Saying “no” with her lips, but her body was honest. Kanata couldn’t resist quintuple pay. After five minutes of inner debate, she decided—go!

How could quintuple pay *not* be tempting? Absolutely irresistible.

That Alessia offered such a sum was utterly unexpected.

Which meant breaking her promise to spend the day with Nozomi.

Nozomi was still asleep. Kanata couldn’t bear to wake her. She left a note, wolfed down the cold, hardened omurice on the table as breakfast, changed clothes, and hurried out.

No rushing could avoid lateness. Alessia had given barely enough time. Weekend morning peak hour packed the intercity train.

Sardine-tight crowds made her question her life choices.

By the time she reached Alessia, twenty-five minutes and change had passed.

“Too slow. Twenty-five minutes, three seconds, four-tenths late. How shall I deduct your pay?”

The nitpicky Sovereign checked her watch, announcing the exact delay to a breathless Kanata.

Umm…

“Hey… do you… even know… how far I live from here…?”

The utterly unsympathetic Sovereign, arriving in her luxury car, criticized Kanata for taking the train. Truly heartless.

“Only losers make excuses. I’ll let it slide this time. Next time, arrive like a gentleman—at least thirty minutes early.”

Alessia flicked her deep violet hair, strode forward on long, elegant legs, and entered the mall.

Not all in Cherryfall Dominion recognized the Sovereign, so no mob formed—only curious, envious glances followed her.

Her poised elegance and model-like beauty naturally drew catcallers.

Her outfit was understated: a white pleated-hem mini dress, black knit cardigan, monochrome heels. Still stunning, Kanata thought.

“Miss, care to join us for fun?”

The catcallers were flashy men resembling Kabukicho host club workers—“designer” suits that screamed cheap, drenched in overpowering cologne.

“Move. You’re blocking the way.”

The cold Sovereign didn’t spare them a glance.

Normally, over ten hidden bodyguards would swarm at a signal.

Not today. Alessia came alone.

“Aw, don’t be cold. Let us buy you a drink,” a blond host said, reaching for her shoulder.

“Sorry. She’s with me.”

Kanata blocked his hand, stepping protectively in front of Alessia.

A competent Bloodbond Thrall sometimes takes initiative for her master.

She’d had enough of Alessia’s scolding.

“Let’s go.”

She’d done the same for Nozomi before—chasing off lewd men with one swift move.

The moment Kanata grabbed her hand, Alessia’s brow furrowed slightly. No time to explain—just escape.

“Don’t run off! Join the fun! You too!”

The harasser persisted. The instant his hand brushed Kanata’s shoulder, she seized his wrist and executed a fluid shoulder throw.

Thud—

The wine-red-haired host crashed down, wincing.

“Anyone else?”

Her sharp gaze froze the rest in place.

Kanata flashed her Imperial Guard ID. The silver cherry blossom emblem needed no explanation in this dominion.

“Scram before you see the inside of a cell!”

…

The hosts fled in disarray.

Alessia’s smile turned faintly enigmatic.

“Getting this worked up seeing me harassed… kinda cute. No wonder I chose you.”

A whisper drowned by mall noise—never reaching Kanata’s ears.

Naturally, she also missed the Sovereign’s lips curving into the faintest upward smile.