“Please command me, my Master. Your loyal servant stands before you.”

Serika spoke these words, seemingly unfazed by the fact that her clothes were in disarray on the bed.

‘…Please, before saying anything, just put on your clothes properly…’

It was quite troubling. At this moment, I had so much to say, but more than anything, my gaze was automatically fixed on her exposed upper body and the slender lower half that was practically undressed!

– Tsk tsk, while she often babbles about being a romantic, what I’m forced to see in this situation is nothing but a woman’s nakedness.

‘Shut up. This is an unavoidable situation.’

Ignoring Erekaya’s taunts, I quickly removed the uniform top I was wearing and carefully draped it over her upper body.

No matter how mentally unstable she might be, Serika was still a girl, and above all, she was an extraordinary beauty.

The sight of such a woman almost bare before me, bowing respectfully, was more than just awkward—it was downright problematic. If anyone else were to barge into the infirmary and witness this scene-

‘This is the worst.’

In that case, there would be no explanation or excuse to make. No, the very act of making excuses would seem like the actions of the most despicable scoundrel, and I would surely face social annihilation!

On the other hand, as I covered her upper body with my uniform, Serika looked at me with eyes that sparkled twice as much as before, bowing her head once more in apparent awe.

“Ah, ah… To think my Master would bestow upon me his own clothing… how overwhelmingly gracious of you. I am genuinely overwhelmed, Master.”

“…Could you refrain from using such grandiloquent expressions? They make me feel rather uneasy…”

If she made such remarks openly, I could easily find myself accused of treason against the royalty!

“I shall refuse that. For even if the Emperor, the ruler of the Empire, were to be above you, I could never say he holds a greater position than you.”

*Smirk.*

For the first time, a look other than reverence and admiration appeared on Serika’s face, mingling with the awe she held toward me.

It was a sense of ‘mockery.’

“Though the Emperor is often referred to as a divine descendant entrusted with the will of heaven, does my Master not know how worthless such power is, like a sandcastle?”

“Moreover, my Master is the destined guide and savior of this world. It is only natural that the imperial power, held by someone like the Emperor, pales in comparison to the radiance you shine so effortlessly. So how dare the Emperor or the royal family speak as if they have the right to determine how my Master should be addressed?”

“…..”

Even though she is the little princess of the House of Count, sitting at the heart of the Empire’s power, here Serika was blatantly disregarding the Emperor’s authority.

But after years of painfully learning that arguing with someone who speaks such zealous words is futile, I merely sighed softly instead of replying.

“Seeing you call me ‘Master’ and refer to yourself as a servant, I take it you have regained memories of your past?”

“Yes, that is correct. Though it is quite rude, I discreetly used ‘communication’ to access the mental realm while you were unconscious, and I read the memories related to me that were left there. If you wish, I can atone for my actions with my death for having trampled upon your sacred space.”

“…..”

I had expected this to some degree, but indeed, she had used ‘communication.’

As far as I knew, ‘communication’ was one of the Great Rituals secretly passed down within the House of Count Valentine, allowing one to transcend all boundaries separating people and engage in ‘dialogue’ from the depths of the mind.

Originally, human beings were severely limited in verifying each other’s feelings due to the constraints of their own bodies, but Valentine’s ‘communication’ was the only way to confirm the true feelings that each person held deep within their hearts.
“Because, in the moment we connect through ‘communication’, we can exchange an immense amount of information using thought alone, without the cumbersome means of verbal conversation.”

“And undoubtedly, while I lay unconscious, Serika used ‘communication’ to access my mental space and searched for information related to her past self.”

“But why would you take such a gamble?”

“Excuse me?”

“Of course, you must have had your convictions to take that gamble, but what if I weren’t a regresser? Or if I were not the person you had been waiting for all this time? What would you have done then?”

Indeed, from this perspective, ‘communication’ may seem like a flawless ability that connects people, but there is a significant drawback to this ability.

In fact, it’s not just ‘communication’ that possesses such a flaw; it’s a defect inherent in all mental-type abilities.

All existing mental abilities fundamentally rely on one’s mental power as their source, adhering to the principle of equivalent exchange.

This applies to ‘communication’ as well: while it is an incredibly powerful force that allows one to access another’s mental realm and read associated information without mutual consent, conversely, it means that Serika’s mental power became wholly subordinate to me to gain access to my mental world.

In reality, from the moment I woke up, I felt as though an invisible link had formed between Serika and me.

By using ‘communication’, Serika entrusted her entire mental and physical dominion to me, resulting in my becoming her Master, with absolute authority to command her.

If I wished, I could potentially control not only her physical autonomy but also her minute memories, emotions, and even critical life functions such as her heartbeat and brain activity.

