Iris sank into her cosy chair. Her hands feebly held a cup of herbal tea. Its warmth tickled her palms, healing her cold, trembling hands. As her fatigue dispersed, her muscles relaxed. She tightened her grip and took a big sip. The sweet flavour coated her tongue. The lingering taste caressed the back of her throat. Her energy gradually returned, though she wished it did not.

While listening to her own breathing, Iris looked up. Candlelight surrounding her flickered, dancing to silent music, wishing her a speedy recovery. Her eyes grazed every part of the house, but they lingered the longest on Ludmint, who seated herself in front of Iris, staring, smiling.

So long as Iris remained tired, Ludmint would take care of her. She wanted to remain tired forever.

If possible, I would like to exchange my grand accomplishments with a quiet life, where I can be with Lenmia, Ludmint, and my other friends without care. We could play around every day, every hour. I could embrace them whenever I want, or whenever they want.

It’s funny. My origin decides my Destiny, and no matter how hard I try, the path never seems to deviate. I always return to the same path, a path of a Foreign Existence, forced to go against the world. If only I were a native of this world, Lenmia and others would not have to suffer this calamity. It must have been blissful if we were still in that cave.

But then, I wouldn’t meet Ludmint, Serinda, Artium, and all my other precious friends. Is there not a way to let all of them meet? I want them all to become friends.

Once Iris finished her tea, she placed the cup on the table. Opposite her, Ludmint grabbed her cup and refilled it.

"How was it?" Ludmint said. "You don't have to answer; just do everything at your pace. I'll be watching; just watching is enough."

Iris slightly pushed the teacup away and held onto her blanket. Her pale skin had already regained its vitality. Ludmint's voice, though mundane, magically cured her weariness. It calmed her agitated mind and soothed her nervous heart.

"I must’ve looked like a corpse." Iris weakly smiled. "I promise to tell you everything, but not now."

"I don't need to know the reason. I only need to know you’re now safe beside me."

Ludmint got up from her seat, walked to Iris, and took off the blanket. The light illuminating the room dimmed until it resembled the evening dusk. As the windows gently closed, the atmosphere heated up. Hazes gradually filled the room.

"Can I bathe with you?" Ludmint said.

Iris froze, her cheeks pink. Though she ordinarily wouldn't mind bathing with Ludmint, this time was different. Her mess of a heart confused her emotions, lighting her chest on fire. Her inhibitors loosened, and her sentiments seeped through.

The Ludmint she was familiar with was a naughty, teasing lady who always took advantage of her innocence. If she bathed with that Ludmint, she would not get flustered when naughty things happened.

But this Ludmint, a troubled, kind-hearted maiden, was different. If Iris bathed with her, nothing impure would happen. She would meticulously carry Iris into the warm bath, cleanse her body with warm water, rub her skin with her delicate fingers, and rinse her with clean, purified water before drying her with a soft towel.

It was mundane, too mundane. The thought of bathing with that Ludmint filled Iris with something stuffy. Dirty things would happen, and it would happen not because she would initiate it.

Iris shook her head, grabbed the towel in Ludmint’s hand, and rushed into the bathroom. Only after locking the room did she relax. She looked to the side, where a giant mirror hung, and found her appearance sorry. Her untidy clothes, her messy hair, her rosy complexion—all merged into the pitiful current Iris.

No wonder she didn’t tease me. With how pathetic I look, even Ludmint wouldn’t touch me. Iris bit her lower lip.

Of all the days it could have been, why must it be the day we looked forward to? If we sleep today, what if she doesn't want to do anything? I . . . want something to happen.

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Iris usually took a long bath; she liked submerging her slime body in warm, milky water. However, today she chose to shower. The freezing downpour cooled her head and lowered her body temperature. The water washed away her troubled emotions. She gradually regained her cold expression, one which she wore for most her previous life.

After an hour, she stepped out of the bathroom, covered in her big towel. She'd transformed back into her human appearance, her blue hair desperately in need of drying.

In the dining room, Ludmint got up. She headed to Iris. Her dim eyes sparkled.

"Iris, your hair is still soaked. It'll ruin your charm if you don't properly dry it." Ludmint held Iris's hair and felt their fineness. "I'll take care of your hair for you. I don’t want your getting bed hair."

Iris nodded and allowed Ludmint to care for her. It wasn't much, but she wanted Ludmint to do everything for her, even though it would be faster and more efficient to use magic.

