Category: The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies

Chapter 72: The Bad Girl’s Chastity Curse

“Dorothy!” Adele cried, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and indignation. “What… what did you do to me?!”

A strange, heart-shaped mark had appeared on her lower abdomen, similar yet distinct from the one she had seen on Celeste.

And Adele could swear that she had never entered into any kind of master-familiar contract with Dorothy!

Examining the mark more closely, she realized that while it resembled a heart, it was far from perfect. Instead of smooth curves, it was jagged and thorny, a tangle of vine-like lines interwoven with a delicate five-petaled flower at its center. It looked… imprisoned, trapped within a cage of thorns.

Dorothy met Adele’s gaze with a cold smile, her silence speaking volumes. Her slender fingers traced the outline of the mark, sending a shiver down Adele’s spine. It tickled, a sensation that Adele desperately wanted to hide from Dorothy. Instead, she forced herself to remain still, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“What did I do to you?” Dorothy purred, her voice a seductive whisper. “Perhaps you should ask yourself what you’ve been doing behind my back. You little flirt. Maybe they’re right…”

“Maybe I should tie you up, lock you away,” she continued, her voice turning cold and sharp.

It was the calmness that terrified Adele the most.

There was nothing more frightening than a madman regaining his senses.

Or a normally meek person snapping.

They had “calm madman” covered. What about “meek person snapping”?

A chill ran down Adele’s spine. She glanced nervously at the door across from hers… Sharon’s room.

Silence. As if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

She didn’t dare to speak, her defiance reduced to a glare as Dorothy tilted her chin up with a delicate finger.

Then, the tears came, flowing freely down Adele’s cheeks. If Adele had pursued an acting career, she would have won every award imaginable.

It was her defense mechanism. She might have glared at Dorothy, but she was crying now. They were even.

*Please don’t hurt me anymore…*

Dorothy’s initial anger gave way to a pang of guilt. Adele’s tears were like tiny stones, each one hitting her heart with a dull thud.

She had thought herself invincible, her heart impenetrable.

Until Adele, fragile as a flower petal, drifted into the river of her heart, carried by the current, sinking deeper and deeper.

It hurt. It hurt so much.

Dorothy took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She couldn’t bring herself to blame Adele.

“You’re such a scaredy-cat…” she mumbled, her voice softening. “I thought all that reading would have at least taught you the name of this little charm.”

Her fingers danced along the edge of the heart-shaped mark, sending another shiver through Adele.

“It’s a chastity curse,” she explained. “It won’t affect you in any way… as long as you behave. But if you betray me, if you decide to be a bad girl…”

She pressed her fingertip against Adele’s soft stomach, eliciting a gasp. A faint red mark appeared on Adele’s skin.

“But I’m sure you wouldn’t do anything like that, would you, Adele?”

“…”

Adele didn’t answer. Her world had suddenly turned grey.

What was the point of living if she couldn’t flirt with pretty girls?

As its name suggested, the chastity curse was a magical spell that ensured a woman’s fidelity. It was usually inscribed on the lower abdomen, causing excruciating pain during intercourse with anyone other than the caster. In severe cases, it could even be fatal.

At this moment, as Dorothy’s hand rested on Adele’s stomach, the thorny vines of the curse seemed to retreat, like snakes slithering back into their den, revealing the delicate flower at its center. It was as if the curse itself was offering its heart to its master.

Even Adele’s mind felt the subtle influence of the magic. Suddenly, Dorothy seemed incredibly… appealing.

Her legs trembled, and a sweet, intoxicating scent wafted from her skin, a subtle hint of arousal.

Adele, mortified, tried to pull away. To her surprise, Dorothy released her wrists.

“Go on,” Dorothy said, her voice a husky whisper. “Run away.”

Adele didn’t hesitate. She fled upstairs, seeking refuge in her room.

She didn’t care what Dorothy did next. She could go wherever she pleased!

A strange sense of boldness had taken root in Adele’s heart, giving her the courage to defy Dorothy.

It wasn’t that Dorothy wasn’t terrifying. But her actions, her words, spoke of a deeper affection, a genuine concern for Adele’s well-being.

She had chosen to bind Adele with a chastity curse instead of claiming her outright, had even allowed her to pursue other relationships.

For Dorothy, who craved control above all else, this was an unprecedented compromise.

She was willing to change for Adele.

What more proof did she need?

Adele, however, was a master of pushing boundaries. The kinder Dorothy was, the more she dared to test her limits.

She hadn’t learned her lesson yet.

Dorothy’s anger flared as she watched Adele disappear down the hallway. “Stop right there!” she commanded, her voice sharp.

“Eep!”

Despite her brave facade, Adele froze, a pathetic squeak escaping her lips.

Dorothy, her footsteps heavy with anger, climbed the stairs and grabbed Adele by the waist, pinning her against a door.

“What… what are you doing?!” Adele whimpered, her face burning with shame.

But what mortified her the most was the fact that Dorothy had pinned her against… Sharon’s door!

*Oh god, she’s going to find out!*

Adele’s voice was barely a whisper, as if she were afraid of being overheard, afraid of Dorothy discovering Sharon’s presence.

But Dorothy already knew.

Only the oblivious Adele was unaware.

During their argument, a surge of uncontrolled psychic energy had emanated from the room across from Adele’s. And Dorothy recognized that energy signature all too well.

Sharon… it was her.

Hermione was one thing. But her own trusted follower, living with Adele behind her back… who knew what they were up to?

They were all defying her!

Dorothy had never been so insulted.

And so, she would punish Sharon. She would break her spirit.

Right here, right now, with the girl she loved, she would make Sharon listen to Adele’s sweet, helpless cries.

If it rekindled the spark of rebellion Dorothy had glimpsed in Sharon’s eyes all those years ago… well, Dorothy would welcome the challenge.

Perhaps Sharon’s betrayal was something she had secretly desired all along.

Dorothy licked her lips, her crimson eyes darkening.

Adele trembled in her grasp, a helpless lamb caught in the lioness’s gaze.

Chapter 71: Become My Possession, Adele

Adele had always fantasized about dominating Dorothy, about making the proud princess submit to her desires.

But did she have the ability?

Could Adele, the “bottom” in all her relationships, actually top someone?

It seemed impossible… and yet, at this very moment, the unthinkable was happening.

Dorothy, the highest-ranking Sequence One, the princess of the vampire race, was lost in a haze of passion, her body melting beneath Adele’s touch.

Like a traveler who had crossed a vast desert, parched and desperate for water, Dorothy drank deeply from Adele’s offered lips, her fangs grazing the delicate skin, drawing blood. Their bodies were pressed together, so close that Adele could hear both her own racing heart and the frantic beating of Dorothy’s.

Adele took full advantage of the situation, knowing that once Dorothy regained her senses, there would be hell to pay.

Dorothy’s physique was the most youthful Adele had ever seen. She lacked Hermione’s and Celeste’s statuesque figures and commanding presence. Her dominance stemmed from a deeper, more primal place, a chilling aura that emanated from her very soul.

But she wasn’t petite and delicate like Sharon or Adele either. She possessed a perfect balance, a youthful charm that hovered between the innocence of a child and the allure of a woman.

Sharon’s demeanor was timid, her body frail. Adele, on the other hand, exuded a captivating blend of innocence and sensuality. Her features and figure were youthful, but not weak. She was slender and graceful, her curves perfectly placed.

Despite her seemingly flat chest in the academy uniform, Adele’s hidden assets would become apparent at the upcoming ball, when she would don a glamorous evening gown. Her cleavage, both ample and alluring, would be on full display.

And her pert little bottom… well, that was a sight to behold.

Thankfully, it wasn’t summer yet. Otherwise, Adele in her tight shorts would be the most breathtaking scenery on campus. Just imagining giving that round, peachy bottom a playful pat, sending shivers down her spine, was enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

Dorothy was slightly taller than Adele, a vision of youthful perfection. A true princess, worthy of her royal bloodline.

Normally, Adele would have been content to admire Dorothy from afar. But at this moment, she felt like she was about to pass out from blood loss!

Hermione had been considerate, holding back last night, focusing on building intimacy and savoring the moment. Dorothy, however, was insatiable, her hunger a force of nature.

Adele had offered her blood willingly, to help Dorothy regain control, to replenish her strength after her encounters with Celeste and Sharon.

But that didn’t mean she wanted to be drained dry by two Sequence Ones in a row!

The only consolation was that Dorothy’s madness seemed to be receding with each kiss, each drop of blood she consumed. Her initial roughness, the almost-violent way she had kissed Adele, had softened, replaced by a gentle exploration, a true appreciation for the art of kissing.

The furrow in Adele’s brow, a testament to the pain she had been enduring, slowly relaxed.

Time lost all meaning as they sank deeper into the embrace.

Dorothy’s eyes fluttered open, clear and innocent, like a newborn gazing upon the world for the first time. Then, color seeped back into them, a kaleidoscope of emotions, complex and layered.

At first, she seemed to look through Adele, her gaze unfocused. But slowly, Adele came into focus, her image solidifying in Dorothy’s eyes.

Dorothy’s gaze softened, a flicker of vulnerability replacing the usual coldness. Her grip on Adele’s wrists loosened, a silent surrender.

But the moment was fleeting.

Dorothy’s mind cleared, and the full realization of what had transpired, of Adele’s audacity, crashed over her.

“Mmm… ow! That hurts!” Adele cried out as Dorothy’s grip tightened, her fingers digging into Adele’s wrists.

She went limp, the pain overwhelming. She pulled back, gasping for air, trying to free her hands from Dorothy’s grasp.

But Dorothy, fully awake now, wasn’t about to let her go.

Their positions reversed, and Adele found herself back in her usual submissive role, pinned to the floor, her wrists held captive above her head.

“…”

So this was what they meant by “the punishment is worse than the crime”…

She had saved Dorothy from succumbing to madness, but at what cost?

Well, to be fair, she was probably going to end up in this position regardless of Dorothy’s mental state.

At least she had managed to top Dorothy for a few glorious moments. Small victories.

Dorothy’s breath was hot and ragged against Adele’s skin, sending shivers down her spine. Her mind was in turmoil. She knew Adele had acted out of concern, trying to help her. But her pride, her sense of dominance, wouldn’t allow her to simply ignore what had happened.

She was a princess, a queen, born to rule. Submission was not in her nature.

She needed an explanation, a way to save face.

“Adele…” she said, her voice strained. “I’ll give you one chance. Beg for my forgiveness.”

Adele, however, had nothing to apologize for. Especially after their earlier argument.

She closed her eyes, turning her face away, refusing to acknowledge Dorothy’s presence.

“Adele… I hate it when you’re stubborn!” Dorothy growled, her patience wearing thin.

With a sudden rip, Adele felt her shirt being torn open, the cold air hitting her exposed stomach.

“Wh-what are you doing?!” she cried, her eyes flying open, fear gripping her heart.

Dorothy’s eyes blazed crimson, a predatory smile curving her lips. “Granting your wish,” she purred, her voice a seductive whisper. “I’m going to make you my possession, Adele~”

Chapter 70: Death Beneath the Peony Skirt

Rewind five minutes.

Adele had just opened the door to welcome Dorothy. But instead of a warm greeting, Dorothy had opted for a more… intimate approach.

She nuzzled Adele’s neck, her fangs grazing the delicate skin, inhaling deeply.

The scent of books. Adele had been reading today.

Dorothy wasn’t fond of reading herself, but she found the image of Adele lost in a book strangely appealing. It had a certain… intellectual charm.

But there was another scent, a faint, fresh scent that couldn’t be ignored.

Hermione. A woman Dorothy was starting to despise.

They used to be friends, able to converse freely and share their thoughts. But that was no longer the case.

As Dorothy had said, “She’s become an annoyance.”

Dorothy also noticed the lack of any bite marks on Adele’s neck. Had Hermione, that woman, recently licked Adele’s wounds with such tenderness and affection?

Dorothy’s gaze turned icy, sending a shiver down Adele’s spine.

“Dorothy…” Adele whimpered, pleading with her to stop.

“When?” Dorothy asked, her voice sharp.

“Wh-what…?” Adele stammered, her eyes darting around nervously.

It was clear to Dorothy that Adele was hiding something.

