Shadow Slave

In the aftermath of the Castle Guard's annihilation, the core members of the cohort gathered in a small room that was situated not far away from the great hall. From there, they could hear the bodies of the slain Guards being stripped of anything valuable and then dragged away to be disposed of... lest they attract the hordes of hungry Nightmare Creatures.

Just like that, the former most powerful faction of the Bright Castle was no more.

Judging by the expressions on everyone's faces, no one had been aware of the secret alliance between Nephis and the Handmaidens. Perhaps with the exception of Cassie.

But none of them dared to ask Changing Star about it.

Well, Sunny had no such problem.

Staring at their intrepid leader with a dubious expression, he said:

"So when did you start working with Seishan?"

Nephis glanced at him, then shrugged indifferently.

"Soon after you left."

A slight spark appeared in her eyes.

"Why? Are you surprised?"

Sunny remained silent for a bit, then shook his head.

"No, not really. I figured out that your spy was one of the lieutenants a long time ago. I just didn't know which one. But I thought that either your cooperation ended with Gunlaug's death, or that they double-crossed you as soon as you got rid of him for them."

Changing Star smiled darkly.

"...She wouldn't."

Sunny frowned slightly, then asked, his voice full of cold, calculating curiosity:

faction when all of this had started?

his hand to stop her

the faction would have been too immense. And that would pressure the other three lieutenants into joining forces against it instead of fighting among each other. Then, we

glanced at him and

"Correct."

them prevent Tessai and Gemma from considering an alliance, but they also eviscerated the Castle Guard without losing a single follower. How…

a treacherous cheat like Sunny couldn't help

frown

trusted the information she provided. Why the change of heart? How come

pleasant, velvety voice suddenly came from behind

can explain

'What the hell?!'

front of him. Up close, she was even more striking, with

she get so close without

fact that Seishan had been able to sneak up on him one bit.

gave them a reserved

introduce myself.

A strange expression appeared

did not miss that

our proud scion is reacting this way can mean only

a new light. He studied every detail of her appearance, from the modest cut of her velvet

At least not the ones he

detail of her

his gaze, Seishan

herself, like many other girls orphaned by the Nightmare

lingered for a few seconds,

you can at least trust in the fact that my wishes align with yours. I followed Gunlaug because only he was able to give people a chance to survive the Forgotten Shore. And I will follow Lady Changing Star, because only she can give us a chance to escape it. This is my belief, and this is what I will do. She is Broken Sword's daughter, after

Kai, who coughed and

is true.