The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

Chapter 121

"Ugh..."

Despite quite some time having passed since Ashies was discovered, the dwarves’ astonished gasps showed no signs of stopping. While I understood their awe, I desperately wanted to leave this freezing place as soon as possible.

"Master Hargran, the flame from Magmar, please."

"Huh? Oh, right, I was just about to!"

Snapping out of his daze, Hargran barked orders at the others.

"Hey! How long are you going to stand there gawking? Get the container!"

"Yes, sir!"

Dwarves carrying oversized bags stepped forward. These were the special containers designed to hold molten steel from Magmar’s Heart.

The ice crystal imprisoning Ashies could only be melted with Magmar’s molten steel. After all, it was crafted by a dragon.

"You just need to pour it over the crystal," I explained.

"But won’t the princess inside get hurt?"

I hadn’t mentioned anything about her being a princess, yet they instinctively referred to her as one. Typical dwarves—they never missed details when it came to royalty.

"It’ll be fine. It won’t melt unless poured directly."

Though still hesitant, the dwarves begrudgingly began pouring the molten steel.

The boiling, fiery red liquid hit the crystal with a hiss, releasing clouds of steam. The molten steel dripped onto the ground, leaving patches of scorched earth.

Yet the massive ice crystal encasing Ashies barely showed any change, melting only a tiny fraction at a time.

"Even Magmar’s molten steel can’t easily melt it? What is this? Who is this girl, why is she here, and how do you know all this, you skinny brat?"

"It’s nothing complicated. This hill above us is actually a dragon’s lair, and she’s one of the dragon’s treasures."

"A dragon’s lair, you say?"

The dwarves murmured anxiously. The confidence they had displayed before the journey evaporated at the mention of a dragon, their faces turning pale.

"What’s the problem? Aren’t you both ‘Dr’ species? Shouldn’t you get along?"

"Get along with those damn reptiles who constantly steal our crafted treasures? Don’t be ridiculous! I knew something was off—this skinny brat is trying to sell us out to a dragon!"

"That’s nonsense. Yes, this is a dragon’s lair, but there’s no dragon here, is there? It’s obviously away. If we finish up quickly and leave, it won’t even notice we were here."

Noticing the dwarves had stopped pouring the molten steel, I gestured for them to continue.

"What are you waiting for? Do you want to become dragon snacks? You’d probably taste great, all plump and juicy."

With renewed urgency, the dwarves resumed pouring the steel. Bit by bit, the crystal’s volume visibly decreased.

If even Magmar’s molten steel could only manage this much, nothing else would have made a dent.

The cave filled with thick, steamy vapor, the heat driving away the cold.

The combination of cool air and warm humidity felt like being in a sauna—surprisingly pleasant.

Eventually, the dwarves slowed their efforts, their movements becoming sluggish. Soon, they stopped altogether, having emptied all the molten steel they had brought.

"It’s all used up."

"Good. Now we wait."

The ice crystal continued melting, thinning until strands of Ashies’ hair began to slip through. The scene resembled a frozen canyon thawing into trickling streams.

Cautiously...

Avoiding the puddles of molten liquid, I approached the crystal. Carefully, I extracted Ashies, cradling her in my arms like the princess she was.

At last, she was in my embrace.

"Is she alive?"

"Of course. She’s just in forced hibernation."

Though faint, she was definitely breathing.

From just a handspan away, I could see Ashies peacefully sleeping. Her delicate features were even more breathtaking up close.

Her long, fine lashes cast shadows on her closed eyelids, while her translucent, porcelain-like skin gleamed with a glassy smoothness.

Her hair, as white as snow with a faint icy blue sheen, sparkled like frosted snowflakes. She was like a statue carved from ice, a vision of winter’s beauty.

As fitting as her appearance was, her body temperature was remarkably low—she felt like a block of ice in my arms.

Holding her made me worry she might literally melt away.

"Hmm?"

Noticing my focus on Ashies, the dwarves tiptoed closer, their curiosity evident.

Ashies, with her long, silky hair and delicate, almost breakable frame, was the exact opposite of dwarf ideals.

Yet even they couldn’t deny her beauty, which seemed to transcend racial boundaries.

The fact that she was now his slave brought a smile to Karami’s face.

Of course, the thought of freeing her one day was daunting, but he’d take it one step at a time.

"Can you understand me?"

"..."

"If you can, blink three times."

Ashies blinked.

Once.

...

Twice.

...

Finally, a third time.

It took her a full ten seconds to blink three times—painfully slow by any measure. Yet Karami maintained his smile.

"Good. Let’s start with introductions. I’m Karami, your master and a slave trader."

"...?"

"You are my slave. I’m your master. You understand that, right?"

Ashies tilted her head, her slow nod leaving Karami unsure if she truly understood.

"Now that I’ve introduced myself, it’s your turn. Can you tell me your name?"

Ashies remained silent, blinking slowly as if processing his words. Finally, after nearly a minute, her pale pink lips parted slightly.

"...Ashies..."

Her soft voice carried a chill that matched her appearance.

"Ashies... Friana."

"Wonderful, Miss Ashies. And who am I?"

"...Rami...?"

Karami wiggled his finger.

"No, no. I’m Karami, your master. Who am I?"

"...Rami..."

It seemed the prolonged time in ice had affected her cognition. Karami’s impromptu language lesson began.

"Let’s take it step by step. First, say ‘Ka.’"

"Ka."

"Good. Now, ‘Ra.’"

"Ra."

"Now, ‘Mi.’"

"Mi...?"

"Now put it together. Karami."

"...Rami?"

"?"

"...?"

The two stared at each other, heads tilted in mutual confusion.

"Who am I?"

"Rami."

"...Just call me Master."

"Okay... Rami."

Karami closed his eyes, exhaling deeply.

It was at that moment he realized something had gone terribly wrong.