“Are you going to lie to me, Adele?” she pressed, her voice hardening.

Adele took a deep breath, the cold air stinging her lungs. She couldn’t withstand Dorothy’s intense scrutiny.

“Hermione… she was here yesterday,” she admitted reluctantly. “She was… thirsty. So I… I let her…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Dorothy’s arms were around her, crushing her in a tight embrace. Adele gasped for air, struggling in vain against Dorothy’s powerful grip.

To an outsider, it might have looked like a passionate reunion between two lovers who had been apart for too long.

But Adele felt like she was suffocating.

“I don’t want to share you anymore,” Dorothy whispered, her voice a mixture of possessiveness and desperation. “Don’t disobey me, Adele.”

She was struggling to maintain control, to keep her powers and emotions in check. Dark, destructive thoughts flickered at the edges of her mind, urging her to obliterate everything in her path until she found… satisfaction. Or perhaps, oblivion.

“What do you mean, ‘disobey’?” Adele retorted, her voice surprisingly steady despite the situation.

Even now, facing Dorothy’s wrath, she refused to cower.

“You want me to go back to being the way I was before? Is that what’s best for you?” she asked, her voice laced with bitterness. “What was the point of our conversation then? You were the one who pushed me towards them, Dorothy. Hermione, Sharon…”

“You created this situation,” she continued, her voice rising. “And I was willing to accept it, to submit to your whims. But I won’t let you erase everything with a wave of your hand, as if nothing ever happened! Things have changed, Dorothy. You can’t just pretend it never happened. The bullets have already been fired, leaving wounds that can’t be healed. Just like… my body… bears the marks of Hermione.”

She turned away, her cheeks burning with shame. Since Dorothy had already discovered her secret rendezvous with Hermione, Adele decided to shift the blame.

It was Dorothy’s fault! Adele was blameless, as always!

And while she was at it, why not provoke Dorothy a little? See how she reacted, how deeply she cared.

After spending so much time with the Sequence Ones and Twos, Adele’s fear of Dorothy, though still present, had lost its paralyzing grip.

Dorothy’s arms loosened slightly, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. Adele’s words had hit her harder than she expected.

Hermione’s marks… on Adele’s body?

Her pink hair trembled, a strange greenish tinge appearing for a fleeting moment.

As the dizziness subsided, rage filled Dorothy’s heart. She shoved Adele, sending her crashing to the floor.

Adele squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the impact.

*This is it. I went too far!*

She was probably going to be punished severely now.

But the expected pain didn’t come.

Instead, she felt a gentle hand cradling her head, another supporting her back.

She opened her eyes to find Dorothy hovering over her, her expression a mixture of anger and concern.

Even in her rage, Dorothy had instinctively protected Adele from harm.

Dorothy’s feelings for her… they were real.

A pang of guilt flickered in Adele’s heart, but she quickly suppressed it, focusing on maintaining her act.

She whimpered, tears welling up in her eyes. But even in her apparent weakness, a spark of defiance remained in her gaze.

It was that spark that tormented Dorothy the most.

“Adele, why…?” she whispered, her voice cracking with pain.

And so began the scene that had made Nightingale, the human observer, avert her gaze.

Adele turned away, a single tear rolling down her flushed cheek. “Why? You ask me why? Who should I ask?” she choked out, her voice thick with emotion.

“You were the one who turned me into this, Dorothy,” she continued, her voice gaining strength. “I finally accepted it, built new relationships with Hermione and Sharon, became their friend. And now, with a single word, you want to destroy everything I’ve worked for, chain me to your side, and make me your exclusive possession?”

“What did I do to deserve such disrespect?”

Tears streamed down her face, and she bit her lip so hard that it drew blood. The light in her eyes seemed to dim, and she closed them, shaking her head slowly.

“Fine… do whatever you want,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I’m just a toy to you, after all…”

She tilted her head back, exposing her delicate neck, her eyes still closed. Like a lamb awaiting slaughter.

But Dorothy, clutching her head, let out a cry of pain, her body trembling.

Adele’s despair… was it directed at her? Was Adele truly disappointed in her?

She stumbled back, bumping into the wall, oblivious to the pain.

“No… no!” she screamed, her voice raw with agony. It was as if another being was trying to claw its way out from within her.

*Don’t let it happen, Dorothy! Adele will die… everyone will die!*

This wasn’t what Adele had hoped for. She stared at Dorothy in horror, her own fear momentarily eclipsing her carefully crafted act.

What the hell was happening? Why was Dorothy losing control?

Of course, Adele wasn’t exactly in a position to question anyone’s sanity right now. She was the one who had instigated this entire mess, after all.

Her intention had been to force Dorothy’s hand, to make her acknowledge and accept Adele’s relationships with Hermione and Sharon. Otherwise, Adele would be trapped, Dorothy’s sole possession, her wings clipped.

Hermione would never stand for it. She would try to rescue Adele, and Celeste, loyal as ever, would undoubtedly follow. Even Sharon, timid as she was, might find the courage to defy Dorothy.

But they were no match for Dorothy. It would be a massacre.

That wasn’t the future Adele had envisioned.

So she had taken a gamble, hoping to persuade Dorothy through sheer force of will.

But it was clear now that her plan had backfired spectacularly.

The priority now was to calm Dorothy down before she completely lost control.

Had Dorothy ever lost control before?

Yes.

During a mission.

The author hadn’t provided any details. After all, the story was told from Adele’s perspective, and the other “villainesses” were merely side characters, their actions often glossed over.

But the little information the author had provided about that mission, that incident, that… disaster… was enough to make Adele’s blood run cold.

—”Everyone died. Witches, foreign races, humans, vampires… everyone involved in that mission perished. Except for Dorothy. She stood amidst the rubble, untouched, as if she were an angel descended from heaven.”

It must have been a beautiful sight.

But Adele knew that if that scene ever played out again, she wouldn’t be around to witness it.

She had to stop Dorothy, and fast.

She had caused this mess, and she would fix it.

She couldn’t rely on Sharon. The girl would probably just make things worse.

If Sharon came rushing to her rescue, driven by misplaced concern… it would be the end for all of them.

Dorothy stumbled back, clutching her head, her voice a pained whisper. “Adele… Adele…”

“I’m… I’m here,” Adele said, her voice trembling.

“I’m here, Dorothy!”

She gathered all her courage and embraced Dorothy, holding her tight. She couldn’t help but notice how soft and delicate Dorothy felt in her arms, a strange warmth spreading through her.

Dorothy seemed to calm down slightly in her embrace, but it wasn’t enough. She didn’t seem to hear Adele’s pleas.

No matter how many endearments Adele whispered, how many titles she bestowed upon her…

“My princess…”

“My Dorothy…”

“My wife…”

“My wings…”

“My… dog?”

…Dorothy remained unresponsive.

But if a hug had worked… then there was only one thing left to do.

In a swift motion, Adele reversed their positions, pinning Dorothy to the floor. She bit down on her lip, drawing blood.

It hurt like hell, but she had no other choice.

Then, she closed her eyes and pressed her lips against Dorothy’s, pouring all her desperation into the kiss.

She wasn’t optimistic about its effectiveness.

If this didn’t work…

Well, she would have to go all the way.

Even if it meant dying at Dorothy’s hands, at least she would die a romantic death…

Chapter 69: Adele, Why…?

Sharon carefully tucked the pink sticky note between the pages of her favorite book. It would have been more practical to pin it up on her bedpost or desk, like many people did with photos of their loved ones, a source of comfort and inspiration during difficult times.

But Sharon, introverted as she was, couldn’t bring herself to do that. She preferred to suffer in silence, her feelings hidden from view, even from those she cared about most.

Her love was a quiet, powerful force.

That day, she spent her time as usual, curled up with a book, enjoying the comforting presence of Adele, even if it was just through a shared wall. To Sharon, being in the same apartment, even in separate rooms, was enough.

Suddenly, the sharp sound of the doorbell shattered the peaceful silence, sending a jolt of anxiety through Sharon. She clenched her fists, then released them, a wave of helplessness washing over her.

Was it… Hermione again?

How greedy could she be?

Was she going to… spend the night with Adele again? Do… *those things* with her?

Sharon’s imagination, as usual, was far more vivid and cruel than reality. It was a source of both pain and pleasure.

In truth, Hermione’s feelings for Adele were far deeper and more respectful than Sharon could comprehend. Perhaps she was waiting for the right moment, the perfect time, to consummate their relationship.

In other words, nothing had happened between Hermione and Adele the previous night.

But in Sharon’s mind, a helpless Adele had been subjected to Hermione’s desires all night long… And yet, despite her exhaustion, Adele had still managed to find the strength to make breakfast for her, a gesture of kindness that both warmed and tormented Sharon’s heart.

Would Adele repeat the same mistake tonight?

Sharon’s thoughts spiraled, her imagination painting a vivid, agonizing picture.

Adele, on the other hand, didn’t overthink things. She heard the doorbell, got up from her desk, and headed downstairs.

Maybe it was just a food delivery Hermione had ordered for her. She did have Adele’s address, after all.

Although Adele hadn’t finished the leftovers from last night, she was planning on having them for a late-night snack. But if Hermione had ordered more food, well, she wouldn’t complain.

However, when she opened the door, even the ever-optimistic Adele couldn’t help but freeze, her smile fading.

Her pink eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting as if to speak, but no sound came out.

The silence, however, was short-lived.

Adele might have been speechless, but the beautiful girl standing before her, dressed in a flowing gown like a princess gracing a humble dwelling, was anything but.

With a mischievous glint in her crimson eyes, she stepped forward and planted a delicate kiss on Adele’s cheek.

“Adele, I’m here to play~” she purred, her voice a seductive whisper.

“Pri- Princess…!” Adele stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

There was only one person Adele would address as “Princess”.

Dorothy.

Dorothy, however, didn’t appreciate the formality. She took the opportunity to nibble playfully on Adele’s earlobe, eliciting a soft gasp from the startled girl.

Adele was so much fun.

Unlike Sharon, who, despite her initial intrigue, had turned out to be utterly boring.

In the beginning, Dorothy had been fascinated by Sharon. She had found her weakness, her fragility, her victim complex, oddly appealing.

She had caught a glimpse of something dark and dangerous lurking beneath Sharon’s meek exterior, a fleeting moment of raw ambition, a desire to disrupt the established order, to burn the world down.

It was intriguing to see such grand aspirations in someone so seemingly insignificant.

But as Dorothy got to know Sharon better, she realized that the girl was, in fact, a complete waste of space. Her entire existence seemed to revolve around seeking validation from others, a pathetic joke.

And yet, despite her disdain, Dorothy had kept Sharon around. Perhaps she had a soft spot for lost causes after all.

Adele, however, was too preoccupied with her own anxiety to care about Dorothy’s hidden depths. Even if Dorothy was secretly a kind soul, she was still a lion, and Adele was a mere kitten. A swipe of her tiny claws wouldn’t even faze Dorothy. But a gentle pat from the lioness could crush her.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” Dorothy asked, tilting her head.

“Of course, come in,” Adele said quickly, realizing that Dorothy didn’t appreciate the formal address.

Although their encounter on the rooftop had been brief, it had cleared the air between them, dispelling the misunderstandings and resentment that had been building up. They could now interact with each other normally.

Or at least, on the surface.

Adele was still terrified of her. She couldn’t help it.

She stepped aside, gesturing for Dorothy to enter.

Technically, Adele should have consulted her roommate before inviting a “friend” over. But even if it hadn’t been Sharon, Adele doubted anyone would dare to object to the presence of someone like Dorothy, or Hermione for that matter.

Dorothy smiled, accepting Adele’s hand and intertwining their fingers. Even Adele couldn’t resist the captivating aura that surrounded the princess, her mind momentarily blank. When she came to her senses, her hand was firmly clasped in Dorothy’s.

Adele’s cheeks burned. What was happening? Wasn’t Dorothy supposed to be the “crazy” one? Why was she so good at flirting?

Dorothy’s touch was possessive yet gentle, leaving Adele with the distinct feeling that there was no escape.

“What brings you here… Dorothy?” Adele asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Since Dorothy had made it clear she didn’t like being addressed formally, Adele opted for a more casual, intimate approach.

She closed the door behind Dorothy, ensuring their privacy. Not that the dorm manager would dare to question Dorothy, even if she had seen her.

