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.

then

—— —— ——

do I do… should I… he's looking at me

waffles that Master Sunless had made for

had allowed Cassie to convince her to go with this

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

the added benefit of shielding Nephis from the pursuits of the prospective bachelors from

gotten cold feet. Knowing herself, Nephis had rehearsed the conversation in her room… extensively… and finally realized how deeply embarrassing

had gone through with it. She was not

she had

looked so

was an incredibly talented craftsman, first and foremost. He must have taken a lot of pride in his skill. To be

he graciously accepted their scheme without

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 sorcerer had chosen to

a little

sighed with regret and looked

should protect him

but to proceed with the plan,

are ready, we should go

young man seemed a little

to the Castle? Right

calmed down somewhat, Nephis

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 will convince themselves of the falsehood.

a moment, and then

my promise,

She meant it.

for a while,

young man

to give instructions to Aiko, and we

kitchen of the small café,

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

slump in her

serving of those delicious

[Cassie…]

resounded in her head

[Yes?]