Shadow Slave

Cassie did not answer. Perhaps she wasn't in the mood to waste essence to hijack his senses, or perhaps she simply did not want to…

In any case, after that bombshell of a revelation, Sunny sat quietly and stared into the distance for a while.

He was trying to understand how he had ended up in this situation.

It was all his fault, of course… really, Sunny had no one but himself to blame. Had he not suggested creating a soulbound Memory for Nephis on the spur of the moment, there would have been no need for them to interact, let alone do so while hiding the real reason from Clan Valor.

The Lord of Shadows would have continued to play his role as her battle partner, while the humble shopkeeper would have continued living his mostly peaceful life in solitude.

But now…

«I'm going to be a kept man… gods, why am I so handsome?!»

That pretty face of his… was a curse!

If Sunny had a more rugged appearance, Cassie would have had to come up with a different explanation for his presence near Nephis. The Lord of Shadows, who always wore a ferocious mask, received nothing but respect… but when Sunny showed his face, the most people could believe was that he had caught the princess's fancy due to his pleasing looks.

Surely, being a Saint and ruling a Citadel in a Death Zone had nothing to do with the difference in treatment…

«I can't believe it.»

Jet had once told Sunny that he could become a flower boy one day. Who knew that her words would not only come true, but also come back to bite him one day?

He glanced at Nephis furtively.

She was finishing her waffles with a calm expression, seemingly not affected by the sensitive nature of their conversation at all. There was no hint of agitation or embarrassment on her beautiful face, and her posture remained graceful and poised, like always.

Well, it made sense. It was nothing but a strategy of deception for her, after all. She did not know Sunny, and only saw him as a valuable resource. A talented enchanter who could create a powerful Memory for her to use.

But it was different for Sunny.

Because, to him, she meant so much more.

Throwing another glance at her, he sighed and leaned back in his chair.

«What happened happened. There's no point in worrying about it now.»

In fact… he should just accept the situation and allow himself to enjoy it. Sunny would have lied if he said that he didn't feel a little bit excited about the whole situation.

Nephis was calm, then why couldn't he be

—— —— ——

do I do… should I… he's looking

nonchalant, Nephis tried to concentrate on the stunningly delicious waffles that Master Sunless had made for

quite understand how she had allowed Cassie

they discussed how to go about allowing the charming enchanter to stay close to her without alerting Clan Valor

the added benefit of shielding Nephis from the pursuits of

herself, Nephis had rehearsed the conversation in her room… extensively… and finally

she had gone through with it. She was not someone to back down

now, she had to face

looked

an incredibly talented craftsman, first and foremost. He must have taken a lot of pride in his skill. To be reduced to such a role… had to be extremely humiliating, from

their scheme

of the Sword Domain could not have been easy for a decent and honest person like him, either. Nephis was starting to understand better why such a talented

felt… a little

her plate became empty, she sighed with

protect

no choice now but to proceed with the

are ready, we

man seemed a little

the Castle? Right

calmed down somewhat,

to sign the contract officially. Apart from that, the more people see us together, the better. Don't worry, though there is no need for you to do anything extra or force yourself to act in any kind of way. As long as we are simply seen together, those who need to get the wrong impression

moment, and then added in a serious

have my promise, Master

She meant it.

looked at her silently for a

the young man

me a minute to give instructions to Aiko, and

into the kitchen of the

a Memory to make it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop on their conversation, but people could still stare.

thought all Nephis wanted to do was slump in her chair and bury her face in

order another serving

[Cassie…]

in her head a

[Yes?]