Dorothy seemed pleased by Adele’s informality. She gazed into Adele’s eyes, her expression sincere.

“You weren’t contacting me, so I came to see you,” she said simply.

It was basically the equivalent of “I missed you”.

But Adele wasn’t exactly feeling touched.

More like… terrified.

“I’ve been busy… with schoolwork and exams,” she lied, her heart pounding.

*Busy* was the perfect excuse.

Adele could already envision a future where she would be enjoying a romantic evening with Hermione, or perhaps someone else, when Dorothy would suddenly call, demanding to know her whereabouts.

And Adele, trapped between a rock and a hard place, would lie through her teeth, whispering sweet nothings into the phone while trying to stifle her moans.

“I’m… mmm… I’m out jogging…”

Such a deceitful little minx. It was tempting to lock her up and punish her thoroughly.

Dorothy, however, wasn’t satisfied with Adele’s vague answer. She leaned closer, her crimson eyes boring into Adele’s.

Adele, caught off guard, instinctively stepped back. Her evasive maneuver only fueled Dorothy’s suspicions.

Had Adele been up to something behind her back?

The thought of sharing Adele with anyone else was unbearable. Dorothy’s possessive instincts roared to life.

“Don’t move,” she commanded, her voice low and husky.

Despite the lack of any overt use of her powers, Adele’s body, conditioned by years of being bullied, obeyed instinctively. She stood frozen, like a timid rabbit caught in the headlights.

Dorothy’s face was inches from Adele’s neck now. Her fangs lengthened, her crimson eyes darkening.

The sweet, intoxicating scent of Adele’s blood was almost too much to bear. Dorothy’s instincts screamed at her to sink her fangs into that delicate skin.

But she resisted.

She remembered what Adele had said on the rooftop.

She… hated being forced, hated being treated like an object. But she didn’t hate Dorothy. In fact, she wanted to be closer to her.

And Dorothy had hurt her.

*Don’t make the same mistake again, Dorothy.*

She took a deep breath, forcing her cravings down. As a Sequence One, she possessed a level of self-control far beyond that of ordinary vampires. Anything less would be unbecoming of her rank.

A vampire who acted solely on instinct, devoid of any restraint, was nothing more than a savage beast.

Dorothy contented herself with taking a deep sniff, her keen senses analyzing the scent clinging to Adele’s skin.

“Hermione’s scent,” she murmured, her voice cold. “The faint smell of the sea.”

“I didn’t used to mind her. But now… she’s an annoyance.”

Her voice, though devoid of any elemental magic, sent a chill down Adele’s spine.

It was no wonder people said to never mess with a Familiar-type vampire.

Their powers were subtle, insidious, and often unpredictable. Unlike Strength-type vampires, whose power was straightforward and physical, or Elemental and Ability-type vampires, whose powers could be countered once their nature was understood…

The word most often used to describe Familiar-type vampires was “eerie”.

Their powers were drawn from otherworldly entities, beings not of this world. And some of them… well, they became eerie themselves.

Prone to madness, to losing control, to succumbing to corruption. Some even sacrificed themselves to summon powerful creatures from other realms.

The twelve True Ancestors of the vampire race, beings who possessed near immortality, were not all still alive. Only seven were known to be active. No, six. Tang Linlang’s family, along with other elite vampire hunter families, had orchestrated an attack that had left one of the True Ancestors grievously wounded, still recovering from her injuries.

Incidentally, that True Ancestor’s descendant was the current president of Chromwell Academy’s Black Feather Society, a Sequence One who harbored a deep hatred for humans.

As for the remaining five True Ancestors, three were missing, one was in a deep slumber, and the last one… was confirmed dead.

Rumor had it that she had sacrificed herself to summon a powerful being from another realm. Whether it had caused any major disasters was unknown. Both human and vampire authorities had kept the incident under wraps.

The point was, Familiar-type vampires were terrifying. And Dorothy, the apex predator of the current generation, was one of them. Her potential was truly frightening.

In fact, Dorothy was under constant surveillance whenever she was at the academy. Hermione, however, wasn’t considered a threat significant enough to warrant such attention. That spoke volumes about Dorothy’s power.

Outside Adele’s apartment, a faint breeze rustled the leaves of a nearby tree. Seemingly empty air shimmered for a moment, and a transparent figure materialized.

A woman with short, black hair, dressed in a skintight black suit. A human with supernatural abilities.

She observed the scene inside, her gaze sharp and calculating, pinpointing Dorothy and Adele’s location.

“Reporting in,” she said into a hidden earpiece. “No unusual activity detected.”

“Affirmative. She’s meeting with… a vampire.”

The woman knew that Adele was a half-vampire, but like the vampires who refused to acknowledge her human heritage, most humans didn’t consider her one of their own.

“Meeting her little girlfriend, perhaps?” a playful voice crackled through the earpiece. “So the rumors about the vampires’ open attitude towards love and affection are true.”

“Keep observing,” a more serious voice commanded. “Report everything. Every detail.”

The woman in the black suit, however, was less than thrilled about her assignment.

“Even… their preferred positions?” she asked, her voice flat.

“…”

“…”

Silence met her question.

So… Dorothy and her little girlfriend were already at *that* stage?

A cough broke the silence.

“Nightingale,” the more serious voice said. “That’s enough for tonight. Let’s respect the princess’s privacy.”

If the vampires found out that humans were spying on their princess, monitoring her every move, even her intimate moments… well, it would be a diplomatic nightmare. Besides, it was simply undignified.

“Understood,” Nightingale replied.

And just like that, she vanished, melting back into the shadows. The wind was the only witness to her departure.

Meanwhile, inside Adele’s apartment, the situation had escalated quickly.

Adele had said something, something that had angered Dorothy.

And now, she was pinned to the floor, her hair a tangled mess, Dorothy looming over her.

Adele looked defeated, her resistance broken. But there was a spark of defiance in her tear-filled eyes, a refusal to submit completely.

Dorothy, however, was at her limit. Her eyes blazed crimson.

“Adele,” she hissed, her voice dangerously low. “Why…?”

Chapter 68: Saint Adele Will Forgive You!

Imagine being hand-fed by the Ice Queen, the formidable Hermione. It seemed like an impossible fantasy, yet here it was, unfolding right before their very eyes. And the recipient of such an honor? None other than Adele, the seemingly unremarkable Sequence Five, usually relegated to breathing the stale air of the bottom rung.

How had she earned the attention, the affection, of a goddess who resided among the clouds?

Hermione carefully lifted a strand of noodles with her chopsticks, blowing on it gently to cool it down before offering it to Adele’s waiting lips.

Adele wasn’t used to being pampered. She came from humble beginnings. But Hermione treated her with the care and tenderness one would reserve for a precious princess.

Adele slurped the noodles down with a satisfied sigh. The broth, though simple, was flavorful, warming her from the inside out. Her gaze flickered to the side, landing on a plate of peeled lobster meat. A flicker of longing crossed her features before vanishing just as quickly.

Hermione caught the fleeting look but didn’t comment. She understood. Adele was a proud girl with a strong sense of self-worth. Hermione had gotten carried away, ordering far too much food.

However, a wave of warmth spread through Hermione’s chest as she watched Adele savor the simple noodles she had made. It meant that Adele cared, that she valued Hermione’s efforts, her intentions.

Still, Hermione knew that no one could resist the allure of such a luxurious spread. Just because Adele possessed a strong sense of pride and self-respect didn’t mean she was immune to the pleasures of good food.

It seemed a little persuasion was in order.

In the end, Adele couldn’t refuse Hermione’s insistence.

“Fine…” she mumbled, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. “You win. I’ll try some.”

*Finally,* she thought, her heart singing. *Time to feast!*

Adele had gone through great lengths to convince Hermione that she preferred the simple noodles, resisting the temptation to drool over the extravagant spread. It wasn’t that Hermione’s cooking was bad. Not at all. But to call it the best in the world would be a stretch.

Noodles were noodles, after all. And lobster was… well, lobster!

Still, Adele kept her appetite in check, sampling only a few bites of the other dishes. The rest would be carefully stored away, to be enjoyed later. It was the thought that counted. And the image she was trying to project.

It was a shame she couldn’t invite Sharon, her roommate-slash-secret-stalker, to help her finish it all. Adele believed in sharing her blessings.

But she couldn’t risk revealing that she knew Sharon’s true identity just yet.

After dinner, Adele and Hermione cleaned up together, washing the dishes side-by-side. Adele was amazed that Hermione, the Ice Queen herself, would willingly subject herself to such a mundane task.

It was, in fact, Hermione’s first time washing dishes. She endured the unfamiliar feeling of greasy water on her fingers, meticulously cleaning each plate and utensil.

All because she couldn’t bear the thought of Adele lifting a finger.

Adele, touched by Hermione’s thoughtfulness, leaned against her, her gaze soft and affectionate.

They felt like a real couple, sharing a quiet evening together. Bickering, making up, enjoying a meal, cleaning up afterwards…

Hermione, lost in thought, couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing. She had everything money could buy, a life of luxury and privilege, yet she had never experienced the warmth, the simple joys of domesticity, until now.

In that moment, hidden from Adele’s view, a steely determination hardened in Hermione’s eyes. Not just for today, but for all the days to come, for a lifetime with Adele.

She would win against Dorothy, no matter the cost.

But she wouldn’t burden Adele with this knowledge, not yet.

Hermione had never understood the meaning of worry, of fear, until now. She couldn’t bear the thought of Adele being afraid for her.

So, she would walk this path alone, clearing a path for their future, one thorny obstacle at a time.

That night, Hermione stayed in Adele’s room. They slept in the same bed, but there was no impropriety, their goodnight kiss as chaste as a knight’s vow.

Hermione held Adele close, her embrace tight and possessive.

The next morning, Hermione slipped away before Adele woke up, leaving behind a delicious breakfast on the table.

Adele reached for Hermione instinctively, her arms meeting only empty sheets. She frowned, pushing her messy hair out of her eyes as she made her way downstairs.

Her bare legs, pale and smooth in the morning light, brushed against each other with each step, an alluring sight.

Downstairs, a plate of ham sandwiches, toast with jam, and a glass of milk awaited her. And a note, written on a bright pink sticky note.

Adele’s heart skipped a beat as she peeled it off the table.

*Don’t skip breakfast. Love, Hermione*

The handwriting was elegant, a testament to the Ice Queen’s refined upbringing.

But it was the message itself that made Adele’s cheeks burn.

The word “love”, stark and bold, jumped out at her.

If Adele remembered correctly, Hermione wasn’t the type to express her feelings openly. She was aloof, reserved, and sometimes frustratingly tsundere.

And yet, here she was, using the “L-word” so casually. She was changing, becoming more direct, more open with her affections.

But then why leave without a word?

Was she still shy? Was it easier to express her feelings on paper than to say them out loud?

Or… was she afraid that she wouldn’t be able to say them again?

Was this her way of ensuring that Adele knew, just in case…

Of course, the Ice Queen, with her unwavering confidence, believed she would emerge victorious. But some fears, it seemed, transcended even the strongest of convictions.

Having someone to care for, someone to cherish, had turned even the indomitable Ice Queen vulnerable.

Only Hermione knew the turmoil in her own heart as she penned those two little words.

Adele, oblivious to Hermione’s inner struggle, felt a pang of disappointment, a shadow of sadness darkening her mood.

*Why, Hermione… why didn’t you tell me? *

Adele was powerless against those who showed her genuine affection.

And so, despite her best efforts, Hermione had wormed her way into Adele’s heart.

The delicious breakfast suddenly lost its appeal. But she forced herself to eat every bite. It was what Hermione would have wanted.

By the time she finished, her stomach was uncomfortably full. And for some reason, she felt oddly… aroused.

Adele shook her head, banishing the inappropriate thought. As she cleared the table, her gaze fell on the door across from hers.

Half an hour later, Adele stepped out of the apartment.

Only then did Sharon, like a creature of the night emerging from its lair, dare to leave her room. She crept down the stairs, her footsteps silent as a whisper, her small frame almost blending into the shadows.

She moved like a ghost, her pale face, a consequence of years spent in the darkness, devoid of any color. Her silver-grey hair and hunched shoulders gave her a timid, almost fragile appearance.