– Why, did the thought of being able to manipulate such a beauty like a puppet excite me? Was I perhaps already imagining dressing Serika up in my mind?

‘…That’s not it, is it? No, from the very beginning, Serika has desired this state each time she declares herself my servant.’

It goes without saying that I have never once exercised this absolute command over Serika, despite having it at my disposal.

No, why would I even do that? Anyone who would consider using a hypnotic app on their phone for nefarious purposes would be the abnormal one!

I was perfectly normal, and moreover, I had no interest in such a burdensome woman, one who bows her head and kisses my toes!

“Truthfully… I considered it quite a gamble as well and hesitated significantly. However, I ultimately concluded that I would gain far more from this gamble.”

“Gain more?”

“First of all, the foolish and ignorant Serika von Valentine of the past could only recognize my Master as an incredibly magnificent being. The gulf between my past understanding and the reality of your existence was so vast that explaining who you are using any common sense or hypothesis was utterly impossible.”

“…Gulf?”

“No matter how wide the world is or how many talents it has, how likely is it that a mere teenager could have mastered Martial Arts to the level of overcoming someone of my Master’s caliber, along with accumulating the corresponding experience?”

“Furthermore, it was a fact I overlooked in my ignorance, but my Master excels academically and possesses the decisiveness to overpower even nobles without lingering doubts or looking back. As foolish as I was, how could I entertain confusion or hesitation once it became clear that my Master was such an extraordinary individual?”

“…..”

There should be a limit to how much flattery is acceptable; being praised to this level was enough to make me almost agree with Serika.

I didn’t want to go this far… Being around her, I felt I might end up becoming an insufferable person as well. Or worse, turn into one of those obnoxious nobles who are entirely enamored with themselves!

“I humbly request your forgiveness, but may I ask you a question this time, my Master?”
“…Please, spare me the flattery and grandiose titles.”

Naturally, as always, this deranged girl only heard what she wanted to hear and said precisely what she wanted to say, showcasing her convenient mental framework where she listened with one ear and let it slide out the other.

“May I ask why you chose to enroll in Nineveh, my Master? Of course, I know it’s foolish to pose such a question. You are the savior and guide destined to save the world. I can easily deduce that your presence here is part of a grand plan.”

“…..”

A grand plan? What could that possibly mean? If such a plan exists, I’d like to share in it as well.

“Your prominence in Nineveh, forming a bond with Erekaya Del Pendragon, and joining the student council—all surely stem from that certain underlying motive. While the ignorant might remain unaware, I, who have served you for so long, can readily see that everything is meticulously planned.”

Serika smiled, her expression that of someone who had just uncovered the answer to a riddle.

Uh, well… technically, there is a plan, and yes, I acted with certain intentions in mind; however, you might be utterly disappointed if I disclosed what that plan entails…

As I scratched my head, unsure how to explain, Serika leaned forward, her eyes shining brightly, practically begging.

“My Master, though I’m lacking in many ways, might I have the honor of assisting in your grand scheme? As the saying goes, many hands make light work; despite being humble and insignificant, I believe I could be of use if you treat me like your hands and feet.”

Having never once betrayed me throughout numerous iterations, and faced with this loyal servant declaring herself as such once again, I sighed in resignation.

Oh, heck, I don’t even know anymore. Whatever will be, will be.

“Well… the truth is, the reason I initially enrolled in Nineveh is…”

“Please, go on.”

“I was trying to woo a woman named Erekaya Del Pendragon…”

“…..”

Silence ensued.

At that moment, Serika’s head was filled with giant question marks, as if she couldn’t comprehend what I said.

However, perhaps regaining her senses, she murmured in a voice that suggested she was incredulous, “Are you perhaps planning to cheat on your lady?”

“No, how many times must I say that Altina and I are not in that sort of relationship…”

“Is it that you have a particular flavor for someone with the looks of Erekaya Del Pendragon? Or perhaps, is it that you’re focused on overcoming a woman of noble blood?”

As she spoke, Serika subtly adjusted the robes I had draped over her, her voice trembling slightly.

“If that’s the case… I think I could be of help. I, too, like Erekaya, am a little princess of the House of Count, and with my status being among the top five in the Empire, I could satisfy your tastes, and personally, I would consider it an honor to receive your favor—”

“Seriously, it’s not like that at all!”

Ultimately unable to endure any longer, I burst out in exasperation.

—Well, this is all probably just karma for my previous actions, isn’t it? How much have I shown my eager interest in women for Serika von Valentine to react this way?

And in this moment, only one unseen presence, like a ghost, murmured joyfully as if watching a movie.

What the hell. Is this all because of someone else?

But, come to think of it, my enrollment in Nineveh and all this mess was all thanks to you, Erekaya, making me do these things!