The Slave’s Weakness

Just to be safe, Holkina assigned Mira and the others as escorts and sent them back to the country.

Left behind was Sveta, now an Eternal Slave.

Ribeck returned to the palace with Sveta.

“Gh—!”

She’d entered the palace first, but then came a moan from behind.

Turning around, I saw her sitting on her backside, as if shoved by something invisible.

A moment’s thought. Then it clicked.

“Sorry… this palace had an absolute barrier.”

I reached out and pulled her up.

“Absolute barrier?”

“An enchantment that prevents anyone from entering unless I permit it—no matter who they are. And from outside, no force can break it.”

Not even a full-powered strike from a True Eternal Slave could breach it.

Indirect comparison, but probably not even the main cannon of the battleship Risha could punch through it.

“Something like this… but earlier, when I came here, I was able to get through?”

“Back then, I gave permission. Huh?”

I remembered something.

The palace’s absolute barrier—its permission was just on or off, that simple.

No time limit. At least, not that I’ve seen so far.

Marta, who granted the initial access, hasn’t done a thing since—still gets in fine.

Yet Svetlana was blocked.

…Because she was reborn?

“Whatever. Hold on a sec—I’ll get you in.”

I granted Svetlana permission and let her through.

I brought her inside, led her to the office.

There, I sat in my chair and looked at Svetlana again.

Basic features—golden hair, pointed ears, pale skin—were the same as any other Eternal Slave, but her short hair and narrow eyes, combined with her forward tone, gave her the look of a cool, calculating woman, maybe even a cruel one.

Now, though—she was blushing. Blushing, eyes glistening, staring right at me.

Not quite arousal. More like a fan seeing their idol in person.

Yeah, I could tell. That look—she really wanted to be my slave.

“Now, where should I start?”

“W-well, I want to become your slave—”

“Don’t worry. You will be. That’s already decided.”

Honestly, there’s no reason to say no.

I know Eternal Slaves well. On the surface, they’re the most plucky, pitiable creatures you’ll ever meet. Not enslaving one? That choice doesn’t even exist.

When I said that, Svetlana visibly relaxed.

I kept talking.

"Slave, that’s what you are. But I’ve been wondering—where do I even start explaining the rules, the procedures, all that stuff?"

"Absolute obedience to my master’s command—"

"Of course. That’s the whole point. Isn’t it?"

"...Uh, yeah. That’s right."

Well then. Where the hell do I even start?

My purpose first? If so, maybe I should demonstrate DORECA while explaining the principles. Not that it mattered before, but now? Better just make Svetlana a slave card and have her do it herself. Faster.

Yeah. Let’s start with the slave card.

I pulled out DORECA.

"Menu open."

I selected Slave Card (Normal) from the list. Was about to summon the magic circle.

"..."

I stopped. Looked at Svetlana’s face.

Her expression—worried.

No. Not worried.

Completely wrong order.

...Honestly, what kind of mistake was I making?

I let out a self-deprecating chuckle.

"Wait? Mistake?"

"For forgetting my original purpose."

"???"

Svetlana tilted her head, genuinely confused.

...No good.

Making her look worried. Making her flustered.

Before that—making her feel at ease.

You don’t let your slave wear that face.

I picked another item from the list.

Slave collar—emergency production at ten times the usual magic capacity.

I held it out to her.

"Svetlana."

"W-what?"

"Smile."

"Eh?"

"The most important condition of being my slave. Always happy. Always smiling."

"Happy... smiling..."

I placed the collar on her, watching her struggle again.

This flustered look wasn't bad. There was something to look forward to beyond it...

"U-um... nico..."

She forced a smile, awkward and stiff.

——Magic power charged: 100,000.

Svetlana’s forced smile was shy, and kind of cute.