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.

from

you just… heartlessly

voice made her

Nephis greeted her teeth.

not! I just… retreated.

with a dubious

few moments, and then slowly

Sunless.

tone sounded

from behind the tall huntress, but she could hear his

is a pleasure to

Luckily, Nephis

smiled lightly, then handed her one

«Your wine, my lady.»

The huntress silently

I see! Has the Brilliant Emporium been contracted to provide catering for the ferry, now? Good job, good job! Valor

remained silent for a

we are not providing

Effie seemed confused.

deck? Not that I'm complaining! In fact, it's nice to see a pretty face… a friendly face! I meant to say a friendly

stunned. This… was probably the first time she had

«Amazing.»

far more formidable than she

vivacious huntress, she was going to double down on her suggestive

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

mind seeing the charming

am I even

had no one but herself to blame… Nephis decided to clear the air and explain the situation. She would share

the huntress heard it right now, she would not be able to help herself and tease the poor young man relentlessly. Yes…

Him. Definitely not herself.

mouth, intending to

Master Sunless beat her to

leaned on the

gently took her

Nephis froze.

because Lady Nephis invited me to be with her on

Her eyes widened slightly.

suddenly burning