13. Night with Fels

That evening.

I felt sick and went to bed early. I wondered if it was because I hadn't thought about the previous party in a while.

Even though I pretend to be strong and don't care, I’m still conscious of it in the corner of my mind.

Let's forget it. The important thing is now.

But I don't fall asleep.

I get up and look at the dim and cloudy night sky.

If I could see the moon at least, It would feel better.

I hear a knock on the door.

"Nigris-sama. Are you sleeping?"

"Fels? What's wrong?"

As expected, she wore pajamas instead of a maid outfit. IShe was hugging a pillow and buried her face in it, perhaps to hide her embarrassment.

There’s no trace of her appearance when we first met, you wouldn't know unless you were told that she's 12 years old.

"Oh, um ... may I sleep with you?"

Together, in the same bed?

Wait, am I an idiot? She didn't ask me with that kind of intention.

That’s right, when we first met, she did say she wanted to sleep on the same bed, I guess she was lonely.

Even though she looks like an adult, she's a 12-year-old girl inside. If I misunderstand and run away, I won't be able to face her.

"OK. I’ll sleep on the floor."?

I deal with it as usual.

It's been a long time, so I just forgot.

"No, no ... I want to be together ...!"

"That’s a very misleading line ... it's a line I want you to protect at least."

"Line? It's just bed-sharing ... isn't it?"

"No, it’s no good"

Fels gently drops her gaze.

If you're depressed, I'll feel guilty, so please stop!

"Is there no way?"

"That's an order"

"……I understand"

It seems that she was convinced.

As I was thinking of this, Fels sat down by my side.

"Um, Nigris-sama"

"Huh……"

  She pats her thighs, urging me on.

Knee pillow?

"I will be on the bed, so please Nigris-sama."

"...... You thought of that.”

"Yes. I think and act for myself. That's what Nigris-sama taught me.

The Fels, who is in my memory, was scared even when sharing the same table with me, and ate hamburgers while crying.

Should I take responsibility for her change?

I killed my shame and put my head on her lap.

"... Do you have to stroke my head?"

"It's what I want to do"

She pets me with a gentle voice.

...... Why did this happen?

"It was very painful to hear the story of your former party."

"Yes. I’m sorry if I made you feel bad."

"No! Rather I was angry. I'm sorry for those who treated you like that when you were working so hard."

I was looking at Fels from the bottom.

She looked murderous for a moment. If your loyalty is 100, will you adore someone this much?

I lay back deeply, trying to resist the urge to smile.

"Fels. Do you want to remove the slave collar?"

She was surprised at the sudden proposal and stopped moving.

I was originally thinking about it.

I don't want to treat Fels as a slave. I’ve wanted to remove the collar, but I didn't have a chance to say it.

"If I wanted, the collar will come off."

"... Um"

I guess it's hard for her to ask me to remove it by herself.

No one wants to be a slave.

With that in mind, I reached for the collar.

"No!"

"eh"

It was a surprising statement.

I never thought she’d refuse.

"This is… proof of my encounter and connection with ...... Nigris-sama. It's an important thing that makes me feel deeply connected to you."

"Well, then you'll stay a slave?"

"I'm happy as long as I’m Nigris-sama's slave. I don't want to remove it."

I scratched my head.

I can't take it off when she says that much.

?\Should I wait until she herself asks to remove it?

"I didn't know it was such an important thing. I'm sorry."

"No, no ...! Well, please rest on my laps until you fall asleep!"

"No, isn’t it painful?"

"Trai-.., it’s training!"

If that's the case, I'll keep her company till she gets tired of it.

The bad mood from talking about the previous party was completely gone.

The plump and soft thighs inspire drowsiness and peace of mind.

It's not a good idea to sleep in this situation as the owner of ...... Fels, but...... sleepy.

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AN: Next chapter is the exile party’s perspective!

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