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 voice

Rose challenged

calm expression remained the

me?! I explicitly asked you to

her blood boil… for some reason. Feeling a degree of anger would have been

had just promised herself to protect the charming young man? Now, mere

verge of blushing again — this time, out

thought surfaced

I destroy the Aegis Rose

She blinked.

am

moment, Cassie responded

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

Nephis frowned.

could have happened? Not could happen?

Cassie coughed.

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

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

I should offer to

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

anything. If Master Sunless wanted to keep what had happened to him a secret, she had to

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

Aegis Rose clan,

influence, there was plenty of influence to go exert. Young Master Tristan was about to experience some hardship in

and that touching the person I favor… pretending to favor, I mean…

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

a deep breath,