Avalon’s Dungeon

s downcast and silent.

　For a while, Alexis just stared at her in silence, puzzled.

「…So, it's my fault, is it?」

　Eden asked in a quiet voice.

　She looked up, and Alexis then told her.

「He's your vassal.
When a vassal screws up, the Master has to take responsibility.
Otherwise, he shouldn't call himself Master, and he shouldn't call himself Master.
If you feel you are responsible for your Master, you are mistaken」

　As Alexis spoke, Eden looked puzzled.

　It was the first time she had heard this theory, the first time she had been exposed to these values.

　Inwardly, Alexis understood.

　The reason why she felt Eden was young beyond her age.
It is probably because she has so little experience of her own.

　Under the armet that covers her face, she has lived a life with little contact with the outside world.

「If you feel responsible for your Master, it means he was not worthy of being your Master 」

　Alexis concluded.

「……」

　Eden remained silent on her knees for a few moments.

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　Eventually, she gave a slight shake of her head.

　”…I don't know,” she says softly.

「I don't…
well, I don't know.
But…
maybe you're right.
But…
maybe not.
I wonder what Master thinks when…
that happens…」

　Hearing her mumbling, which sounded like she had no self-confidence, Alexis couldn't help but laugh.

　—I see.
She certainly needs a Master.

　Not only is she not good at making decisions on her own, but she is also probably more afraid than she should be.

「From now on, there is another way: to pledge allegiance to the Master in her heart」

　Alexis thought it was the only way for her to have her own will.

「…I don't know.」

　Eden sighs.

「Inside me…
My Master…
no matter what I ask, there is no answer…」

　Eden slowly places her hand on her chest and turns her head.

「Master…
was like that.
He always tells me what to do.
But…the only result I got was what I wanted.
He always said that, and I, I don't understand.
I…
I don't know why…
why he did that…
I don't know…」

　Eden shakes her head.

「…I'm not very smart…
I couldn't understand what he was talking about.
So, I'm going to do it.
I'll do…
what I want.
Whatever is it」

　Then, she looked up at Alexis, her normally sleepy scarlet eyes taking on a rare, willful color.

「…So, please be my Master…
You…
you who went to such lengths for Master's soul.
I'm sure Master will forgive you」

「Eden…」

　Alexis chokes up.

　Jerome…
—his brother was not the kind of Master who would grant Eden anything.

　But, suddenly, Alexis remembered what he had heard from Fransisca.

　『Please help Eden-san!』

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　At that time, he did not know why she said that.

　But Fransisca must have seen it.
The relationship between Eden and Jerome was not like between Alexis and herself.

「…I see」

　Eventually, Alexis nodded quietly.

（I am responsible for what happened to Aniki）

　That's what Alexis thought.

　”…I'll at least take care of the remaining family members,” Alexis muttered.

　Alexis nodded and looked straight at Eden.

「Okay.
I'll be your new Master 」

　Alexis replied crisply.

「Prince…
no, Master」

　Eden looked relieved.
Then she stood up quickly.

「…Thank you, Master.
I'll do my best」

　Eden said it with a smiling face.

　The smile she shows for the first time enhances her impression of herself as a young girl more than expected.

「O-Oh…
okay…」

　In front of Alexis, who stutters involuntarily, Eden reaches for her armor.

　And then, she begins to remove her armor.

　”Eden?” Alexis asked.

　Eden's cheeks flushed as she spoke in a small voice.

「I…
promise.
To you.
Therefore, this is a token of my loyalty」

　With these words, Eden takes off her armor in front of Alexis.