She wanted a glass of water. That was all. But the aroma of noodles, wafting from the dining table, stopped her in her tracks.

She assumed it was Adele’s breakfast. Maybe she had just stepped out for a bit.

Sharon decided to have her water and retreat back to her room, back to the safety of her self-imposed isolation.

But as she approached the table, a note, propped up against a bowl of noodles, caught her eye.

*Don’t forget to eat breakfast, mysterious roommate. – Adele*

Sharon picked up the note, her heart clenching.

Even to a stranger, a reclusive roommate she had never met, Adele extended kindness and consideration.

She was too good for this world.

………………

It was Saturday, so Adele had the day off. She decided to use this time to explore the world of the novel, to uncover the secrets Hermione was keeping from her, and to prepare herself for the inevitable encounter with the “Witches”.

The Witches were humans who had fully succumbed to their darker impulses, transforming into powerful beings.

It was said that a villain was three times stronger after turning evil, and a hero seven times weaker after turning good.

The Witches were far more powerful than they had been as humans.

Logically, with Adele’s current abilities, she shouldn’t have been assigned any missions involving Witches.

But this was the protagonist we were talking about. Trouble had a way of finding her.

Next week, Adele would embark on her first mission. The magic training sessions were merely a prelude to the real deal. There was one more session before her first assignment.

If Adele remembered correctly, it was during that session that her magic refinement level would finally reach level one. From 0.5 to 1.

A momentous occasion, indeed.

And so, Adele, the weakest link in the entire academy, would be assigned the easiest mission imaginable, along with a few other unremarkable classmates.

[Mission: Search for traces of foreign races.]

How easy was it?

Let’s just say that in a world teeming with hidden foreign races, some with legal identities, some without… it wouldn’t be difficult to find a discarded soda can or water bottle with traces of foreign energy.

It was like going out for a leisurely stroll and picking up trash along the way.

The instructor would then evaluate the “evidence” and give Adele a passing grade. It was a formality, really.

After all, a talentless vampire like Adele would most likely end up stuck in some remote village or town, working as a glorified clerk for a government agency, compiling reports and retrieving data on foreign races in the area.

Two jobs for the price of one!

But Adele was the protagonist, and trouble had a way of finding her, even when she wasn’t looking for it.

Her first mini-boss, a “tutorial boss” so to speak, would make her grand entrance soon. The vengeful Witch.

Mortally wounded and with only days left to live, the Witch was determined to spread her hatred, to make the world suffer as she had suffered.

She would set her sights on Adele, the lone wolf who strayed from her team, and turn her into a Witch as well.

Adele’s own simmering rage, her burning desire for revenge against the vampires, would draw the Witch to her, like a moth to a flame. She would see Adele as a kindred spirit.

And so, Adele, both her human and vampire blood tainted by the Witch’s magic, would be branded a foreign race, destined to walk a lonely path.

Thus began her journey to power, her ascent through the ranks.

To the outside world, she would still be the unremarkable Sequence Five. But in secret, her powers as a Witch would grow, her true strength hidden from view.

It was a classic case of “hiding your strength and biding your time”, a trope often used to set up satisfying “underdog” victories later in the story. It was also a convenient way to explain the protagonist’s rapid power growth.

However, the current Adele had only one thing to say about that:

If you’re going to write a “hidden power” story, at least make it satisfying! Why make the protagonist suffer even more?

Why make the “tiger” get ridden by the very creatures it was supposed to devour?

The thought sent shivers down Adele’s spine.

But she was here now, in this world, as the protagonist. And she would change the course of the story.

She spent the entire day at the academy library, poring over ancient texts, absorbing information like never before.

When she finally returned to her apartment, exhausted but her mind buzzing with newfound knowledge, the first thing she checked was the dining table.

The note was gone. As was the bowl of noodles. Sharon had eaten it, washed the dishes, and put everything away.

It was a start.

Adele hoped that one day, Sharon would finally confide in her, confess her sins, and seek forgiveness.

And Saint Adele, in her infinite mercy, would forgive Sharon’s transgressions and welcome her as her loyal follower!

The thought brought a smile to Adele’s face.

It was time for some well-deserved relaxation. She declined invitations from both Celeste and Tang Linlang, content to spend the evening curled up in her room, scrolling through her phone.

But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

Late that night, a knock on the door shattered the silence.

Adele frowned. It couldn’t be for Sharon. So who…?

Could it be Hermione again?

Chapter 67: Love Me Just Right, My Queen

The light in Adele’s bedroom wasn’t bright, but it was enough to cast two intertwined shadows on the wall.

The restraint Hermione had imposed upon herself for Adele’s sake crumbled under the weight of the girl’s seductive words. Her carefully controlled emotions surged forth like a tidal wave, engulfing Adele entirely.

Adele closed her eyes, feeling like she was adrift in a deep, blue abyss. Her body felt weightless one moment, heavy the next. At first, it was like plummeting into the depths, her consciousness fading with the increasing pressure. Then, the tide turned, carrying her back to the surface, where the sun-kissed waves gently deposited her on the warm sand, the cries of gulls and the caress of the sea breeze washing over her.

Surprisingly… it felt nice.

Adele’s eyes fluttered open, landing on the soft glow of the ceiling light. She blinked, and the light slowly came into focus, along with the face of the silver-haired girl hovering above her.

Hermione. She was breathtaking, ethereal.

Adele’s senses returned, pulling her back from the brink of unconsciousness. She heard Hermione whispering her name, her voice soft and gentle, her touch featherlight. As if Adele were a precious, fragile porcelain doll that could shatter at any moment.

Hermione cupped Adele’s delicate face in her hands, her touch reverent. She leaned down and placed a tender kiss on Adele’s forehead, then her brow, her delicate nose, her flushed cheeks…

And finally, her lips. Those soft, rosy petals, a masterpiece of creation.

The kiss was light, a mere taste, yet it sent a jolt of sweetness through Adele’s entire being.

Hermione, it seemed, preferred to savor the best for last. Unlike Adele, who believed in indulging in delicious things while she could, before she missed her chance and regretted it later.

Adele was greedy. Even if she couldn’t stomach another bite, she would still stuff herself silly.

It was that insatiable hunger that had driven her to tame Celeste, to draw Sharon into a “Dream Realm” painted with the colors of reality, and to seduce Hermione into her current state…

It was painful at times, but Adele didn’t regret it.

Especially not when Hermione was being so gentle, so considerate. Despite her own unfulfilled desires, she had stopped, worried about pushing Adele too far.

Hermione’s lips trailed down to Adele’s neck, and Adele felt a strange, wet sensation. It tickled a little, but it was also strangely comforting.

Hermione was licking her wounds, helping them to heal faster, to fade back into her porcelain skin.

Rumor had it that human scientists were studying the regenerative properties of vampire saliva. Some wealthy humans, privy to the secrets of the night, even paid exorbitant prices for the saliva of high-ranking vampires.

Vampire saliva was said to have miraculous healing properties. And Hermione’s, it seemed, was particularly potent.

Adele, on the other hand… well, her saliva was about as effective as a human’s. Otherwise, Celeste and Sharon wouldn’t still be sporting her bite marks.

Of course, both girls were somewhat reluctant to let the marks fade completely. A little ointment would have healed them without a trace, but some scars, it seemed, were meant to be treasured.

“…Is it over?” Adele asked, her voice weak and languid.

For some reason, being claimed by a Sequence One was utterly draining. Even though Hermione had held back, had consumed less blood than usual out of consideration for her…

And no, Adele wasn’t faking her exhaustion to elicit sympathy from Hermione. Although, the end result was probably the same.

Hermione lifted her head, her gaze lingering on Adele’s flushed cheeks. She nodded, fighting the urge to kiss her again. “Mmm… I’m a little tired…”

Adele stretched languidly, like a cat waking from a nap. “Mmm… good…” she mumbled contentedly.

Hermione couldn’t help but smile, watching Adele with adoration.

Relief washed over Adele. It was finally over. Tears welled up in her eyes, tears of exhaustion and relief. Before she could even lift a hand to wipe them away, Hermione was already there, gently dabbing at the corners of her eyes.

Adele basked in Hermione’s attentiveness, a sweet smile gracing her lips.

But the tender moment was short-lived.

Adele’s stomach chose that exact moment to growl loudly.

“…”

“…Pfft.”

Hermione couldn’t contain her laughter.

Adele blushed, glaring playfully at the girl still straddling her. “Her-mi-one! Don’t laugh!”

“I’m sorry, my Adele,” Hermione apologized, her lips twitching with amusement. “It’s just… cute.”

If word of this ever got out, the entire academy would be in shock. No one would believe that the Ice Queen, the aloof and regal Hermione, was capable of offering a genuine apology.

Adele, still pretending to be annoyed, rolled over, turning her back to Hermione. But she couldn’t resist peeking back at her every few seconds.

Did she really think Hermione wouldn’t notice?

Hermione shifted her position, lying on her side facing Adele. She propped herself up on her elbow, her silver-blue hair cascading down her back like a waterfall.

She reached out towards Adele, her hand hovering hesitantly before settling on Adele’s waist. A comforting caress.

“Come on, don’t be mad at me~”

If the students were shocked before, now the entire academy, faculty included, would be picking their jaws up off the floor.

The Ice Queen, the indomitable Hermione… was acting coy?

“Hmph!”

Adele tried to sound annoyed, but her heart fluttered at Hermione’s touch. She didn’t pull away.

Emboldened, Hermione leaned closer, reveling in the warmth of Adele’s skin beneath her fingertips.

Adele, however, began to tremble as Hermione’s touch grew bolder. “Her-mi-one…” she whined, her voice soft and pleading. “You’re being mean! You’re full and satisfied, but you don’t care about my body… or my feelings…”

Hermione froze, her hand instinctively retreating. Guilt gnawed at her. She wasn’t used to comforting others. Usually, it was the other way around. But with Adele…

Hermione didn’t question her instincts. She wracked her brain, trying to figure out how to comfort Adele.

She had been selfish, driven by her own desires, forgetting that Adele might not be able to handle it, might be feeling overwhelmed.

For the first time, Hermione felt a flicker of uncertainty, a touch of anxiety. She didn’t want to ruin things with Adele.

It was clear to her now that Adele was different. She was special.

Hermione didn’t care about their social standing, their difference in rank. All that mattered was the bond growing between them, the intimacy they shared, the longing to be near each other, always.

“I’m sorry, Adele,” Hermione said, her voice sincere. She didn’t reach out this time, knowing it would be too much.

Instead, she did something completely unexpected.

Like a large, affectionate cat, she nuzzled her cheek against Adele’s hair, peppering her shoulder with light kisses.

Adele, sensitive to every touch, let out a soft gasp. She turned to face Hermione, her cheeks flushed.

“…Alright, I forgive you,” she mumbled. “I was just… a little sad. It felt like you didn’t care how I felt. Like I was… nothing special to you. No different from before. Hermione, you’re not like Dorothy… right?”

Adele’s voice, fragile as spun glass, pierced Hermione’s heart.

“Never!” Hermione exclaimed, her voice urgent. She couldn’t bear the thought of Adele misunderstanding, of her image being tarnished in Adele’s eyes.

“My feelings for you… here, feel…”

Before Adele could protest, Hermione took her hand, her grip firm yet gentle. She guided Adele’s hand to her chest, pressing it against her left breast. Against the soft, yielding warmth that made Hermione’s heart race.

“…”

Adele was speechless.

Hermione, oblivious to the suggestive nature of her actions, gazed at Adele with an intensity that stole her breath away.

“Can you feel it?” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “My feelings for you.”

Adele nodded, her eyes shining.

Then, whether intentionally or not, she gave Hermione’s breast a gentle squeeze.

Hermione gasped, biting back a moan.

Adele didn’t seem to notice, or perhaps she didn’t care. She leaned closer, her eyes fixated on Hermione’s chest. “It’s beating so fast…,” she murmured, a hint of wonder in her voice. “It’s a beautiful sound.”

A comfortable silence settled between them, Adele’s expression softening. She was back to her usual self, the warm, innocent girl Hermione knew and loved.

She released Hermione’s hand, her cheeks still flushed. “Hermione…” she murmured, her eyes drifting closed.

“Yes?”

