Splash, splash…
Ayesha rose from the hot spring, her curvaceous figure accentuated as water cascaded off her, her ample chest swaying with the motion. Her striking silhouette was undeniably eye-catching—a sight that might have left Annie, the fox-eared girl, feeling even more self-conscious had she been there. No wonder Annie had chosen to avoid this pool tonight.
Splash, splash…
Amelia paused for a moment before quickly standing to follow Ayesha. The near-drowning incident had rattled her, and the thought of lingering in the hot spring no longer appealed. She was done with the water for now.
"Amelia, not soaking anymore?" Ayesha asked, glancing back as she slipped into her undergarments.
"No," Amelia replied curtly, her tone as cool as ever. She grabbed a dress and pulled it over her head in one swift motion, then draped a coat over her shoulders.
"Uh… Amelia, what about your underwear?" Ayesha asked, blinking in confusion. Just a dress and nothing else?
"Too much hassle," Amelia said, her green eyes flicking briefly to Ayesha's lacy undergarments before she turned and strode toward the exit.
"Hassle?" Ayesha muttered, looking down at her own bra. It didn't seem like a hassle to her. Shaking her head, she quickly finished dressing, threw on her own military coat, and hurried after Amelia.
Thud, thud, thud…
By the time Ayesha caught up, they were already outside the study. Before they could knock, Lucas's voice called from within, "Come in."
"Phew…" Ayesha felt a flicker of nerves, her heart beating faster for reasons she couldn't quite place. While she hesitated, Amelia pushed the door open and stepped inside without a second thought.
Creak!
"…" Ayesha blinked her purple eyes, then followed, her steps tentative. Spotting Lucas, she quickly blurted, "Master, what did you need me for?"
"Sit down first," Lucas said, waving a hand casually. He turned to Amelia, who had settled beside him, and asked softly, "Why'd you leave the hot spring so early today?"
"Tired," Amelia replied flatly, her green eyes meeting his for a brief moment before looking away.
"Alright, what's going on?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, shifting his gaze to Ayesha. He knew better than to expect a detailed explanation from Amelia—she wasn't one for words.
"Master, Amelia almost drowned just now," Ayesha said, her face serious. "It's a big deal. One wrong move, and it could've been fatal."
"Another drowning?" Lucas's eyes widened as he turned to Amelia, recalling her last near-miss in the water. How much time had passed since then? This was becoming a pattern.
He made a mental note to take action. Maybe he'd source some life preservers from Earth—Amelia's safety was at risk otherwise. Or perhaps the hot spring needed a redesign, with a shallow area to prevent such accidents.
"Slipped," Amelia said, her small hand tugging at Lucas's sleeve. Her green eyes shimmered faintly as she added, "It was an accident."
"An accident? That's exactly why these things happen—because they're not planned!" Lucas rolled his eyes, reaching out to ruffle Amelia's white hair gently.
Amelia pursed her lips, staying silent. Her other hand gripped his sleeve as well, the memory of the drowning still fresh and unsettling.
"Honestly," Lucas sighed, pulling Amelia closer by the waist in a comforting embrace. Sometimes, a hug was the best way to ease someone's fears.
"…" Ayesha watched the interaction quietly, a pang of envy stirring in her chest. Amelia could be so close with the Master, so at ease in his presence.
"Ayesha, I called you here to ask about something," Lucas said, still holding Amelia as he turned to the horned beastwoman. "Who have you arrested in the past three days?"
"Who I arrested?" Ayesha's brow furrowed as she tilted her head, thinking hard. "In the last three days, I only caught one person—a troublemaker causing a scene."
"What did he say when you apprehended him?" Lucas asked, his own brow creasing. Just one person? Had he misjudged the situation?
"He said… he said…" Ayesha's purple eyes trembled, and she lowered her head, her voice faltering. The words were too heavy to repeat.
"Did he say something about you?" Lucas pressed, reading her reaction. Her unusual behavior made it clear—the troublemaker's words had struck a nerve.
"Master… Can I step down as patrol captain?" Ayesha lifted her head, her purple eyes brimming with unshed tears. She couldn't bear hearing it again: "You're just a slave. What right do you have to arrest me?"
"Are you serious?" Lucas's frown deepened. He could tell Ayesha was spiraling, her straightforward nature making her overthink and doubt herself. Without guidance, she'd get lost in her own thoughts.
"I…" Ayesha lowered her head again, her horns pointing toward Lucas. She didn't truly want to quit, but she also didn't want to tarnish his reputation. If word got out that he'd appointed a former slave as patrol captain, people might speak ill of him.
"Did he say you're a slave? That you have no right to arrest him?" Lucas ventured a guess, piecing it together. It was the kind of jab that would hit Ayesha hard, explaining her dejection.
"Yes," Ayesha nodded faintly, her voice barely audible. That single sentence had haunted her, fueling nightmares that kept her awake.
"Do you trust me, or do you trust him?" Lucas asked, his dark eyes narrowing as he leaned forward. He needed to pull Ayesha out of this cycle of self-doubt.
"I trust you, Master!" Ayesha's head shot up, her voice firm and resolute.
"Then listen to me," Lucas said, his gaze locked on hers, his tone commanding. "I made you patrol captain. I gave you the authority to make arrests. You answer to me and me alone. Forget this nonsense about 'qualifications.' I decide what you're qualified for, and if anyone questions it, they can come to me."
"I…" Ayesha's purple eyes widened, her breath catching as she stared at Lucas's stern expression. Her lips trembled, and her voice broke as she whispered, "But I'm just a slave… I'm afraid…"
"Afraid of what?" Lucas cut her off, his sleeve snapping as he pointed at her, his voice ringing with authority. "Even if you're a slave, even if the whole world shuns you, I still choose you."
Ayesha's body trembled, her mouth falling open as she gazed at Lucas, stunned. The tears she'd been holding back finally spilled over, tracing shimmering paths down her cheeks.
"Really? You really don't care that I'm a slave?" Ayesha choked out, covering her mouth as she fought to stifle her sobs. The nightmares of the past three days had tormented her, and his words were a lifeline.
"Silly girl," Lucas said, his lips curving into a gentle smile. "Who's ever shunned you? In this castle, has anyone ever cared about your past?" He paused, then added with a teasing lilt, "Oh, wait—Annie might. She's probably jealous that you keep stealing her tomato stir-fry."
"Waaah… Master!" Ayesha burst into tears, her emotions overflowing. She sprang to her feet and threw herself at Lucas, wrapping her arms around him.
"Honestly…" Lucas opened his arms, catching Ayesha as she collided with him. He steadied her, his hands resting on her waist, though his face was suddenly engulfed by her ample chest.
"Waaah…" Ayesha sobbed like a child, her arms clutching Lucas's head tightly. She was standing, while he remained seated, making the embrace slightly awkward.
"Stop… I…" Lucas's voice was muffled, his face pressed against her softness, his breathing growing labored.
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