"What kind of big trouble could it be? What's everyone saying online?"
Ellen came back sipping an ice-cold fruit juice. At the same time, she was carrying a plate of pizza and two burgers.
It was obvious—ever since Lucy became the Overlord, life in Blazewood had visibly improved.
But that was not a valid excuse for drinking iced juice!
Without hesitation, Phaga snatched the cold juice straight out of Ellen's hands and pushed his half-finished warm milk over to her instead.
"Juice confiscated. Drink this."
"I don't want it—give it back!"
Ellen puffed up her cheeks in protest. Her soft little hands curled into claw shapes as she leaned nearly half her body toward Phaga from her chair, baring her teeth threateningly.
"Give it back right now, or I'll bite you!"
Ellen was undeniably cute.
Phaga shot her a glance, then calmly looked away. Lowering his head, he casually pressed his lips to the straw—right where Ellen's lipstick mark still lingered—took a small sip, then placed the cup somewhere she couldn't reach.
"Not happening. Your stomach's already bad, and you're still drinking cold stuff? You think you're made of iron?"
As he spoke, Phaga raised two fingers and tapped Ellen lightly on the forehead while she stared at him.
"Mm!"
Ellen clutched her forehead indignantly and immediately leaned forward again, reaching to grab it.
She'd already calculated it—Phaga couldn't reach that spot while sitting normally. As long as she curled her body over, her fingers would definitely reach the juice!
But with intentions written all over her face, there was no way Phaga would let her succeed.
A hand shot out from the side, grabbing her wrist and flicking it away in one smooth motion.
Phaga didn't even look up from his phone.
"I told you. No cold drinks."
"If you don't give it to me, I'll make a scene!"
Ellen glared at him threateningly, warning him not to stop her again. She even dragged her chair closer, her tail slipping out behind her and landing boldly across Phaga's leg.
She grinned smugly, convinced this would make him back down and turn a blind eye.
Hehe… ice-cold juice, here I come.
Brimming with excitement, Ellen rubbed her fingers together and slowly reached toward the cup.
She even spared Phaga a cautious glance.
Sure enough—this time, he didn't seem to be stopping her.
Then… the juice is mine again!
Her pale fingers crept closer and closer. She could already feel the faint chill radiating from the glass.
Then—suddenly—
Just as she was about to touch it, a shock-like sensation rippled through her entire body.
It was an oddly intense feeling—tingly, numbing, strangely ticklish. Like countless tiny fish crawling across her chest. The overwhelming sensation made her breath hitch, her face flushing crimson in an instant.
"Tail… my tail…"
Ellen murmured unconsciously, eyes closed. A warm presence wrapped around her.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself neatly back in her seat—light-years away from the iced juice.
Looking up, she saw Phaga's index and middle fingers pressed gently against her forehead.
"I told you you're not allowed to drink it," he said softly. "Be good."
Startled by the sudden "ambush," Ellen instinctively shrank back. Only after his fingers touched her forehead did she realize it didn't hurt at all.
But that feeling—like she'd been completely handled—made her heart feel strange.
It was like… like she suddenly wanted to act pitiful and wait for Phaga to comfort her…
No!
Ellen jolted awake to herself, slamming the table and springing to her feet.
The sudden bang startled Phaga so badly he nearly dropped his phone. He looked up in surprise.
"What are you doing?"
Ellen didn't answer.
She clenched her fists, hyping herself up internally.
Don't fall into the comfort trap, Ellen. Absolutely not!
Or you'll be completely bewitched by that pretty vampire!
I'm clearly higher on the food chain—how can I let a boring vampire ride on top of me?!
That's absolutely unacceptable!
Just as Phaga was about to look away and grab a slice of pizza—
"PHAGA!"
"Hm—mm?"
The sudden shout caught him completely off guard. He froze mid-bite, staring blankly at Ellen with pizza still in his mouth.
Ellen took a deep breath. Her gaze hardened, as if she'd made up her mind.
