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.

Effie's robust body hiding Nephis from Master Sunless,

Did you just… heartlessly abandon

voice made her

Nephis greeted her teeth.

I just… retreated. To support

with a

motionless for a few moments, and then slowly

Master Sunless. You were

light-hearted tone sounded a little

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 perfect

a pleasure to see

wine. Luckily,

handed her one of the

«Your wine, my lady.»

hesitated for a moment, then offered the second glass to Effie. The huntress silently took the

been contracted to provide catering for the

man remained silent for a bit,

providing catering

Effie seemed confused.

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

secretly stunned. This… was probably the first time she had seen

«Amazing.»

was far more formidable

his advantage was not going to last long Knowing the vivacious huntress, she was going to double down on her suggestive remarks soon. And if that did not work… well, quadruple

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

mind seeing the charming enchanter

I even thinking

the huntress had 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 of deception to Effie

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

Him. Definitely not herself.

opened her mouth,

beat

leaned on

took her

Nephis froze.

VIP deck… because Lady Nephis

Her eyes widened slightly.

suddenly burning from