Category: Second Time Around, the Villainous Daughter Decides to Indulge First

Chapter 38: Azure

The path to the girls’ dormitory wasn’t easy, winding and secluded.

They walked in silence, having tacitly stopped their bickering after that slap.

Finally, Angel led Lena to an old apartment building covered in ivy, a strangely shaped iron gate blocking their path.

“Here?” Lena asked, looking around. “Your home?”

“Dormitory.” Angel took out a prismatic memory crystal, inserted it into the lock, and turned it. The gate creaked open. “Come in. I don’t have anything to offer you, just some worthless stuff. You can sit for a while and then go back.”

“…”

Lena didn’t mind Angel’s rudeness; instead, she was quite interested in the memory crystal.

“I haven’t seen this design in a long time… ten years? Maybe more…”

The advent of memory crystals was a groundbreaking invention. A person’s identity, information, profession, etc., were stored within the crystal, readily available for presentation.

It was like a different kind of ID card, leaving no secrets hidden.

Initially, these memory crystals were very popular, even promoted by the imperial family, encouraging widespread adoption. The inventor made a fortune and was even granted a noble title.

However, the dangers and flaws of memory crystals gradually became apparent.

Because the environment encouraged people to carry memory crystals with them, a group of crystal hunters emerged, specializing in stealing and trading them on the black market. Valuable crystals were sold, while worthless ones were destroyed or discarded.

The era of universal information leakage had arrived.

Later, the empire intervened, recalling the crystals, enacting new laws, arresting the inventor, and sending him to the guillotine, finally quelling the turmoil…

Lena remembered using one before, but not after becoming Grey Robe. She had heard about this from a Tidekin sea beast while fleeing the empire’s pursuers. A giant mantis shrimp covered in barnacles, speaking human language, had almost scared her to death.

It was a rather amusing memory.

“Only hardtack and black tea, is that okay?”

Despite saying she wouldn’t offer anything, Angel still brought out tea and snacks. They sat on the floor in the small, thirty-square-meter room.

Lena took a sip of tea, walking around the room. “A very cozy room, very ladylike.”

“Just say it’s small, no need to beat around the bush.” Angel bluntly pointed out Lena’s flattery, her expression indifferent. “My family’s decline isn’t recent, but my father still stubbornly clings to aristocratic airs, sipping wine among the upper class. Those who don’t know would think the Cavendish family is still powerful, but we can barely afford basic magic energy consumption. Every time, I have to use my own money to cover the deficit, robbing Peter to pay Paul…”

“So that’s why you don’t want to go back?” Lena returned to her seat, tracing the rim of her teacup with her fingertip.

“More or less.” Angel munched on the hardtack. “I send a little allowance home every month, and my father won’t bother me at the academy. Even if he opposes my career, he still has to use the money I earn from being an idol. That stubborn old fool, spending my money is the best way to prick his conscience!”

Angel slammed her teacup on the table.

The pale yellow tea splashed out, some landing on the back of Lena’s hand.

Lena seemed unfazed, continuing to ask, “Don’t you hate him? He spends recklessly while you work tirelessly, even praying late into the night, participating in the Saintess election…”

Bearing such burdens at such a young age, Lena felt a sense of kinship with Angel’s tragic fate.

“What good would hating him do? He’s my father. I’m afraid of his authority, and he’s afraid I’ll stop supporting him.”

Angel smiled wryly, picking up her cup and taking a sip, leaving a faint pink lip print on the rim.

“I’ve achieved all the goals he set for me. I became the obedient child he wanted, but now he has to rely on my sister and me to support him. Every time he comes to ask for money, he puts on an arrogant air, finding all sorts of excuses, making sure others think he’s doing well, unaware of how much it hurts his pride, shamelessly spending his daughters’ hard-earned money…”

Seeing Angel’s expression, Lena felt a pang of sympathy.

She suddenly thought of herself. At least she had food, drink, and entertainment before her family’s downfall and her ten years on the run.

At least before that, she had lived much better than Angel.

And Angel, from birth, had been burdened with her father’s unrealistic expectations, growing up in such a high-pressure environment, yet her personality hadn’t become twisted. Angel’s resilience was truly remarkable…

“My dream is to stand on a big stage, watching the fans cheering for me, singing my original songs.” Angel suddenly stood up, her spirits lifted. “I have some recording stones from my concerts, do you want to watch them?”

Lena raised an eyebrow, her mood improving. “I don’t mind watching.”

“Alright, wait here.”

Angel skipped out of the dormitory, returning shortly with a sack full of recording stones. “I left them with the dormitory matron, but I had too many, and she packed them all up in the attic. It took me a while to find them.”

Angel struggled to move the sack, sweat glistening on her forehead.

“Heave-ho!”

“Let me help.”

Lena took the sack from Angel, dragging it into the room.

“Which one should we watch first… my colorful debut performance? Or the ‘Under the Azure Sky’ concert… Ahhh, there are so many, it’s hard to choose.”

Angel rummaged through the sack, recording stones spilling out.

Lena noticed a plain-looking black recording stone rolling to her feet. She picked it up and examined it. It was no different from the other stones, just a bit dusty, seemingly having been in the sack for a long time.

“Let’s watch this one,” Lena said casually.

After watching, she could go back. The little fox girl at home should be asleep…

“No, no, not that one! Absolutely not that one!”

Angel quickly covered the black recording stone, her face flushing. “This one isn’t suitable. Let’s choose another one, how about my most recent performance?”

“Why?” Lena was puzzled. They were all the same recording stones, just different colors. Why such a strong reaction…?

Could it be?!

Lena’s lips curved into a smile.

“This is the one. I also want to see if the legendary ‘Azure’ lives up to its name…”

Azure, it must refer to Angel’s hair color, used as her debut name, it must have a special meaning.

“Don’t say anything…”

Angel’s face was crimson, like a cooked shrimp.

“If you insist on watching it, I’ll go out for some air.”

“Not together?” Lena toyed with the recording stone, extending an invitation.

“N-no,” Angel averted her gaze. “Who wants to watch their own performance? It’s so embarrassing…”

That’s not what you said just now.

Before Lena could speak, Angel dashed out the door with surprising speed.

Lena was left alone in the room, the lingering scent of Caraman grass the only evidence of Angel’s presence.