“Could you… make me something to eat? I’m a little sleepy. I’ll take a nap. I hope I wake up to a delicious midnight snack made by you…”

“…It’ll be ready when you wake up.”

Hermione leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Adele’s forehead.

Then, she rose from the bed and tiptoed out of the room, careful not to make a sound.

Downstairs, in the kitchen, Hermione surveyed the contents of Adele’s refrigerator with a sigh.

Two eggs, a wilted head of lettuce, and half a bag of noodles.

It was enough for a simple bowl of noodles with vegetables, but surely Adele, who had just satisfied her craving for blood, deserved something more?

Hermione knew Adele wouldn’t complain. In fact, she would probably be delighted with anything Hermione made for her.

But Hermione had standards. And now, those standards extended to Adele as well.

Hermione: *Why is Adele so poor? It’s baffling.*

Adele: *Let them eat cake!*(1)

Hermione pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

The vampire on the other end of the line was one of her family’s most trusted associates, a powerful figure in the city, wealthy beyond measure. Yet, he addressed Hermione with the utmost respect, his tone bordering on subservient.

Hermione’s request was simple: prepare a feast and deliver it to this address immediately.

Some resources, it seemed, were always at her disposal.

While she waited, Hermione set about cooking the noodles. It was the thought that counted. Whether or not Adele would even touch them was another matter entirely.

Half an hour later, Adele stirred awake to Hermione gently shaking her shoulder. She opened her eyes to find Hermione’s face inches from hers.

“…”

If she hadn’t woken up then… well, Adele was pretty sure she would have been subjected to a fate similar to Sleeping Beauty.

Suddenly, she regretted waking up at all.

Hermione, realizing Adele was awake, quickly pulled back, her cheeks flushing. “Adele, I made you something to eat. Come downstairs.”

“Mmm, you’re the best, Hermione.”

“It’s the least I could do.”

Despite her words, Hermione couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness at Adele’s praise.

As they made their way downstairs, Hermione’s gaze lingered on the door across from Adele’s. “Adele,” she began, a hint of curiosity in her voice, “perhaps we could invite your roommate…”

“No! I mean… she’s not really the social type,” Adele blurted out, her tone a little too eager.

Hermione frowned, a flicker of suspicion crossing her face. “Alright,” she said slowly.

If Adele had sounded even slightly more flustered, Hermione might have suspected her of hiding another girl in this apartment.

But that was ridiculous. This was Adele they were talking about. She probably blushed at the mere thought of holding hands.

Besides, after what Hermione had witnessed in the parking lot… well, she couldn’t imagine Adele engaging in such behavior.

Downstairs, Adele stared at the dining table in astonishment. It was laden with food. An absolute feast. Meat, seafood, delicacies from all over the world, both Eastern and Western cuisine…

And in the center of it all, a simple bowl of noodles in clear broth with wilted lettuce.

Adele was overwhelmed.

Hermione watched her expectantly.

To her surprise, Adele walked past the lavish spread and headed straight for the bowl of noodles. She sat down and picked up her chopsticks, taking a bite with a contented sigh.

Her gaze lingered on the other dishes, a flicker of longing in her eyes, but she resisted the temptation.

“Adele…? Why aren’t you trying the other dishes?” Hermione asked, confused.

Adele looked up, her cheeks slightly flushed. “My appetite isn’t very big,” she explained. “Besides, I told you I wanted to eat something you made yourself. This… this is all a bit much, Hermione. I appreciate the gesture, but I could never eat all of this. It would be such a waste.”

“Love means being considerate,” she continued, her gaze meeting Hermione’s. “In the end, the thing I want… the thing I choose… is this bowl of noodles that you made for me.”

She picked up another strand of noodles with her chopsticks and brought it to her lips, her eyes closing in contentment as she savored the taste. When she opened her eyes again, they were sparkling.

“These noodles… are delicious,” she said, her gaze locking with Hermione’s. “But… it would be even better if someone fed them to me.”

**************

T/N:

Let them eat cake(1): Express disdain sarcastically for the wealthy and powerful who are out of touch with the struggles of ordinary people.

Chapter 66: My Hermione

“He- Her- Hermione?!” Adele stammered, her initial surprise impossible to fake.

Hermione’s eyes narrowed slightly. Before answering, she scrutinized the girl she couldn’t get off her mind, searching for any recent changes.

The moment their eyes met, Hermione was captivated by Adele’s breathtaking beauty. The girl’s long, black hair cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall, shimmering under the starlight. It lent an ethereal glow to Adele’s figure, as if the entire world revolved around her charm.

When Adele gazed back, her gentle, affectionate pink eyes seemed to hold nothing but Hermione’s reflection. Her softness, her cuteness, everything about her leaped into Hermione’s mind through that gaze. It was inescapable, not that Hermione wanted to escape.

Was this Adele’s true, innocent nature, or… a carefully crafted facade?

Hermione didn’t want to be suspicious. The mere thought of Adele harboring secrets, of her not being the kind, pure girl Hermione believed her to be, was agonizing.

However, the scene she had witnessed at the academy parking lot that evening had shaken her to her core, leaving her deeply troubled and haunted.

Hermione had tried to soothe her nerves with a hot bath and warm milk before bed, hoping to forget the entire ordeal by morning. But it was futile. The moment she closed her eyes, the image from the parking lot resurfaced.

The petite, black-haired girl on top of the blonde, their bodies moving rhythmically… the moans… the things they did, things Hermione couldn’t even bear to name…

Hermione was forced to watch, unable to speak, to intervene.

Then, the black-haired girl turned around, and it was Adele’s face! She smiled, a chilling, predatory smile that shattered the illusion of innocence.

At the same moment, the blonde beneath her looked up. It was… Celeste!

Celeste’s eyes held a triumphant glint, a look of pride and satisfaction as she gazed down at Hermione. It was as if she was saying:

—You lost, loser. Adele is mine, my master. We played you for a fool.

—It was exhilarating to do it right in front of you.

—You may have humiliated me, but I’m the one who wins in the end!

—You’ll end up alone, with nothing!

Hermione’s eyes flew open. Frost covered the room.

“…”

Her hand flew to her forehead, trying to quell the sudden dizziness. She couldn’t stay here tonight. Not until the servants had thoroughly cleaned the room.

So, where could she go?

The answer, it seemed, had presented itself.

She found herself standing before Adele’s dorm room, in the dead of night, her knuckles rapping against the wood.

She was worried, even… afraid.

Yes, even the Ice Queen was capable of fear.

She was afraid that Adele wouldn’t be there, that her roommate would answer the door and tell her that Adele wasn’t around tonight. If that happened, Hermione would probably wander aimlessly until Adele returned.

But thankfully, it was Adele who opened the door. Not her roommate, and she hadn’t spent the night elsewhere. Especially not at that woman’s place.

Hermione’s relief was short-lived, quickly replaced by a fresh wave of anxiety as she registered Adele’s surprised expression.

Could it be… that Adele didn’t want to see her?

But before that thought could fully form, Adele was already pulling her inside, glancing left and right as if hiding a treasure.

“That was close,” Adele whispered, her voice a soft murmur against Hermione’s ear. “I almost didn’t hear you over the dorm manager. It would have been troublesome if she had caught you.”

“Just last week, a girl was caught bringing her girlfriend back to the dorm. They were both severely punished. Next time, they might even be expelled and sent to another academy.”

Adele held Hermione’s hand in hers, rubbing her cold palms. She even breathed warm air onto them, her concern genuine.

Her attentiveness, the care and affection in her eyes, slowly melted the frost of suspicion and doubt that had gripped Hermione’s heart, replacing it with a fiery warmth.

Shame washed over Hermione. How could she have doubted Adele, even for a moment?

Despite her suspicions, Adele had welcomed her without a moment’s hesitation, without questioning her motives. In fact, she seemed overjoyed, as if Hermione had made a special trip just to see her!

Her surprise and bewilderment stemmed from not expecting Hermione’s arrival, though it was clear that, deep down, she had hoped for it.

As for the flicker of panic in her eyes… it was because of the dorm manager.

And the story about the girl who was punished for bringing her girlfriend back…

Hermione blushed. Weren’t they doing the exact same thing right now?

Was this Adele unconsciously revealing her own feelings, her attachment to Hermione? Treating her like a girlfriend…

Hermione’s eyes sparkled, her heart pounding. If she could be Adele’s girlfriend… she would spoil her rotten.

Her thoughts were a jumbled mess. Perhaps she hadn’t been thinking straight all day. The confrontation with Dorothy, the harsh words she had spoken… And then, that scene in the parking lot, with those girls who looked so much like Adele and Celeste…

It was infuriating. How dare that girl look so much like Adele? She possessed none of Adele’s purity and innocence.

And that blonde… she was just like that dog, Celeste. She deserved to be beneath someone, collared and leashed. It was her rightful place.

Hermione maintained her cool, composed facade, but inside, a storm raged. Still, she wouldn’t let Adele see it, wouldn’t let her worry.

“I just… missed you,” Hermione confessed, her voice barely a whisper. Her ice-blue eyes, usually cold and sharp, held a newfound tenderness.

That was her answer, the reason for her unexpected visit.

Adele’s eyes widened slightly at Hermione’s words, then softened. “Mmm… I knew it.”

Under Adele’s gaze, Hermione felt exposed, as if her every thought and heartbeat were laid bare.

Suddenly, Adele stepped forward and embraced her. Her body was cool against Hermione’s, but her embrace was tight, her warmth seeping into Hermione’s very being.

“I missed you too, Hermione,” Adele whispered.

In the entire academy, perhaps even the entire world, only Adele could share such intimacy with the Ice Queen.

They stayed embraced for a long moment before finally separating. Adele took Hermione’s hand and led her towards the stairs.

“But next time,” Adele said casually, her voice light and teasing, “you could always let me know you’re coming.”

Adele’s expression was calm, her tone nonchalant. Hermione suspected nothing.

However, beneath the surface, Adele was trembling with relief. She couldn’t bear to imagine what might have happened if she had chosen to stay at Celeste’s apartment, missing this encounter with Hermione.

Even now, despite her outward composure, a cold sweat clung to her back.

Hermione nodded, her lips pressed together. “Mmm…”

She took the opportunity to observe her surroundings. The building was small and cramped, the decor modest. However, everything was spotlessly clean. The first floor housed the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. The second floor had two bedrooms, one for Adele and one for her roommate.

“Careful, don’t bump your head,” Adele warned softly.

They were at a sharp turn in the stairwell, and the ceiling jutted out at an awkward angle. Hermione, with her statuesque figure, had to duck slightly to avoid hitting her head.

Adele, on the other hand, had no such issues.

Hermione was touched. Adele had noticed such a small detail. It meant that she cared.

The thought filled Hermione with warmth.

They reached the second floor, standing in the hallway between their rooms. Hermione glanced at the closed door of Adele’s roommate’s bedroom. A thought crossed her mind: perhaps she could arrange a swap, move into this room, and be closer to Adele.

The living conditions were far from ideal, but the prospect of being near Adele made even the pampered Hermione willing to compromise.

She couldn’t help but wonder about the girl who had the privilege of being Adele’s roommate. What good karma had she accumulated in her past life to deserve such luck?

No, that wasn’t the problem. The real issue was… what if this roommate fell under Adele’s spell? What if she harbored inappropriate desires towards her?

If Hermione lived next door, she could…

Adele was about to open her bedroom door when she noticed Hermione’s lingering gaze on the adjacent room. That wasn’t just any roommate living there. It was Sharon.

Adele decided to intervene, just in case.

As if on cue, Hermione voiced her curiosity. “Adele, what’s your roommate like?”

Even if Hermione couldn’t bear to live in such cramped quarters permanently, she could at least ensure that no one else encroached on Adele’s space. Her pure, innocent Adele shouldn’t be tainted or coveted by others.

Unconsciously, Hermione’s thoughts took on a possessive edge, a hint of her domineering nature. It was a side she only revealed to those she held dear.

“My roommate…” Adele murmured, shaking her head. “Honestly, Hermione, I don’t really know her. She keeps to herself. We haven’t even spoken since the semester started. She seems to prefer solitude.”

“I respect her choices, so I don’t intrude. And she’s never bothered me either.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow, surprised. Such a person existed?

