Faced with the sudden attack, Ophelia didn’t flinch. With a casual swipe of her hand, she shattered the roaring fire column mid-air.

“Little kitty~ Feeling mischievous again?”

A signature smile graced Ophelia’s lips. Instantly, Nefu felt her breath catch.

But right now, her face was twisted in helpless despair—this wasn’t intentional! A pure accident! A total fluke!

The moment she saw her flames veer toward Ophelia, the world seemed to collapse. Her calves still trembled faintly.

“S-sorry, Master… I lost control.”

Nefu dropped to her knees, bowing deeply.

To her surprise, Ophelia replied without hesitation:

“Alright. I accept your apology.”

Arms crossed, Ophelia arched a delicate brow.

“Huh?”

Nefu froze. Too easy. *She’s never this kind…* A cold dread crept in—this “mercy” meant trouble.

Ophelia cupped Nefu’s chin, her slender fingers tracing the girl’s cheek. A shiver ran through Nefu at the touch.

Leaning close, Ophelia’s crimson lips nearly brushed Nefu’s ear. Warm breath ghosted over the sensitive skin as a whisper slithered in:

“My little cutie~”

“Surely you don’t think attacking your master goes unpunished? Don’t you… owe me something~?”

Nefu’s pulse hammered. Trapped by that gaze, breath ragged, she could only stare back—

*Howl!*

Blackfang lunged between them, baring fangs at Ophelia with a low growl.

Ophelia blinked, then chuckled. “Loyal little dog. Pity he lacks sense. Not very likable, is he?”

Nefu offered a wry smile. *Clueless Blackfang…* He hadn’t noticed the very magic that made him tremble earlier came from *her*. He just saw a “weak human” to impress his master.

“Tch. Spoiling the mood.” Ophelia flicked a glance at the troll. “Little Nefu—resume practicing your innate magic. We’ll discuss your punishment later.”

Though dropped for now, Nefu knew: Blackfang was doomed. Offending *her*?

No time to worry. Fail Ophelia’s orders, and *she’d* be next.

Magical runes shimmered. Heat gathered in Nefu’s palms.

*Whoosh!* The fireball struck the tree left of the troll king.

Scorching wind singed its few remaining hairs—but left the troll unharmed.

“Focus, little Nefu.”

Ophelia now wore black-rimmed spectacles, a slender teaching rod in hand, voice stern.

“M-master, I really aimed carefully…”

“Try again.”

“Yes…”

Heat swirled once more—

*CRACK!*

The fireball hit the same scorched trunk. Impact snapped it clean in half.

Nefu turned stiffly, forcing a shaky smile. *Not on purpose!*

“Huh. How… strange~”

Ophelia stepped closer. The rod flicked down—*thwip!*—landing squarely on Nefu’s rear.

“Eep!”

Nefu jolted forward, hands flying to cover herself. Through her clothes, the sting felt unnervingly vivid. Pain… tinged with something else?

“Master, I’m innocent! I had no hidden thoughts this time!”

*She’s just bullying me!* Nefu clenched tiny fists. *If only I were stronger…*

Seeing Nefu’s face scrunched like a wilted chrysanthemum, Ophelia hesitated. *Did I misjudge her?*

“How about aiming slightly right of the troll?” She adjusted her crystal-framed glasses, voice softening. To ease nerves, she moved to tuck the rod away—

*Yank!*

Nefu’s blood ran cold.

Blackfang had seized the rod, tugging fiercely, head shaking side to side. *Showboating!*

*Let go, you idiot dog! STOP!*

Nefu’s silent pleas went unheard. She remembered Ophelia’s rule: *Blackfang’s faults fall on you.*

Ophelia didn’t resist. A faint smile played on her lips as she released the rod.

Blackfang trotted proudly to Nefu, dropping the rod at her feet. Nefu’s smile was pure agony. *I could strangle you right now.*

“U-um… Master, s-sorry…”

“No need, my little cutie. *He* offended me—not you.”

Ophelia turned with a radiant smile. To Nefu, she was the Grim Reaper herself.

As Nefu hurriedly returned the rod, Ophelia leaned down and gently nipped her earlobe.

“Be… *proactive* when we get back~”