Chapter 37: She Wasn’t Angry

Lena drifted in and out of sleep.

Without warning, a warmth approached, covering the exposed skin of her neck.

A cool sensation lingered on Angel’s fingertips, smooth as silk. Lena’s skin was the most delicate and smooth Angel had ever touched.

Unable to resist, Angel continued stroking Lena’s skin, admiring her soft cheeks, long eyelashes, perfect proportions, and long, slender legs. The gray-haired beauty’s appearance was unmatched, especially now, asleep, looking even more alluring.

Angel admitted defeat in this area.

But she quickly rallied, planning to regain ground elsewhere.

Take that!

This was for ripping my stockings, for violating me, for grabbing my hair like a steering wheel, for pressing me against the window…

Angel carefully hooked her little finger into the black stocking on Lena’s leg, creating a small tear with her nail, revealing the soft, white flesh beneath.

Revenge was at hand.

Seizing the opportunity, Angel slipped her finger into the tear, the smooth sensation and the tightness of the fabric like a whirlpool, trapping her finger. The exposed white skin was even more alluring, the torn stocking creating enticing marks.

This was her trophy!

Angel felt a thrill of satisfaction.

One finger wasn’t enough. She added another, her fingers exploring the sea of black silk, unable to pull away, like an addict craving more.

So this was what it felt like to bully someone…

Angel felt like a new world had opened up to her.

Her gaze shifted from Lena’s stocking-clad legs to her ample bosom. Although covered, it didn’t stop Angel from appreciating their beauty.

A pure heart sees clearly. It was just a little peeking; it wasn’t like she hadn’t seen Lena’s naked body before.

Angel didn’t know what she was saying anymore. Lena’s body seemed to possess a magic that compelled her to act.

Lost in a whirlwind of emotions, Angel ripped Lena’s expensive stockings, then tremblingly reached for the buttons on Lena’s chest, attempting to free those magnificent peaks.

She remembered how Lena had held her last night, turning her into a cream puff, her ample breasts pressed against Angel’s back, drawing patterns on her bare skin.

If she went further now, could she see even more?

Angel’s fingers finally found the buttons, but upon closer inspection, there were no buttons on Lena’s academy uniform.

“Can’t you dress properly?!”

Angel angrily scolded Lena for wearing only a uniform to school. “Idiot, pervert, you big deviant.”

Perhaps the beautiful idol’s insults had an effect, as Lena’s lips moved, letting out a sleepy moan. “Mmm… Ling Ling, stop it…”

“…! Get up, or I’ll leave you here to freeze to death!”

Lena lifted her head at the sharp voice, but didn’t open her eyes. “Say that again? Hmm? Kitten?”

“So you were pretending to be asleep…” Angel mumbled angrily, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. “Get up, I’m done praying, we can go home now.”

“So slow, I almost fell asleep.”

Lena rubbed her tired eyes, her vision blurry from lack of blood flow to her brain. She almost lost her balance as she stood up. She shouldn’t have slept sitting down; her neck and shoulders ached terribly.

“Does your shoulder hurt?”

Angel walked ahead, the tall tree shadows looming around them, but she felt no fear.

Compared to Lena that night, this was nothing.

Thinking of this, Angel subconsciously slowed her pace, as if waiting for her master.

“My shoulder hurts because I was waiting for you, you know.”

Lena slowly followed Angel’s pace, speaking casually.

One tall, one short, their shadows stretched by the streetlights, the morning breeze lifting Angel’s hood, swirling it in the air before it landed in front of Lena.

Lena caught it, sniffing the scent of shampoo. “Fresh and elegant Caraman grass fragrance, produced in the Ghost Mist Forest, shampoo manufactured by the Falmouth family… Not bad. I thought only widows would choose such an unusual scent, but it seems there are connoisseurs.”

“Give it back.”

The pink-haired girl approached.

“That’s my hood, don’t sniff it like a pervert.”

“Can a Necromancer’s actions be called sniffing? I’m analyzing the health of a beautiful idol’s scalp through scent.” Lena sniffed again, her expression serious.

“And your conclusion?”

Angel snatched her hood back, putting it on, only two strands of hair framing her face visible. “If you don’t give me a reasonable explanation, I’ll treat you as a pervert.”

“Pfft.”

Lena chuckled, relaxing, her slender waist bending forward, as if it might break with a little force.

The gray-haired beauty exhaled. “Instead of wasting time sulking with me, why don’t you think about what to do tomorrow… Those two homeless nuns need someone to take them in…”

“Huh? You’re asking me?” Angel frowned. “Isn’t that your problem? What does it have to do with me?”

“???” Lena blinked, confused.

“Yes, you asked me to recruit them, and I did. As for the aftermath, that’s your problem. I don’t have the talent for being a villain… I’m giving you the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills.” Angel’s logic was sound. “We have a clear division of labor. I can’t do everything while you just enjoy yourself, can I?”

With that, Angel shoved the book she was holding into Lena’s arms. “Bishop Anthony said, when encountering difficulties, read more books. The answers are within them.”

Lena: “…”

She reluctantly took the thick, ancient-looking book.

Torment Breeds Suffering

“…I’m not joining the Holy Inquisition, and I don’t believe in the Holy Light.”

“I didn’t ask you to actually read it. I don’t believe in that stuff either, and I’m still a Saintess Candidate.” Angel twirled around, her smile bright and pure.

The future Saintess saying she didn’t believe in religion, how ironic.

Even more ironic was that Angel not only didn’t believe, but she didn’t even possess a shred of faith.

Without faith, she couldn’t use the all-powerful Holy Fire… then who was the one chasing and burning her in her past life?!

Lena fell silent.

She now faced two choices.

Force Angel to believe in religion through the contract, fostering her faith and laying a solid foundation for her to become the Saintess.

Or let things unfold naturally, not interfering with Angel’s growth…

The former could potentially trigger a butterfly effect, causing unpredictable changes, while the latter was a steady approach, basically following the trajectory of her past life.

Both had their pros and cons, leaving Lena, the reincarnated one, unsure of what to do.

That idiot Angel had truly given her a big gift…

So big that it might explode if she looked at it too closely!

Lena angrily slapped Angel’s bottom. “You little brat, always causing trouble for me! I should have turned you into my personal Fiji cup!”

Angel yelped, her face flushing crimson. “Hmm?”

