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?

a moment later, her

challenged Master Sunless to

her calm expression remained the same… but

didn't warn me?! I explicitly asked you to keep an eye

the headstrong 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

promised herself to protect the charming young man? Now, mere hours later, it had already

on the verge of blushing again —

thought surfaced in

I destroy the Aegis Rose

She blinked.

wait, what am

at that moment, Cassie responded to

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

Nephis frowned.

happened? Not could happen?

Cassie coughed.

to Master Sunless. It might be embarrassing for him… even though

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

I should offer

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

and then reluctantly decided not to say anything. If Master Sunless

already on the losing side of their relationship… which was to say, employer and employee

Rose

exert. Young Master Tristan was about to experience some hardship

show the other clans that I favor Master Sunless, and that touching the person I favor…

deception and at the same time protect the charming enchanter going forward, thus killing

deep