Souta was exhausted.  

Beds made. Rooms organized.  

Even Princess Meliora’s.  

The last task completed.  

— Finally... Being useful for five minutes almost killed me.  

He walked down the corridor, shoulders slumped, eyes on the floor.  

Three guards came from the opposite direction.  

The one in front stopped.  

Firm posture.  

Authoritative gaze.  

Souta raised an eyebrow.  

— The kingdom is so peaceful that even the guards decided to escort me? What an honor.  

The guard ignored the sarcasm.  

— Lady Stingara requests your presence in her chambers.  

Silence.  

Muffled laughter from the guards.  

As if they knew something Souta didn’t.  

— What?  

Souta sighed.  

Rubbed his eyes.  

— What does that girl want from me now...?  

⋯  

He walked to the chambers.  

Each step, a weight.  

Unwanted thoughts.  

Growing discomfort.  

At the door, he hesitated.  

Heart racing.  

He knocked.  

— Come in, Lord Kihara.  

Stingara’s voice.  

Calm.  

Confident.  

Souta entered.  

Curious.  

Uneasy.  

⋯  

The scene unsettled him.  

Stingara in an intimate dress.  

Confident posture.  

Predatory gaze.  

— You will be my new slave, Souta.  

— I’ll pamper you.  

— Give your existence a purpose.  

Souta froze.  

Sweat trickled down.  

Despair rising.  

— This girl... has she completely lost her mind?  

Stingara approached.  

Cold smile.  

Intense eyes.  

— Relax and enjoy.  

⋯  

The door burst open.  

Meliora entered.  

Steady eyes.  

Authoritative tone.  

— What is going on here?  

Stingara turned.  

Annoyed.  

— None of your business, brat.  

— Don’t you know how to knock?  

Magical power began to glow around Stingara.  

Meliora did not back down.  

She stood between Souta and her sister.  

— Souta is a hero.  

— Even if no one believes it.  

— And this is how you treat him?  

Souta sighed.  

Sarcasm activated.  

— Hallelujah, the golden-armored knight has arrived to save the poor hero.  

Meliora shot him a reproachful look.  

But kept her focus.  

— Mother won’t like this, sis.  

— If you insist, I’ll tell her everything.  

Stingara sighed.  

Eyes glowing with explosive energy.  

— Do whatever you want, Meliora.  

— You’ve always been Mother’s favorite.  

— And you, Souta...  

— A useless man.  

— But a handsome useless man.  

— The man who dares reject me has yet to be born and live to tell the tale.  

— I wanted to be gentle with you... since you’re weak...  

— Remember this well: I will make you mine — you will beg for mercy...  

Souta stepped back.  

Hid behind Meliora.  

— Your sister is insane, princess.  

— I need to get out of here before I become some sadistic princess’s experiment.  

Meliora rolled her eyes. Mana flared around her body, manifesting her magic.  

— Get out, Souta.  

— Before things really get ugly.  

Souta bolted down the corridor.  

Magical explosions echoed behind him.  

Running, he muttered:  

— What have I gotten myself into?  

— Mud, kitchens, and now a duel between magical sisters.  

— Whoever’s writing my story must be having a good laugh at my expense.  

---