Volume 4 - CH 10

With Mist feeling better, Cyclo first thought of going into town to buy some clothes and equipment.

However, Mist still did not seem to be in good shape, so he decided to stay the night at the mansion and start preparing for his adventures tomorrow.

So Cyclo decided to do what he could during the day.

It was the “order” to the slave who had signed the slave contract.

Cyclo wanted a slave who would not betray him.

That is why he bought Mist–giving orders is also a matter of course.

“–Now then, Mist. I have something important to tell you.”

When Cyclo starts talking, Mist turns to him with a serious expression on her face.

“I bought you because I needed a companion to explore the dungeon with me as an adventurer. Do you understand me so far?”

“……Yes.”

Mist nodded, indicating that she understood her role.

“I’m going to give you one more ‘order’ on that.”

“–That’s a given. I am a slave, after all.”

Mist’s expression clouds over.

This makes even Cyclo feel guilty.

But – still, Cyclo was afraid of trusting her as a party member without the order of a slave contract.

“…… My ‘order’ to you is…”

He said that much and think.

How would it be appropriate to say, he thought

It seemed a little different to say, “Don’t betray me”.

“Don’t leave me”, that’s also different.

(What am I looking for in a fellow member, in the absolute connection of a slave contract?)

Cyclo thought about it again and then chose his words.

The words that came out were these.

“No matter what happens, you have to trust me.”

Mist’s expression of surprise widened at these words.

(Why does the Master look so tearful?)

Mist wonders. No matter how she looked at him, Cyclo had a sad expression on his face.

He just ordered his slaves to believe him. Seeing Cyclo looking hurt even by such an innocuous act – Mist thinks.

(I’m sure …… Master had something painful happen to him too)

Belief, even that much, is so much that you have to overcome pain to ask for it.

Mist realized that Cyclo’s heart must have been hurt.

Because Mist also – until Cyclo hugged her dirty self, she couldn’t even think of trusting another person.

“…… Um, Master. Is that what you want?”

In response to Mist’s question, Cyclo nodded and then answered.

“Yeah. I don’t want anything else.”

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Saying this, Cyclo touches the pattern on Mist’s neck.

‘Then, I’m going to ‘order’ you.”

“Yes, please. Master.”

“…… [No matter what happens, you must trust me].”

While channeling magic power into the pattern, Cyclo gives the order.

Then, the pattern emits light and accepts the order.

This means that Mist is forbidden by the slave contract from not believing or doubting Cyclo.

“Sorry, Mist.”

“No.”

Cyclo feels guilty and apologizes for the act of enforcing trust.

But Mist shakes his head and replies.

“I trust my Master. Even if there was no Slave Contract, I swear that I would continue to trust you.”

She said, then Mist grips Cyclo’s hand.

“Thank you, Master. Thank you for buying me. Treating me so well. I am — in just one day, I am overflowing with gratitude. You made me feel so happy that I can pledge my absolute trust in you.”

“–I, I see.”

Mist’s words made Cyclo a little embarrassed and he scratched his cheek.

“W-Well, I guess we’re done talking about “order” then!”

“Yes, Master.”

Cyclo tried to break the subject to hide his embarrassment, but Mist smiled gently and nodded her head.