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In the Cathedral of Light, Irene was ensconced in her room amidst a sea of books, each holding a special place in her heart. “Can’t burn this one, it’s a limited edition. Oh, and this one’s a collector’s edition. This one marks the tenth anniversary; definitely can’t burn it…” she lamented, caught in a dilemma. The task at hand was clear: she needed to dispose of these lewd novels posthaste. Yet, the thought of parting with each precious tome filled her with dread.

Amid her frantic musings, she vacillated, “I can burn this, but definitely not that. But then, what should I do?” The books were akin to a ticking time bomb within her room, a potential source of future blackmail. “Irene, you must be decisive. Burn them all!” she exhorted herself. Nevertheless, her gaze lingered on the pile, mired in reluctance.

One book in particular, ‘Lonely Thoughts: Please Be Gentle Tonight, Dear Sister~’, evoked a profound sense of nostalgia as she tenderly caressed its cover. It had been a beacon of light during a particularly tumultuous period in her life, mending her fractured spirit. “This book is sacrosanct,” she resolved. “But the others… Sob sob sob, I can’t bring myself to burn them either!” Each book was intertwined with indelible memories, making them equally difficult to relinquish.

Caught in this emotional quandary, Irene failed to detect the silent approach of someone behind her. “What should I do?” she pondered aloud, unaware of the imminent surprise.

The footsteps were so soft and nearly imperceptible, barely making a sound. Even on a regular day, Irene might have struggled to notice someone approaching, especially given her current state of distress.

“I’m at a loss!” As soon as she uttered these words, the figure sprang into action, posing an immediate threat to Irene.

“I might as well… Who’s there?” Irene sensed a presence behind her too late to react. The attack was imminent.

“Irene, dear friend, I’ve come to see you once more. Are you not overjoyed and touched?” Yaeger wrapped her arms around Irene from behind, her voice brimming with cheer.

“Waaah!” Overcome by shock, Irene let out a scream that was almost too cute, as if her soul was trying to escape her body.

“Seeing your happiness brings me joy as well.” Yaeger, who had shielded her ears with her aura, was oblivious to Irene’s screams.

“Ahhhhh… Oh, it’s just you. You scared me!”

Following several screams, recognition dawned on Irene as she identified the familiar voice as Yaeger’s, bringing her immediate relief.

“Your room is well soundproofed,” Yaeger remarked casually as she released Irene.

“I nearly had a heart attack from the fright!” Irene exclaimed, turning to give Yaeger a soft punch in the chest.

Immediately, she experienced a soft and resilient sensation, sparking not just intense envy but also curiosity. ‘How I wish I could touch and feel it more. It seems so delightful. Oh, how I envy her!’

“That’s your punishment for not locking the door,” Yaeger teased with a smile.

Upon hearing that, Irene narrowed her eyes, recalling she had indeed locked the door.

“Alright, let’s proceed. There’s something I require your assistance with.”

“What do you need?” inquired Irene.

Given her affinity was high enough. There was no longer a need to beat around the bush.

“Could you share some of your strength with me?” Despite the straightforward request, Yaeger felt a touch of embarrassment.

The request left Irene mildly taken aback.

‘Share my strength? What does she mean? Does she need my assistance? But in what manner? Could this be the legendary act of power renewal?’

The thought alone sent her cheeks aflame with a blush.

She recalled a novel she once read, depicting Mana replenishment through the exchange of intimate bodily fluids—a concept that was decidedly risqué.

‘No, surely I’m mistaken. How could Princess…’ Upon raising her eyes to Yaeger, Irene’s heart fluttered, noting the other’s slightly off expression.

‘This is actually happening! Oh, I’m not ready for this at all!’

Her face turned as red as a ripe tomato, her mind seemingly overheated as her heartbeat accelerated.

“Would it trouble you?” Yaeger asked, lips pursed in a pout.

The sight and those words made Irene feel as though her heart might shatter, leaving her mind utterly blank.

‘What… Inconvenient? So, it’s really happening! Dear parents above, I’m about to cross into adulthood!’

Her perception of Yaeger had dramatically improved from before, not feeling resistance but rather a hint of anticipation. She anticipated the passage into adulthood and the possibility of closeness with that flawless form.

‘How salacious! I’ve never indulged in such readings!’

Irene shook her head, giving Yaeger a bewildered look before voicing her apprehension, “It’s not about inconvenience, but everything is moving too quickly. I’m not ready for this.”

Her concern was the rapid pace of developments. Yaeger, however, interpreted this as a complaint about being frequently depleted of power.

“Apologies, I’ll be more mindful in the future. Yet, I’m in urgent need at this moment. Please.”

“You’re that desperate… Alright, alright, I’ll concede.” With a surge of bravery, Irene began to lift her skirt. “This is my first experience, be gentle, please.”

Meanwhile, Yaeger retrieved the Holy Spirit Shard from her spatial ring.

A profound silence enveloped the room as their eyes met. After a moment, Yaeger broke the silence. “This isn’t your first time with this, so there’s no issue.”

She was talking about recharging the Holy Spirit Shard.

“Wahhhhhhh!” Upon noticing the dull, energy-depleted Holy Spirit Shard, Irene’s understanding dawned, leading her to leap onto the bed, screaming as she buried her head under the blanket.

‘Sob sob sob, it’s so embarrassing!’

“Don’t worry, it doesn’t bother me” Yaeger stepped closer, gently patting her on the back.

“But I do care! Oh, I’m not such a lascivious individual!”

Yaeger mused, ‘Certainly, you are.’

Opting not to agitate her further, Yaeger chose to fib a bit. “I get it, curiosity about such matters is natural. I’ve been there myself.”

Yaeger spoke reassuringly while patting Irene’s shoulder, conveying a sense of worldly wisdom.

“Truly?” Irene peeked from under the blanket, her expression a mix of shyness and curiosity.
“Absolutely. It’s a universal curiosity.” Yaeger asserted with gravity.
“Oh, I see. I feared I was odd.” Irene exhaled in relief, her concerns dissipating.
“Don’t fret over it. Now, I require your assistance to recharge the Holy Spirit Shard.” Yaeger gently stroked her hair.

“Already depleted? How?” Irene, now relieved, rolled her eyes, exasperated.
“It was necessary. There was a situation demanding its power.” Yaeger shrugged.
“Alright, I’ll recharge it. But first, you must help me resolve an issue.” Irene sighed, stating her condition.
“Are you asking me to manage these risqué novels?”
“Indeed, burning them is out of the question, yet I lack a secure hiding spot.” Concealing them beneath the bed proved risky, as discovery was all too easy.

Should someone infiltrate her quarters during her absence and stumble upon those texts, her sanctified title could be revoked on the spot. Such was Irene’s greatest fear.