But if she had no interest in Adele, no desire to interact with her, and preferred to be alone…

Hermione reconsidered. Perhaps there was no need to banish this girl from the sanctuary where her heart resided.

Modern civilization had tempered even the most ancient beings, including Hermione. They had learned to respect individual differences. While their aristocratic upbringing sometimes reared its head, they were far more tolerant than their ancestors.

“Well, come on in, Hermione,” Adele said, pushing open her bedroom door and gesturing for Hermione to enter. “Welcome to my humble abode. I hope you don’t mind the lack of space.”

“Not at all,” Hermione replied, stepping inside. “Anywhere you are is filled with… your scent. And I love it.”

“My scent? You’re making me blush~” Adele teased, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. She leaned into Hermione’s touch, her shyness feeling increasingly natural.

To Hermione, this was a sign that Adele had accepted her. In the past, Adele had always seemed distant, her heart out of reach. But now, it was as if a special room had been built within Adele’s heart, just for her, waiting for her arrival.

Welcome home, Adele seemed to be saying.

There were other rooms too, of course. One for Dorothy, one for Celeste, one for Sharon…

They said the human heart had seven apertures.

Adele, it seemed, had many more.

Such a fickle girl. There would be many more to come.

Filled with anticipation, Hermione stepped into Adele’s room. The door clicked shut behind them.

At that same moment, in the adjacent room, a pair of silver-grey eyes watched through the peephole.

The girl’s body slumped against the door, all strength draining away. She slid to the floor, hugging her knees to her chest, a heartbroken sob escaping her lips.

Hermione… It was Hermione…

She couldn’t win. Not against her. Never against her.

Adele had taken Hermione to her room. What were they doing in there?

Whatever it was, Adele wouldn’t be able to resist. And there was nothing she, Sharon, could do to stop it. Just like in the past, she could only watch helplessly as Adele was turned into a plaything in the hands of Dorothy and the others…

No, she couldn’t even bear to watch. All she could do was imagine the girl she loved being subjected to Hermione’s desires…

It was a tragedy.

And as with most fantasies, it was far more intense and cruel than reality. In Sharon’s mind, it was as if Adele had already been claimed by Hermione.

Meanwhile, inside Adele’s room, Hermione sat awkwardly on the edge of the bed, her usual regal composure gone. She felt like a nervous schoolgirl who had been invited to her crush’s room for the first time.

Her heart ached with a bittersweet longing. Could this be… love?

Hermione didn’t understand it, but she couldn’t deny the way it made her feel.

Adele’s room was small, minuscule compared to Hermione’s own bedroom. It was probably smaller than Hermione’s bathroom. But it was neat and organized. A desk piled high with books and papers, a testament to Adele’s diligence. A neatly made bed with a cute cat plushie resting on the pillow, a reminder that despite her circumstances, Adele was still a girl at heart. A vanity table with a few inexpensive cosmetics and a cracked mirror.

Hermione’s heart ached as she took in her surroundings. Her girl deserved better. A better life, a better environment.

But Adele didn’t seem to mind. She smiled, a shy, genuine smile that lit up her entire face.

“Come sit here, Hermione,” she said, patting the spot beside her on the bed. “I apologize, this place is a bit cramped. And I didn’t have time to prepare any snacks or anything.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Hermione reassured her, sitting down beside her. “Just seeing you is enough.”

Adele tilted her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Just seeing me? You’re not staying?”

“S-staying?!”

Hermione’s shock was evident. But beneath the surprise, a thrill of excitement shot through her.

It was as if a wave of happiness had crashed over her, leaving her dazed and breathless.

It took her a moment to compose herself. “Is that… alright?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“Of course!” Adele replied, her eyes shining.

At that moment, Hermione felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Coming here tonight was the best decision she had ever made.

And the surprises didn’t end there.

Before Hermione could fully process the fact that she was allowed to stay, Adele brushed her hair over her shoulder, revealing the delicate curve of her neck. Her skin was pale and smooth, almost translucent in the dim light, the blue veins beneath pulsing with life.

Adele’s breath hitched slightly, her pink eyes sparkling. She reached up and untied the ribbon holding her hair, her shoulders tensing slightly. The movement revealed a sliver of her elegant collarbone, a tantalizing glimpse of the beauty hidden beneath.

Hermione held her breath, her gaze glued to Adele’s every move.

Adele’s eyes met hers, a playful glint in their depths. She bit her lip, her teeth grazing her plump lower lip.

“Tonight…” she whispered, her voice a breathy murmur. “You can have me, Hermione.”

Chapter 65: Adele’s Double Jeopardy

Hermione’s steps faltered, losing their usual decisiveness. It was as if she were afraid, afraid of facing a reality she couldn’t accept. Such an emotion, surfacing in the one known as the Ice Queen, was baffling. This only highlighted the significance of Adele in Hermione’s heart.

She needed a stroke of luck, a reason to dismiss the terrifying thought that had taken root in her mind. However, this luck couldn’t be fabricated by her own retreating thoughts. In other words, regardless of the outcome, acceptable or not, Hermione had to press on.

She had to know the truth.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione focused on the car’s rear window, trying to see through the tinted, privacy-protected glass. She hoped to discern the situation inside, to identify the two figures within.

—Just moments ago, as Hermione’s imposing aura enveloped the car…

Both Adele and Celeste froze mid-action. Adele’s eyes were wide with panic, while Celeste’s blazed with a fiery determination, a fervor that transmitted itself through their magical connection, setting Adele’s own body ablaze. A blush burned on her face.

Celeste, however, remained oblivious to the trouble she had caused. In her mind, this was the moment to dedicate herself… even sacrifice herself… for her beloved Adele!

Only when Adele tugged sharply on the “rein” around her neck did the wild “mare” refocus on her master, who was currently straddling her.

“What do you think you’re doing, you silly dog! Idiot… fool!” Adele hissed, her voice a mixture of urgency and exasperation. “Have you forgotten that you are my Familiar and I am your master?!”

“You’re being impulsive, seeking momentary pleasure,” Adele continued, her voice trembling as her grip tightened on Celeste’s disheveled collar, her knuckles turning white. “Are you content to leave me all alone in this world?!”

Tears welled up in Adele’s eyes. In her gaze, Celeste saw only herself. It was all about her.

The flames in Celeste’s eyes were instantly extinguished by the waves of Adele’s sadness, replaced by a torrent of tears that streamed down her cheeks.

“Master… I…” Celeste stammered, at a loss for words. She didn’t know what to say, how to explain, apologize, or beg for forgiveness.

She had fully realized her mistake. She… she was a stupid, incompetent dog!

But even so, it was Adele’s responsibility as her master to guide her foolish Familiar.

The next moment, Celeste clutched the nameplate on her collar, then released it. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder and clearer.

Adele didn’t believe she possessed exceptional hearing. But perhaps in such a critical, dangerous situation, one’s hidden potential could be unlocked.

She chose the riskiest and boldest approach.

And Celeste, her loyal Familiar, obeyed her master’s command without hesitation.

………………

The renewed sounds from within the car caused Hermione to stop a few steps away. Her entire body stiffened as if encased in ice, her eyes darkening with displeasure. Her delicate brows furrowed, and her expression hardened.

She couldn’t bring herself to take another step closer.

To witness such a vulgar act in broad daylight… her upbringing, her aristocratic education, her sense of decorum, and her own dignity wouldn’t allow it.

The sudden, heightened sounds of a girl’s unrestrained moans, devoid of any dignity, made her cringe. The voice was unfamiliar, belonging neither to Adele nor anyone she knew.

Under such circumstances, to proceed based on a fleeting misperception would be a grave mistake. Not only would she be intruding on others, but she would also be subjecting herself to humiliation.

Yes, Hermione had convinced herself that the soft, seductive voice she thought belonged to Adele was merely her imagination.

Besides, witnessing such a filthy scene would be nothing short of humiliating for someone like her.

With a cold snort, she turned to leave.

However, a lingering unease and a flicker of doubt stopped her. In that moment of turning away, she fought back the rising nausea and snuck one last glance through the car window.

The setting sun cast long shadows inside, and she could just make out the silhouettes of two figures. Though blurred, she could still discern their figures and features: a blonde girl, clearly in a submissive position—and seemingly quite content to be so—and a black-haired girl on top.

Hermione couldn’t make out many details. But from a glance, the blonde girl seemed to have a more mature figure. Though she couldn’t see her face, most of the moans were coming from her. The black-haired girl, on the other hand, had a more petite frame. Hermione could only see her back, a slender and delicate back that stirred a strange urge to get closer.

She resembled Adele—in her physique, her hair length… but…

It couldn’t be Adele. It couldn’t be the kind, innocent, pure, and gentle Adele. The delicate and lovable Adele.

Her Adele.

Adele would never do anything so vulgar. Nor would she be so dominant, so relentless, like the black-haired girl in the car. It was like a scene of a small lion and a mature sheep. The lion, though small, was still a predator, while the strong and large sheep could only become its prey.

Hermione swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. She finally tore her gaze away and turned to leave. She couldn’t bear to watch this humiliating spectacle any longer.

It was… disgraceful.

A vampire with such distinct golden blonde hair should be of high rank. In contrast, the petite girl with long, black hair seemed utterly ordinary.

In other words, what was happening in that car defied all logic: a lower-ranking vampire, perhaps even a human, was dominating a higher-ranking one.

This anomaly unsettled Hermione. She couldn’t accept such a thing. It was a complete disregard for order and hierarchy.

Nor could she accept the thought of a delicate, lovely girl like Adele doing the same to her one day.

And she couldn’t even begin to imagine herself reacting in such a submissive way as the blonde girl.

Hermione’s cheeks burned. Unbidden, inappropriate fantasies had crept into her mind.

She shook her head, trying to banish those disturbing images. With long strides, she walked towards her own car, got in, started the engine with a growl, and sped away.

Only the thrill of driving could quiet her mind, even if just for a while, allowing her to forget this awful episode.

It was enough to know that the girl in that car couldn’t possibly be Adele.

Similarly, the blonde girl couldn’t be Celeste. Hermione had heard about Celeste’s recent accomplishments. She had heard how Celeste, instead of succumbing to shame and humiliation, had become the fastest girl in her year to reach the seventh level of Elemental Refinement, earning the title of genius.

Such a Celeste wouldn’t easily submit to anyone, especially not an ordinary vampire who was clearly inferior to her in every way.

So, even though the two girls in the car perfectly matched Celeste and Adele’s appearances, Hermione’s understanding of them led her to conclude that her worries were completely unfounded.

The two in the car couldn’t be Celeste and Adele.

Just like how Hermione firmly believed that she could never be dominated by Adele!

Both scenarios were practically impossible!

Events with a probability approaching zero!

………………

Shortly after Hermione left the parking lot, Celeste and Adele, finally convinced that the coast was clear, relaxed completely. There was no more need for pretense.

The truth was, they hadn’t actually done anything. They had merely been acting, fueled by their imaginations and perhaps a few questionable movies they had seen.

“I’m exhausted… Whew…” Adele mumbled, her voice soft and breathy, as she rested her head on Celeste’s disheveled chest, using her soft bosom as a pillow.

Celeste, still panting, mistook Adele’s exhaustion for something else and chimed in with misplaced eagerness, “Then, Master… how about next time I’m on top… Ow!”

She was rewarded with a swift knock on the head. The blonde girl clutched her reddening forehead, her face scrunching up in a pitiful expression.

“Bad dog! Always trying to overstep your boundaries!” Adele huffed, pinching Celeste’s waist in retaliation.

“N-no… I wouldn’t dare…!” Celeste whimpered.

Seeing Celeste’s remorseful attitude, and still catching her breath, Adele decided to let her off the hook.

They had managed to navigate that close call. Hermione hadn’t become suspicious, nor had she discovered anything.

It was a stroke of luck. If Hermione, with her current power, had discovered them, ten of them wouldn’t have stood a chance against the Ice Queen’s wrath. Celeste would be done for, and Adele wouldn’t fare much better. If Hermione had any yandere tendencies… well, Adele might as well kiss her freedom goodbye and prepare for a lifetime of confinement!

Adele had saved her precious dog.

