“Huh?” Nefu froze, utterly stunned. *Is this human’s brain broken?* Who’d willingly ask to stroll into a demon’s den for fun?

Didn’t she fear walking in and never walking out?

“I’m sorry, Miss Amy, but my master doesn’t allow outsiders inside.”

*Ah, so that’s it,* Amy thought, a sly glint flashing in her eyes as she nodded understandingly.

“Got it, Miss Nefu. I won’t trouble you.”

*Good,* Nefu shot her a glance, hoping Amy wouldn’t disturb her again tonight.

Beside the campfire, the long night stretched on. Nefu sat silently, hugging her knees. Amy occasionally rolled her eyes—clearly scheming something.

Both stayed up all night.

By morning, Amy had dark circles under her eyes; Nefu looked surprisingly fresh.

“Say, Miss Nefu… aren’t you tired?”

“Tired? Why would I be? Let’s go.”

“Yes…”

Dragging her feet, Amy trailed slowly behind Nefu.

The return trip was easy. With only a few Mimics left, Nefu let one land right on Amy’s face—*surely she can’t miss this*.

Luckily, Amy wasn’t as clumsy as imagined. She swiftly dispatched the remaining Mimics.

“Miss Nefu, weren’t today’s Mimics oddly dumb? They practically jumped out to die.”

“…” Nefu couldn’t be bothered to reply.

Mission complete, they hurried to the Adventurers Guild. After submitting proof, thanks to Kagon and his two companions’ deaths, both received a solid reward.

“Miss Nefu, same spot tomorrow?” Amy waved as they parted. Nefu just nodded and hurried home, unaware a tiny shadow had silently attached itself to her.

Normally, she’d have noticed. But now, her whole focus was on the coin purse in her hand.

Its satisfying weight made her heart thump wildly. *Is this… the joy of harvest?* She’d never felt it before.

*If only I’d looted those adventurers’ pockets earlier…* Speaking of adventurers—

Where *did* Kagon’s group’s coin purses go? The question lingered.

But soon vanished. A chestnut-haired girl stood before her. Never seen before—yet one glance froze Nefu mid-step.

“You—”

“Welcome home, my little cutie~”

That familiar tone, slightly altered—only Ophelia. Nefu never expected her master to greet her personally.

“M-Master… why are you here?” Nefu shrank back, voice trembling.

“Celebrating my little cutie’s first successful commission, of course.” Ophelia stepped forward, hugging her gently.

“Come along, little one. I heard it was a team mission—you must’ve made reliable companions, right?” Her gaze flickered subtly toward the hidden corner.

Amy, spying from the shadows, stiffened. *Did she just look at me?*

*Impossible. At this distance? No human’s senses reach that far. If she did… she’s not human. Absurd!*

Watching Nefu and the mysterious girl enter the house, Amy noted the location. Whistling casually, she tossed three coin purses in her palm and strolled past—still curious to observe up close.

Inside, Ophelia and Nefu sat face-to-face. The food on the table was still warm—as if Ophelia knew she’d return today.

Propping her cheek on one hand, Ophelia watched Nefu devour her meal.

“Nefu… did you make a caring friend out there?”

“Hm?” Nefu paused chewing, blinking up in confusion.

“Oh? I see.” A knowing smile touched Ophelia’s lips.

“Remember to choose friends carefully. But never mind that—little Nefu, how much reward did you earn?”

Nefu’s heart sank. Reluctantly, she handed over the coin purse. *She won’t confiscate it… will she? My plan depends on this!*

To her shock, Ophelia glanced inside and handed it back.

“Not bad at all. My capable little Nefu.” She beckoned. “Come to my room.”

Still relieved her coins were safe, Nefu missed the faint tremor in Ophelia’s voice. She assumed it was just business.

The moment she stepped inside—*SLAM!* The door shut hard. Nefu jolted awake. *Every time I come here… nothing good happens.*

True enough. Ophelia’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

“My little cutie… kneel.”

Nefu dropped to her knees, face pale. *Why? I didn’t do anything wrong…*

Chains of magic instantly bound her wrists behind her back.

Perched on the bed’s edge, Ophelia crossed her legs and crooked a finger.

“Crawl over here on your knees.”

Seeing Nefu’s reluctance, Ophelia’s eyes sparkled brighter.

*Just like the dog training guide said—pets need occasional discipline.*

Hesitantly crawling closer, Nefu lifted her face to ask—

—but Ophelia unwrapped the bandage on her index finger, smiling softly.

“Little Nefu… I cut this while cooking for you. Deep wound. Help me disinfect it?”

“Huh?” Nefu blinked, confused.

“Don’t understand?”

Ophelia leaned down, tilting Nefu’s delicate chin. She licked her crimson lips, then gently pinched the girl’s petite nose.

Air cut off, Nefu instinctively opened her mouth. Ophelia slipped her finger inside, swirled it lightly, then pulled back with a smile.

“Lick it clean~”