Chapter 36: To Escape the Devil’s Grasp

Exhausted from shouting, the flushed little idol leaned against Lena’s shoulder, watching the moonlight on her fingertips, a thought crossing her mind to stay like this forever.

She laughed bitterly. She must be crazy. Lena had taken possession of her body and soul, and now she was concerned about Lena’s mental state.

Wasn’t this a perverse rebellion?

But reality was far crueler than fiction. Not only did Angel think she was sick, but Lena also thought Angel was a bit foolish.

Wasn’t this a classic case of Stockholm Syndrome?

No wonder she would become that compassionate bodhisattva in the future. This Saintess always returned good for evil, a white lotus who couldn’t bear to see anyone suffer.

Heh, idiot.

“Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?”

The naive, young Saintess touched her face, finding nothing, and snapped, “So, are you going to agree or not?!”

Agree or disagree.

A difficult question.

Lena had to admit that Angel had guessed part of her psychology, but she didn’t want to appear easily seen through. As Angel had said, it was a bit of tsundere pique.

Moreover, Angel seemed to have seen through the old wounds Lena carried.

She did have something on her mind, something big: rebirth and revenge. This secret couldn’t be known by anyone.

But whether by coincidence or fate, both Agnes and Angel had sensed her secret. Although they didn’t know the specifics, their offers of help made Lena uncomfortable, like stepping on a tack.

“This is like you’re proposing to me.”

Lena lowered her eyes, like a shy bride before her husband.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Angel sat back down on Lena’s slender legs, grinding against them slightly in retaliation. “Although I don’t understand what you’re planning, as long as it’s within my power, I’ll consider things from your perspective.”

These words sounded like a confession, and Angel blushed in hindsight.

She just wanted the devil to be nice to her, not to bully her all the time. Did that count as a confession?

They weren’t even friends!

“A-anyway! The contract clearly states that even if I wanted to harm you, I couldn’t. What are you worried about?”

“Do I look like someone afraid of death?” Lena looked at Angel, sighing. “I just…”

“Just what?” Angel pressed.

I just don’t want to accept help from someone I once considered an enemy.

Wasn’t it strange?

Someone who wanted to kill her in her past life was now trying to help her.

Even after how Lena had treated Angel, she was still willing to help. The Saintess’s overflowing compassion was truly baffling, choosing to help a dying person like her.

“Just treat me like a fool!”

Angel dropped the topic, changing the subject. “What do you think about Alice and Emma? Is there anything special about them?”

Lena gladly took the opportunity to change the subject. “They are important.”

“But I don’t see how. Do they have some kind of secret?”

“Well…”

Lena hesitated.

If she told Angel that these two would cause bloodshed in the future, even almost killing the Saintess, she didn’t know how Angel would react.

She would probably think Lena was crazy.

Angel was dissatisfied. “Keeping secrets again, talking to you is so tiring.”

“No… I can only tell you that they are important, indispensable talents in practice. One plus one is greater than two, that’s the gist of it.”

Lena said helplessly, hoping Angel would understand.

Angel nodded, seemingly understanding. “I think I get it…”

“Good…”

Lena was mentally exhausted. If she could do it again, she would definitely strangle this kind-hearted Saintess on the spot.

A white lotus heart was a dangerous thing, and the kind Saintess would eventually learn a painful lesson from her compassion.

“Ah, it’s getting late, I can’t miss the last prayer today!”

Angel’s sleepy yawn was abruptly cut short. She stood up hurriedly, bidding farewell.

“Should I wait for you?”

Lena also looked sleepy, her expression languid and casual.

“Since I’m already here, returning empty-handed isn’t my style.”

Since I’m already here

“…You’ll wait here?” Angel frowned.

“It’s not impossible.” Lena closed her eyes, sitting upright, her sleepy voice carrying a pleasant magnetism, like a small violin. “The popular idol’s girlfriend waiting outside the monastery for her to finish work. Hmm, a perfectly reasonable explanation.”

“N-nonsense… who’s… your girlfriend…!”

Angel stammered, quickly walking away.

Lena opened her eyes, just in time to see the beautiful shade of pink under the flickering streetlights.

Angel’s flushed earlobes swayed in the wind as she hurried away.

Angel didn’t know why she was running so fast, but distancing herself from that annoying beast of a person might calm her racing heart.

Leaning against her knees, her lungs burning, Angel took deep breaths, trying to regulate her breathing, so no one would notice anything amiss when she entered the monastery.

“Good evening, Angel.”

“Ah, good evening, Sister Theodore.”

The nuns passing by weren’t surprised to see Angel.

Angel’s public image had always been impeccable. Aside from yesterday’s absurd coming-out incident, in everyone’s eyes, she was a kind, gentle, and responsible young lady from a fallen noble family.

Although the Cavendish family’s glory had faded, their influence was no less than the Falmouths’, even surpassing them in some aspects. This also gave Angel a good reputation in the monastery, often receiving care from the nuns.

“It’s quite late. You’re not willing to miss even the last prayer?” Sister Theodore asked with a smile.

She had a good impression of this Saintess Candidate.

Hardworking and diligent, although a bit clever, she was much cleaner than the other candidates vying for the position in the monastery.

“Mm…”

Angel nodded in response, not mentioning her tardiness.

She politely bid farewell to Sister Theodore, then began the long prayer that would last until the early hours of the next morning, something Angel was already accustomed to…

The quiet environment of the monastery was perfect for meditation, but Angel had no object of faith, so she simply went through the motions, kneeling and pretending to pray devoutly.

In the eyes of others, she looked incredibly pious, but only Angel knew how much she was slacking off.

After all, she could earn a decent amount of holy redemption money just by sitting here for a while. Why not?

Money earned from slacking off was still her own money!

Angel firmly believed this…

…

Emptying her mind, letting her thoughts wander, her body gradually felt lighter, her knees no longer aching, as if she were floating in the clouds, and on the white clouds stood a figure…

Hmm, the face looked familiar…

“Lena!” Angel called out the name, her voice echoing in the quiet environment.

Uh…

She immediately regretted it, the strange looks from those around her making her feel embarrassed.

Was she kidding? Closing her eyes, she saw Lena’s image, opening her mouth, she spoke Lena’s name. Was she infected with the “Lena virus”?

“Damn devil, truly haunting.”

Angel muttered under her breath.