Calmly, she walked over, sat straight down on Phaga's lap, and placed both hands on his shoulders.
She lifted her thumbs and poked his cheeks, forcing him to look directly at her.
Grinding her teeth, she growled fiercely.
"Today, I'm going to teach you who the senior is in Victoria!"
The next second, she opened her mouth and lunged for his collarbone.
Phaga's pupils shrank in shock. He immediately pressed his palm against her forehead.
"Wait—Ellen! We're in Cheesetopia right now!"
But Ellen ignored him completely, burying her face into his chest and speaking in a muffled voice.
"I know. But Boss Kasa is cooking, right? I timed it. As long as we finish before she's done, it's fine… Don't move. I'm about to bite you."
"But Ruby and the Class President—"
Clatter… clatter… clatter… clatter!
Behind them came the sound of plastic trays hitting the floor.
Ellen's body went rigid.
The Class President stood frozen, eyes wide, shock practically spilling out of his face.
"R-Ruby… look… look at that…"
Ruby glanced over, then rolled her eyes.
"Big deal."
The black-and-white doll floating nearby chimed in and nodded.
[Exactly. So inexperienced. Ruby, you brought your phone, right?]
"Mhm!"
Prompted, Ruby smoothly pulled out her phone and struck a practiced photo-taking pose.
Click!
The sound of the door opening was like a spell.
Ellen snapped out of it, turning her head stiffly. Ruby and the Class President slowly came into view—
and the phone Ruby was holding horizontally.
Seeing Ellen look over, Ruby's face lit up. She tapped the screen lightly with her thumb.
"Say~ cheese!"
Click!
Another shutter sound rang out.
Ellen's soul left her body.
Her limbs went limp, and she collapsed weakly into Phaga's arms.
…
"So, Phaga, you really think something big might happen in the city?"
"Yes. That's why I rushed back from Blazewood in the middle of the day," Phaga replied. "Blazewood's close to the city. If something happens, we can react quickly. If nothing happens, we can still attend tonight's… what was it again? That Burnice Carnival?"
In his arms, Ellen wrinkled her small, upturned nose. Her eyes fluttered open as she vaguely heard Phaga talking with the Class President.
Before long, Ruby joined in.
"It's called the [First Burnice Cup Seven Days and Nights All-You-Can-Drink Carnival] Phaga, how can you not even remember the name?"
Phaga's helpless voice followed quickly.
"How could anyone remember a name that long? And honestly, I'm not that interested. The city's a mess right now—hard to get excited about anyth—Ellen? You're awake?"
As he spoke, Phaga noticed the steady rhythm of breathing against his chest suddenly falter. He lowered his head and looked at Ellen's delicate face.
Ellen pushed herself upright against his chest and glanced around. Ruby, the Class President, and the black-and-white doll were all watching her.
All three wore teasing expressions.
The moment Ellen realized this, two deep blushes bloomed across her pale cheeks.
She was used to being close to Phaga—even sleeping in the same bed without much embarrassment.
But in front of other people…
A crushing wave of shame washed over her, nearly knocking her unconscious.
"Hey, Ellen, don't pass out yet—at least let me finish!"
Seeing Ellen's eyes threatening to roll back, Ruby quickly scooted over and whispered into her ear.
"Ellen, tonight's the Outer Ring carnival. If you seize the opportunity…"
The more Ellen listened, the redder her face became. She couldn't help sneaking glances at Phaga.
When Ruby finally finished, Ellen couldn't take it anymore. She clenched her small fist and lightly punched Ruby's shoulder.
"You've never even been in a relationship! Where do you get all these crazy ideas?!"
"Hehe—ow!"
Ruby sucked in a sharp breath, pain twisting her face. Still, she forced it down to maintain her air of authority, planting her hands on her hips proudly.
"Of course! You clearly don't know who I am!"
"I'm the future legendary investigator! Even Hollow Zero will be conquered by me—this little thing is totally under control!"