Shadow Slave

Strangely enough, Nephis was enjoying the play.

The leading actress was good at her craft. The role she was portraying was taciturn and stole, but revealed a stalwart determination to resist the tide of Nightmare Creatures at all costs... a true warrior. The Guardian Angel of Antarctica did not display a lot of emotions, which could have made some people consider her a flat character.

But personally, Nephis thought that it was the opposite. The actress managed to show the subtlety of someone who was unaccustomed to expressing her emotions openly, and felt that there was no place for such things on the battlefield. It was really quite commendable, even if the Angel seemed a bit lonesome as a result.

The protagonist was her complete opposite. He was very emotive and did not shy away from voicing his opinions, even if these opinions were usually not something people would want to hear. His dry wit and casual nonchalance were disarming, and his slightly comical persona was strangely endearing. His heart was in the right place, too...

And yet, Nephis found herself unable to fully immerse herself in his character, The actor portraying the Devil was handling the role well, so there was nothing to complain about. It was just that.,,, how could she put it? The man was a bit too.., brawny, She had never really considered the matter, but now, Nephis suddenly realized that rugged men like that did not suit her taste very much.

She was inclined to appreciate men like Master Sunless much better

Feeling the pleasant weight of his head on her shoulder, she smiled subtly in the darkness.

‘How did I end up in this situation?'

The charming enchanter was leaning on her comfortably. Her arm was wrapped around him, as if they were really in that kind of relationship. It was true that there was someone in the theater observing them, but had there really been a need for a display of intimacy?

She had done it mostly on impulse, perhaps because Cassie's unexpected request was still stuck in her mind.

But, well... Nephis didn't mind the result. It felt quite nice.

Enjoying the novel feeling of closeness, she continued to watch the play.

On the stage, the touching love story between the Devil and the Angel had already progressed, and was now nearing a tragic culmination. After being reunited in East Antarctica and confessing their feelings, the heroes faced a deadly crisis.

She tilted her head and accidentally rested her cheek on top of the charming enchanter's head, feeling the silky texture of his raven-black hair. Nephis froze for a moment, perplexed, then made a hard decision... to pretend that she had done it on purpose, and that everything was going according to plan.

Just like that, there was something to distract her from the utterly fictional depiction of the Battle of the Black Skull happening on the stage...

There was no mention of the Great Clans having fought each other, of course. Instead, they were shown as self-sacrificing champions of humanity who had ventured into the wilderness to buy King Anvil and his cohort enough time to conquer the Fourth Nightmare.

The Angel had already revealed herself as a disgraced retainer of Clan Valor, and now, the heroes were trying to stall the tide of dreadful abominations in a desperate last stand.

The play took some liberties with the original film's plot, it seemed, adapting it to the sensibilities of the people living in the Sword Domain.

On the stage, the Angel was supporting the Devil, both of them battered and covered in fake blood.

"Hold on! We must hold on, Captain! The King of Valor will be here soon!"

The square jaw of the protagonist trembled, and he forced out his familiar devilish grin.

I'm sorry, but... really, you have no one to blame but yourself, You... should not have fallen in love with

pushed the wounded Angel back, into the hands of his soldiers, and

created by special effects,

sarcastic scoff escaped from

away from hell is coming to an end... ah, what a sweet dream

could hear quiet sobs in the audience. She could also

His reactions seemed quite intense from the very start. The charming enchanter was surprisingly

wondered idly if he knew the truth about the Battle of the Black Skull. He wasn't there, after all, and most

truth was not nearly

happen next, Nephis sighed and suddenly

set fire to

tension and shifted

terribly handsome face was

"What is the matter?"

embarrassment, looked away, and said

"It's nothing."

But just then...

suddenly drowned in bright light, which chased away the

tight for her generous figure was lowered from above on

hand, her face the

sight and covered her face with

were a few joyful yelps from

"It's Lady Changing Star!"

has returned from

save him,

...Indeed.

same ingénue who played Nephis in the local rendition of that accursed movie... she was portraying

enchanter's body

startled to see that he was trying

expression fell a

What's so funny?"

smile, his onyx eyes glistening with mirth. Then, he shook

please forgive me, Lady Nephis. It's just a bit

was suddenly in the mood to do something that

Nephis wanted to pout.

silent for a few moments, and then

glad my suffering