Blushing, her earlobes pink and delicate, she lowered her slightly aggrieved gaze.

“Is she still waiting there? It’s so late, and it’s quite cold at night…”

Wait! Why was she concerned about Lena again?!

That pest!

She should freeze to death!

Angel refused to admit that she had unconsciously started to care about Lena, just like Lena refused to ask Angel for help, choosing to bear the burden of fate alone.

They were similar in some ways, yet vastly different in their actions.

At least, this concern for Lena wasn’t love.

Angel could guarantee that…

“I’m saving myself… Yes, to escape the devil’s grasp.”

Chapter 35: I’m No Gentleman, But I Can Listen

Alice and Emma appeared, pushing through the dense bushes, emerging from the dimly lit snow-needle forest, their expressions uneasy.

“H-hello!”

Emma addressed Lena, who was reclining on the bench.

Lena didn’t respond, burying her face deeper into Angel’s soft lap, enjoying the lap pillow service from the empire’s popular idol.

“Speak up if you have something to say. Do I need to ask first?” Angel, seeing their hesitation, spoke up for them.

Alice reacted quickly, stating their request, “In the upcoming Saintess election, can we serve you alongside Junior Angel? Ah, I mean, we desperately need a strong backer, and Senior Lena seems suitable…”

Alice was speaking to Lena, but also explaining their reasons for switching sides to Angel.

To appear more convincing, Alice had smeared a mixture of blood and mud on her face, as if she had just endured a difficult journey.

“Catherine is too aggressive in her campaign for Saintess. We’re worried her aggressiveness will lead to her downfall, so we wanted to distance ourselves. And as you can see…”

Alice clutched her bleeding arm, swaying as if about to collapse with Emma supporting her.

“A few days ago, Junior Angel’s pet white dragon was cursed with necromantic magic. It was actually Catherine’s doing. To eliminate her competition, she hired a fourth-rank Necromancer to cast a curse, aiming to break Junior Angel’s spirit. Emma and I were there, we saw it with our own eyes.”

Alice’s impassioned performance was so convincing that even Angel felt like giving her an Oscar.

“I’m sorry, I can’t make that decision right now.” Angel shook her head. “But do you remember that Necromancer?”

“Yes!”

Alice’s eyes lit up. “We have his address and contact information.”

Angel: “Tell me.”

“Well…” Emma hesitated, looking at Alice.

Angel offered a bargaining chip. “If the information is accurate, I might be able to persuade Lena to let you bask in the glory of the Falmouths…”

Insignificant pawns destined for mediocrity, who would care whether their refuge was rubble or a roof?

If it rained, they would find shelter. If the roof was sturdy, they would settle down.

“Thank you!” Alice and Emma were about to bow.

“Don’t thank me.” Angel stopped them, like a secretary handling trivial matters for her CEO. “Just tell me what you know, and then you can leave…”

In other words, don’t disturb her and Lena’s rendezvous. They needed to maintain their togetherness.

After all, they had already come out, and third wheels were annoying, no matter the world.

“Okay.”

Alice recounted the entire story.

She sold out her teammate faster than a rocket launch, even shocking Angel.

Angel glanced at Lena, finding her resting with her eyes closed, seemingly unaware of their conversation.

“I didn’t expect your memory to be so good, remembering so many hidden details…”

“More knowledge, more power to protect ourselves.”

Alice’s answer was simple, but Angel had to consider whether they would betray her and Lena in the same way.

She had to be cautious.

This wasn’t just Lena’s test for her, but also a crucial opportunity for her to gain Lena’s trust.

A bright future beckoned!

Strive! Fight! Go, Angel! You can do it!

Angel took a deep breath. “Can you still contact that Necromancer?”

“He lives in the Fran Black Market. He seems to be short on money, taking on jobs not suitable for a Necromancer. I think as long as the reward is sufficient, he’ll take the bait… Um, do you want to do something to him?” Alice asked, seemingly worried about being implicated.

Hearing the suspicion in Alice’s voice, Angel was almost certain of their fate.

Traitors would always be traitors; you couldn’t tame a wolf.

If she were Lena, she would never allow them to join the Falmouths. It would be like planting a time bomb, having to constantly worry about their betrayal. The risks far outweighed the rewards.

Thinking about what Lena would do…

The image of a gray-haired tyrant appeared in her mind.

“How about this, you go back and make a detailed report for me. We’ll meet tomorrow. Is that okay?”

“No problem!” Alice readily agreed.

Angel gave her signature sweet smile. “It’s settled then. See you tomorrow.”

…

Alice and Emma left.

Lena slowly opened her eyes, as if waking from a long sleep, or perhaps she hadn’t been asleep at all.

“You’re learning my insidious ways quickly. You have a tenth of my wickedness.”

“I didn’t learn from you! I was just thinking about what you would do. Besides exploitation and oppression, you’re just a venomous snake.”

“I thought you would take this opportunity to scold me more harshly.”

Lena sat up from Angel’s lap, her gray hair pulling taut. A few strands were caught between Angel’s legs, beneath her nun’s habit, and her scalp stung as she sat up.

“That’s all? Ouch!”

“Serves you right, hee hee.”

Angel waited a second before releasing her legs, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Seeing Lena in a predicament was a delight, slightly easing the pain from yesterday.

But she quickly extinguished the flames before Lena could get angry. “You said you wanted to play the part, so I’m cooperating…”

“By the way, are those two insignificant lackeys really that important?  They seem ordinary, even their talent is mediocre. Or are you playing the long game, saving the bigger fish for later?”

With Angel’s intelligence, it wasn’t difficult to guess Lena’s true intentions. She quickly listed several possibilities, eliminating them one by one.

“I feel like you can predict what’s going to happen. Do you also have a talent for divination?”

Lena almost burst out laughing at this conclusion. “You won’t understand for a while. Just know that if you obey me, I can guarantee you’ll become the Saintess. That’s enough. Isn’t it all written in the contract? Didn’t you read it?”

“I…”

Angel hadn’t actually read it carefully.

She had been too anxious to save Little White, signing her name without paying attention to the contents. Now that she thought about it, she had been too impulsive!

“Anyway, we’re on the same side now. I’ll help you improve your reputation, and you won’t bully me anymore. As for the contract, we won’t sign it. A gentleman’s agreement.”

