It Seems That the Slave Girl Is Actually a Count's Daughter. - Episode 21: Pamela’s Thoughts

Episode 21: Pamela’s Thoughts 

Pamela slightly opened her mouth and stared at me with wide eyes. An expression of disbelief was on her face. 

“Is that… really true?” 

“Yes, it’s true. I have bound you in the form of slavery. Sometimes, I wonder if you are only serving me because you keep telling yourself, ‘I am just a slave.’” 

“That is not true at all!” 

Pamela shouted at the top of her lungs. The floor fell into complete silence. A few customers and employees inside turned to look at us. They were curious about the commotion. This was bad—we were drawing too much attention. 

I quickly placed my index finger on Pamela’s lips. 

“Pamela, let’s continue this conversation after we get home. First, we need to buy Orto’s collar.” 

Pamela’s cheeks flushed pink as she nodded repeatedly. Just thinking about what would happen when we got home was already giving me a headache. But for now, I needed to focus. 

“Oh my, if it isn’t Ernest-sama. I came because we received reports about a customer causing a disturbance… Could it be that you’re here for a return?” 

It was Maini, the slave merchant. As usual, she was wearing a provocative outfit that resembled something a succubus might wear. Seeing her, Pamela clung to my arm more tightly than usual. Was she jealous? 

“Of course not.” 

I answered curtly. Maini’s eyes widened in clear surprise. Was my response really that shocking? While I was feeling slightly irritated, Pamela turned to Maini and asked, 

“Excuse me, we are looking for a collar.” 

“………..…” 

Maini was speechless. Oh, I see. She was definitely misunderstanding the situation. She must have thought I was trying to put a collar on Pamela. That’s not happening, obviously. 

“…Would you also like a whip and some candles?” 

“No! We don’t need those!” 

I immediately rejected the idea. Pamela tilted her head. She looked as if she couldn’t even imagine how such items would be used. Honestly, this was bad for her education. I really wished Maini would stop exposing her to unnecessary knowledge. 

I pushed Orto forward. 

“We need a collar for this one.” 

Maini jumped back in surprise. Apparently, she hadn’t even noticed Orto’s presence until now. As expected of a Fenrir—he could even move undetected. Truly impressive. 

Cautiously, Maini checked around Orto’s neck. 

“I’m sorry, but we don’t carry collars this thick. How about using a belt instead?” 

“I see. What do you think, Pamela?” 

While scratching Orto’s fur, Pamela furrowed her brows in deep thought. Did she have another idea? 

“What if we used a ribbon instead?” 

“A ribbon? Hmm, ribbons are soft and can change shape easily. If Orto moves too much, the ribbon could tighten around his neck. For safety reasons, we should use something sturdier and more secure.” 

Orto’s eyes widened in shock upon hearing Pamela’s suggestion. But he soon relaxed in relief. Right, a ribbon wasn’t ideal. Our eyes met, and Orto gave me a big nod. It was probably as a way of saying “thank you”.

Pamela, on the other hand, looked disappointed. Did I make her sad? Oh, I know. 

“Then, Pamela, why don’t you put a ribbon on Shiro instead? He doesn’t wear a collar, so it’d be perfect—ouch!” 

Shiro scratched my hand. He was clearly expressing his disapproval. But I chose to ignore it. For the sake of my dear Pamela, Shiro would have to make this sacrifice. 

“Understood, El-sama. I’ll do that.” 

Pamela was now in a great mood. She started browsing the belts with Maini. 

That settled it. We’d choose a thick belt, modify it slightly, and add a handle. Maini could handle the order. 

“El-sama, I’ve decided on this one.” 

“I think it looks good. It’s sturdy and thick enough, so it won’t tighten around Orto’s neck. Maini, can you add a strong handle to this?” 

It was only at that moment that Maini finally realized Orto was no ordinary dog. And that Pamela intended to ride him. Her lips tightened into a firm line. 

Her eyes widened for a split second before narrowing into a half-lidded glare. She was staring at me with quiet resentment. 

Her expression clearly said: “Why didn’t you say that sooner?”

“Understood. May I have some time to modify the belt?” 

“Got it. I’ll pay in advance.” 

Saying that, I handed some coins to Maini. When she checked the coins, one of her eyebrows rose slightly. 

“Platinum coins… Understood, Ernest-sama.” 

She probably didn’t expect me to pay this much for just a belt and a little customization. Of course, part of that was also hush money. Looks like Maini picked up on that. She really is capable—no way she’d be running such a large slave business otherwise. 

With this, there shouldn’t be any rumors that I was planning to put a collar on Pamela and use whips and candles for something perverted. 

And Orto not being a regular dog would also remain a secret. Excellent, excellent. 

The belt-collar for Orto would be ready by tomorrow. The power of money truly is incredible. I was glad I splurged. 

On the way back, we naturally stopped by a craft store. Inside, Pamela and Shiro were happily picking out materials to make a ribbon for Shiro. Orto and I waited outside. Bringing Orto into the shop probably wouldn’t be a great idea. 

Although Shiro had resisted at first, he somehow got really into it. Did he maybe awaken something inside himself? Summoned beasts have no gender. They’re neither male nor female. 

So then, how is their “gender” decided? That depends on the summoner’s feelings at the time of summoning. 

If you summon them thinking “I want a male,” that’s what they become. The opposite is true too. I thought I summoned Shiro as a boy. But maybe, somewhere deep down, I mixed in some “pretty boy” elements. 

Now that I think about it, I’m starting to feel like that might be the case. A chill ran down my spine. Wait, could I be *that kind* of person…? 

As I started getting antsy, Orto gave me a suspicious look from below. 

Orto’s definitely a proper boy, right? 

Pamela came out of the store in high spirits, arms full of bags. ………So she’s planning to make that many ribbons to tie around Shiro’s neck? 

Well, whatever. I was a bit suspicious. But since Pamela was in a good mood, I decided to let it slide.