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 deceptively

Rose challenged Master

Of course, her calm expression remained the same…

me?! I explicitly asked you to keep

the elegant and gentle Master Sunless made her blood boil… for some reason. Feeling a degree of anger would have been both expected and

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

verge of blushing again — this time, out

thought surfaced in

the Aegis Rose

She blinked.

am I thinking

Cassie responded to her

relax. What is with you today? Master Sunless is not entirely helpless, and Tristan of Aegis Rose is not entirely brainless. It's just that his Flaw is… well, you know how he is. In any case, he is not a malicious person, just a hot-blooded fool. The worst that

Nephis frowned.

have happened? Not could happen? The duel already

Cassie coughed.

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

silently. Almost immediately, she noticed a thin vertical

offer to

on his chest and infusing it with her flames. But how could she offer to heal him without

for a few moments, and then reluctantly decided not to say anything. If Master Sunless wanted to keep

the losing side of their relationship… which was to say, employer and employee relationship!… so she had to be mindful of

Aegis Rose clan,

the Sword Domain, but if she wanted 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

Master Sunless, and that touching the person I favor… pretending to

the deception and at the same time protect the

took a deep breath, still