“Who’s the gentleman? You? Or me?” Lena teased.

“Don’t be a scoundrel!”

Angel hopped up, hands on her hips, standing before Lena.

Her usual energy returned, like when she was singing on stage, holding the microphone, her true self, performing lively dance moves for her adoring fans…

“I’m serious, Lena.” Angel approached Lena, crouching down and whispering.

Lena rested her forehead on her hand, not looking at Angel, a smile playing on her lips. “I’m serious too, kitten. And you should call me Master first, then speak to me in a respectful tone.”

“Mas…Master…” Angel said, a mixture of shame and anger in her voice.

“Hmm?”

“Damn it! I can’t stand you! Master!”

“Hahahaha, use a cuter tone, treat me like your fan, use your idol skills.”

After a moment of silence,

“Master?~ Suki?~ Daisuki?~”

Chapter 34: She Proposed a Truce

Lena had followed the signs along the forest path.

In the heart of the Priest Academy was a vast snow-needle tree forest. Its quiet and secluded atmosphere made it a perfect spot for couples to meet and engage in intimate activities.

Lena didn’t like such tranquil places. There was no specific reason; in her past life, she had often hidden in desolate, uninhabited jungles to avoid the empire’s pursuers. She had even compiled a survival manual filled with her firsthand experiences.

Her fingertips pressed gently.

The kitten in her arms couldn’t help but let out a soft moan.

Lena held Angel in her lap, stroking her chin, her nose close to Angel’s pink hair, inhaling its fragrance. “You don’t seem to hate me at all.”

“I hate you to death, devil,” Angel said, biting her lip.

“You forgot ‘Master’ again. How many times do I have to teach you before you remember?”

Lena didn’t feel any satisfaction. An empty feeling washed over her once more.

Looking at the King of Narcissus on her middle finger, its light shimmering strangely, Lena suddenly said, “Don’t you think it’s beautiful?”

Angel breathed shallowly. “It’s alright, not as beautiful as you.”

“Hehehe, I quite like your compliments, but you need more practice, or your bad-tempered Master will punish you.”

“So, you have a good temper?”

What a joke.

Faced with such blatant sarcasm, Lena unexpectedly nodded. “Mm, everyone used to say I had a bad temper, even strangers, so I became the Lena everyone expected, catering to the public’s taste.”

Her grip tightened around Angel’s waist.

“It hurts… Master…”

“…”

Lena remained indifferent.

“You’ve hit a nerve, haven’t you, devil!” Angel suddenly burst out. “You’re a selfish and self-serving demon who only wants to possess others without considering their feelings! You don’t deserve such a beautiful appearance. With your ugly soul, your filthy body, and your despicable methods of taking what you want, no one will ever love you!!”

“Shut up!”

Lena abruptly raised her hand, wanting to slap Angel hard.

But her hand stopped mid-air, unable to fall.

Lena narrowed her eyes, a murderous glint in them. “You’re getting bolder, kitten. Do you really think I won’t touch you?”

Angel didn’t get angry, but instead laughed, as if giving up. “If you really wanted to hurt me, you wouldn’t have given me a warning beforehand. I can see your internal struggle. If you wanted me dead, I should have died at the Falmouth mansion that day! Not now, being kept by you, my will bound by a contract. You don’t want to kill me at all!”

“Interesting, go on,” Lena loosened her grip.

Angel rubbed her sore waist, gathering her emotions. “You don’t hate me, Lena. You actually hate yourself the most. Although I don’t know who you’re holding a grudge against, I see the path you’ve laid out for Ling Ling.”

“Did Agnes tell you that?”

“Ling Ling told me herself.”

Angel stared at Lena’s profile, while Lena looked towards the bushes, where two nuns were hiding.

“Your relationship seems very good, beyond that of master and servant.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Don’t lie to yourself. Ling Ling likes you, but you can’t face it, so you chose me instead. And I’m Ling Ling’s substitute. That’s a good enough reason, isn’t it?”

Angel “helpfully” provided an excuse for Lena.

But Lena didn’t need one. “You’re wrong.”

“Where am I wrong? Don’t you like Ling Ling?” Angel pressed.

Lena’s eyes flickered, her expression turning serious. “I can say I like her, but I have to say you’re wrong. You don’t know what’s happened to me, so you assume I’m some kind of sinner addicted to desire, trapped in the mud and unable to save myself. I know better than anyone what I truly want.”

Lena looked directly at Angel, emphasizing each word of her last sentence.

Angel met Lena’s gaze without fear for the first time, feeling incredibly brave, her heart lighter than it had been in days.

She saw the devil falter, saw Lena engage in a heated debate with her because of Ling Ling, and saw Lena’s truly serious side.

So, the devil, when serious, was as meticulous as a surgeon about to perform an operation. Could it be that Lena’s usual languid demeanor was all a pretense?

Including her attitude towards Angel?

“So, what are you seeking?” Angel asked.

“I…”

Lena paused, her long eyelashes fluttering, her lips parting slightly. “I can’t tell you that… Honestly, you’re biting off more than you can chew.”

“But you didn’t stop me from speaking, and you didn’t use the contract. This proves that you also yearn to confide in someone. I can help you. I can be your confidante, just like Professor Agnes.” Angel finished in one breath, staring intently at Lena’s expression.

This wasn’t for Lena, but for herself.

Right or wrong, it all depended on whether this move could open Lena’s heart, allowing her to see inside.

This was the compromise she had come up with after two hours of contemplation, a crucial peace treaty with the devil.

Lena: “Hmph.”

What did “hmph” mean?

Had Lena seen through her scheme?

Angel felt anxious. “Say something, don’t distrust me. I can really help you, including clearing your name and promoting your identity and strength, making you a celebrity in the academy…”

“Heh, clever girl.”

Lena gave another ambiguous reply.

Leaning back against the bench, she parted her stocking-clad legs.

The heat generated from having Angel sit on her lap for so long was becoming unbearable, her blood circulation restricted… Simply put, her legs were numb.

So, what to do about numb legs?

“Ouch!”

“Don’t move, kitten. If you’re scared, hold onto my collar and burrow into my arms. Your great Master will protect you.” Lena teased, her hand catching Angel’s bottom just as she was about to fall, gently moving her to the bench beside her.

“I’m not scared, I’m not afraid of anyone!” Angel, still shaken, retorted bravely.

