94 - The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

Title: Chapter 94 - The Enslaved Devote Themselves: Blue Rabbit The situation demanded that we prepare thoroughly. We were unable to receive the blessing of the Unicorn Iris, crucial for subjugating the Twelve Warriors. "There’s also the Pegasus…" A fantastical creature from the West, alongside the unicorn. Considering the timing, she would be enrolled at the Bestia Academy. The problem, however, was that she was not yet a Pegasus. She was one of those cases who borrowed money to pay the academy fees and couldn't repay, ending up as a slave. Helping her awaken as a Pegasus would allow the same continuous effect as the unicorn's blessing. But when would one train her and when would she awaken? That was something for later, certainly not now. “Aren’t you looking more worn out?” Days had passed since the Twelve Warriors appeared. I was lounging on the sofa, enjoying the fluffy sensation while stroking Rin’s tail, when Seira suddenly mentioned it. It was something I had been hearing frequently these days. “I am indeed tired lately…” Yawning heavily by nightfall. Struggling to get up in the early morning. Regardless of how much I rest, the fatigue persists. “Is it that obvious?” “If one were merely passing by, they wouldn’t notice, but from the perspective of someone who sees you every day, the difference is significant.” “Hmm…” If there's one reason that comes to mind, it must be the impact of misfortune. Since the Twelve Warriors passed by, the frequency of mysterious occurrences at night has surged. Creatures entering dreams and draining one's spirit or abducting solitary individuals. With the Nine-tale fox by my side, no creatures would dare to approach me, but perhaps being with her acts as a double-edged sword. I might be influenced by her presence. If I had to point out another possibility… I glanced down at Rin, who was licking the back of her hand on my thigh. For a moment, our eyes met. “What is it, Master?” “I’m just admiring your beauty.” Right. There’s no way she would drain my spirit, right? There’s no appeal anyway. Unlike the legendary Nine-tale fox, Rin is someone I raised myself. There’s no chance of such betrayal. Even considering it would mean doubting the trust between Rin and me. It’s just temporary fatigue that will recover. Nothing to worry about. “Huh?” Rin, who was idly rolling around, suddenly summoned her Fox Orb. The orb flickered intermittently. “Master, the elder is calling.” “Lady Yuhwa?” Rin visited the Celestial Pavilion daily for her magical training, but sometimes Yuhwa would call like this. Most likely, it had to do with Hilde. It was necessary to confirm. I immediately set out for the Celestial Pavilion with Rin. *** “Hmph…” Yuhwa sighed deeply, like the rustle of fallen leaves. Age had taken its toll, and the clear defiance of her heavenly mandate to suppress the Nine-tale fox had stark consequences. The effort required to quell Hilde’s temper was immense. What used to require the slightest exertion now feels overwhelming. Continued, it might result in losing all her power as a Celestial Fox... The light on the Fox Orb blinked, catching Yuhwa's glance. The orb’s flickering received signals from the heavens endlessly, offering a last chance to reverse everything, albeit late. A final mercy granted by the heavens. Yet, Yuhwa easily shifted her gaze away from the orb. If she had planned on backtracking, she wouldn’t have aided the Nine-tale fox from the start. She wasn’t afraid of divine punishment anymore. She had lived too long for that to matter. She had her moments and others she deeply treasured. A sense arose in the Celestial Pavilion. Evidently, her troublesome guests had arrived. As Yuhwa gestured, a door materialized in the air. As expected, it was the two of them on the other side. “We’re here.” “Hey there, granny~” Karami entered with a respectful bow, while Rin waved unapologetically. It was impressive that he had enslaved a Nine-tale fox, but clearly, no one taught her proper etiquette. If he could manage that, he wouldn’t be a merchant, but a god. Yuhwa repressed a sardonic smile. “You’ve arrived sooner than I… thought.” As Yuhwa prepared to greet the master and the slave, she caught sight of something that stole her breath away. “Is that you…?” “Ha-ha, do I look a bit haggard? I suppose I’ve been living too strenuously and neglecting my health.” He spoke as if he had anticipated Yuhwa’s reaction, but it would take a lot more to convince her. Is this from failing to take care of himself? No, this wasn’t a physical issue. It felt different. Yuhwa’s heavenly eyes perceived it. His vital energy was incomplete, as if a creature had drained a part of it. With a Nine-tale fox by his side, what brazen creature would dare…? An apprehended Yuhwa shifted her gaze and realized. Karami’s vital energy flowed within Rin’s body. As soon as she recognized this fact. - Granny. A voice echoed in her mind—Rin’s voice. Rin stood just a step behind Karami, her eyes and mouth forming a sly arc. As she locked eyes with Yuhwa, she brought a finger to her lips. - Shh. A whisper-like tone escaped her. - You…? - The master doesn’t know. So, you mustn’t tell him. - …Why did you do it? Do you intend to betray him? - Don’t