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Lilith was gone. Tenra watched her recede into the crowd, a sly smile curving his lips. He'd spent days pondering how to pry her away from Rizevim's grasp; now, a plan was beginning to take shape. No hurry. Patience would win the day.
He turned to Mittelt, who lingered close by, still visibly shaken.
"Mittelt, you looked pretty scared back there," Tenra remarked, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Yes, Lord Tenra," she replied, voice small and honest—lying to him was never an option.
Tenra patted his lap, and Mittelt, obedient as ever, settled onto it without hesitation.
"Do you know what really separates us, Mittelt?" Tenra asked, his tone shifting from playful to philosophical. "When you're faced with someone stronger than yourself, you freeze. You flinch. You want to run. But me? I wonder how to challenge her, defeat her, maybe even make her mine."
He stroked her cheek, voice low and hypnotic, the words sinking deep into her mind.
"It's not a flaw. It's just instinct—your way of protecting yourself. But that's why our paths will never be the same. You'll always belong to me. You'll always be mine to use."
Mittelt's eyes grew glassy as his words echoed inside her. "That's... that's the difference between us," she murmured, half-dazed.
"Exactly. And I don't dislike it. Stay true to yourself, Mittelt. Just keep letting me own you, use you, forever."
He looked almost divine in that moment, but the smile he wore was wicked.
"Yes, Lord Tenra..." she whispered, gazing up at him with something like worship. A pang of sadness stirred in her soul, but it was smothered instantly by the submissiveness she'd long since accepted. She was a mere fallen angel—how could she ever hope to reach Tenra's heights? To be claimed by someone so strong was not a curse, but a privilege.
Tenra felt a flicker of desire watching her dreamy, beautiful face, but with so many eyes around, he kept his composure. There'd be time enough for indulgence at home; after all, he'd sampled this particular sweetness more times than he could count.
"Come on," he said, rising. "Let's see how Valerie and Ravel are getting on."
He and Mittelt strolled back to the clothing shop just as Ravel and the girls emerged, shopping bags in hand.
"How did it go, Valerie? Got everything you need?" Tenra asked, ruffling her hair.
"Um... Lord Tenra, I... I think I want to change some things..." Valerie stammered, cheeks aflame.
Tenra blinked. "What's wrong? Don't like them?"
"N-no, that's not it..." she mumbled, eyes downcast.
Ravel stepped in, her grin positively devilish. "Master, we picked everything out for Valerie with the utmost care. You should check them yourself."
She handed over the bags. Tenra peeked inside—dresses, shoes, all cute and fashionable, perfect for a girl her age. But the last bag stopped him cold. Lacy bras, daring panties—every piece was bold, even risqué. He instantly understood Valerie's embarrassment.
Ravel, you wicked little imp.
"I told Valerie all the girls wear these kinds of underwear now," Ravel announced, face the picture of sincerity. "She doesn't believe me. Master, you should set her straight."
Valerie looked to Tenra, desperate for confirmation. "Is that... really true, Lord Tenra?"
Normally, Tenra would have exposed Ravel's mischief. No way he'd let innocent Valerie be corrupted so easily. But as he glanced her up and down, picturing her in those scandalous little things, he found himself licking his lips. Maybe Ravel's idea wasn't so bad after all...
He cleared his throat. "Ravel's right. That's what girls wear nowadays. You've just been stuck in the palace too long to know."
"These look great. Just go with them for now. When we get back to Kuoh Town, I'll have Rias and Asia take you shopping for more."
Ravel's grin widened. She'd known her master would play along.
Mittelt and Kalawarna struggled to keep straight faces, barely containing their laughter as Tenra sold Valerie the lie.
"Well... okay, then," Valerie agreed, still blushing fiercely. If Lord Tenra said so, it had to be true. Girls these days really were so daring...
With Valerie's wardrobe sorted, Tenra treated everyone to a quick meal, then led them through the rest of the commercial street. They wandered until dusk, taking in every sight and sound. By the time they finished, Tenra and the others were exhausted, but Valerie remained exhilarated—her first taste of real freedom after a lifetime spent behind castle walls.
As night fell and the city came alive with vampires, the group returned to the embassy. Yubelluna and the intelligence team had just arrived back from their rounds.
"Yubelluna, any news?" Tenra asked, sinking into the sofa.
She shook her head. "Sorry, Lord Tenra. We couldn't track down Rizevim or his allies. But we did learn that Tepes's leadership is urging vampires across their territory to accept 'modification.' Many in the royal city and nearby towns have already gone through it."
Tenra listened, brow furrowing. "Vampires are powerful, but they're born with plenty of weaknesses. If someone offers to fix those flaws, of course people will be tempted. But the one pulling the strings is Rizevim. Those idiots have no idea what they're signing up for."
He smirked coldly. "No need to keep digging for intel. Rizevim's almost ready to show his true colors. Once he does, we make our move."
"Yes, Lord Tenra," Yubelluna replied, her voice steady.
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