But the weakness in her legs forced her to lean against Lena’s shoulder, making them look like a loving couple.

“Is that so? Let’s let the audience judge your performance.” Lena tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing her pink earlobe.

“Don’t change the subject, answer me.”

“Answer what? Haven’t I already answered?”

“?” Angel was confused. She looked at her current position, then at the empty space above Lena’s beautiful legs.

Suddenly, it dawned on her, and she scoffed. “…Tsundere devil!”

“The audience has arrived, Miss Angel. It’s your turn to perform. Don’t disappoint me,” Lena said, her eyelids half-closed, a smile playing on her lips.

Chapter 33: Angel’s Transformation

The mocking laughter grated on Angel’s ears.

She retorted without hesitation, “Catherine, did your brother ask for your permission before becoming a devoted ‘Azure’ fan?”

“You bitch, say that again!”

“Don’t get so worked up.”

Angel sat calmly, seemingly unafraid of Catherine lunging at her to scratch her face. “I know you’re anxious, but don’t be… Why don’t we guess what your dear brother is planning now? Is he preparing to sneak out of the house to attend my handshake event on Sunday? Or maybe buying my posters to plaster all over his room, jerking off to my beautiful face? You have such a promising brother, Catherine…”

Every word a critical hit!

Angel seemed to have learned from Lena, her sarcasm becoming incredibly sharp and vicious.

Catherine’s face flushed, then paled. With the help of her companions, she managed to suppress her anger and look Angel in the eye.

“You’re all talk! Just now, Bishop Anthony decided to vote for me. You have no chance now!”

“Really? That’s quite surprising.”

“Putting on a brave face, aren’t you? Need me to get you a trash can to hide in? Hahahaha!”

The trio burst into laughter.

Angel calmly looked at them, suddenly feeling that their tactics were far inferior to Lena’s.

Like children quarreling, their level was nowhere near Lena’s.

Her indifferent attitude further infuriated Catherine.

They had clashed before, mostly ending with Catherine’s victory and Angel’s concession. But such a heated argument was a first, and Catherine felt like she was losing.

“Angel Cavendish!!” Catherine roared in frustration.

“Anything else?”

Angel remained seated, raising an eyebrow. “If you have something to say, say it quickly. I have important prayers, singing practice, and dance practice. My time is precious, unlike yours, which you spend frolicking with the singers of the Holy Music Ensemble and the choir.”

“Don’t you dare slander me!”

Catherine’s flustered expression betrayed her.

“I’m asking you! Is it true that you’re being kept by Lena Falmouth?! That notorious bulldozer! Yesterday, Professor Agnes said you two are dating. I can’t understand what she sees in you.”

The current official explanation was that the Falmouth and Cavendish families had formed an alliance, supporting Angel’s candidacy for Saintess. This meant another powerful competitor.

She had painstakingly sought out a Necromancer to curse Angel, but it had inadvertently helped Angel’s plan.

Careless!

Damn Angel, she was so lucky to be favored by that person!

Catherine bit her nails, filled with resentment.

She was so envious she could bleed!

She had worked so hard to curry favor with the choir, throwing herself at them, sending flirtatious glances, but after half a year of effort, Angel had surpassed her with a single move.

Who could bear such mockery?!

Despicable!

“Actually…”

Angel paused deliberately, putting on her signature pure smile. “Maybe it’s because I’m prettier than you. After all, I’m so young and talented. The wealthy and influential naturally have their own preferences when choosing a suitable partner. Don’t you agree?”

Pure, yet laced with spite.

Fight fire with fire; this was Angel’s strategy.

Thanks to Lena, Angel seemed to have matured overnight, her words sharp and piercing, forcing Catherine into retreat.

“You win!”

Catherine was speechless with anger.

Her ability to form coherent sentences seemed to have vanished, her blood rushing to her head. She wanted to scratch that beloved face!

Unfortunately, she didn’t dare.

The name Lena Falmouth was like thunder in her ears. The family backing Lena could make the entire Imperial City tremble with a single stomp. Catherine wouldn’t dare provoke the Falmouth family, let alone Angel, who had just gotten close to Lena.

From now on, she would have to be more careful when speaking to Angel…

Catherine waved her hand dismissively. “Let’s go!”

With that, she and her companions left in a huff, unwilling to stay a moment longer with this woman.

Who knew what kind of lies Angel would tell Lena, causing even greater trouble.

They, as minor nobles, couldn’t withstand Lena’s wrath!

…

“Catherine, what’s wrong?”

A shorter nun wanted to ask, but another taller nun with short hair stopped her.

“Damn it, didn’t you hear her? Angel has found a powerful backer. We need to think about how to distance ourselves. Things are about to change.”

“Ah! Then we…”

The fellow sisters exchanged glances, stopping in their tracks.

They were considering whether to switch allegiances.

Angel, this potential rising star, was clearly superior to Catherine now. But Catherine held Bishop Anthony’s precious vote and had worked with them for a while. They called each other sisters. If they abandoned Catherine and switched to Angel’s side at this juncture, their fate was uncertain…

“Why have you stopped?”

Catherine sensed something amiss, turning around with a frown. “Emma, Alice, don’t tell me you’re thinking of betraying me!”

Emma: “Actually… I…”

Alice: “No…”

“Fine! A bunch of ungrateful traitors! Do as you please! Go ahead and join Angel Cavendish! Don’t come crawling back to me when I’m elected!”

Catherine didn’t give them a chance to explain, turning and storming off.

She wanted to tear Angel apart.

Emma looked at Alice, seeking her advice. “Catherine’s gone, what do we do now…?”

“Let’s go back to the monastery and talk to Angel.”

Alice gritted her teeth. “If we have nowhere else to go, we can only turn to Angel. Hopefully, she won’t mind our past arrogance when we were with Catherine…”

“Are we being opportunistic?”

“So what? Who says we have to follow the same person forever? Did Catherine ever look at us directly when we were her dogs?”

“…”

“We’re just dogs, following the wind to avoid being slaughtered.” Alice forced a smile. “Even if we choose the wrong master, we can still retreat and find a better circle.”

“Mm, I’ll listen to you.”

As usual, Emma unconditionally agreed to Alice’s suggestion. They held hands and returned to the monastery.

The moonlight was enchanting.

