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

you just… heartlessly abandon a

voice made

Nephis greeted her teeth.

not! I just… retreated. To

answered with

remained motionless for a few moments, and then

Sunless. You

sounded a little

man from behind the tall huntress, but she could hear his pleasant voice. He answered after

a pleasure to see

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

then handed

«Your wine, my lady.»

second glass to Effie. The huntress silently took the wine and gulped it down

the Brilliant Emporium been contracted to provide catering

charming young man remained silent for a bit, then shook

providing catering

Effie seemed confused.

you are here on the VIP deck? Not that I'm complaining! In fact, it's nice to see a pretty face… a friendly face! I

their conversation without saying anything, secretly stunned. This…

«Amazing.»

was far more formidable than she

was not going to last long Knowing the vivacious huntress, she was going to double down on

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

mind seeing the charming enchanter

I

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

help herself and tease the poor young man relentlessly.

Him. Definitely not herself.

her mouth, intending to say

beat her

leaned on

gently took her

Nephis froze.

VIP deck… because Lady Nephis invited

Her eyes widened slightly.

burning from his