The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

Chapter 96

Since ancient times, foxes have been known across East and West as cunning animals.

There’s even a saying, Ho-ga-ho-wi, about a fox borrowing the power of a tiger to show off its own influence. Then, there’s the Aesop’s fable of the old lion and the fox.

The Hoyo tribe, with all their wily traits, was no different, and that naturally included the Gumiho. She saw no reason to bother engaging with Hilde.

Moreover, as someone who took pride in being a noble fox, she utterly despised mingling with lesser beings.

So, the moment Hilde set foot in Cheonsangru, she cast an illusion spell on her.

Mirror Flower, Water Moon.

The illusion of a flower in the mirror and the moon reflected in water.

With her Moon’s Eye and even the remaining dregs of her yokai energy, setting the spell was no challenge. Hilde’s lion roar nearly shattered the illusionary space she’d created, though.

If Hilde had realized it was an illusion and roared with the intention to break it, it might have succeeded. But she failed, as she never figured it out.

Hilde paid the price for being unable to escape the illusionary space. Without putting up much of a fight, she collapsed on the ground, unconscious.

The Gumiho pressed down on the back of Hilde’s head, pondering what to do next.

“Should I just suck out her energy~”

She might be a brute, but she seemed to have quite a bit of strength. Absorbing her energy would significantly aid in recovering her own power.

Just as the Gumiho was about to drain Hilde’s energy—

“That won’t do.”

Karamir’s voice rang out, and the Gumiho froze. She looked at him with a displeased glare.

“Why? Wouldn’t it be good for you too if she disappeared?”

“No matter how reckless she is, she’s still a princess. If she vanished overnight, the kingdom would be thrown into chaos.”

“If I let her go now, she’ll just come after me again. Sorry, but I have no interest in pointless battles.”

“You’d have to follow my orders anyway, but I actually had something in mind already.”

Karamir looked down at Hilde, a sly grin spreading across his face.

“Mmm...”

Hilde slowly opened her eyes, regaining her senses. Her head spun as though she’d suffered severe motion sickness. She pressed her hand to her forehead.

‘What’s going on...?’

She remembered going to the heavens for a duel. But this wasn’t a room in Cheonsangru—this was a guest room, and she was lying on a bed. And to add to her confusion...

“You’re awake?”

Karamir, sitting in a chair beside the bed, spoke. He was in the middle of reading a book.

“The café owner...?”

“You woke up sooner than I expected. Big Lin said you wouldn’t be up for at least a day, but I suppose being a princess has its perks.”

Hilde blinked, struggling to comprehend the situation, then suddenly sat up as faint, dreamlike memories became clear.

She remembered being caught in some strange magic, swinging her fists at empty air, only to end up defeated.

“Where’s that damned Gumiho?!”

“Probably talking with the Sky Fox. They seemed to have a lot to discuss.”

“After pulling that stunt on me, she’s just sitting there chatting? You’re dead, you b****.”

Hilde threw off the covers, ready to storm out of the room.

“Ah-ah, don’t move so recklessly.”

Thunk.

Hilde froze in place, halfway through her stride towards the door. Her hand reached for the doorknob, and one foot hovered in mid-air, stuck in an awkward position. Startled, she glanced down at herself.

“What... what’s happening? Why can’t I move?”

Could it be that the Gumiho had cast some strange spell on her? It felt as if her body was bound by some kind of binding magic.

“It would be troublesome if you got too rowdy. Just sit down and stay calm for now.”

“What the hell did you just say? You dare to tell me what to—”

Despite her curses, Hilde sat obediently on the bed. It was a strangely docile posture, something she would never do of her own will.

Lastly...

“The cool night breeze feels refreshing, doesn’t it?”

...she had a companion.

And that companion was, of course, Karamir. In his hand, he held a leash connected to Hilde’s collar.

The princess of Bestia was crawling on all fours through the marketplace.

For a slave, especially a beastfolk slave, walks were the best way to build rapport. They also firmly established the master-servant hierarchy, making it an ideal bonding exercise.

“You just wait until this spell wears off. I’ll tear you apart!”

Of course, some slaves were feisty, but that only made things more enjoyable. Breaking in such a spirit was the core of slave training and the highest form of entertainment.

Karamir only chuckled at Hilde’s growling.

“Are you sure you want to shout like that? Someone might hear and come over. Ah, and look—there’s someone just up ahead.”

“What...?”

In front of an inn...

A man without any beastly features was smoking a cigarette, possibly taking a breather because he couldn’t sleep.

“Kuh!”

There was no way Hilde could let anyone see her in such a humiliating state. She tried to change direction, but Karamir tugged on the leash.

“Uh-uh. Where are you going? The road’s this way.”

“W-wait a minute...!”

Ignoring her resistance, Karamir pulled her toward the man. The smoker, gazing up at the moon, turned his head when he sensed someone approaching.

“Hmm? Who’s there?”

“Oh, I’m sorry if we startled you. Just taking my slave for a little walk.”

Karamir held up the leash proudly. The man’s gaze followed the leash down to the ground, where he saw a beastfolk on all fours.

Too embarrassed, she buried her face in the dirt, hiding her expression.

“Looks like your slave is a bit shy.”

“Yes, I only recently acquired her. We’re still getting acquainted.”

“What species? She looks like a cat, but... if I look closer, maybe a lion...?”

Lions, known as the kings of beasts, were also the rulers of Bestia. A lion beastfolk would mean royal blood.

Could this slave be of royal lineage? No way.

But the beast was female, with dark fur, and looked about twenty—the same age as Princess Hilde of Bestia. She really did look like a lion...

Karamir laughed out loud, breaking the man’s intense stare.

“Haha, a lion? No way. She’s just a cat.”

“Ah, I suppose you’re right.”

The man quickly accepted the explanation.

Hilde’s notorious reputation was known even outside her own country. There was no way someone like her could be a slave to an ordinary human. It was too absurd.

“Mind if I pet her?”

“I like beastfolk, but... are you sure she won’t scratch?”

“Don’t worry. My kitty doesn’t bite.”

“Well, in that case...”

The man squatted down and petted Hilde’s head. Her hair, soft and silky, was clearly well cared for.

“Looks like her owner really treasures her.”

“A master should know how to take care of their slave.”

“You’ve found a wonderful master. Be sure to listen to him from now on.”

The man chuckled, ruffling her head absentmindedly.

It was a blessing he couldn’t see Hilde’s face as she glared daggers at the ground.