Summer insects chirped faintly, hidden in the dense bushes.

Alice saw Angel from afar. The little idol, usually held high on a pedestal by her fans, was now covering her mouth, her slender body curled up in the arms of a gray figure, her expression a mixture of pain and reluctant pleasure.

“Shh…”

Lena raised a finger to her lips, whispering, “Someone’s watching.”

A tingling sensation shot through Angel’s waist, making it difficult for her to stand up straight. “Why are you here… why didn’t you tell me beforehand… hmph~”

This position was incredibly stimulating.

Being held from behind, Lena’s soft breasts pressed against her back, like soft mochi rhythmically squeezing her.

Although embarrassing to admit, Angel was definitely aroused.

Her fists clenched.

Chapter 32: Fallen

“I’m home.”

The quiet house offered no response.

As if accustomed to living alone, Angel drew the curtains, locked the door, plunging the room into darkness. She undressed and immersed herself in the icy bathwater.

The water enveloped her, a long-awaited coolness spreading through her body. Her heart, which had pounded relentlessly throughout the night, finally found a moment of respite. The sensation of being surrounded by water felt like returning to her mother’s embrace, her thoughts blurring, losing herself in the sensation.

Until goosebumps erupted on her skin, followed by a throbbing pain between her legs, the unforgettable details of last night replaying like a nightmare…

“Waaah…”

Washing herself over and over again, Angel used up all the shower gel and soap, but the scars left by that woman remained deeply etched within her.

“Why did you do this to me? What did I do wrong…?”

She cried hysterically at the mirror, her only response her own beautiful face and a mournful smile.

“Lena… Lena… how did I offend you…?”

Angel hugged her legs, submerging her head in the water, attempting to drown herself, to end it all.

But moments later, bubbles rose to the surface, and Angel emerged from the bathtub, gasping for air.

She was too afraid of death.

If she had to choose between death and humiliation, it would undoubtedly be the latter.

Could she be called cowardly?

No, most people feared death, their helplessness in its face stemming from their unfulfilled desires, their unfinished lives.

Death was the ultimate destination for everyone. Without attachment, there would be no reluctance.

Without reluctance, there would be no helplessness.

Those who accepted their fate were few.

One day, everyone would meet the same end, but Angel refused to be the first!

“Aaaaaah…”

Angel pounded the water in frustration until her hands were numb, the pain making her gasp. “Lena! Lena! Lena!!!”

After venting, she started crying again, tears streaming down her face. “I… waaaah… I will escape from your grasp! You must have a weakness, just wait until I find it!”

After her outburst, she had to accept reality.

She had become someone’s kitten, to be toyed with at will, to roll over on command. The contract bound her, and those who violated it would have their souls stripped away and offered to the Demon Lord of the Abyss, subjected to eternal torment.

So, the contents of the contract couldn’t be defied.

She might as well be turned into a cream puff by Lena…

Lost in thought, Angel picked up a towel.

Her delicate figure resembled a willow branch swaying in the wind, the pale moonlight filtering through the bathroom window, casting shadows on her fair skin.

Her breasts had started to develop. Soon, Lena’s one hand wouldn’t be enough to hold them, and she, like others Lena had dominated, would gradually lose herself to desire.

“I don’t want that.”

Angel covered her chest, recalling the details of last night. Lena had been like a wild beast out of control!

“Can someone really keep going until dawn…?”

Lena had redefined Angel’s understanding of human stamina.

A seemingly defenseless Necromancer, yet possessing the endurance of a Dragon Knight, the wildness of a Berserker, and the stamina of a Warrior…

A true decathlete! She had been tormented all night, even her strength to resist stolen away with a kiss.

“Ugh, I never want to experience that again…”

Angel shuddered at the thought of Lena.

“And today, Lena even targeted Professor Agnes. Although I’m worried about the professor’s safety, her presence has lessened the pressure on me, and I’ve also seen another side of Lena…”

If she obediently followed Lena’s every whim at the academy, perhaps Lena would leave her alone.

After a simple meal in her dormitory, Angel put on a clean nun’s uniform, concealing her striking pink hair with a black hood, the rebellious blue highlights peeking through, a hint of youthful defiance.

Her lower body remained largely unchanged, except for her cute shoes, which were replaced by high boots, paired with white stockings with cross patterns, looking neat and capable.

“Hopefully, Instructor Anthony won’t catch me dressed like this. Hmm, I should be able to get away with it.”

…

Passing through the dense snow-needle forest, she hurried to the monastery located within the Priest Academy.

As the bell tolled, the prayer began.

Angel, arriving late, was stopped by Bishop Anthony. It was obvious she was tardy…

“My child, why are you late today?”

The kind voice belonged to a middle-aged man with a goatee. Bishop Anthony gestured for Angel to calm down.

“I… I lost track of time while bathing…” Angel stammered, trying to make an excuse. “It definitely won’t happen again…”

“The prayer has already begun, my child. The last prayer today will be in two hours. I believe you can wait to make up for your mistake, right?”

“Y-yes, Bishop Anthony.”

Satisfied with her answer, Anthony nodded with a smile and walked away.

Angel glanced in the direction he had gone, the clouds of worry dissipating from her heart.

“So scary… Bishop Anthony is still as terrifying as ever, a wolf in sheep’s clothing…”

As the sole authority in the Priest Academy’s monastery, Bishop Anthony had absolute power over the nuns, even holding a crucial vote in the Saintess election.

Angel didn’t dare offend him.

To be elected Saintess, she came to the monastery every day to pray devoutly, aiming to make herself known to Bishop Anthony and build a relationship with him.

There were twelve votes in total, but more than twenty Saintess candidates.

There were at least three other candidates competing with her in the monastery alone, not to mention other talented candidates with beauty and talent comparable to hers. The competition was fierce.

The necromantic spell on Little White was most likely a result of their joint scheme…

“If it weren’t for Little White being cursed, I wouldn’t have panicked and sought help from Lena, and I wouldn’t have become her prisoner…”

This chain of events made Angel even more disgusted with those Saintess candidates she had only met once.

As luck would have it, while waiting for the next prayer, one of those Saintess candidates appeared uninvited.

“Isn’t this our idol superstar, the rumored mistress of Miss Falmouth?”

Chapter 31: A Person You Can Trust

Damn it.

After all this planning, she had still angered Professor Agnes.

