Shadow Slave

Nephis and Effie were staring at him in surprise, maintaining a smile.

Sunny cursed inwardly.

Over the years, he had gotten used to his Flaw, and it rarely landed him in real trouble these days. That was why he had relaxed a little, allowing himself more leeway while holding conversations.

There was also the fact that the true reason why the Flaw was so dangerous, his True Name, was gone now.

But there were still things he should not say!

«Crap.»

Sunny remained silent for a moment, then said calmly:

«Lady Nephis might not remember, but we actually met before.»

It would have been extremely inconvenient if she asked when or where, so before either Nephis or Effie could, he added of his own accord:

«We briefly met in Antarctica, near the end of the campaign.»

Both statements were true, and since he had volunteered them without being prompted, there was no question that would have demanded a more precise explanation. Of course, the statements were also not connected to each other, and although each of them was factual, together, they created a false impression.

…That Sunny had met Nephis for the first time in Antarctica.

She raised an eyebrow.

«Really? I think I would have remembered someone so…»

She paused without finishing the sentence, remained silent for a moment, then added evenly:

«Remembered someone, so to speak.»

«Huh?»

Her wording was a bit odd.

Sunny pretended to be embarrassed.

«Oh… it was on the day the Sword King defended the SQSC. It might not have been very memorable for Lady Nephis, considering everything else that was going on. Well, I was also covered in dirt from head to toe, so anyone would have had trouble recognizing me « She stared at him for a few moments, and then asked suddenly:

meeting me very

Sunny froze momentarily.

of question is

memory like a brand, still festering even after all these years. That was the moment he had learned about his existence being

then, on the bridge in front of the Academy… he had been attracted by how aloof and detached from the world young Nephis looked, standing there calmly with her headphones on. He had also

Sunny smiled.

me… it was

his gaze on him for a brief moment, then looked

her mouth

later, though, they were

can't! The two

poured herself more wine and viciously attacked the plate of refreshments. As she

for a bit,

seems that you don't

across the floorboards. Gloomy was currently serving as an

Sunny shrugged nonchalantly.

to

strolling with Nephis or here on the ferry, but once they reached the castle… he would prefer to keep

«What to do?»

it glided across the deck and glued itself to his feet,

«Is this better?»

blinked a couple of

Antarctica, as well? I don't think I ever had a chance to ask. Were you one of us

Sunny sighed.

bragging about. I had a cushy assignment at Army Command before ending up in a Nightmare. By the time I

Irregular Company and the Special Reconnaissance Unit before landing a position as a special government envoy to Clan Valor, technically assigned to Army Command. He wanted everyone to believe

much better than being known as a decorated officer who had fought on

her head

Command… it's all the same. Everyone did their part. Anyone who

Then, she grinned.

the Brilliant Emporium? One soldier to another… wait, actually,

looked at

silent for a moment, and then said

«I don't know her.»

stared at her with a betrayed

Then, she whispered loudly: