mumble. She raised her voice. The moment it left her lips, her expression went utterly hollow.

“Good. Call me this *everywhere*. Understood?”

“Y-Yes.”

“Off to your room. I’d love to have you warm my bed… but tomorrow’s busy~”

“I know.”

“Wait. What do you call me?”

“…Master.”

“Mm. Correct. Sleep well~”

“…”

Only outside the room did Nefu scowl and shake a tiny fist at the air. *So humiliating… If I ever get the chance, I’ll—*

That night, Nefu set herself a grand goal.

Later, curled in bed, she bit fiercely into a plush pillow—imagining it was Ophelia.

*If only I’d never entered this city… Give me a window now, and I’d leap without hesitation.*

Wait… *window?*

Nefu sat bolt upright. The window was large—big enough to slip through. And outside… a low wall.

*Perfect escape!* Excitement lit her face. She pushed the window open and jumped.

Cool night wind brushed her skin. *Freedom!*

Even better—her strength was returning, bit by bit. Her eyes brightened. *Does distance from Ophelia restore my power?*

She ran. Strength grew with every step.

Then—*stab!* A needle-sharp pain pierced her skull. Cold sweat beaded her brow. Only after stepping back did the agony fade.

*Damn it.* The Slave Contract had leashed her range. She’d thought herself free… only to find an invisible chain.

*Sigh.*

Head low, she trudged back. Couldn’t let Ophelia catch her.

Deep night. Empty streets. A lone maid-clad girl drew drunken eyes.

“Well, well~ Where’d this little maid wander from?”

A brown-skinned, rough-dressed woman blocked her path.

Her companion tugged her arm. “Just a plain maid. We’re *noble adventurers*—don’t disgrace us.” Arrogance dripped from every word.

“Adventurers?!”

Nefu’s head snapped up. Joy flooded her small face.

“You’re *both* adventurers?”

“Yes.” Pride swelled in her voice—

*Whoosh.*

A sickening *crunch*, like a watermelon bursting. The drunkard froze, splattered. Slowly, she turned. Her companion’s headless body slumped to the ground.

“You—!” Sobriety hit like ice.

“Adventurers? Just a snack.” Nefu licked her clawed right hand. “I’m hungry. Don’t run~”

The night was still young. Plenty of time for dinner.

…

Around 4 a.m., Ophelia rose, tidied up, and headed straight to Nefu’s room. *Has the little one learned obedience yet?*

At the door, she grasped the knob and murmured softly:

“Little Nefu~ I’m coming in.”