The Possessor Mistook the Genre for 20 Years - Chapter 108
107 – The Elf Wore a Collar.
After waiting blankly in front of the door for a while, the closed door opened, and a voice came from inside.
“You, you can come in.”
Her actions, as if intentionally hiding her appearance, felt a bit strange, but Franz didn’t pay much attention and stepped forward.
But who could have predicted that Hera would be preparing something like this?
At least Franz had no idea.
“Come in, master…”
Hera, as if she were a servant, clasped her hands together and bowed her head.
Even more, she was wearing the collar they had seen together in the north. She said she liked it, and she really wore it.
Seeing her ears turning red through her hair, it seemed she was quite embarrassed.
‘If you’re embarrassed, don’t do it…!’
Franz couldn’t help but be bewildered by her actions. She often talked about being a slave, but this was the first time she had actually acted on it.
He knew she was serious, but facing it was a different feeling.
Did that feeling show on his face?
“Does it look strange…?”
Hera asked anxiously.
Franz was thrown into confusion again.
Was Hera’s appearance with the collar strange? Not really. Without the leash, it was essentially just a choker.
People of this world might not understand, but Franz, who lived in the 21st century, could accept a choker as an accessory.
But he couldn’t bring himself to say it. He couldn’t compliment a friend wearing a collar.
He wasn’t a pervert, how could he say that?
But to say it looked strange…
‘Hera would surely be disappointed.’
Even when buying the collar, she asked for his opinion to please him.
And now, she had taken such an embarrassing action, her ears turning red, so the disappointment would be just as great.
In the end, Franz had to make a decision. Silence could be interpreted negatively.
After a moment of hesitation, Franz’s mouth opened.
“…It’s fine. It’s not strange.”
“Really?!”
Hera’s eyes widened as she stepped closer to Franz.
Franz was a bit taken aback by her actions, but he maintained his composure and replied.
“Yes, really.”
“That’s a relief…”
Hera let out a sigh of relief, her hand resting on her chest with a gentle smile.
Franz, on the other hand, was shivering with embarrassment, but seeing her happy wasn’t such a bad feeling.
“Oh, right. This isn’t the time for this. Master, would you like some tea?”
“If you offer it, I’ll drink it. But isn’t the collar uncomfortable?”
“Hmm, it would indeed be inconvenient to move with the leash hanging.”
Hera seemed to ponder for a moment before removing the long leash. Only a choker with black fabric and gold embroidery remained around her neck.
So, it was detachable…
Franz admired the collar, thinking it felt less objectionable now that the leash was gone. It really did feel like an accessory now.
“Then sit and wait. I’ll bring the tea shortly.”
With that, Hera headed somewhere.
Franz watched her retreating figure and sat down on a chair he had once thought was very comfortable.
Would she keep calling him master until the end? It felt awkward, and every time he heard it, he felt unnecessarily embarrassed.
Well, time would solve this problem too. He had no desire to get used to it, but if Hera insisted, there was nothing he could do.
While Franz was lost in thought, Hera returned with a teapot and teacups.
She placed a teacup in front of Franz and poured the steaming tea.
The problem was that Hera was standing beside him instead of sitting down.
She was acting exactly like a servant.
“Hera, sit down so we can talk.”
“Understood.”
Finally, after Franz spoke, Hera sat down.
Franz took a light sip of the tea and placed the teacup down as he spoke.
“It’s a bit sudden, but there will be a banquet in the capital tomorrow. It’s to celebrate me becoming a duke, I suppose…”
Franz continued speaking while fiddling with an innocent teacup. It was quite embarrassing to call himself a duke. He was worried it might sound like bragging.
“Well, anyway, you can come to the banquet if you want. But think carefully. There will surely be a lot of people you don’t know.”
As he was about to finish speaking, Franz suddenly remembered that Hera considered herself a slave and hastily added,
“It’s absolutely not a command. Just think of it as a suggestion.”
It was merely a recommendation. He didn’t want it to be misunderstood as an order.
Hera remained silent, not giving an answer. It seemed she was hesitant because there would be many people she didn’t know.
Franz waited, sipping his tea without saying anything. He understood her feelings well.
After a short while, Hera’s tightly closed lips opened.
“What would you have me do, master? I want to hear your honest thoughts.”
What should she do…?
‘Why are you asking me that?’
Franz was quite taken aback by the question that was thrown back at him. But since she had asked seriously, he began to think seriously.
Fortunately, it didn’t take long to reach a conclusion.
Franz said,
“I would like you to come.”
Most of the nobles attending the banquet were not very close to him. Conversations would be awkward at best. Having at least one close person there would make it a bit better.
And above all, he couldn’t let Hera be the only one missing when the entire hero party was gathering.
He worried that he might be making her uncomfortable, but it was she who had been given the choice. She must have been prepared to some extent.
“If that is what you wish, master, I will comply.”
Hera said with a smile. Fortunately, it didn’t seem like she was entirely opposed to coming to the banquet.
But that was only for a moment, as her expression soon turned to one of concern.
“But, master. Isn’t it customary to dress up for a banquet?”
“Well, yes, I suppose.”
It was a banquet hosted by the emperor himself. Everyone would be dressed to the nines.
“Then what should I do…? Human clothes, makeup… Honestly, I don’t know much about them.”
Elven attire was different from that of humans. And they rarely wore makeup unless it was a special occasion.
It was only after hearing Hera that Franz realized this problem.
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But it was alright.
“Then let’s go to the magic tower together. I’ll take care of the clothes and makeup.”
Isn’t that what connections and money are for?
For Franz, who had everything, it was just a trivial matter.
“Then I’ll get ready right away.”
“Take your time. I’ll wait while drinking tea.”
Hera stood up, and Franz leisurely enjoyed his tea.
As expected of an elf, the taste and aroma of the tea were excellent. If given the chance, he would like to take some with him next time.
Soon, Hera appeared with a small bag, and Franz gulped down the remaining tea in one go and stood up.
“Are you ready?”
“All set.”
“Then let’s go.”
They left the house immediately and headed to where Arian and Justia were waiting.
Before long, they began to see them. The children had already left, and the two were sitting side by side on a tree stump, chatting.
He wondered if they were fighting, but judging by their expressions, it didn’t seem like it. Perhaps they had grown closer while playing with the children.
As they approached, Hera spoke.
“Nice to see you both. I heard you played with the children, and I’m sorry for the trouble.”
“Haha… It’s okay…”
“Yes, it’s fine…”
Arian and Justia avoided Hera’s gaze and smiled awkwardly.
In fact, Arian and Justia hadn’t spent much time playing with the children. The children had left, saying it was boring to play with their older sisters.
Of course, Hera and Franz, who didn’t know this, were puzzled.
‘Well, it’s probably nothing.’
Franz thought so and said,
“Arian, do you know anyone good with makeup and dresses?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I want to dress Hera up before attending the banquet.”
At Franz’s words, Arian felt a deep anger. It was bad enough to help a rival, after all.
But on the other hand, thinking about it, it also meant he trusted her that much, so she didn’t feel entirely bad.
“I’ll take care of it.”
In the end, Arian had no choice but to yield today as well.
Well, what can you do? The one who loves more is the fool.
“Then let’s go back.”
Franz said, snapping his fingers.
A magic circle was drawn on the floor, and everyone’s forms disappeared from the Great Forest.