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Chapter 40 - Chapter 40: A Compliant Child is a Good Child

Once someone becomes a tenant, they gain access to the apartment's various functions. Among these is a "Wellness" effect that ensures a body free of illness and injury, which comes with secondary benefits like self-healing, recovery, and protection. Consequently, even under Su Mu's intense "education," there was never any risk to her life. This was precisely Su Mu's plan—he didn't want to destroy her; he wanted to thoroughly grind away the sharp edges of this spoiled little kitten.

After confirming that both of them had become tenants, Su Mu felt at ease to continue the lesson, preparing to dismantle her will to resist piece by piece.

Eris's body went limp as tears mingled with cold sweat and rolled down her face. Her voice broke into intermittent, whimpering pleas.

"No... please... let me go... I really can't take anymore..."

"Sob... stop... I'll be good... I won't ever do it again..."

This targeted education lasted for a full day and night.

Su Mu alternated between applying pressure, letting her taste the depths of agony, and pausing to force her to reflect on her past misdeeds. Eris transitioned from her initial state of hysteria and teeth-gritting defiance to exhaustion and low-voiced begging, finally reaching a state of docile numbness. Even with the apartment's buffs, the dual exhaustion of body and spirit pushed her to her limit. Eventually, her vision went dark, and she collapsed, losing consciousness entirely.

Su Mu looked down at the unconscious girl, the coldness in his eyes fading slightly. He murmured softly, "I hope you've truly changed when you wake up. Otherwise, I'll have to resort to a much more troublesome method."

Turning his head toward Lilia in the corner, his voice returned to its usual calm. "Lilia, take her to get cleaned up and put her to bed."

"Yes."

Lilia bowed respectfully in response, maintaining her perfect maid's posture, though her face remained somewhat pale. She stepped forward and carefully supported the limp, unconscious Eris. The girl's eyes were tightly shut, her long eyelashes still beaded with tears. Her usual haughty sharp edges had been replaced by exhaustion and vulnerability, making her look exceptionally pitiable.

Lilia carried her toward the bathroom with slow, steady steps.

"Ha... Main Body, it's finally over." March 7th walked over with her arms crossed, a teasing look on her face. "Seriously, your methods are a bit too ruthless. If the fans of the original story saw this, they'd probably come after you with knives—after all, the Eris in the original never had to suffer like this."

"You talk too much," Su Mu said, rolling his eyes at her. His voice carried a hint of fatigue as he leaned back against the sofa, breathing slightly heavily. "The Eris here isn't the same as the little girl Rudeus had to slowly guide. She's an adult, and her spoiled nature is deeply ingrained. If I tried to take it slow like Rudeus did, it would be a waste of time and effort without any results. For someone like her, you need a heavy dose of medicine to shatter her pride in one go."

"Right, right, you're the Main Body, you have the final say."

March 7th waved her hand dismissively, though the smile in her eyes was unmistakable.

"You... come into the bathroom with me," Su Mu said.

"Huh?" March 7th's eyes went wide instantly, and she hurriedly backed away, waving her hands. "N-no thanks! Main Body, you've been at it for a day and a night. Aren't you tired? I can't handle another round of your 'energy'!"

"What are you even thinking?" Su Mu shot her an annoyed look, his tone full of helplessness. "Of course I'm tired. I spent a lot of energy correcting Eris's bad habits, and now I'm practically drained. I want you to come in and help me wash up. I barely have the strength to lift my arms."

"Pfft—"

Hearing this, not just March 7th, but Himeko and the others nearby couldn't help but burst into laughter. The tense atmosphere in the room dissipated instantly.

"Hahaha... Main Body, this is what you call bringing it on yourself!" March 7th clutched her stomach and laughed for a good while before stepping forward to grab Su Mu's arm, her tone mocking. "Alright, alright, I'll stop laughing. I'll help you in. But don't you go moving around. If you accidentally peak my interest, you're in no state to handle the consequences in your weakened condition~"

"I should be the one saying that to you. Keep your thoughts in check."

Su Mu leaned against her, his voice weary, but he didn't forget to issue a warning.

"I know, I know."

March 7th rolled her eyes and supported Su Mu as they headed toward another bathroom.

On the other side, Lilia had meticulously cleaned Eris, changed her into soft pajamas, and settled her onto the large bed in the bedroom. Eris slept deeply, yet her brow remained slightly furrowed, as if she were still being haunted by nightmares.

As for Su Mu, after finishing his bath with March 7th's help, he walked to the bedside and lay down, pulling Eris into his arms. Feeling the warmth of his body, Eris subconsciously huddled closer to the heat source, and her brow relaxed slightly.

Su Mu looked down at the sleeping face in his arms, a flicker of complex emotion crossing his eyes. Would she truly be able to fix those bad habits and find her original heart? The answer would have to wait until she woke up.

Morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting fragmented spots of light onto the bedding.

After an unknown amount of time, Su Mu was roused by the slight movements of the person in his arms. His eyelashes fluttered as he opened his eyes. In the next second, he locked eyes with Eris's crimson pupils, which were shimmering with moisture—her eyes looked like red crystals dipped in morning dew, currently filled with sudden panic.

Eris froze for a moment, her long lashes trembling violently. Then, fear instantly flooded her face, and all color drained from her skin. She subconsciously shrank back into the covers, her voice shaking with undisguised cowardice.

"No... please... I... I'll be obedient..."

She was truly terrified. The punishment from the previous night was still vivid in her mind, and her only hope now was to follow his every whim to avoid another round of agony.

Seeing her like this, a gentle smile curved Su Mu's lips. He raised his hand and slowly stroked her soft red hair. The strands felt silky to the touch, carrying a faint, fresh fragrance—the unique scent of a young woman.

The moment he raised his hand, Eris squeezed her eyes shut as a reflex. Her eyelashes were pulled taut, and her body couldn't stop trembling. She was like a small animal caught by a hunter, silently waiting for the blow to fall.

But the expected pain never came. Instead, she felt a gentle rubbing of fingertips, carrying just the right amount of warmth. It spread from her hair to her scalp, feeling so soothing it was almost reassuring.

Her tense body gradually relaxed, and the weight lifting from her heart actually caused a strange hint of sweetness to emerge—it was the kind of pure, faint, yet genuine joy a child feels when being praised by an elder.

"Mm. A compliant child is a good child."

Su Mu's fingers didn't stop. As he spoke, his gaze fell upon the Favorability Panel that only he could see.

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