Holding bags of snacks and a flower bouquet, Iris sauntered through the sparse street. Her casual clothes swayed according to her light movement, capturing all attention, though her silence deterred most from staring. Her mind only contemplated what awaited her at her home.

Iris raised her head. A warm breeze caressed her face, but the weather was cold, with the sky painted orange by evening light. Her clear pupils narrowed, fixating on a glowing red feather. It gleefully danced atop the sky, coursed with the winds, and descended to in front of Iris.

Pedestrians walked past her, the red feather nonexistent in their visions. Within that street, only Iris could perceive it. She grabbed the feather and brushed it on her face. A fragrance of ember tapped her nose. This scent, she remembered it.

Iris closed her eyes. Her magical perception painted an outline of the world, and within it, aside from the natural flow of energy, vibrant red strings waved before her. Tied to the feather, they extended beyond, slid between the crowd, and entered a small bakery shop.

Its window blinds obscured the customers, revealing only their silhouettes. Iris had to enter the store to admire the beauty waiting for her. She unhesitatingly followed the lead. She entered the shop, swept her eyes across the interior, and landed on a carefree lady.

The lady, slowly eating her blueberry cheesecake, tilted her head and brought her small spoon to her mouth. Her shoulder-length orange hair touched her cheek, concealing her eating expression. As she enjoyed her bite, she glimpsed at Iris, her eyes brightening. She waved at her dear guest, beaming.

Before going to her business partner, Iris walked to the counter, ordered a fruit punch and a slice of strawberry cake, and complimented the receptionist on her skills. That receptionist gave Iris a small plate of cookies as a gift of appreciation.

“Your charm’s as magical as the rumour said,” Kasbin, the representative of the Suppression Sect, said. “Her heart rate rises whenever she looks at you; your smile even dazes her.”

“Such is our gift. If you put in the effort, your handsome allure will also attract all eyes.”

“Will it get to you?” Kasbin took another bite of her cheesecake. “Even for your kind, your charm is extraordinary. It’s affecting me.”

Iris shook her head. “It’d be my honour to receive your affection, Lady Kasbin. Unfortunately, I cannot influence you. Your Mythical Bloodline is purer and of higher quality than mine.”

“Mine is purer, but it isn’t necessarily superior. If you use treasures like the Blood Ignition Vial we gave you, you can refine your bloodline and maybe even incorporate your Slime Girl characteristic in it. You might become the ancestor of a new Mythical Bloodline, an achievement few dare to dream about.”

“Your sect would have already birthed countless Mythical Bloodlines if such an endeavour is achievable by me.”

“Your tendency to downplay yourself is astonishing. Am I not worthy of your trust?” Kasbin took a piece of Iris’s cookie and ate it. “Now that a piece of you is within me, can I become your confidant?”

“I truly lack the confidence to elevate my bloodline’s quality; it’s bestowed to me by a late friend, not something I possess since birth.”

“You’ve already proven yourself multiple times. As a witness to one of your accomplishments, I trust your ability.”

Iris faintly blushed. “Have you . . . been looking after me?”

“How could I not? You’re the newest senior member of The Court, the mysterious Slime Girl who appears out of nowhere, the Monster Girl with a rare Mind Breaker Bloodline, and the cutest girl I’ve ever met!” Kasbin giggled. “Most importantly, your knowledge regarding the ancient past is unparalleled.”

“My meagre knowledge can only shine in a few specific angles. I’ll fail you if you place your hope on me.”

“Our hope cannot be extinguished by a few words. Morbi has told us of your accomplishment in the field of ancient history. Your paper dated back to one of the oldest aeons.”

Iris shook her head. “It is by chance I came across such a ruin. I regrettably know nothing about your once prosperous Beastkin nation.”

Kasbin lowered her head. The sorrow in her eyes, though she’d already prepared for it, still affected her aura. Her carefree demeanour softened until it became delicate. Iris wanted to hug and console her, but she was in the public, and Kasbin was trying to keep her nonchalant façade.

“I expected that much. Nonetheless, you still recognise the broken vessel.” Kasbin pressed her left hand on the table and raised it. Space under her palm distorted, producing a chest containing the broken vessel of old. “Our archive has nothing regarding our origin, and none of our members can glean anything from it.”

“I’ll inform you of any finding.”

“You have our gratitude, Lady Iris. The Suppression Sect will forever remember your help. If you can trace back to our origin, even if it’s just the name of our birthplace, you’ll be our greatest benefactor.” Kasbin gently pushed the chest to Iris. Her casual dress slightly loosened. “I’ve heard about your taste; my body will be yours if you desire so.”

Iris leaned away from the table; her cheeks flushed. “What rumours, Lady Kasbin. They are immoral and wrong and exaggerated.”

“If I were to offer my heart to you, not because it is a price I’m willing to pay but because your love is for what I yearn, will you accept me?” Kasbin slanted toward Iris. “Our Mythical Bloodlines are opposite, and opposite attracts. Your gender and appearance matter not to me, but your pure soul, its shine entices me.”

