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 a

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

asked you to keep an eye on him in my

and domineering scion of the Aegis Rose clan bullying the elegant and gentle Master Sunless made her blood boil… for some reason. Feeling a degree of anger would have been both expected and reasonable, but even Nephis herself was

image was simply… simply too offensive. Perhaps it was because she had just promised herself to protect the charming young man? Now, mere hours later, it had already come to

verge of blushing again — this time, out

sudden thought surfaced

I destroy the Aegis

She blinked.

am

Cassie responded

It's just that his Flaw is… well, you know how

Nephis frowned.

could happen? The duel already

Cassie coughed.

maybe don't mention anything to Master Sunless. It might be embarrassing for him… even though he technically didn't

charming young man silently. Almost immediately, she noticed a thin vertical tear in his robe, where none had

I should offer to heal

it with her flames. But how could she offer to

anything. If Master Sunless wanted to keep what had happened to him

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

Rose clan,

of 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 plenty enough to teach him a few lessons on how to

that touching the person

and at the same time protect the

deep breath, still