Lena scratched her inexplicably itchy right eye socket, saying anxiously, “Professor, don’t worry, it’s just a kiss. We’ll kiss now, and it’ll be over.”

As she spoke, Angel obediently leaned in, pecking Lena’s lips like a dragonfly skimming the water.

Just as Lena was about to reciprocate, she caught sight of a small, golden figure out of the corner of her eye. A wave of complicated emotions washed over her, and she couldn’t bring herself to kiss Angel.

What was she doing?

This question sprouted in her mind like bamboo shoots after the rain, lingering like an unbreakable curse.

Rebirth was both fortunate and unfortunate.

Fortunate because she could see her deceased family and friends again, unfortunate because she couldn’t change the inevitable outcome, and could only resort to despicable means to prevent others from getting close to her, from forming attachments.

What was she doing all this for?

Wasn’t it for Ling Ling to grow up safe and healthy, and then leave her control to return to her own kind?

According to her original plan, the matter she intended to discuss with Agnes was Ling Ling’s adoption, and entrusting Agnes to care for her after her death, to help her find her foxkin clan.

Lena had planned everything in advance.

While taking revenge on the hero, she also wanted to protect her family’s assets. Even if she died, the people she cared about could still escape the shadows and live their own lives.

That’s why she had been “harsh” with Ling Ling before.

Lena was afraid that if she didn’t make things clear now, it would only become more painful later… It was better to rip off the band-aid now and let Ling Ling experience the cruelty of fate sooner rather than later.

“Are you not going to kiss?”

Agnes still wore an amused expression.

As the saying went, a beauty’s smile could change the world.

She was now convinced that the relationship between Lena and Angel wasn’t even friendship; yesterday’s farce was probably just Lena’s whim.

Rich girls played differently; ordinary people like her couldn’t understand their kinks…

“Come on, I want to see some real yuri action, a brand new experience~”

Agnes urged.

Lena’s gaze wandered, not daring to look at Agnes, nor at Ling Ling’s innocent eyes. She could only focus on Angel’s pure face.

Their little idol was the most pleasing to the eye…

Easy to bully, easy to manipulate, without a single complaint…

Her solemn black nun’s uniform was neat and tidy, her small feet clad in thin, translucent white stockings and little shoes with bows.

Angel exuded an undeniable pure and sweet aura, as innocent as a blank sheet of paper.

However, the passionate lovemaking of last night, and the fact that Lena had taken something precious that Angel had guarded for over a decade…

Angel refused to speak, her eyes no longer as lively and clear as they had been when they first met. After the painful first experience, Angel obediently followed Lena’s every command, like a broken puppet.

“As I thought…”

Agnes saw through the truth.

“Sigh…”

A long sigh echoed in the room.

…

Agnes was trustworthy.

A naturally gentle person, a sentimental and romantic woman.

In her past life, Agnes hadn’t participated in the persecution of the Falmouth family, but instead secretly gathered information, trying to overturn the empire’s false accusations.

So, given Agnes’s personality, she wouldn’t stand idly by.

“Thank you, Professor, I apologize again for my violent behavior. I thought showing my strength would make you submit, giving me the upper hand in our negotiations, but you taught me that I was wrong…”

Lena left Agnes, feeling relieved.

After half an hour of discussion, Ling Ling’s safety was secured, which meant Lena could now go all out without any worries.

“Where’s Sister Angel?” Ling Ling asked casually.

“She went home on leave,” Lena ruffled the little fox girl’s golden hair. “Your Sister Angel isn’t feeling well, she’s resting for a day. Ling Ling can sleep with me tonight.”

“Okay!”

“Of course.”

With one less worry, the hostility in Lena’s eyes lessened. “Although Angel probably won’t be coming, you can’t neglect your homework. I’ll check it.”

“Mm-hmm! Ling Ling will definitely finish her homework on time!”

The young little fox girl raised her hand, her face serious.

Lena smiled, taking Ling Ling’s hand and walking towards the teaching building.

Walking side by side, they attracted many gazes. But seeing that it was Lena, the looks of curiosity and admiration quickly turned into fear and panic.

“Don’t look at her, do you want to die?!”

“Have you heard? Junior Angel went to Lena because her pure white dragon was afflicted with a strange and difficult necromantic spell. Do you think there’s a possibility…”

“Ah! That makes sense! It all makes sense!”

People gathered together, whispering.

Only after Lena had walked away did they dare to discuss openly, continuing their gossip…

Caramy sat in a corner, taking in all the whispers, not bothering to stop their foolish behavior. He stood up and walked out of the classroom.

“Hey Caramy, are you sure you’re not attending the party hosted by the Imperial Princess? It’s approved by the Empress herself, it’s not just an ordinary welcome party!”

His friend Owen, chatting animatedly, raised his voice upon seeing Caramy, his slightly shrill voice carrying a hint of a street thug’s swagger.

“What’s wrong with you? You’ve changed so much overnight. I mean, you should also…”

Snap out of it…

His words caught in his throat, Owen froze, cold sweat dripping down his back.

He didn’t dare move. A hidden blade was pressed against his throat.

The cold, sharp blade could pierce his throat and take his life with a single movement.

“Calm down, calm down…”

Owen trembled, moving slightly away from the tip of the blade, escaping just in time. Fortunately, Caramy wasn’t interested in his throat, and Owen was safe.

“Crazy! I think you’ve been bewitched by that woman!” He shouted from the doorway, like a monkey with alopecia.

“Who said that? Did you see it?” Caramy stared intently at him.

“It’s all over the place, saying that you, Caramy, are a coward who follows women around, a disgrace to men!” Owen grinned. “So, after a unanimous decision, your membership in ‘The Dried Cucumber’ has been revoked, and you are permanently banned!”

Owen gloated, thinking this threat would make his good friend change his mind. They had played together, discussed women’s beautiful bodies on the luxurious floor of “The Joy of Pleasure.”

But he had once again misjudged Caramy’s resolve.

“What others say is their business. Those who indulge in pleasure will only be left with empty shells. That’s not what I want…”

Caramy said many things that Owen couldn’t understand.

The once hedonistic young man, after his trial by death, seemed to have something new in his eyes…

If Lena were present, she would recognize it.

It was desire, ambition, the yearning and obsession of an ordinary person for power, bordering on madness…