Chapter 46 (1/2)

“From this moment on, I am Leiha.n.a.luka Heikreuz s.h.i.+. I will be [One Who Serves]…… and you will be my Master, Oluri [Lord of Wanderers].” (Leiha)

Nn?

The fact that [Curse Break] was effective means that she was under the influence of a brainwas.h.i.+ng or curse wizardry.

I say wizardry also because of the fact that Claura couldn’t detect it, which ruled it out as a magic of this world. Of course, I’m not 100% certain of this inference, but that makes me all the more curious about the origin of this ‘curse.’

Either way, with the curse lifted, this dark elf is supposed to have returned to her senses.

“Though under a demon’s control, I fully remember my offenses against you. Such transgressions cannot be forgiven even after a thousand sword cuts. I beg of you, please punish me until your rage subsides.” (Leiha)

She gets down on both knees and lowers her head so low that her voluptuous b.r.e.a.s.t.s touch her hands.

I’ve seen it a few times in this world already, but this position has the nuance of ‘falling prostrate’ even back in j.a.pan. Furthermore, in those light purple eyes that look up at me time and again, I see a strong enough light of attachment and dependence that gives me the s.h.i.+vers. Directing these feelings so directly at me seems even more unnatural than her emotionless state before.

More like, weren’t all four of her limbs tied up? She’s already shrugged out of them like they didn't even exist.

“What does does that mean??” (Gio)

This situation is clearly much weightier than the time Claura expressed her respect for me.

At a complete loss, I mutter to no one in particular.

“If I remember right, Oluri [Lord of Wanderers] is a ruler from dark elf legends whose position is even higher than clan chiefs. Rather than that, she’s offering to serve you, so isn’t that a great thing in and of itself? A dark elf a.s.sa.s.sin is going to be quite helpful in various capacities from here on.” (Sedam)

So says Sedam lightly while showing off his extensive knowledge as usual. Who are you calling a ruler.

“Look, I don’t want to rule over anyone. I’ve already dispelled your curse, so you’re free to go…… Oh wait, no, you still have to answer for all the crimes that you’ve committed so far……” (Gio)

I don’t think I’m saying anything strange. This city has a proper courthouse. It should be common sense to bring her there to receive the appropriate punishment. Because she was in a brainwashed state due to a curse (or whatever that was), she probably won’t get the death penalty.

“Whatever you command of me, I would gladly carry out. But……” (Leiha)

The dark elf beauty remains on her knees while desperately sidling up to me with tears in her eyes.

“I am your s.h.i.+! If you order so, I would even kidnap the infants of my clan and wring them to death before your eyes! If there is a plot you wish to further, I will manipulate any organization for you! If you tell me to kill myself, I will swiftly do so! If you l.u.s.t for this odious body, then I shall gladly offer all of it to you. All I ask in return, beg in return, is for you to never again say that you do not want to rule over me.” (Leiha)

“Every single one of your examples is so sinister! And erotic! Why do you even want to be something like that?!” (Gio)

“‘Something like that’?!” (Leiha)

Letting out a wail of despair, the dark elf turns pale enough to be noticeable despite her tanned skin and throws herself to the ground.

“Come, come, Margils-dono. It makes her seem so pitiful when you put it that way.” (Sedam)

Sedam throws an arm across my shoulders, then steers me to a corner of the room and whispers to me.

“But, I mean, it makes her sound like a slave!” (Gio)

“That’s where your misunderstanding lies. Slavery is when two parties exchange a contract dictating owners.h.i.+p over a third party whose will is disregarded. But in this case, she is trying to enter your service of her own free will, right? How about honoring that request of hers?” (Sedam)

“Rather than ruling and whatnot, why can’t she just be a nakama?” (Gio)

“What are you two whispering about over there?!” (Claura)

“Guah!” (Gio)

A sharp pain runs through my left ear. Of course, it is Claura’s work.

She is smiling like a hannya. Does anyone else find it strange that she isn’t already growing horns?

(T/N: Hannya: a mask used in Noh theater representing a jealous female demon, with the characteristics of two sharp bull-like horns, metallic eyes, and a leering mouth)

“You…… Even though you claim to have lifted her curse, didn’t you actually just cast your own brainwas.h.i.+ng spell on her?!” (Claura)

“I didn’t, I didn’t!” (Gio)

“What a shameless man you are! It’s so pathetic that I’m almost going to cry.” (Claura)

“It’s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding!” (Gio)

“If you didn’t brainwash her, then this must be a trap to ensnare you! Stop drooling!!” (Claura)

Before I knew it, her usual attack of ‘one sharp pull’ has evolved into an unending h.e.l.l. At this rate, my ear is going to get stretched.

“P-, please wait a moment!” (Leiha)

“...... Eh?” (Gio)

Help has come from an unexpected source.

The dark elf draws Claura’s attention by kneeling in front of her.