Thus, the mana exchange continued for a long while. Throughout, Elle kept whimpering in pain, her expression utterly pitiful.

“Alright, the ritual’s complete. Honestly, I’m impressed you held on this long.”

After a moment, I gently pushed Elle away.

“I think we could go a little longer,” Elle said calmly, as if eager for another round. “More mana exchange means a deeper bond between us and the Elder Dragon Lord, right?”

“Too much exchange causes side effects. We can’t continue.”

“By the way, Elder Dragon Lord… how many others have you formed this contract with?” Elle asked curiously.

“Three others—all female. With males, I use a different contract. Best to keep them separate,” I replied evenly.

“Oh…” Elle murmured softly, still not quite grasping it.

“Elle,” I said sternly, “now that the contract is sealed, listen closely: you belong to me alone. No one else may command or demand anything of you. Understood?”

“Understood… Dreadwyrm—no, I should call you Master now.”

“Outside, call me Ling Xie. When we’re alone, you may address the other two however you like.”

(As for why I chose the name Ling Xie… that’s a story for another time.)

“Yes, Master… so… can you fulfill my wish now?” As she spoke, Elle’s cheeks flushed deep crimson.

“What exactly is the wish?” I recalled her earlier vow.

*To offer everything of mine to you… and become your servant.*

Hearing such words from a young girl’s lips felt utterly surreal.

“Wait—just a sec!” Elle quickly pulled out her spatial ring and rummaged inside.

“This is it…”

She placed the items before me.

“How do these even work?” I asked, puzzled by the pixelated objects.

“Just follow my lead.”

“Understood.”

---

*Sigh… Humans really are strange creatures. Why develop tastes like this? After my long absence, has humanity really drifted this far?*

*Chasing this kind of shy thrill… is this the new norm?*

“Rest up. I’m stepping out for a bit.”

I carried Elle to the bed, tucked the blanket gently around her, dressed myself, and slipped quietly out of the inn.