The Male Slave of House Sianella - Chapter 70

Chapter 70: An Unfamiliar Elf (2)

“Mana…I’ll overlook the mana…But human, how can you, a human who is not an elf, exude the scent of spirits?”

Damn it… I’d tried my best to conceal it, but…

It seemed impossible to fool an elf’s sensitive nose.

Siabel had noticed. Ainel had noticed.

And even Adelheit had reacted this way yesterday after realizing I could wield mana.

This situation, once so novel, now felt tiresomely familiar. It no longer surprised me.

I stared back at the elf, my expression carefully neutral, almost apathetic.

“Would you mind letting go of my sleeve?”

Not only had she grabbed me by the collar, even though we’d only exchanged a brief glance yesterday…

But this elf was now practically sniffing me. I placed my hand on her wrist.

She looked at me appraisingly, then slowly loosened her grip.

The tension between us thickened.

The elf took a step back, creating some distance.

“The fact that you aren’t denying it…means you know what kind of power you possess, right?”

Deny it?

If I could, I would gladly deny everything to escape this uncomfortable situation, but…

There was no point in lying to an elf, whose sense of smell was sharper than a dog’s. It would only deepen her suspicions and pique her interest.

I decided it was better to simply agree.

“…I know.”

“Hmm, you know…Even though it's incredibly rare for a human to possess the power of spirits. And you’re so readily revealing such a special power to me…Is that really alright?”

“Of course.”

“Oh?”

“It’s not the kind of power I can hide from an elf, born with a deep connection to spirits.”

The elf’s eyes crinkled into crescents.

“…You say it’s not the kind of power you can hide…You seem to know quite a bit about us elves.”

Her gaze shifted from my face to my attire, lingering on the Sianella crest embroidered on my breast pocket.

“Sianella…Yes, Sianella…”

She whispered the name of the house I served, then nodded slowly.

“…One of the few human families with a deep connection to our Great Forest.”

She tucked her long hair behind her ear and smiled brightly.

They say the smile of a beautiful woman can make a man’s heart sing, but…

I couldn’t bring myself to smile back. And I doubted I ever would.

I’d had too many unpleasant encounters with elves.

I was sorry, but I was a firm elf-skeptic.

“Hmm…Then someone from Sianella must have told you about us elves. Which means…there are others who know about that extraordinary power you possess. In that case—”

The elf held up her index finger.

“—that young lady from Sianella, who fought alongside you against the demon worshippers so confidently, as if trusting your power.”

She then held up her middle finger.

“And the head of the house, who must have allowed you to act as her daughter’s guard despite knowing about your power…”

A knowing smile spread across the elf’s lips.

“At least two people know about your power, wouldn’t you say? How is it? My guess is spot on, isn’t it?”

She didn't seem to expect a reply, as she chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand.

If she already knew everything, why bother asking and making me so nervous?

As I stared at her, wondering about her mental state…

The elf’s bright demeanor suddenly cooled. Her smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating expression.

“How interesting.”

“…What is?”

“You. You are interesting.”

The only emotions visible in her emerald eyes were amusement and intrigue.

And—

“So, in that sense…won't you become mine?”

—a predatory hunger directed at me.

‘That damned elf…finally showing her true colors.’

I thought coldly.

When I was a new Hunter, those on my team who’d been captivated by elves had all met unfortunate ends.

Elves viewed those foolish humans, who’d offered their bodies and hearts so readily, as nothing more than obedient, intelligent pets.

Some had been branded as slaves while sleeping beside their elven lovers.

Others had been subjected to unbearable violence, or even killed, when the elves grew tired of them.

The most pathetic, yet merciful, death had been…yes, death by overexertion during intercourse.

I still couldn’t comprehend the mentality of those involved.

In any case…

The point was, nothing good ever came from being captivated by an elf.

So I politely refused her offer.

“I am already Lady Sione Sianella’s slave, and I serve as an attendant of House Sianella. So, I’m afraid—”

“Priel Arielt. You can call me Liel.”

“—I cannot become yours, Lady Priel.”

“I told you to call me Liel. Well, names aren't important, so let’s set that aside.”

My refusal seemed to displease her, as Priel Arielt’s hollow smile deepened.

She began twisting a strand of her hair around her finger.

“You can’t become mine? Are you sure about that?”

“Excuse me?”

I wasn’t sure what she meant.

As I questioned her words, she continued quickly, as if seizing an opportunity.

“What’s your name?”

“…Ray. My name is Ray.”

“Ray…”

Priel savored my name for a moment.

“Yes, Ray.”

A look of satisfaction finally appeared on her face.

“What matters is not your status or position, but your will.”

“…I don’t understand.”

“I’m saying that if I wish it, I am confident I can take you from House Sianella at any time.”

Her smile widened, and I could see my own troubled expression reflected in her eyes.

“Why are you so determined to have me?”

Priel ran her tongue over her lips and swallowed, as if savoring the thought.

…This crazy elf.

True to her nature.

I barely managed to suppress my disgust at her blatant display of predatory behavior.

“I’ve been telling you this whole time…Well, it’s because you’re interesting.”

“Interesting…?”

“You, a human, exude not only the scent of wind, but also the scent of fire. How could I not be interested? Interested enough to want you for myself.”

A possessive hunger, bordering on obsession, flickered in her eyes.

“Become mine, Ray. I can promise to take care of you…for at least a hundred years.”

As I stared at Priel Arielt, speechless…

A male elf approached from behind her.

That was…

The elf who had been with Priel yesterday.

He walked between Priel and me without hesitation, glancing at us both before speaking.

“I apologize for interrupting, but Lady Priel, if you wish to make it to the meeting on time, we should leave now.”

“Is it that late already?”

“You seem to have been enjoying your conversation.”

“Enjoying it…? Yes.”

Priel looked away from the elf, who appeared to be her attendant, and turned her gaze back to me.

“It was enjoyable.”

She took a step closer, looking up at me with a renewed smile.

“Decide what you want to do by the time we meet again. Understand?”

“…I understand.”

“Good. I look forward to your answer.”

With those final words, Priel and her attendant turned and walked towards a nearby building, chatting amongst themselves.

I watched them leave, then resumed my own journey, replaying the recent encounter in my mind.

“…Ugh…”

Even the cool autumn breeze filling my lungs,

“…Damn it…”

Couldn't extinguish the flames of frustration rising within me.

***

I arrived at my quarters.

I’d originally intended to go straight to Sione’s room, but…

I found myself standing before Ainel’s door.

Knock knock.

“Lady Ainel, it’s Ray.”

I heard footsteps approaching from the other side of the door, and…

Creak.

Ainel opened the door.

“Hmm…Ray…? What brings you to my room at this hour, instead of visiting Sione?”

Ainel yawned delicately, covering her mouth with her hand. Her appearance, unlike her usually composed self, was surprisingly disheveled.

Her long hair was tousled, as if she’d just woken up.

And her sky-blue nightgown was rumpled and slightly askew.

The dark circles under her eyes suggested she’d had a difficult night.

“I have something urgent to report.”

“Something urgent at this hour?”

I felt a pang of guilt at adding to her burdens, but…

“I’ve been discovered.”

“Discovered? What—”

“My spirit magic.”

“…What?!”

…Well, it couldn’t be helped.

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