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 Master Sunless, she suddenly felt

you just…

made her

Nephis greeted her teeth.

I just… retreated.

answered with

for a few moments, and then

Master Sunless. You

sounded a

could not see the charming young man from behind the tall huntress, but she could hear his pleasant voice. He answered after a short delay, maintaining

It is a pleasure

carrying two glasses of wine. Luckily, Nephis had settled down

lightly, then handed her

«Your wine, my lady.»

moment, then offered the second glass to Effie. The huntress silently took the wine and gulped

Has the Brilliant Emporium been contracted to provide catering for the ferry,

remained silent for a bit, then shook

not providing

Effie seemed confused.

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

observed their conversation without saying anything, secretly stunned. This… was probably the first time she

«Amazing.»

more formidable than she

his advantage was not going to last long Knowing the vivacious huntress, she was going to

Effie. Anyone she aimed

wouldn't mind seeing the

I even thinking

no one but herself to blame… Nephis decided to clear the air and explain the situation. She would share the news about the Memory Purveyor position first, and then let Cassie explain the more scandalous layer

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

Him. Definitely not herself.

her mouth, intending to say

beat

on the railing beside

gently took her

Nephis froze.

on the VIP deck… because Lady Nephis invited me to be with

Her eyes widened slightly.

burning