Shadow Slave

«…He's standing right behind me, isn't he?»

Nephis slowly released Effie's hand, suddenly feeling weak.

It was too late.

«Oh, gods…»

She briefly considered lighting the ferry on fire.

That would resolve the situation, wouldn't it? Yes… she would not have to face Master Sunless, at least. That was an actionable strategy.

But, no… no, she couldn't. The ferry had cast off moments after Effie showed up, which meant that the passengers would have nowhere to escape and drown in case of a fire. It also meant that Nephis, Effie, and Master Sunless were stuck on the VIP deck-just the three of them, with nowhere else to go.

There was no escape.

Nephis barely suppressed a shudder.

«I can summon my wings and flee…»

But that would mean leaving the charming young man alone with Effie. She… was unwilling. No, actually, she was vehemently against it! For some reason.

So, Nephis just stared at the boisterous huntress Impassively and said in an even tone:

«Yes, He is.»

Effie trembled.

Nephis wanted nothing more than to sigh and hide somewhere.

She had just managed to regain her composure after the… the incident in the park. And now…

«Oh, no! Why did I think about what happened in the park?!»

To her distress, the image of the beautiful enchanter making timid excuses for his clumsiness resurfaced in her mind, and all her composure evaporated.

…The memory of embracing him tightly surfaced next.

At that moment, Nephis did something that she never thought she would do.

Maintaining a nonchalant expression, she took a casual step left and hid behind Effie.

hiding Nephis from Master Sunless, she suddenly felt

Did you just… heartlessly

voice made her

Nephis greeted her teeth.

retreated.

with a

motionless for a few moments,

Master Sunless. You

sounded a little

not see the charming young man from behind the tall huntress, but she could hear his pleasant

pleasure to

that, he took a step forward and appeared in view, carrying two glasses of wine. Luckily, Nephis had settled down

then handed her one

«Your wine, my lady.»

The huntress silently took the

provide catering for the ferry, now? Good job, good job! Valor has deep

man remained silent for a bit, then shook his

we are not providing catering for

Effie seemed confused.

the VIP deck? Not that I'm complaining! In fact, it's nice to

their conversation without saying anything, secretly stunned. This…

«Amazing.»

Sunless was far more formidable than

she was going to double down on her suggestive remarks soon. And if that did not

but impossible to fluster Effie. Anyone she aimed her sights on was doomed

wouldn't mind seeing the charming enchanter

I even thinking

air and explain the situation. She would share the news about the Memory Purveyor position first, and then let Cassie explain

it right now, she would not be able to help herself and tease the poor young man relentlessly. Yes… Nephis had to protect him from her

Him. Definitely not herself.

her mouth, intending to say

Master Sunless beat

leaned on the railing

gently took

Nephis froze.

because Lady Nephis invited me to be with her

Her eyes widened slightly.

hand was suddenly burning