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

just… heartlessly abandon

voice made her

Nephis greeted her teeth.

I just… retreated. To

answered with a

few

Master Sunless. You were

sounded a little

charming young man from behind the tall huntress, but she

a pleasure

wine. Luckily, Nephis had

then handed her one

«Your wine, my lady.»

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

Brilliant Emporium been contracted to provide catering for the

for a

providing catering

Effie seemed confused.

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

secretly stunned. This… was probably

«Amazing.»

Sunless was far more formidable than

long Knowing the vivacious huntress, she was going to double down on her

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

Nephis wouldn't mind seeing

am I even

Effie out to dry… even though the huntress had no one but herself to blame… Nephis decided to clear the air and explain the situation. She

it right now, she would not be able to help herself and

Him. Definitely not herself.

mouth, intending

beat her

on the

gently took

Nephis froze.

am on the VIP deck… because Lady Nephis invited me

Her eyes widened slightly.

suddenly burning from