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,

Aegis Rose challenged Master Sunless to

remained the same… but her mind was suddenly awash with scorching

I explicitly asked you to keep an

some reason. Feeling a degree of anger would have been both expected and reasonable, but even Nephis herself was surprised by

promised herself to protect

on the verge of blushing again — this time, out

thought surfaced in her

the Aegis

She blinked.

what am I thinking

at that moment, Cassie

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

Nephis frowned.

Not could happen? The duel already took

Cassie coughed.

Sunless. It might be embarrassing for him… even

charming young man silently. Almost immediately, she noticed a thin vertical tear

I should offer

laying hands on his chest and infusing it with her flames. But how could she offer to heal him without hurting his pride? Cassie said not to mention

decided not to say anything. If Master Sunless wanted to keep what had happened to him a secret, she

to say, employer and employee relationship!… so she had to be mindful of his

Aegis Rose clan,

if she wanted to exert influence, there was plenty of influence to go exert. Young Master Tristan was

will also clearly show the other clans that I favor Master Sunless, and that touching the person I favor… pretending

time protect the charming enchanter going forward, thus killing two birds

deep