Last night, Kanata still couldn’t taste the omurice her little sister had made. After falling asleep, she had an indescribably embarrassing dream.

She dreamed of passionately kissing Alessia—only to be completely devoured by her. Not a moment of rest all night.

“Hah… Why did I have such a damn dream? Disgusting.”

On this rare day off, haunted by that woman’s nightmare… truly miserable. She’d already stolen Kanata’s chance to stand tall as a true man—what more did she want now?

After such a terrible dream, sleep was impossible. Cold sweat had soaked her nightgown.

Beside her, little sister Nozomi slept soundly, curled small and fragile like a kitten seeking safety.

“I’m sorry…”

On the table sat the cooled omurice, sealed under plastic wrap. Leftovers might not taste great, but Kanata resolved to eat every single bite.

Each grain carried her sister’s love. None would go to waste.

Just then, her phone buzzed—vibrate-only mode, to avoid disturbance.

A call on her day off? Foul mood instantly. Caller ID: Alessia. Rejecting it was never an option. Consequences would be severe.

What did that detestable woman want now?

“My Sovereign… I’m not working today. We already agreed, hadn’t we?”

Kanata’s voice was thick with exhaustion. Last night’s dream had stolen her sleep.

“Today, you’re coming shopping with me.”

No “Can you?” No “Are you free?”—just a decree.

So like her. So unlikable.

“I refuse.”

Her promise to Nozomi was non-negotiable…

“Double your pay. Hourly rate for accompanying me.”

Alessia sounded cheerful. For an Imperial Guard soldier, the sum was tempting. Others would leap at the chance to carry her bags or fetch her shoes—cash in hand? They’d gladly lick her shoes.

Kanata didn’t see herself that low.

“What do you take me for? I won’t trade my hard-earned rest for money.”

Alessia, certain money solved all, raised the stakes.

“Triple.”

“This… I’ll think about it.”

Triple pay. Tag along with that damn Sovereign. Carry bags. No bloodsucking, no shame. Free meals, free drinks. Tempting…

But leaving Nozomi alone? Guilt and remorse surged. No.

“I’m sorry, Lady Alessia. I’m staying home with Nozomi.”

…

Silence from the other end. Kanata guessed the Sovereign was furious. She’d hang up first—let her cool off.

“I didn’t expect you to be so greedy. Five times the pay. Be at the entrance of the shopping complex in Xiangshui Commercial Plaza in one hour. Or forget working at the Imperial Guard forever.”

No refusal left. Crossing the Sovereign never ended well. Such generosity? Definitely ulterior motives.

Her phone buzzed again. A new text:

“Go straight to the lingerie store and wait for me.”

Lingerie store…

“Wait—why the lingerie store?!”

Damn it. Was this woman trying to drive her insane?