Shadow Slave

Effie slowly turned around, just in time to notice the unreasonably gorgeous proprietor of the Brilliant Emporium falling. Three cups of coffee that he had been carrying on a tray were flying into the air in slow motion.

It seemed that he had tripped.

Without missing a bit, the enigmatic shopkeeper regained his balance with a graceful half-step, extended his hand unhurriedly, and caught all three cups on the tray without spilling a single drop.

A moment later, he smoothly approached the table and placed the cups down, acting as if nothing had happened. Then, the nonchalant young man smiled pleasantly and gave her a respectful bow.

"Saint Athena. Welcome."

Effie found herself unable to speak for a moment.

'D—damn. So cool!'

At the same time, Sunny was nothing short of panicking on the inside. 'What the hell?! No, what the actual hell?! I mean... what the hell?!' How could she go and say something like that?!

And right in front of her husband, too!

Did that woman have no tact?!

Glancing at Ling's Dad covertly, Sunny noticed that the young man was looking at him apologetically. He seemed more embarrassed than anything, with no signs of anger or insecurity written on his handsome face.

It seemed that the nameless guy was used to his wife's antics... well, it made sense.

'Why wouldn't he be?'

Sunny had been teased relentlessly by Effie. What made him think that the poor bastard would have had it any easier? If anything, as her husband, he probably had it way worse...

Effie, meanwhile, smiled and said in a reserved tone:

Master Sunless.

The fact Effie used his name instead of a nickname, like she did with her close friends, stung. The fact that she

by her caused a dull ache

even though he was nothing but a dull, unassuming merchant in her eyes. A passing acquaintance not deserving of a second

it was strange for her to even remember his name. But that was the best Sunny could

For now.

He nodded politely.

while the food is being prepared. Aiko, you take a break and keep

uncharacteristically taciturn, probably because she felt uncomfortable around a stranger. She was also looking at him strangely. If Sunny did not know better, he could have even imagined that

that was

again, Sunny turned around and fled into

he made sure to make his retreat seem

walking away, though, he couldn't help but hear Little

Clothes are itchy! Can

burning, Sunny dove behind a

'Damnation!'

to concentrate on cooking... knowing Effie's appetite, nothing less than a

roasting, boiling, simmering, stirring... he had to do a

two avatars were busy at the moment, as well, increasing the load on

restless mind! So,

help but hear bits and pieces of the conversation happening

is your boss single? I have someone in mind to set

Actually, he's double... I

"Huh?"

career takes a nosedive! First in the Bright Castle, then in NQSC... I swear to the dead gods, Effie, if another of my employers decides to enlist and become a war hero after spending

Are you still angry at Kai? Actually, he asked me to pass a

that pretty bastard to keep his messages to himself. Unless he wants to help me sue himself for