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:

Sunless. You

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

her caused a dull ache

him happy. Being around her felt familiar and nice, too... even though he was nothing but a dull, unassuming merchant in her eyes. A passing acquaintance not deserving

for her to even remember his name. But

For now.

He nodded politely.

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

was also looking at him strangely. If Sunny did not know better, he could have even imagined that she was

surely, that was

again, Sunny turned around

made sure to make his retreat seem

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

are itchy! Can mommy undress Ling Ling,

his ears burning, Sunny dove behind

'Damnation!'

concentrate on cooking... knowing Effie's appetite, nothing less than a veritable feast would

manifesting an avatar and several pairs of shadow hands. Slicing, dicing, washing, roasting, boiling, simmering, stirring... he had to do a lot of things at the same time just to distract himself from thinking too

his other two avatars were busy at the moment, as well, increasing the

a restless mind! So, Sunny

and pieces of the

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

double... I mean, there's two of

"Huh?"

nosedive! First in the Bright Castle, then in NQSC... I swear to

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

himself. Unless he wants to help me sue himself for