"Is there a problem?" The man at the reception asked.

I still had not said anything and just stared. I was not sure how to handle this. Part of me wanted to rip the collar from her neck, but I could not do that.

"Lady Koyuki is acquainted with Christa, they have met in the past." Hatsumi said.

"How about we retire to our rooms. Christa, would you show us the way?" Kaito asked.

"Certainly." Christa's professionalism was stronger than her confusion and she guided us to our rooms.

Helena had put her hand on my back and gently pushed me along, as I still had not said anything. What was there to say? What could I even do?

The receptionist watched us carefully. Was he concerned about our connection? I did not know.

We arrived at a room. Christa opened the door. "Honoured guests, this is…"

I just stepped up to her and gave her a hug.

"Koyuki, this is improper and unprofessional!" Christa complained, looking panicked.

"Oh, it's fine." Helena assured her. "No one here will judge you."

All of us piled into the one room and Hatsumi closed the door.

"Christa! Are you ok? Are they treating you alright?" I finally asked.

"Yes, of course. This is a fine establishment." She replied.

"This is fucked up." Skadi commented.

"Koyuki, what… What is going on?" Christa asked.

"Koyuki was purchased by the military and freed in exchange for her service." Kaito explained. "She is in her second year at the Royal Military Academy and attending a conference on necromancy in the city."

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

Christa blinked, looked at Kaito, then back at me. "But… but you don't have magic. You have never awakened."

"There was an incident at my auction. I am a necromancer." I said, somewhat proudly. I also let go of Christa and tried to compose myself.

Helena snorted. "She is the necromancer. Soon she will be the most powerful of them all! Kaito and Hatsumi are tier three undead, so are the cats."

"Meow." Nyx nodded.

"What?" Christa looked around, noticing the cats watching her.

"I think the poor lady is overwhelmed. Why don't you take a seat, Christa?" Kaito suggested.

"I can fetch some refreshments." Hatsumi offered.

"I can't!" Christa declined. "I am on duty. I apologise."

"We could just hire you." Skadi suggested. "The hotel did offer a maid service."

"My apologies, I can only perform regular maid duties. The staff is not here to provide company. We can recommend such a service if desired…" Christa answered.

"It is comforting to know that you are not expected to provide such services, however this is clearly not such a request." Kaito stated. "Why don't you catch up with Koyuki? I shall handle your manager."

Eventually Christa agreed and we took a seat. The room we were in had a couch for two people and two plush chairs. I could see two doors on the left, likely leading to the bedroom and a bathroom. The door on the right connected our room, or more like our suite, to the second one.

I sat down on the couch, Helena sat next to me, providing some comfort. Skadi took a chair, and Cassie used her lap. The cats gave an approving nod, since they tended to pile up themselves.

Christa took the remaining chair and we started talking. I simply began to tell her my story. She listened with wide eyes, only occasionally interrupting. My friends added a few things here and there as well. Hatsumi brought us water since my throat got dry from all the talking.

"Wow. This is all hard to believe…" Christa said, once I had finished.

We sat in silence for a bit until Cassie asked: "So, are we going to free her?"

Christa looked shocked. "Why would you do that?"

"Because you should not be a slave! You should be free!" I said, a tear running down my cheek.

Helena put her hand on my shoulder. "We could purchase her and free her, in theory. I might have to ask my dad for some money though. Actually, Derrick is in the capital. He should have access to enough money."

Christa shook her head. "Slaves are not sold here at the Golden Chalice. It's a strict policy, otherwise nobles would demand to buy whoever they fancied and the establishment could not function properly. I appreciate your concern, but I am fine."

I pointed at the collar. "You are not fine!"

She smiled, sadly. "That attitude has always gotten you into a lot of trouble. You always had to push back."

"Mistress Koyuki does have a lot of influence." Kaito stated. "She is going to meet with Princess Olivia. I do believe we could arrange a sale."

I perked up at his suggestion.

"Not a bad plan." Helena said. "It would be easy for the Princess and she wants Koyuki on her side."

I hated politics. But maybe it was time to make a name for myself and start to use my influence. I did have connections, I certainly had power and even allies, like Cassie's mother or Helena's father.

"How about we make use of the hotel's maid service?" Hatsumi suggested. "I am sure we could convince the manager that Christa should be our personal maid for our stay, Koyuki is a rather important customer, after all. That way we can ensure her safety, now that her connection has been revealed. Once we meet the princess we can arrange a deal to purchase and free Christa."

I nodded with new found determination. "Christa, I might not be able to free every slave, but I can free you. And I will."

There must have been something in my voice, because all the cats suddenly sat up, their eyes glowing faintly. "Meow." They vowed.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.