Iris deeply inhaled, her expression returning to normalcy. “I’m not pure, Lady Kasbin. You fail to see through my disguise. My tainted heart isn’t worthy of yours.”

Kasbin sighed. She and Iris quietly ate their desserts and sipped their drinks. Visitors came and went, their eyes periodically hovering around the two, observing their untouchable grace. Though Kasbin’s power obstructed them from listening to the conversation, it didn’t prevent anyone from watching their gestures.

Though they were in the limelight, no one would remember their actions or speeches. What they could recall would be their mesmerising appearances, which would dissimilate in their minds, becoming vague and indistinctive. Such was how Iris and Kasbin layered their measures against all espionage.

“Time shouldn’t have moved when we’re together,” Kasbin said. “Regrettably, I must return to my friends. I hope to seek you out for a nice tea party in the future.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Please have a nice evening.”

Iris called for a waitress. The same waitress with whom she flirted came to her eagerly. She expressed her gratitude for Iris’s patronage and her anticipation of Iris’s return. Her tone, filled with joy and bashfulness, almost caused herself to blush.

After paying for herself and Kasbin, Iris took the chest and got up. She praised the waitress, waved at Kasbin, and turned around.

“Iris, The Order has lessened its activity around Donhalgen,” Kasbin said. “They’ve been concentrating their effort on infiltration rather than assassination. Be careful if you’re to move during Holy Resurgence Day. The Order has issued for your capture.”

Iris paused. She turned her head to Kasbin, her expression grave, and nodded. “Thank you for your warning, Lady Kasbin.”

“You carry our hope, Iris. We’ll ensure the safety of our benefactor.”

Iris and Kasbin parted. Their gracious charm vanished from their bodies, which submerged back into the crowd of people. Iris walked through multiple intersections before arriving at her home.

Purple twilight replaced the orange sunset. The world quietened, but Donhalgen remained lively. Countless buildings lit lanterns and candles, illuminating the dusk with mild yellow glows.

Iris was about to knock on the front door when it swung open. Ludmint rushed out, hugged Iris, and nuzzled her face against Iris’s. Her faint perfume enveloped Iris, who carefreely took in the floral scent. She didn’t expect this embrace, but she longed for it, and she held onto it as long as she could.

Ludmint kissed Iris’s left ear, her hands slithering on Iris’s back. She traced the tip of her nose against Iris’s, sniffing Iris’s candy-like flavour. Her nose twitched. Had her lover mingled with another lady before returning home?

Ludmint stared at Iris. “Honey, there is a foreign scent on you. It isn’t of any senior members.”

“Are you jealous?” Iris grabbed Ludmint’s hand and placed it on her chest. “Even though you already have a piece of my heart?”

“I want the whole thing.” Ludmint pulled back her hand and licked it. “Who dares to covet my jewel?”

“This fragile jewel might break if you’re too rough. I’ve spent some time with my student, and on the way home, Kasbin visited me.”

Ludmint leaned forward and licked Iris, who shivered and pursed her lips not to leak out any embarrassing noise. “The fiery scent didn’t linger around you. Did you embrace your pupil? How is her new form?”

“She’s yet to become one of us.” Iris narrowed her eyes. “I’ll be angry if you touch her.”

“Do you need my help?”

“When the time comes, she’ll choose for herself. I won’t allow any interference.”

“Are you scared of her regretting?”

“I’m scared of my not regretting.”

Ludmint pulled Iris into the house and closed the room. She guided her lover to the dining room, where she’d already prepared a lovely feast, filled with colourful plates and food, made with extreme care, flavoured with tender affection. Her gleaming eyes fixated on Iris, waiting, anticipating the praise and indulgence.

“Are you going to prepare dinner from now on?” Iris said.

“Anything for you, Dear.”

“Allow me to reward you, then.” Iris took out a large box of chocolate from her bag and lay it on the wooden dining table. She opened the cover, revealing neatly arranged chocolate of various shapes: hearts, leaves, flowers, and rings. “Are they to your taste?”

“You’re to my taste, Dear.” Ludmint ate a heart-shaped piece. “Your kindness is now inside me. I’ll cherish it forever.”

“Cherish this, too.” Iris handed Ludmint the chest containing the broken vessel. “An ancient relic. If you could decipher its symbols, you might gain something valuable.”

“Has Suppression Sect gotten what they want?”

“They requested my help. And now I request yours.”

“What’s my reward?”

“Nothing but my time.” Iris coquettishly tilted her head.

“The most precious.” Ludmint placed the chest on another table and turned to Iris. “Before that, we should fill our stomachs first. The night is young, bold, and passionate.”

Iris and Ludmint needed not food or air, but they joyfully sat around the dining table, chose their meal modestly, and feasted with delight imprinted in their eyes. In their human disguises, they were an inseparable couple, devoid of their Monster Girl desires, detached from their worldly concerns.

In their home, they were young, bold, and passionate.