Shadow Slave

Chapter 1814 Confession "...Sunless. Is that even your real name?"

Sunny blinked a couple of times.

‘Why is she...'

But then, it made sense.

He knew that his feelings for Nephis were real, and him being the Lord of Shadows did not change them. But, for her... she must have been questioning everything she knew about him. Every word he had uttered was under suspicion of being a lie, and every action he had taken was under suspicion of being premeditated and purposeful.

That was because, while Master Sunless was merely a person, the Lord of Shadows was something else.

He was one of the players in the grand game between the powers of this world.

Sunny lingered for a moment, then offered her a fragile smile.

"Sure. That is my real name. Well, actually, although it is my real name, most people call me Sunny, So... I was going to suggest that you call me that too, soon... today."

He faltered, then sighed.

"Listen, I want... first, I want to explain something My Intention was never to deceive you. I did not approach you with an ulterior motive, insinuating myself into your good graces for a nefarious purpose. In fact, I never expected to meet you at all. I mean... meet you here, in Bastion"

He wasn't being very eloquent, but there was no helping it. Sunny's mind was in turmoil, and therefore, so were his words.

He sought a momentary refuge in the act of gulping down tea.

"It was... sort of like... like this. The Lord of Shadows was supposed to be a part of me that deals with the big picture. While Master Sunless, he wasn't supposed to have any purpose at all. He was just meant to live the life that I have always wanted to live, but was never able to. A quiet and peaceful life away from bloodshed and strife, one that had nothing to do with the Sovereigns, the war, the Nightmare Spell, the gods and the daemons. The future."

Sunny sighed.

"I just wanted to manage a small shop and live quietly. Or rather... I wanted to let a part of me experience that bliss, at least. So that was what I did, and I never expected that a few days after the Lord of Shadows met you, you would walk into my shop. Actually... I was so startled that I fell... like a fool..."

Neph blinked,

"That was why you were on the floor?" Sunny coughed and scratched his head in embarrassment.

"Yeah."

She stared at him intently.

"Walt. What about the duel with Tristan of Aegis Rose?"

He looked down.

"Oh, that... I tried really hard not to hurt him. Too much."

Nephis opened her mouth to say something, then closed it again. Then, she opened it once more and covered it with a hand, as if mortified.

So, when Effie...

Sunny smiled sheepishly.

too. It was

habit of belittling the Lord of Shadows in an earnest attempt to help out Master Sunless win Nephis over. Her clumsy attempts to help missed the mark completely, of course, but

indeed ended up seeing the humble shopkeeper in a favorable light. So maybe Effie actually knew what

wasn't sure, at that

to speak, he hesitated for a moment,

colliding. Well, and after that... one thing led to the other... and before I knew it, we were in a contractual relationship, i was being knighted, and you were spending more

for

of action would be to sever that connection and make sure that Master Sunless, the humble shopkeeper, never comes in contact with Changing Star of the Immortal Flame again. But... I was selfish, and I was greedy. And I went along with the flow, allowing it to

strangely, something flashing in

slight frown creased her elegant brow.

this version of you... because Cassie had vouched that you could be trusted. And she

choked on his

lips, he put the cup down and glanced

'Ah.’

He said tentatively:

had no malice toward you, and tacitly agreed to keep

bottle... was slowly melting in Neph's

voice trembled

"Cassle knew?"

Sunny smiled awkwardly.

'Sorry, Cassie!'

sort of... struck a deal. For reasons. But, you should know that she only has your best Interests in mind. So, if you want to blame someone, blame me. She has really done the best she could.

at him silently

she stared at him

had a feeling that she was yelling at a

to imagine

His imagination failed.

she was shocked.

possibility that she was a little happy, as

In fact, they had built some trust and rapport in the recent months, They had fought

could support her on her treacherous path, not just treat her to a plenie between the calamitous

also kind and caring... to her, at least... and that he was willing - longed for, really - to be more than just

of Shadows and Master Sunless were parts of Sunny. And together, they made someone who could stand side by side with Nephis wherever she went, and support her in whatever way she

In short...

that bad,

inhaled slowly, then said

one of you is...

a few

of me is the real

He looked away.

Incarnations is a mask, and the other one is the true me. But that would be a lie. They are all me, and the only difference between them is the role they have