"I... I..."

Nefu still tried to resist, but Ophelia’s whisper—low, smooth, and utterly demonic—slithered into her ear once more.

"Nefu, you’re the sweetest girl, aren’t you? Come now, drink it up."

"Yes..."

She gently took the straw between her lips. Her body instinctively recoiled from the milky-white liquid cradled in her hands. Again and again, she steeled herself to swallow—but each time she inhaled, she shrank back. Under the shadow of death, she trembled like a newborn swaddled tight, frozen in place.

Watching her hesitation, Ophelia’s lips curved into a faint smile. She lifted the bottle’s base, slowly guiding the milk toward Nefu.

"My little cutie~ So resistant? Are you... not fond of milk? Or are you... too~ scared~ to~ drink~ it?"

Nefu’s heart clenched. *No. Absolutely not. She must not see my fear.*

Eyes squeezed shut, she spat out the straw, tilted her head back, and gulped down a huge mouthful. Under Ophelia’s gentle pressure, the milk surged forth—

*Cough! Cough-cough-cough!*

Milk had slipped into her windpipe. Instinct took over. Milky liquid trickled from her nose and mouth. Utterly disheveled.

"Only a little left. Finish it."

Resistance was pointless now. Hollow-eyed, Nefu drained the rest in one swift motion.

"Very good. Just as I expected from my chosen little maid."

Ophelia patted Nefu’s head, smiling warmly—but to Nefu, that radiant smile felt chilling.

"What a good girl. So obedient to her master. Remember, Master would never hurt you, you know~ Little Nefu understands, doesn’t she? Our clever little cutie always does."

"Of course I understand, Master."

Nefu forced a bright smile. It looked strangely out of place on her milk-smeared face.

"Stay home and be good. I’ve got business at the Adventurers Guild today. Don’t wander off again, okay?"

"Yes..."

Nefu turned her head and offered another cute, practiced smile.

After her reminder, Ophelia rose, returned to her room, changed clothes, and left at a leisurely pace.

The moment the door clicked shut, Nefu’s smile vanished. Hand clamped over her mouth, she bolted straight into the bathroom.

*Something’s in this milk.* Her tongue had caught it—that cloyingly sweet trace. *Exactly like the milk I gave Blackfang.* The memory of Blackfang torn apart by the Xiongxiao sent icy dread crawling up her spine.

"Ugh—"

The foul taste finally triggered it. She vomited.

Wiping her mouth, rubbing her sore stomach, she straightened slowly. *Everything’s falling apart.* Ophelia’s morning words haunted her. Fear coiled tight. Nausea rose relentlessly.

*She knows. She must know.* Escape? But Ophelia hadn’t struck yet... and the Slave Contract bound her utterly.

Was her life now just a coin toss in Ophelia’s palm?

Nefu bit her nails, face pale. Under survival’s weight, Stockholm syndrome whispered again.

*Just obey. Be a harmless little maid. If I wag my tail, beg prettily at her feet like a loyal pup... she won’t kill me. Master loves obedient maids. Yes. This is the way.*

Leaning on the wall, she faced the mirror. Fingers hooked the corners of her mouth, forcing a smile. Adjusted. Tweaked. Until it felt *almost* right. *Good. As long as I’m a perfect little maid... I’ll be safe.*

That evening, Ophelia returned—bottle of milk in hand, as expected.

"Here, my cutie~ Evening milk helps you sleep, you know."

To Ophelia’s surprise, Nefu accepted it without protest. Gulped it down steadily. Pale-faced, yet she still flashed a cute, practiced smile.

*Hmm?* Chin resting on her palm, Ophelia studied her, then ruffled Nefu’s hair fondly.

"Not bad, little one. So you’ve grasped my... well... in... ten... tions~"

"Yes, Master."

Nefu summoned the morning’s rehearsed expression.

But Ophelia didn’t smile back. Her brow furrowed.

*Why? What’s wrong?* Panic spiked in Nefu’s chest.

"Little Nefu," Ophelia murmured, voice soft yet sharp, "who taught you that smile? It feels... a little disgusting."

"I’m sorry, Master."

Nefu bowed her head, flustered.

"No worries, sweetie. Just be more careful next time." Ophelia crossed her fingers over her chest, smiling gently.

"Yes..."

"One more thing." Ophelia stood, stepped close, and slipped a cold, smooth object into Nefu’s collar.

Nefu flinched. She pulled it out—and froze. *An adventurer’s ID tag?* She looked up, bewildered. Ophelia met her gaze, smiling.

Pinching Nefu’s stunned cheeks, Ophelia cooed, "Didn’t you visit the Adventurers Guild asking how to become an adventurer? Here~ A gift from me. From today... you’re an adventurer."

"Yes..."

*Is this a warning?* Before Nefu could think, Ophelia seized her wrist, chuckling lightly.

"Adventurer Nefu~ Tomorrow, walk with me through the Dungeon? Sitting home all day makes you gain weight, you know~"