A Brighter Future (Kuroinu)

Rhodes understood Claudia’s skepticism; after all, it’s rare for anyone to believe in such matters, especially when he himself was doubtful.

“Yes, Claudia’s concern is valid, but this situation needs to be seen with our own eyes to understand,” Rhodes said.

Grave nodded in agreement but hoped that things were indeed as they seemed, for it would mean he could expect to see the couple’s child next year.

“Alright,” Rhodes agreed, knowing that if he didn’t let them see for themselves, he wouldn’t be able to prove anything. He could only hope that Chloe’s performance would be convincing enough for them.

As the trio approached the room, Rhodes knocked on the door to let Chloe know they were coming, and then opened it.

Grave and Claudia, entering the room, saw Chloe dressed in a black, tight long-sleeve top and shorts, sitting quietly on the bed, unshackled, which somewhat convinced Grave.

However, the moment their eyes met Chloe’s, they saw undisguised hatred and disgust in her gaze. This made Grave and Claudia instantly alert. They were about to warn Rhodes when he walked over to her.

“Chloe, restrain yourself.”

The tense atmosphere eased as Chloe’s gaze softened upon seeing Rhodes, her loathing and hatred vanishing, replaced by affection. She enthusiastically embraced him.

Grave recognized the look in her eyes—it was the same way Claudia often looked at Rhodes. This surprising outcome made him believe Rhodes’s earlier explanation.

This dark elf truly belonged to him, both body and soul completely conquered.

Considering this, Grave looked at Claudia, signaling her to relax. But her disdain for Chloe only grew, seeing Chloe’s gaze and embrace towards Rhodes.

Grave shook his head in resignation, not understanding why Claudia felt jealousy towards a mere slave.

“General Grave, Claudia, see! There’s no problem, right? You can be at ease about Chloe now, can’t you?” Rhodes said, holding Chloe’s waist.

“There’s no issue for you, but her gaze towards us was full of hostility. It’s still too dangerous not to control her actions,” Claudia replied, her eyes filled with hostility towards Chloe.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep her close. As long as I’m with Chloe, there’s no need to worry about her causing trouble. She’ll listen to me, right, Chloe?”

“Yes, I will obey all of my master’s commands,” Chloe said softly, making Rhodes shiver slightly, overwhelmed by her allure.

“If that still worries you, I could wear a chain around my neck for you to lead,” she suggested.

“Ah, that’s…”

Rhodes instinctively wanted to refuse, not inclined towards such special games, but hesitated as Chloe tugged at the back of his shirt, swallowing his words.

“This indeed seems feasible.”

Grave found the idea acceptable, further proving that the dark elf, Chloe, was now entirely submissive to Rhodes, her previous pride and fiery temperament gone. She still showed her former self when looking at him and Claudia, which was understandable since they weren’t the ones who had tamed her.

Claudia, having nothing more to say, couldn’t continue her skepticism. Chloe’s behavior made it hard to doubt her submissiveness. It was implausible to suspect Rhodes under these circumstances.

As Rhodes hesitated, he eventually put a collared chain around Chloe’s neck, resolving any concerns about her.

“Now that the issue is resolved, Lord Rhodes, let’s proceed with the training,” Grave said, eager to resume their exercises. Chloe, now collared and leashed, showed interest in following, seeing it as an opportunity to stay close to Rhodes, providing reassurance to others and caring for him at all times.

“Let’s go then,” Rhodes nodded, ready to follow Grave. Chloe, realizing Rhodes didn’t intend to bring her along, quickly followed, placing the chain in his hands. Grave approved of this, but Rhodes felt even more conflicted.

He knew the training area would be more populated than before, and the thought of being seen leading Chloe on a chain made him feel embarrassed and uneasy.

“I’m going for training. Why should I take you with me? I’ll find another time to take you out,” Rhodes hoped to convince Chloe to stay, planning to familiarize her with the surroundings later.

“But I won’t go anywhere without my master. Only by your side can I feel my value and fulfill my role,” Chloe replied, surprising Rhodes with her heartfelt words.

Unable to refuse under these circumstances, Rhodes agreed to take her along.