However, recalling Celeste’s reaction still irked her. Celeste had been ready to sacrifice herself without a second thought. Such a sacrifice would have been foolish and utterly meaningless.

Fortunately, Celeste wasn’t completely unreasonable. She had listened to Adele’s suggestion in the end. By understanding and exploiting Hermione’s psychology and habits, they had managed to escape unscathed.

But they couldn’t relax just yet.

Adele counted down in her head. After about ten seconds, she tore herself away from Celeste’s embrace. She couldn’t afford to indulge in this comfort any longer.

“Get in the driver’s seat,” she instructed Celeste, pushing herself off the other girl and climbing out of the car.

Once Celeste was behind the wheel, Adele ordered, “Drive. Get us out of here. And Celeste, from now on, you are forbidden from parking in this lot. And get a new car. That shouldn’t be difficult, right?”

With the current state of the used car market, especially considering Celeste’s wealth, getting a new car was a trivial matter.

“It’s not a problem at all, Master. I understand,” Celeste replied, her voice subdued.

“You disagree?” Adele asked, noticing Celeste’s almost-sullen expression through the rearview mirror.

Adele’s heart softened. The scolding she had prepared for Celeste died in her throat.

“No, Master. I don’t disagree…” Celeste said, her voice barely a whisper.

“A good soldier accepts punishment. Weakness is a sin…” she continued, her voice thick with emotion. “The only thing that pains me is that you had to sacrifice yourself for me. For someone useless like me…”

Adele’s heart ached. The feeling of being wronged, that she had seen in Celeste’s eyes… it wasn’t for herself, but for Adele.

“It’s alright, Celeste. I’m not blaming you,” Adele reassured her, her voice softening. “And you’re not useless. You’re not weak. The only difference between you and Hermione is time. You have limitless potential, potential even I can’t predict…”

That was a lie. According to the original story, Celeste’s time was running out. There was no potential left to speak of.

But this wasn’t the original story anymore. Adele was here now, and she would do everything in her power to protect her precious dog, to protect Celeste. She would rewrite Celeste’s ending.

Celeste had a future again. A future filled with endless possibilities.

Who said a Sequence Two couldn’t surpass a Sequence One? Adele was only a Sequence Five, yet she aspired to make all those Sequence Ones meow at her feet.

The car sped away from the school, Celeste driving Adele around the city center until Adele suddenly spoke up.

“Stop at the mall ahead. Let’s walk around and unwind a bit.”

“You sure it’s not for shopping…?” Celeste asked tentatively.

Adele’s cheeks flushed, and she rolled her eyes playfully.

“Oh, you know me so well! But even if it is for shopping, you’ll still buy me whatever I want, right?”

“Of course, Master! I’ll buy you anything you desire!” Celeste quickly declared her loyalty, which, to be fair, she had always demonstrated.

“Hmph, that’s what I thought~” Adele said smugly, a triumphant smile gracing her lips.

Once Celeste parked the car, Adele immediately linked her arm with Celeste’s and led her into the mall. Celeste basked in the affectionate gesture. Adele was never stingy with rewards for her obedient pet.

They strolled through the mall, chatting and laughing. Adele had been sincere about wanting to cheer Celeste up. However, Celeste wasn’t wrong either; Adele also had a shopping itch to scratch.

Perhaps it was just a woman thing…

In any case, after an enjoyable evening of chatting and shopping, Celeste dropped Adele off at her apartment near the school. However, contrary to Celeste’s hopes, Adele had no intention of staying the night.

After dropping off her shopping bags, Adele pulled out her new phone and ordered a ride back to the academy.

“Why… aren’t you staying, Master?” Celeste asked, her voice small and laced with disappointment. She had hoped to experience the “lessons” from that night once more…

To her surprise, Adele, who had been all gentle and affectionate just moments ago, suddenly turned cold.

“A master doesn’t need to explain everything to her Familiar,” she stated, her voice firm. “You just need to follow my orders. Sometimes, Celeste, I wonder if I’ve spoiled you too much.”

Adele knew when to be warm and when to be ruthless.

Under Adele’s chilling gaze, Celeste crumbled. Her shoulders trembled as she knelt down and kissed Adele’s foot, her eyes filled with remorse and devotion. A sincere apology to her beloved master.

“I’m sorry, my Master…”

Adele simply hummed in response and turned to leave, her heart strangely unmoved.

After a sweet reward, a firm hand was needed. Celeste needed this time to reflect on her actions. Consider this a cooling-off period, Adele thought to herself. Otherwise, next time they encounter another Sequence One, Celeste might just cause even more trouble.

As for why Adele chose to return to her tiny dorm room instead of staying at Celeste’s luxurious apartment… she couldn’t shake off the strange absence of Sharon in her dreams that afternoon.

She wanted to see if Sharon would visit her dreams tonight.

Adele’s reason had won over her emotions.

But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

Because that night, in her dorm room, it wasn’t Sharon who appeared in her dreams.

It was a knock on her door in the dead of night…

—And Hermione standing on the other side.

Chapter 64: Adele, Danger!

“You… Shameless!”

Despite her words, Adele blushed. She nervously glanced around, relieved to see no one paying attention. Then, she hurried towards Celeste, the warm glow of the setting sun stretching their shadows long and lean.

It was a romantic silhouette worth remembering. A scene of one girl, rushing towards another.

Reaching Celeste, Adele lightly pinched the soft flesh of her waist as punishment, eliciting a gasp from the other girl. Yet, the sensation in Celeste’s abdomen was warm, devoid of pain or coldness. It proved that her master didn’t reject her self-proclaimed title.

Perhaps, there was even a secret delight. It was just that her master was too shy to admit it.

Either way, Celeste was overjoyed that her boldness pleased her master instead of angering her. Her heart, which had been hanging in the balance, finally settled down.

“Get in the car,” Adele commanded, her gaze lingering on the snow-white neck where the collar adorned Celeste’s throat.

Celeste nodded and opened the door, about to return to the driver’s seat. But just then, Adele tugged at the corner of her trench coat. Their eyes met, and Adele gave Celeste a knowing look, leaving the interpretation to her. Then, she slipped into the spacious back seat, intentionally leaving the door ajar.

Celeste froze for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. She pursed her lips, feigning composure, but her eagerness was evident in the haste with which she slid into the back seat. Finally, with a click, she shut the door, using the tip of her high-heeled shoe.

Theirs was a lost paradise, found only in each other.

Through the car windows, only two intertwined figures, one taller and one smaller, could be seen on the back seat. Faint gasps escaped the car, too quiet to be heard unless one was very close.

Whether it was punishment or reward, Celeste offered no resistance under Adele’s advances. Adele even untied her ribbon, letting her long, dark hair cascade down like a waterfall, spilling over Celeste’s waist and chest. Then, she used the ribbon to bind Celeste’s wrists, wrapping it around and around, tightening it slightly according to her own desire. It left faint red marks on the girl’s delicate wrists, marks that would soon disappear.

Slowly and deliberately, under Celeste’s infatuated gaze, Adele tied a loose knot. It was the kind that Celeste could easily break free from with a little effort. Adele glanced at her playfully, her gaze traveling down Celeste’s form, conveying a sense of pride. It was as if she was saying, “Go on, puppy. Try to break free.”

Celeste felt as if she were melting under Adele’s charming and amorous gaze. Escaping was the last thing on her mind. She was utterly devoted to her master, just as Adele trusted her Familiar implicitly. Their understanding transcended words, though it wasn’t yet as profound as the telepathic connection between Amaterasu Kuro and Tsukimi Shiro, the Sequence One twins rumored to know each other’s thoughts and feelings from a distance.

However, it seemed like only a matter of time before Adele and Celeste reached that level of intimacy.

Adele admired her handiwork with satisfaction. She then hooked her finger on the collar around Celeste’s neck, her fingers brushing against the cold, silver nameplate. She felt the warmth where it touched Celeste’s skin, contrasting with the coolness facing her. She felt the weight of her name, “Adele,” engraved on it. Her delicate fingers gently caressed the inscription, her mind awhirl with thoughts.

Celeste had done this without being told.

Adele’s eyes deepened, and a subtle smile played on her lips. What a disobedient “bad puppy” she was.

She realized Celeste had probably been wearing the collar all afternoon, living, studying, interacting with classmates, and strolling around campus as if it were the most natural thing in the world. In the eyes of others, even those who disliked her, she was still the dignified and noble Sequence Two, perhaps with the added title of “Elemental Genius” after her dazzling performance in the morning training session that impressed all the first-years and marked her as a student worthy of special attention from the academy’s instructors.

But in Celeste’s own eyes… she was nothing more than a fawning dog, yearning for her master’s affection. The thought of the collar, a symbol of her belonging to Adele, sent thrills down her spine. It was a collar that her master had personally put on her.

However, there was one small addition to the collar—a nameplate that Celeste had engraved herself. Without any assistance, she had meticulously carved it with a file, almost cutting her fingers in the process. It bore her master’s name: Adele, a name so beautiful and warm.

Celeste had pets when she was younger. She knew that if a pet got lost, people could use the nameplate on its collar to help it find its way back to its owner. Celeste would never get lost. However, she wanted to express her love for her master in the same way.

Now, with her master’s small hand clasping the nameplate and her master looking at her with such intensity, Celeste was overjoyed. She couldn’t help but crave approval, a reward.

So, she exhaled a sweet, orchid-like fragrance, her soft voice winding through the confined space of the car. “Master… do you like it?”

Adele, however, seemed to be teasing her, or perhaps whetting her appetite, by remaining silent.

Until she suddenly leaned down and kissed the silver nameplate. Her lips also brushed against Celeste’s soft, snowy neck. Glancing down, Adele noticed two cute, brown-scabbed bite marks on the side of Celeste’s neck.

Seeing this, the playful teasing in Adele’s heart melted away. “I love it…”

As she spoke, Adele leaned her entire weight onto Celeste. The girl was so light. She embraced her, burying her face in Celeste’s ample bosom and nuzzling gently.

Celeste wished time could slow down, greedier than ever. She wanted to freeze time at this beautiful moment. But that was obviously not what she truly desired. She could already envision a future hand-in-hand with her master, filled with even more beautiful and blissful moments to experience, enjoy, and cherish as memories.

So, let time slow down a little, just enough for her and her master to savor each other’s presence, to linger in this moment for a while longer.

………………

Overwhelmed by Celeste’s sudden display of affection, Adele seemed to have forgotten something important. Something crucial.

Something about this area. About this open-air parking lot.

It wasn’t that she wasn’t familiar with it. In fact, she should have recognized it. And she should have had a vivid memory of it.

Because that day, after Celeste had cornered her in the locker room, Hermione had rescued her and brought her to where she had parked her car… which was none other than this parking lot within the academy!

In other words, Hermione was in the habit of parking her car here when she commuted to and from school!

And indeed, that was the case. As Sequence Ones, they had their own permanent, free parking spaces in this area. Since Hermione was too lazy to buy another parking space, she had made it a habit to park here.

Therefore, as Adele and Celeste were intimately entangled in the back seat, lost in their own world, it never crossed Adele’s mind that the Ice Queen might coincidentally walk past Celeste’s car, dragging her tired body.

Even though she was tired, Hermione still wore a smile on her face. Those who knew Hermione well would be astonished by this sight. The Ice Queen, smiling to herself as if she were lost in a pleasant daydream? It was almost unbelievable.

But there was a reason for it.

Hermione had spent the entire day searching for a way to defeat Dorothy. She had even humbly sought advice from several “seniors” within the academy. These seniors had not only answered her questions but had also shared some secrets with her. Hermione was thrilled with the information she had received. In addition, her teacher had praised her progress during their private training session.

All these factors contributed to the current scene of Hermione walking alone towards her car, a faint smile gracing her lips.

However, her smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a frown and a look of utter disdain.

In broad daylight, how could someone… in the academy, no less…

It was truly outrageous! Shameless!

Apparently, as Hermione passed by Celeste’s luxury car, she happened to hear faint, yet unmistakable, sounds of intimacy coming from within. The car, which was swaying slightly, seemed to indicate that something improper was happening inside.

Cursing under her breath, Hermione, though belonging to the more conservative faction of vampires, knew better than to pry into other people’s business. So, she quickened her pace, her cheeks flushing crimson.

