“Huh? Huh? Master?”

Nefu scrambled out of bed on all fours, a single strand of hair sticking straight up on her head, and mumbled groggily.

That single word “Master” hit just the right spot in Ophelia’s heart. She hadn’t expected Nefu to be so obedient after last night’s training—and not even show a trace of irritation at being woken.

“Come on. We leave early today. Go wash up in the bathroom first.”

“Yes…”

Nefu turned, a flicker of tension crossing her small face. Why so docile? Because Ophelia had walked in less than five minutes after she returned.

Those blood-stained rags stuffed under the bed… *Please don’t find them…*

In that moment, Nefu truly understood what humans meant by “prayer.”

Outside, Ophelia stretched by the open window, then pulled a magic crystal from her pocket—the very reason she’d sent Nefu away.

Magic flowed in. The crystal darkened, forming a shimmering light screen.

“Sophie, are you there~?”

“Ugh, Guild Master… Can’t a girl sleep? It’s not even five!”

A tousled-haired girl rubbed sleepy eyes on the other side, face flushed with annoyance.

“Oh, hush! Just record this—the Valkyrie Guild’s first operation begins! Now those idiots from the Black Serpent can’t complain.”

“Fine, fine. One day I’ll shove my resignation letter in your face. No escaping this time.”

Sophie sighed but nodded. Orders were orders.

“OK! October 21st—Valkyrie Guild’s first operation, commence!”

The screen vanished. Ophelia’s energetic expression instantly wilted. *Ugh… I didn’t want to wake this early either. But the brief said so.*

*Has she finished yet?*

At the bathroom door, she paused. Nefu held the toothbrush, curiously tugging its soft bristles.

“What are you doing?”

“M-Master?!”

Nefu flinched, bracing for scolding.

“Brush your teeth. What’s this?”

“B-Brush… teeth?”

Nefu looked up, genuinely confused.

“Seriously? You don’t even know how?” Ophelia blinked. *Her teeth looked perfectly white yesterday!*

“Give it here. Watch.”

She took the brush, tilted Nefu’s chin. “Open.”

Nefu obeyed. The foreign object entered—*snap!*—she bit down instinctively. The brush snapped clean.

“S-Sorry! I couldn’t control it…”

Nefu bit back a smirk, feigning pitiful innocence. She didn’t know Ophelia had a counter for this.

*Use *that* trick?* Ophelia studied her, then smiled. “Really? Open wide. Let me fix it.”

A slender finger slid toward Nefu’s mouth.

*Perfect. I warned you. If you get bitten—your fault.* Heart racing with secret glee, Nefu opened wide—

—and the finger jabbed straight for her throat.

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”

Gagging, she struggled. But Ophelia’s amused gaze froze her blood. *This look won’t let me go.*

No escape. Struggling only worsened the choke. Saliva dripped steadily from her open mouth.

Just as tears welled and nausea rose—Ophelia withdrew her finger.

“So? Can you control yourself now?”

“C-Cough! Y-Yes…”

Nefu nodded like a pecking chick. *She’s terrifying!*

“Good. Now lick it clean.”

Ophelia held up her glistening finger. Saliva trailed down its length.

“Yes…”

Swallowing humiliation, Nefu extended her tongue. Slowly. Meticulously. Pad, joints, nails, crevices—nothing missed.

*Just like yesterday,* Ophelia mused. *A cute little animal with such a clever tongue.*

A thrill of conquest warmed her chest, watching Nefu’s flushed, reluctant face. She stroked the girl’s cheek.

*Ugh, stop distracting me!* Nefu thought bitterly.

“All done.” Nefu released the finger with a soft, slightly lewd *pop*.

A silvery strand of saliva still connected lip to fingertip.

*Oops.* Ophelia’s cheeks flushed at the leftover gleam. *She licked… a little too enthusiastically.*

Turning away, she slipped the finger into her own mouth.

Nefu tilted her head. “Master?”

“Nothing. Let’s eat.”

“Okay!”

Hope lit Nefu’s face—until she saw the dry rations. *Ugh… so bland.*

Noticing her slump, Ophelia ruffled her silvery hair with a smile. “Quick bite. I’ve got a subjugation mission this morning. Feast tonight, promise?”

“Subjugation mission?”

Nefu’s eyes lifted—not at “feast,” but at the words.

“Yep. Rumor says a monster targeting adventurers appeared on Floor 20. I’m here to hunt it~”

*What?!*

Nefu’s pupils dilated sharply—perfectly framing Ophelia’s mysterious, knowing smile.