IGSAGCSAWAYSH) Cherish Life

In the inn room, Shiuzuku had gone back to bed while the seven shadow guards all sat in the hot, steamy bath with relaxed expressions. “We are truly blessed by Goddess Yunni.”

“Mmm… She allowed us to gain such a Master.”

“Master is also very kind. She saw that we had not been able to take care of ourselves and allowed us to soak in the hot bath.” 

“But is it wise for us not to do anything about that plot?”

“Master said to leave it alone, so we will.”

“True…. I just worry they will still try to blame Master.” 

“If that is what is to happen then we will protect Master. That is all there is to it. Our duty is to always protect Master.”

“I hope Mater will be okay….”

“Mmm….” This was a sentiment that all of them agreed to. They did not wish for Shizuku to come to any harm. Their lives were now hers. They would give them up if it meant she could continue living.

- - -

The next morning Shizuku woke up to her room filled with girls. After telling the shadow guards to clean up, she also had them take turns resting. Right now, three of them were sound asleep on the floor next to the bed. One on each side. “Hmmm?” Shizuku heard a sound above her. When she looked up, there was another shadow guard hanging clinging to the bed's canopy, sound asleep as well. How she was able to keep her arms and legs in that position without falling was already something that Shizuku saw as inhuman.

“These girls….” Shizuku chuckled as she sat up. The other girls were still sound asleep, but she did not need much sleep to begin with due to her race. She slipped out of bed making sure to not step on anyone or wake them up, before walking over to the window. 

“It’s raining again….” Shizuku frowned. She opened the window and stuck her head out. “Come inside.”

“Master….” The four other shadow guards all appeared in front of Shizuku. 

“Stay out of the rain. If you girls get sick, what will I do? From now on, you will also openly protect me. Who says a shadow guard needs to hide in the shadows all the time? Things are a little rocky in this town, but the next town we get close to, I will have Lishia take one of you with her to pick up some adventurer-style armor. Then we can travel together as a group.” Shizuku disliked how these girls were always stuck in the shadows. She knew this was how they did their jobs, but she felt bad for them.  Even if they were with her, they could still use their skills to slip back into the shadows and do what they needed to do.

“We will follow your command, Master.” Number one replied. Her heart felt very warm to know that they had a master that cared about their well-being. Priestess Helen couldn’t have cared less. One of their sisters had died from a sickness that could have been easily cured, but Priestess Helen refused to help and even blamed their sister for getting sick in the first place. In the end, their sister succumbed to the sickness and died. 

What made things worse was when Priestess Helen found out about it, she had the body removed, and the girls never got to say goodbye. They didn’t even get a chance to mourn her death and were forced to go out on another mission. The eight sisters were now seven. This all happened when they were twelve years old.

“You girls just need to live more freely. I want you all to live better lives. I know working for that old bitch must have been hard, so from now on, I want to see you all living somewhat normal lives as much as possible.” Shizuku smiled and gently rubbed Number One’s head. The girl was about the same height as her, so it was not hard to do.

Number One bit her lip as tears began to form in her eyes. She was truly glad that Goddess Yunni allowed them to serve under Shizuku. “We will always be sure to fulfill our duties as well as learn to live more freely. But remember, your safety is our utmost concern above all else.”

“That is all well and good, but never put your life at stake. If you or any of you die, you will only be hurting those who are left behind. Remember, I am a vampire. My wounds will heal quickly. I am not easily killed, but you girls are. So, from now on, make sure you stay safe and preserve your lives at all costs. If a mission is impossible, then return home. I would rather you come back home than never return.” Shizuku Smiled warmly at Number One and the other girls. She truly was glad she could save these girls from that horrible place’s control. 

To even think Priestess Helen had slaves under her control was horrifying enough. So now that she had replaced their slave marks with her own, she felt a sense of accomplishment in being able to save these girls.