It seemed that even the elegant and pure Ice Queen couldn’t escape the reality that as a vampire, the closest to humans, her body still craved physical intimacy.

Craved… love.

And love encompassed not only the mutual attraction and infatuation of souls but also the pleasure and beauty of physical intimacy. However, Hermione had never imagined seeking such experiences and pleasures from other girls. The only girl she could think of, the girl who haunted her every thought, was Adele.

Unconsciously, Adele’s every frown and smile, every move and gesture, filled Hermione’s mind, making her ache with longing. Her body grew warm, and Adele’s voice echoed in her memories.

Her voice was soft and gentle, always hesitant and sweet, her shyness resembling that of a kitten or a bunny.

And then, she would softly call her name.

“Hermione.”

“Hermione is amazing.”

“Hermione, can I hug you?”

“Hermione, I like—”

It was a beautiful fantasy, one that even the always-composed Hermione couldn’t help but lose herself in.

But suddenly, Adele’s smiling face in her mind shattered into pieces. The girl’s voice faded away like the tide receding.

Hermione froze, her entire body stiffening.

She had just remembered the soft gasps she had heard coming from the car earlier. It had sounded familiar, but she couldn’t place it at the time.

But as Hermione’s imagination ran wilder, the gasps slowly merged with Adele’s voice in her memory.

When the almost insane possibility took root in Hermione’s heart, she forgot to breathe. Her ice-blue pupils contracted sharply, turning into deep blue dots.

At the same time, frost spread over the grass within a hundred meters, and flower petals withered instantly, fluttering down like snowflakes.

This level of magical reaction was enough to attract the attention of the academy’s guards. Although Hermione quickly regained control of her terrifying power, the frozen, frost-covered surroundings would soon tell the story of what had transpired here.

The story of a Sequence One’s sudden loss of control.

And what had triggered Hermione’s loss of control… was a seemingly insignificant, innocent girl.

Hermione gasped for breath, her chest heaving. She turned around.

Step by step, the Ice Queen walked back towards the car, her pupils still trembling violently.

Almost at the same time that Hermione lost control, the car stopped shaking.

It seemed that someone inside had also realized something.

As if a giant red character had suddenly appeared above Adele’s head, with a terrifying exclamation mark.

—DANGER!

Chapter 63: Carving Your Name

*Because of you… I’m willing to face the cruelty of reality.*

………………

*I Tricked a Shy, Innocent Girl into Sleeping With Me, and Then I Fell Asleep*

Adele woke from her nap with a jolt, her mind racing. That… sounded like the title of a light novel. Maybe she should try writing one. It would probably be a bestseller in this world.

But that wasn’t the point.

The point was, she had fallen asleep!

And she couldn’t remember anything about her dreams. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t recall a single detail.

*This is bad!*

Had she lost her ability to retain her memories from dreams? If so… it meant that no matter what Sharon did to her in her dreams… she wouldn’t remember any of it!

*What’s the point of having a dream harem if you can’t even remember the good parts?*

*Ahem. Focus, Adele.*

There was another explanation, a more likely one: Sharon hadn’t entered her dreams at all. She hadn’t even tried.

As Adele was pondering this, Sharon, who had been sleeping beside her, stirred, her eyes slowly opening.

The most beautiful thing in the world was waking up next to the person you loved. It might not have been morning, and there might not have been a gentle breeze caressing their faces, but for Sharon, seeing Adele’s sleeping face was enough to fill her heart with joy.

“You’re awake, Adele…” she whispered, her voice soft, her gaze filled with adoration.

“I forgot to say good afternoon. Can I say it now?”

Before Adele could even respond, she blurted out, “Good afternoon, Adele.”

Adele, who had been momentarily panicked by Sharon’s sudden awakening, blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering, her cheeks flushing. She instinctively snuggled closer to Sharon, her body seeking warmth, comfort, a touch that sent shivers down Sharon’s spine.

She was so vulnerable, so adorable, so… irresistible.

And they were in bed.

Sharon’s breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. Adele’s movement, her closeness, sent a very clear, very exciting message.

“Good afternoon, Sharon… When did I fall asleep?” Adele asked, her voice soft, her gaze meeting Sharon’s. She was fishing for information, trying to gauge Sharon’s reaction, to see if she had noticed anything… off.

“You… don’t remember?” Sharon asked, her voice barely a whisper, her pale gold eyes darting around, her cheeks burning with a blush that spread down her neck.

They said love could transform a person, make them shine from within. And it was true. Even Adele, who was usually so critical, couldn’t deny that Sharon, her hair tousled, her clothes askew, looked… captivating.

Her every movement, her every word, was laced with a shy, innocent sensuality that made Adele’s heart race.

And the way she phrased it, “that,” made it sound like they had done something… well, something far more intimate than simply sharing a bit of blood.

But the two bite marks on Sharon’s neck were a clear indication of what had actually transpired.

“You seemed so tired,” Sharon continued, her voice soft, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. “You just… fell asleep in my arms.”

“It’s… a bit embarrassing, actually.”

“I wasn’t sleepy at all.”

“So… I just… pretended to sleep, watching over you.”

“I was going to be your ‘human alarm clock,’ you know? Wake you up when it was time for class.”

Sharon’s attempt at humor was surprisingly charming.

“You have class this afternoon, after all.”

She didn’t mention the fact that she had spent the entire time staring at Adele’s sleeping face, her mind filled with… well, let’s just say her thoughts hadn’t been entirely pure.

She wasn’t stupid. She didn’t want Adele to think she was some kind of pervert.

Adele breathed a sigh of relief.

*So she didn’t try to… do anything to me in my dreams!*

*Thank goodness!*

*I knew it. Sharon is too timid to… well, to take the lead.*

Reassured, Adele snuggled closer to Sharon, her body seeking warmth, comfort, a touch that sent shivers down Sharon’s spine.

She had developed a fondness for cuddling lately. It was an unconscious act, a natural expression of her… well, of her inherent cuteness.

Sharon’s heart pounded in her chest, her bones aching with a mixture of pain and pleasure. She couldn’t help but tighten her embrace, pulling Adele closer.

Their eyes met, Adele’s gaze innocent, trusting, her pink eyes shining with a warmth that melted Sharon’s heart.

“So… my human alarm clock, how long until it goes off?” Adele asked, her voice playful.

“F-Five minutes…” Sharon stammered, her mind still reeling from Adele’s touch, her words betraying the fact that she knew Adele’s nap schedule.

“Five minutes…” Adele repeated, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Before Sharon could even process what that meant, Adele’s hand darted out, her fingers tickling Sharon’s side, sending a wave of uncontrollable laughter through her body.

“Haha… S-Stop it… Haha… Adele! Please…!”

“Spare me… Heehee…”

Sharon had no defenses against Adele’s playful assault. She was completely at her mercy.

Adele was enjoying herself immensely, her laughter echoing through the room as Sharon squirmed beneath her, her protests halfhearted, her body betraying her with its eagerness to be touched.

And then, Adele suddenly stopped, her movements stilled.

She felt a warm trickle running down her nose.

She touched her nose, her fingers coming away stained with blood.

Her vision swam, her body swaying.

She didn’t faint. She wasn’t squeamish. If she were, she wouldn’t have survived this long as a vampire.

But she was definitely shocked.

Sharon, her concern evident, scrambled out of bed, her gaze frantic as she searched for tissues.

After a bit of frantic dabbing, Adele’s nosebleed finally stopped.

When Sharon asked what had happened, Adele blamed it on the dry weather and her recent overindulgence in spicy food.

But she knew the real reason.

She had been… overdoing it lately. Drinking from both Celeste and Sharon, two high-quality blood sources… it had been a bit too much for her system to handle.

She had gotten carried away. It was her first time being a vampire, after all, and she had been enjoying the… perks.

She’d have to be more careful in the future.

But as she was berating herself for her gluttony, she didn’t notice Sharon glancing at the bloodstained tissues in the trash can, her throat tightening, her fangs aching.

Of course, she wouldn’t do anything… inappropriate. She might be insecure, but she wasn’t desperate.

She wanted to earn Adele’s trust, her affection, her… permission. She wanted to taste that precious blood, that sweet nectar, with Adele’s consent.

Until then, she would simply have to make do with the blood bags in the fridge.

*Patience, Sharon… Patience.*

They had wasted quite a bit of time, and if they didn’t leave soon, they’d be late for class.

They quickly got dressed and headed out.

As they were leaving, Adele glanced at the door next to hers, her brow furrowing slightly.

“I wonder who lives next door,” she said, her voice casual, as if she were simply making conversation. “You won’t believe this, but I’ve been living here since the semester started, and I’ve never even seen her.”

“…” Sharon was too terrified to speak.

“But she must be a kind, gentle soul,” Adele continued, her voice softening.

“…Why?”

“Because she’s always so considerate. She never makes any noise.” Adele smiled.

“It’s not her fault that she’s a recluse. People have different personalities.”

“I admire outgoing, energetic people. But I also admire quiet, introverted girls.”

“They’re capable of love too, just like us.”

Sharon pondered Adele’s words, her heart filled with a strange mixture of hope and despair.

They parted ways at a secluded spot near the school building.

Adele waved goodbye, and then, seeing that they were alone, she pulled Sharon into a hug.

Even though the sun was hidden behind a cloud, Sharon felt a warmth spread through her body, as if she were bathed in sunshine.

………………

Friday afternoon seemed to fly by. Adele was settling into the rhythm of school life, her days filled with a mixture of boredom and… well, let’s just say she was enjoying her newfound freedom.

She had even developed a habit of “accidentally” dropping her pen during class, using the opportunity to steal glances at Linlang’s legs, her gaze lingering on the smooth skin above her knee-high socks.

*It’s not peeking if it’s my wife… Right?*

Anyway, the afternoon classes ended without incident.

Adele and Linlang parted ways at the classroom door.

“Sorry, Linlang, I have plans today. I can’t walk you home,” Adele said, her voice apologetic.

Linlang’s fists clenched.

“…Who are you meeting?”

“Celeste,” Adele said, her voice casual. She had no reason to hide anything from Linlang.

Linlang frowned, her expression a mixture of confusion and disapproval.

“Why… Why are you still seeing her?”

“You don’t have to put up with her anymore, Adele.”

“If you need money… well, my family’s house is being demolished. I’m… I’m going to be rich soon.”

“It’ll just take a while for the money to come through.”

Adele sighed, her expression softening as she reached out to gently stroke Linlang’s hair.

“Linlang, I know you’re worried, but… Celeste and I are just friends now.”

*Well, friends who are also mistress and pet… But that’s not important.*

“She’s not a bad person. She might have made some mistakes in the past, but she’s trying to change.”

“Honestly, I think you two should try to get along. Give each other a chance.”

Adele didn’t want her harem to be filled with drama and infighting. It would be a headache.

Linlang sniffled, her expression unconvinced. She probably still believed that Celeste was manipulating Adele, using her wealth and influence to keep her under her thumb.

Adele couldn’t change her mind, not yet. She just had to maintain a delicate balance, to keep both of her “wings” happy.

She would spend time with Celeste today, and then… well, maybe she’d take Linlang shopping next time.

She waved goodbye to Linlang, her thoughts already drifting towards her upcoming date.

Linlang watched her go, her gaze lingering long after Adele had disappeared from sight.

Adele, her footsteps crunching on the fallen leaves, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, made her way to the academy’s outdoor parking lot, where a sleek, black car awaited her.

A girl with long, golden hair, wearing sunglasses and a long trench coat, emerged from the car.

*Celeste…* Adele smiled, her heart skipping a beat.

She approached the car, and then, with a mischievous grin, she tossed her bag at Celeste.

“Fetch, puppy~”

Celeste caught the bag, her lips curving into a smile.

“But if I fetch, I can’t call you ‘Master’ anymore~”

Her gaze was filled with a playful adoration.

Adele, momentarily speechless, huffed, her cheeks flushing.

And then, Celeste winked, her expression suddenly shy, her cheeks turning pink.

Before Adele could react, Celeste took a deep breath, her fingers reaching up to slowly unbutton her trench coat, revealing her long, slender neck… and the black collar that encircled it, a stark contrast against her pale skin.

In the center of the collar, a small, silver nameplate gleamed in the sunlight. It was intricately engraved with a single word:

“Adele”