Because Ludmint spent a lot of time inside the laboratory, her artistic skill was not outstanding. She tried her best, but her result didn’t reflect her effort. It got so bad once that Iris broke her cold mask to chuckle, causing Ludmint to stutter.

"Ludmint, that's enough," Iris said. "I can do it myself; at this rate, we won't be seeing our bed tonight."

"How can you say that?" Ludmint pouted. "Let me do it one more time, one last time. I've seen you do it a few times already. I can definitely imitate you!"

"I would have believed you if you were a Slime Girl. Unfortunately, you aren't one." Iris stuck out her tongue. "Tell me what kind of Monster Girl you are, and I'll teach you how to braid your hair."

"You're getting all mischievous now, aren't you?" Ludmint finished her last attempt. It wasn't great, but at least there were improvements. "See? I'm getting better. I don't need your teaching! As for my Monster Girl type, you wish!"

Even after a week of living with Ludmint, Iris still couldn't figure out Ludmint's Monster Girl type. She only knew Ludmint was not a plant-type.

"It's not like I need to know; sooner or later, you'll tell me yourself." Iris chased away Ludmint's hands and redid her hair. "Now, watch carefully."

As Ludmint concentrated, Iris deliberately increased her pace and did her hair in a flash.

"Did you catch it?" Iris smirked. "If not, too bad. I didn't expect you to be this slow. Are you really a scientist?"

"Of course, I’m a scientist." Laughing, Ludmint flicked her wrist. An orb of light appeared in her palm. "Now, watch carefully."

As its surface dimmed, the scene of Iris's braiding her hair replayed itself. This time, however, Ludmint could freely adjust the speed and the angle. With it, she could study Iris's method as much as she liked.

"I give up. You win, Ludmint." Iris sighed. She didn't want to deal with Ludmint's antic anymore.

"Of course, I win. Now, where is my reward?" Ludmint crept closer to Iris. "Can I choose it from your body?"

Iris smiled. "No."

Before Ludmint could push forth a negotiation, Iris got up and headed upstairs. She ignored Ludmint's pleading and went inside her bedroom. Ludmint tried to get in, but Iris shut the door on her.

"What about our promise?" Ludmint raised her voice, giggling. "Didn't you tell me you want to sleep with me?"

"I know you've already sealed off our house."

"You're dodging my question." Ludmint knocked on the door. "Hello, Iris? Can you open your door for your girlfriend? Or else she will be upset . . . ."

"Go bathe first. I won't let you get inside if you're still dirty."

After Ludmint reluctantly returned downstairs, Iris heaved a sigh and prepared herself for the night. She took out her favourite pyjamas, silky, thin, and translucent. Then, she rearranged her bed, dusted her belonging, and even sprayed a hint of perfume around the room. If she had a basket of rose petals, she would have scattered them on the floor, too.

Once she finished checking everything twice, she lit the candles and sat on the side of her bed, looking through the window and into the moonlit sky. Everything was now peaceful, serene.

Everything feels better when I'm not alone. Back then, I had Lenmia and others to shield me, then I had Serinda and Artium, and now, I clung onto Ludmint.

I'm such a spoiled child, aren't I?

Iris bitterly smiled as she lay on her bed, listening to the silence, waiting for the muffled footsteps.

Why are you so slow, Ludmint? You normally don't bathe this long. Iris shifted her posture. Come quick. I'm lonely; I need you to hug me. I want you to whisper to me encouragement, and then I'll whisper to you my affection.

Iris touched her moistened lips. If only I dared to say those words. If only I were like other Monster Girls. If only I could embrace—

The bedroom door creaked. Ludmint slowly peeked through the gap. She dared not jump inside, or else Iris might kick her out.

"You're slow," Iris said.

"My apology, Honey." Ludmint parted her clean, sparkling hair. "It will be a special night, so I must be the best version of myself."

"Come in, then." Iris patted the spot beside her. "Tonight is your night, H—Honey."

Ludmint froze. "Thank you for your blessing!"

She went straight to Iris and embraced her. The two rolled on the bed, messing up the lovely bedsheet.

"Wait!" Iris pushed away Ludmint, gasping. "Don't be so rough. Don't be so haughty. I have something to show you first. We can . . . continue after this."

Ludmint unwillingly separated herself from Iris. "If your gift doesn't satisfy me, I'll have you heavily punished."

Iris pointed at the sky. It was a clear night, and the stars were showing their radiance. Amidst the sea of light, one particular star was at the right place at the right time.

"To compensate for your loss, I'll reveal to you one of my secrets." Iris cast Heart Connected Through the Star. A hazy screen manifested.