Chapter 60 : Do You Think You Can Hide Forever?

What did that mean?

Seeing Milly’s dazed expression, Stacy sighed. She cupped Milly’s face, forcing her to meet her gaze.

“Think carefully. After awakening—besides those useless abilities—did you receive any kind of prompt? Any information?”

Fingers absently tracing the bedsheets, Milly searched her mind. This was important—not just to Stacy, but to her too.

Though unstated, bringing this up mid-act meant one thing: Stacy wanted her to “leave this world” again.

But how? That was the key. And why had Stacy cared about it since the very beginning?

There had to be a reason—deeply tied to Stacy herself.

If she found it first… she’d hide it. Who knew what Stacy would do if she learned?

So far, Stacy hadn’t killed her—because she needed what was in her head.

And as obsessed as Stacy was with her… there was no replacement.

That was her only advantage.

But once she gave up that knowledge? Useless. Discarded.

Discarded was fine.

But discarded dead? That was the real fear.

No matter what, she had to keep it secret.

She dug through her memories—sifting through foreign data for the right clue.

But nothing. Just a throbbing headache from overthinking.

Nothing.

“There’s… nothing,” Milly whispered, barely audible. “No message.”

Stacy only raised an eyebrow. No rage. No violence.

Milly’s case was unusual—but not impossible.

Had living with Tifna reignited hope in this world? Was that why the final trigger hadn’t appeared?

“Little Milly… little Milly…”

Stacy chuckled softly—then seized Milly’s long tail.

Milly jolted, body trembling, cheeks flushing red.

More sensitive than expected. What about the wings? She’d focused on other erogenous zones before—missed these entirely. Should she test them now?

But a spark flickered at the tail’s tip—lightning—harmless, but enough to make Stacy release it.

Milly yanked her tail back, protectively pressing it under herself. Hated the appendage—but it was hers.

Before she could hide it fully—Stacy grabbed it again.

Seeing Milly ready to shock her, Stacy held the tail up to her eyes.

“Stop wasting energy. Don’t you think… as long as I don’t interfere, you’re safe from exposure?”

She’d watched every moment Milly spent with Tifna. She knew how tempting that life was. So she needed to remind her—sharply.

Milly opened her mouth—to argue—

But no words came.

Silence. Complex emotions swirling inside.

She snatched her tail back. It swayed behind her—uncontrollable.

She couldn’t even summon or retract them at will—how could she practice control?

“I… I can do it…”

But her voice lacked conviction. As long as she stayed with Tifna, exposure was inevitable.

Paper couldn’t wrap fire forever.

Was Stacy telling her this so she’d willingly return? Back to the cold cage. Back to endless torment. Or worse—moments like this, drowning in forced pleasure.

If she ever lost herself in it… could she find her way back?

Her weak protest faded into silence.

Stacy didn’t press further.

Her goal was achieved. She only meant to remind Milly of what she truly was. If Milly chose to return on her own—perfect.

If not? When the final blow came—she’d come crawling back.

And the one who’d deliver that blow wouldn’t be her.

She’d just watch—as she always had.

But watching… grew tiresome.

These days apart had been unbearable. She ached to take Milly back now.

Pity the toy was broken. She’d wanted to claim Milly’s first time—and end her own—together.

They hadn’t gone that far. But what followed nearly made her lose control.

If just touching felt like that…

She licked her lips.

Her first time—precious—would be savored. At the perfect time. Perfect place. Perfect mood.

She got up, picked up the dress and underwear tossed aside, folded them neatly beside Milly.

The look in Milly’s eyes? Pure shock.

Was she… leaving?

Well—she’d done what she came for. Going further might break her first.

Biting her lip, Milly vowed to remember every second of today. One day…

She reached for her clothes—

Then—Stacy shifted. Became Eileen again. Didn’t even glance back. Just walked out.

What was she planning?

Milly had seen this calm-before-the-storm act too many times. A fake retreat. Wait outside. If Milly didn’t follow—burst in and drag her back.

Better get dressed and check.

But—her tail was still out.

As long as it remained, she couldn’t even open the door.

Meanwhile, Eileen descended the stairs.

Now—only waiting remained.

Taking Milly back now wouldn’t help her gain the key info. Though enduring her absence a few more days pained her.

Downstairs, Tifna’s eyes were red, but she seemed calmer. Grief had triggered mental suppression—temporary numbness.

Once this was over, she and Lillian would move to the next phase. The Church’s assault was days away—she needed preparations.

She approached Lillian—waiting for their conversation to end.

Then—Tifna suddenly gripped Lillian’s hand.

“Your Grace… one last question. Is there a top-tier mage named Stacy in the Empire?”

Hm?