Shadow Slave

When Nephis returned, the courtyard seemed a little liveller than it had been before. A few people had strange expressions on their faces, and a few more seemed to be glancing at Master Sunless from time to time, their gazes full of contempt and amusement.

The charming enchanter himself was standing near the parapet of the ramparts, not paying the pointed gazes any attention. He was looking down calmly, a small smile playing on his lips.

Nephis frowned slightly.

«Has anyone bothered him?»

She had not anticipated that leaving Master Sunless alone for a few minutes would be a problem. It was only an hour or two after they had shown themselves together in public, after all… no matter what kind of rumors people wanted to spread, such things took time.

Nephis definitely did not want anything remotely unpleasant to happen to the delicate young man, so she had to be more watchful in the future.

Approaching Master Sunless, she said in her usual even tone:

«I am back. Did something happen?»

He turned and looked at her with a smile, then lowered his gaze awkwardly,

«Ah… well.., nothing too serious. There were a couple young men who wanted to have words with me. I'm afraid I failed to resolve the issue amicably. Oh, well… some people simply don't have manners. I'm rather used to such situations.»

Nephis frown deepened.

Sunny, of course, was talking about himself — it was Sunny who didn't bother with basic manners unless he wanted to, and was therefore used to facing the violent consequences of running his venomous mouth.

But Nephis understood it differently.

[Cassie?]

Who were these young men, and how dare they be rude to Master Sunless?

moment later, her voice

challenged Master Sunless

Of course, her calm expression remained the same… but her mind was

me?! I explicitly asked you to keep an eye on him

Master Sunless made her blood boil… for some reason.

it was because she had just promised herself to protect the charming young man? Now, mere

verge of blushing again — this

sudden thought surfaced in her

I destroy the Aegis

She blinked.

am I thinking

Cassie responded to her

helpless, and Tristan of Aegis Rose is not entirely brainless. It's just that his Flaw is… well, you know how he

Nephis frowned.

could happen? The duel

Cassie coughed.

might be embarrassing for him… even though he technically didn't

a thin vertical tear in his

offer to

with her flames. But how could she offer to heal

lingered for a few moments, and then reluctantly decided not to say anything. If Master Sunless wanted to keep what had happened to him a secret, she had to respect

of their relationship… which was to say, employer and employee relationship!…

Rose clan,

to exert influence, there was plenty of influence to go exert. Young Master Tristan was about to experience some hardship in his life… not enough to kill him, but plenty enough to teach him a few lessons on how to

clearly show the other clans that I favor Master Sunless, and that touching the person I favor… pretending to favor, I mean… will not go

deception and at the same time protect the charming enchanter going

deep