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.

nickname, like she did with her close friends, stung. The fact that she made an

a dull ache in his

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 of a second thought, unremarkable and easily forgotten. Someone not worthy of her time,

her to even remember his name. But

For now.

He nodded politely.

coffee for you to enjoy while the food is being prepared. Aiko, you

taciturn, probably because she felt uncomfortable around a stranger. She was also looking at him strangely. If

surely, that was

turned around and

course, he made sure to make his retreat seem calm and

away, though, he couldn't

are itchy! Can mommy

his ears burning, Sunny dove behind a

'Damnation!'

He had to concentrate on cooking... knowing Effie's

boiling, simmering, stirring... he had to do a lot of things at the same time just to distract himself from thinking too

the moment, as well, increasing the

restless mind! So, Sunny

couldn't help but hear bits and pieces of the conversation happening in the

have someone in mind to set

I

"Huh?"

any case, leave my boss alone! Every time you people show up, my 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 time with you lot, I'll take

you still angry at Kai? Actually, he asked

his messages to himself. Unless he wants to help me sue himself for