speak carelessly. It's because I love him too much. Besides, there is no harm to his life. He just feels slightly fatigued. Indeed, there was no fatal harm to his life, because the quantity of energy Rin absorbed was notably small. Rangely controlled, with no intent to harm Karami. Yet, lacking vital energy, he’d experience indescribable fatigue. His quality of life would drastically drop. Putting aside all that was troubling, it was something that shouldn’t be done. Why had Rin done such a thing? Yuhwa’s heavenly sight looked deeper, perceiving the Nine-tale fox lurking within Rin, waiting for her to cross the threshold. Waiting for Rin to reach a point of no return. Waiting for the moment when Rin, with her own hands, would harm her master. From the shadows within Rin, the Nine-tale fox stealthily nudged her towards corruption, subtly influencing her thoughts without arousing resistance. “Lady Yuhwa?” Karami couldn't stand the prolonged silence after being summoned and called out to Yuhwa. He looked at her with curiosity. Karami seemed entirely unaware of his current state. Whether to call him naïve or deeply trusting, the latter seemed more fitting in this case. “It’s nothing serious. The reason I called you both is related to Princess Hilde.” This… It needs to be addressed before it’s too late. Discreetly, away from the eyes of the Nine-tale foxes. “You are aware that your identity has been discovered, and that Princess Hilde is bent on eliminating the Nine-tale fox, aren't you?” “Yes, I am aware. Are you asking for cooperation from the Celestial?” “No, I’ve already made up my mind. But persuading her seems difficult.” The Nine-tale fox is not harmful as the old legends portray. It isn’t to such an extent. Even the misfortune befalling the city can be settled. But Hilde paid no heed. She was obsessed with the notion that the Nine-tale fox must be killed. Engaging in an indiscriminate battle would destroy the city; thus, Yuhwa proposed providing a place for their duel. “The Celestial Pavilion?” “Yes, then at least the outside wouldn’t be affected.” In essence, Yuhwa was taking on the role of facilitating a duel between Rin and Hilde. Karami was open to this offer. In a direct fight between Hilde and Rin, there was a chance of victory. This was a hurdle that had to be overcome eventually. “I'll do it. Rin, you’re okay with this?” “Of course.” “Well, let me give Princess Hilde a heads up as well. When we've set a date, I’ll contact you as I did today.” As Karami was about to leave, Yuhwa called him back. “Oh dear, I forgot to give you something. Take this.” Like a grandmother giving sweets to a grandson returning home after the holidays, Yuhwa placed a white bead into Karami’s hand. Its radiant glow hinted that it was not an ordinary item. “What is this…?” “I noticed your body’s weakness, so I’m providing extra care. Just having it with you will invigorate you.” “Granny, this isn’t something weird, is it?” “You need to stay sharp with what lies ahead. If the master suddenly collapses, it would affect you too.” “Well…” That too would be troublesome for Rin. In many ways. “Then I’ll accept it without hesitation.” Karami pocketed the bead. *** That night. As always, I lay down in bed with Rin to sleep. For me, there was no blanket, nor pillow. Rin’s tail served as my pillow, and the rest of her tail covered my body like a blanket. It wasn’t like I asked for this. It was entirely instigated by Rin. She took all the bedding, so I had no choice. “Not that I mind.” Her plush fur was warmer than any blanket. No man would refuse being embraced by a beautiful girl using her entire body. There was just one concern. “Have I spoiled you too much?” A sudden thought crossed my mind. With other slaves, once their affection reached a peak, I’d release them and part on good terms. But since Rin and I had been together for so long, her affection hit its peak long ago. As a result, she frequently exhibited actions that transcended the master-slave relationship. Though I cherish my slaves, it’s predicated on them maintaining their role as slaves. Only when they’re emancipated can anything else occur; a slave attempting to become a friend to the master is unacceptable. This went against my principles. A master should treat slaves kindly, and the slaves, in turn, offer unconditional loyalty. That’s the most beautiful and healthy relationship. Yet, being harsh now risks lowering her affection, which is a concern. “I should proceed with maintaining my dignity as a master from now on.” Considering she was a person, not an NPC, too much affection might lead to disobedience. A valuable lesson learned. Sleepiness gradually took over. Unusually, I had been feeling excessively sleepy at night and would sleep through without waking, yet still feel tired upon rising. Such irony. “Rin?” I suddenly snapped awake when I sensed a strange feeling. It felt like something inside was being sucked away. The drowsiness, akin to being drenched in cold water, sharpened into clarity. Opening my eyes, I found Rin above me, her hand placed on my chest. “M-Master?” Rin’s eyes met mine, filling with panic. It was as if she had been caught in the act of committing a crime. A shattering sound echoed as a bead broke. “What exactly are you doing right now?”