Shadow Slave

Sunny took a quick shower and went downstairs. By the time he came down, Nephis was just exiting the guest room. She changed from the gym shorts and a tank top that she had been wearing for their practice session and put on some of the clothes they had ordered for her a few days back. Her silver hair was wet, glistening in the rays of sunshine that poured through the windows.

Without having to say anything, Sunny went to the kitchen, opened a drawer, and took out a can of grounded coffee. Then, he stretched his arm back. By then, Nephis had already filled a pot with water and placed it into his hand. Soon, the pleasant aroma spread through the house.

By the time the coffee was ready, a PTV was in the process of parking nearby. Sunny dumped two spoons of sugar into his cup, left the one intended for Neph without any, and added cream to the third. Changing Star, meanwhile, was opening the door for Cassie.

Soon, all three were seared around the table, enjoying their respective beverages. After a while, Sunny glanced at the blind girl and asked:

"Well? What's the news?"

She lingered for a bit, then pushed her cup away and produced two flat, white squares. Sunny stared at them for a bit, confused. Then, he blinked a couple of times.

"Is that… an envelope?"

Indeed, that was what the white squares were. They seemed to be made out of paper, and each had a round piece of red wax attached to it. Sunny had only seen an actual paper envelope used in period dramas, so he was justifiably surprised to encounter one in real life.

Taking one of the envelopes, he curiously studied it from different sides.

"How quaint…"

There was an image of a sword piercing an anvil etched into the red wax, so at least he did not have to wonder where the strange things had come from.

'Legacies…'

what one was supposed to do with a paper envelope, and then repeated her actions. Soon, a different piece of paper appeared in his

you are cordially invited… what?

confused than before, he turned to Cassie and raised an eyebrow. She was supposed to bring them an update on the situation with the government and Clan Valor, not some weird

girl smiled

is a

paused for a moment, and then

is an invitation. Clan Valor is holding an annual ball in about a month. We are all invited to attend… which is usually considered a great honor. Not every Master receives the privilege to brush

a couple

of ball are we talking about? Something like a football? Why do people hold it annually,

said, a hint of exasperation finding

usually accompanied by a dance. It is not

glanced at the piece of

that makes more sense,

them speak with a strange expression, then tilted her head a little

course, in our case, this invitation holds special meaning. It is a sign that Clan Valor is willing to be patient and wait for Nephis to recover. It is also the indication that the final negotiation is going to

Changing Star had more time to get ready to face the representatives of Clan Valor. It also meant that the great clan was not going to do anything before that,

smile appeared

already back, and resting in the Immortal Flame manor.

out a

through the civil war in the Bright Castle and the siege of the Crimson Spire together. The fools also treated him as one of their own, for some reason. He had felt a bit guilty knowing