Though Blackfang usually lazed around—eating, sleeping, ignoring Nefu’s words—he never dared defy her when she issued a serious command. As a lower-grade magical beast, obedience was non-negotiable.

Baring his fangs, Blackfang lunged at Ophelia in a blur so fast Nefu only caught a flickering shadow.

But… no blood splattered. Nefu secretly let out a breath of relief. *Good thing I suspected she was playing dumb.* And sure enough—

Ophelia moved faster. She seized Blackfang by the scruff, freezing him mid-lunge.

“What’s this? Rabies?” Ophelia furrowed her delicate brows, watching the snarling beast in her grip. A cold flicker of killing intent glinted in her eyes. *Sick beasts should be put down. For safety.*

Nefu, watching closely, silently commanded Blackfang to stop.

“Master, he’s acting strange—let me handle him!” She rushed over and hugged Blackfang just in time. The foolish dog, shielded behind her, still tried to snarl.

“Shh, be good. She’s your master too. Don’t be rude.” Patting his head, Nefu beamed an innocent, sunny smile. She tilted her face up at Ophelia, voice soft with plea: “Master… please spare Blackfang this once? I promise he won’t act out again.”

Ophelia studied her, then curled a faint smile and nodded.

Relief washed over Nefu. *Phew… no complications.* Cradling Blackfang, she offered a sweet, practiced smile—just as Ophelia leaned down.

Slender fingers twirled a strand of Nefu’s silver hair beside her ear. A whisper brushed her ear:

“Little one… did you think apologizing for it would cost you nothing?”

“M-Master… what do you mean?” Nefu’s cheeks flushed. Ophelia’s breath tickled her skin like a spell, rooting her gaze to the floor.

“What do I mean? Hehe~” Ophelia’s chuckle dripped with meaning. “If you want to protect your little pet… come to my room tonight~ We can discuss this… *in depth*~”

*Oh no.* Nefu froze. *Even a fool knows what “discuss” means here.* She opened her mouth to bargain—but melted under Ophelia’s smoldering gaze. *If I protest… my innocent act shatters. And she’d “punish” me harder.*

“Well? Daydreaming?” Ophelia blew a teasing breath against her neck. “Eager to start our talk *now*?”

“N-No! I’ll go!” Nefu snatched Blackfang and fled. Back in her room, she flopped onto the bed, biting her pillow like a frustrated kitten. Her face twisted—*on the verge of tears*. *Humans are too cunning! Especially her! I thought she was easy to fool… but she flipped the script! An open trap—I had no way out!*

Comply? Become her toy again. Refuse? Ruin her pure image. *She probably wanted that.*

*Sigh… life.* Ophelia’s words haunted her all afternoon.

Night fell. No dinner. Nefu rubbed her growling stomach and stepped out—only to catch a delicious aroma. *From Ophelia’s room.* Her face scrunched. *The hint’s obvious: “Hungry little kitty, come eat.”*

Taking a deep breath, she walked in with resigned steps.

“You came, little kitty~” Ophelia’s eyes lit up. She patted her lap. “Here. Sit.”

Nefu knew that lap was danger wrapped in silk—but she obeyed.

Ophelia’s arm circled her waist. She buried her face in Nefu’s silver hair, inhaling deeply, a satisfied smile blooming. Nefu squeezed her eyes shut, brows tight, enduring the intimate hold.

“Hungry, little one?” Ophelia carried her to the desk. An iron bowl steamed with fragrant food—a deadly lure for a starving girl.

Nefu glanced up, silently asking permission. *Just feed me first.*

“Of course it’s for you. But—” Ophelia pinned Nefu’s wrists behind her back with a playful smirk. “Same rule: no hands.”

Holding her firmly, Ophelia shifted aside, eyes gleaming with anticipation. *What’s wrong with her? Why watch this?* Hunger won. Nefu stuck out her tongue, deftly scooping food into her mouth.

Suddenly—lifted! Nefu choked mid-bite.

“O—Master! What are you doing?!” She coughed, glaring. *So close to calling her by name…*

“Little Nefu’s full. But *I’m* still hungry.” Ophelia licked her flushed lips, breathing quickened. A silvery strand glistened between them. She leaned close, voice husky:

“Now… let *me* have my feast.”