My reason for wanting to save her wasn't anything grand or admirable.
I just… liked her. At least, the version of her described in the setting book. I thought it would be nice — convenient, even — to have a homunculus among my villain comrades.
But if I'm honest with myself, the biggest reason was simpler. Her situation reminded me of someone from my past.
Being trapped here.
Unable to leave.
Always waiting for someone who might never come.
That kind of loneliness leaves a mark on anyone, and I guess it stirred something familiar in me.
"Master, do you perhaps dislike me?"
Her question snapped me back to reality.
Her voice held no accusation, only quiet uncertainty.
"No, it's not that I dislike you," I said, scratching my cheek awkwardly. "But… why am I your master?"
"In the forbidden books," she said in all seriousness, "most men liked it when a beautiful woman with a good figure called them Master."
Oh my god.
