"What are you even saying?" Alreis forced a clueless expression, though her flushed cheeks and stammering voice betrayed her completely.

A true powerhouse never lied—and never needed to. But… times change.

"Stop playing dumb," Wude scoffed. "You? Lying? Bet you’ve never told one in your life!"

"How do you know?!" Alreis blurted.

"Tch. That’s why I say—people stuck in the medieval era are so single-minded…" Wude muttered just loud enough for her to catch, yet utterly incomprehensible.

"Medieval era?" Alreis frowned at the strange term.

"Don’t worry about it," Wude cut in, tone edged with provocation. "Just focus on your current situation."

Alreis seethed. *He knew I was the Ascendant Sovereign… yet still bound me with the Slave Contract and speaks to me like this?* Even as her savior, this insult to her dignity was unforgivable.

Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself up. Mana swirled around her like a gale as she began absorbing ambient energy—abandoning her plan to recover quietly. This was the Blessing of Life’s territory. That person had taken her final blow alongside the Temporal Magic she’d unleashed… surely they were in no shape to interfere.

The magical currents tossed Wude off-balance, but he steadied himself. "Alreis," he rasped, "I forbid you from absorbing mana!"

"What…?" The wind died instantly. Alreis froze. *My body…* It refused her command.

"Forgotten already, *esteemed* Ascendant Sovereign?" Wude beamed—a picture of rustic innocence. "You’re still bound by *my* Slave Contract."

"Mere Slave Contract!" Alreis hissed, jaw tight. "Even a moment’s absorption surpassed your power, kid."

"Then kill me!" Wude plopped onto the bed, thrusting his neck toward her. "Strike here. If you can." His tone dripped with taunting arrogance.

"You bastard!" She gathered spatial mana for a slash—

"Ugh!" A jolt surged through her. Strength vanished. She collapsed, wounds flaring. Pain and that strange tingling fused; her face burned crimson, damp with shame.

"This…!" Wude’s eyes widened. "So potent! Transmigrators really do get cheat skills. I thought this magic was useless—conditions too strict… but *this* happened… hehehe!" He chuckled lewdly, muttering nonsense to Alreis.

*Kind country boy?* She realized with fury: *He knew exactly who I was. "Accidentally" casting the Slave Contract? A lie.*

"Don’t pout," Wude cooed, delighted by her flustered glare. "You’re a noble Ascendant Sovereign~"

She turned away, silent, cheeks puffed.

"Alreis," he whispered, stroking her head until she glared back, "I command you: no harm to me. No attempts to break the Slave Contract."

Her lips parted—terror flashing—then she bowed her head, defeated.

"Honestly," Wude sighed, shaking his head. "Medieval-era strongholds like you? Zero poker face. How’d you even survive to become the strongest?"

"…I’m *actually* the master of an Ascendant Sovereign!" he gloated. "A gorgeous girl too—total jackpot! Thought this was pure fantasy… Guess I *am* the protagonist!" Alreis’ fingers twitched toward a spatial slash… then stilled.

She tried strategizing escape—but gave up fast. Even her spiritual energy throbbed with pain if pushed. In her era, races warred openly; humans united. Schemes meant nothing. Only raw power ruled. Thinking deeply? Never her strength. Now, utterly helpless.

"Imagine parading an Ascendant Sovereign slave! So flashy… though folks might call me an idiot. Happy problem~" Wude smirked. Alreis kept her head down, hiding shame—though only *he* witnessed it.

Snapping from his fantasy, Wude leaned close. "Alreiiis~ my *slave*…" He dragged the word out, savoring it.

"…What?" she muttered, swallowing pride.

"Say 'master'." His grin turned lecherous. "Pose like a cute animal—say, a *Youmao*—and use a soft, sweet voice. *Order.*"

"Never—!" Her body moved against her will. She fought… uselessly.

*(The Youmao resembles Earth cats but has two tails. Unlike aloof Earth cats, it’s docile and obedient.)*

Wincing as the pose tugged her wounds, Alreis knelt cat-like on the bed. Voice trembling, honey-soft: "M… Master!"

Wude froze. "My dream…" he whispered, dazed. "…Finally real."

That day, two beings lost consciousness—one from bliss, the other from burning shame.