She Banished Me Yesterday, But Today She Calls Me Master? - Episode 1
“Asto Berge, under the laws of this kingdom, you are hereby stripped of your title and territory, and sentenced to exile.”
“Why…? I… I fought for this kingdom…”
“Silence. Who gave you permission to raise your head? This decision is final.”
A cold voice echoed through the parliamentary chamber. I knelt on the floor, my head bowed, unable to move. The voice belonged to a girl with silver hair and crimson eyes—my stepsister, Eltrinde.
“Brother… No, Asto Belge. As of today, we are no longer siblings.”
Asot didn’t miss the fleeting emotion in her eyes—was it sorrow? Regret? Or perhaps…
“Eltrinde!! At least tell me why!!”
“Lord Asto, I’m sorry, but it’s time. Please leave.”
Ignoring my plea, she turned her back. Restrained by her attendants, the last thing I saw was her shoulders trembling slightly.
Why do you look so pained…? I’m the one who should be suffering. I saved you from your doom flag, I thought we could finally—
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★★★
“Welcome home from work, Lord Asto… or should I say, Master?”
The moment I opened the front door, a sweet scent wafted through the hallway. A girl with light-blue hair, dressed in a maid uniform, bowed deeply. Her movements were so perfect they almost felt unnatural.
“Ah, I’m back, Linde. Either title works.”
Returning from the academy, I nearly found myself drawn to her elegant features and the ample curves emphasized even under her maid uniform—but I quickly averted my gaze.
Despite her outfit, Linde wasn’t truly a maid. Around her neck was a magically reinforced collar—a clear sign of her status as a slave.
About a month ago, I—then a busy magic instructor—had been searching for someone to help with housework. The very next day, a slave merchant approached me and offered her for a suspiciously low price.
It was all too convenient, almost as if someone had been waiting.
From her speech and manners, she was likely once a noble lady. Yet her domestic skills were top-notch, and her diligence was a great help—sometimes even a bit too much.
“Were you working overtime again today…?”
Linde furrowed her brow, worry in her expression.
“Please take care not to overwork yourself. I’ve prepared a hearty dinner to help restore your strength—something to look forward to.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it. But I still have lesson plans to finalize and other stuff…”
As I spoke, the savory scent of grilled meat drifted from the kitchen. When Linde reached out to take my coat, I caught a strange flicker in her eyes—a color that didn’t belong.
Those eyes… just like hers.
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“Master… there’s a woman’s scent on your coat.”
Her voice dropped low, her fingers tightening on my collar.
“Were you really working late?”
A chill ran down my spine. Something in her expression cracked—just for a moment—revealing the emotion beneath.
“Ah—there was a magic lesson this afternoon. One of the students passed out after a spell went wrong, so I took her to the infirmary.”
“I see… Though I’ve heard many students cry ‘harassment’ these days. It might be safer to let someone else handle such things.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Gotta be careful—compliance rules are strict these days.”
Linde smiled sweetly, her lips curling.
“Exactly. I’d be so sad if Master were arrested for harassment.”
I watched her walk away, chuckling at how out-of-place words like “harassment” and “compliance” sounded in this fantasy world.
This world… it’s just like that game.
In my past life, I was a salaryman. I reincarnated here as the final boss’s older brother.
Using my game knowledge, I successfully prevented my stepsister from falling to darkness—and even became a hero who saved the world. And yet… I was exiled that day.
By the silver-haired girl—Eltrinde, the Cold-Blooded Princess.
“And you’re always so kind to women, Master.”
“Huh? Always?”
“No, I just meant that’s how it seems. So—will it be dinner? A bath? Or perhaps…?”
While I was lost in thought, Linde leaned in, her voice playful, her cheeks tinged pink.
“Eh? That means—”
“Fufu, I was just joking. You looked so serious, I wanted to lighten the mood. Was I… out of line?”
Caught off guard by her flirtation and cute upward glance, my voice cracked.
“No, not at all! You just startled me, that’s all.”
“Fufu. If you really want to, you can have your way with me, you know? I’m your slave, after all—I can’t resist.”
“Just because you’re a slave doesn’t mean I’d ever do that. Even joking, don’t say such things.”
In this world, even slaves have basic rights. This isn’t some lewd game where you can do whatever you want. Even if she can’t resist me, hurting her or forcing anything would bring legal consequences.
Not that I ever intended to do anything like that.
“If you’d take responsibility, I wouldn’t tell anyone.”
“Okay, okay, that’s enough. I’m starving. What’s on the menu tonight?”
“Today’s dinner is your favorite—Wyvern steak with my special demi-glace sauce.”
The sizzling sound of steak filled the room, and I couldn’t help but cheer.
“Whoa, amazing as always, Linde! Looks delicious!”
Fantasy dragon meat tastes better than any wagyu beef I had in my past life. Just one bite floods my mouth with juicy flavor, wrapping me in happiness.
“Wait… did I ever tell you my favorite dish is dragon steak?”
Linde paused for a split second before smiling naturally again.
“Of course. I’m your slave—I have to know.”
“Is that really how that works…?”
She leaned closer, changing the subject.
“Never mind that. You’ve got sauce on your lips.”
“I can wipe it off myself, thanks.”
“No. This too is part of a slave’s duty.”
Her gesture was tender but oddly familiar—like someone who had cared for me for years.
As she wiped my mouth, I thought… she’s just like how Eltrinde used to be when she still adored me. No, even gentler than that.
“I’m so lucky to have you, Linde. Thank you.”
“Please… I’m just doing my job.”
Linde’s cheeks flushed, revealing a cuteness fitting her age.
“But I’m really happy you said that.”
Her earlier maturity vanished, replaced by a youthful, innocent smile. And I realized… Eltrinde must be about the same age now.
Being exiled was painful. But perhaps it was punishment for my arrogance—thinking I could “save” her with nothing more than game knowledge. Now, I’ll live a second life without relying on that. A peaceful, happy, ordinary life…
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★★★
“He praised my cooking today… fufu.”
After Asto fell asleep, the light-blue-haired girl—Linde—clutched the handkerchief she’d used to wipe his mouth to her chest, smiling contentedly.
“I’m glad I begged the royal chef to train me.”
She whispered to herself and began pondering tomorrow’s menu.
“Maybe something sweet next. He always loved cake when he was little…”
“Lady Eltrinde, your shift is over.”
Dressed in a dark robe, a young subordinate greeted her. Linde—no, Eltrinde—sighed.
“You don’t need to come get me every time. You have your own duties. And I told you, when I’m like this, call me Linde.”
After tucking the handkerchief away, she touched the collar around her neck. It came off easily, despite its supposed magical restraints. Her blue hair shifted to silver, her eyes to crimson. She removed the pads enhancing her figure.
The girl standing there was no longer Linde, but Eltrinde—the cold-blooded princess and hero of the kingdom.
“Still, if anything happened to the princess who slew the Demon King, the country would be doomed. And I’d lose my paycheck.”
“I get it. But we’re heading back before he notices anything.”
As she climbed into the ornate carriage, her subordinate raised a question.
“Is it really necessary to keep monitoring Lord Asto? He hasn’t done anything suspicious, and this hardly seems like a task for you, Your Highness.”
“It is. I’ve already explained why.”
Though she replied coldly, her eyes softened when she glanced back at Asto’s window.
“I know what I did is unforgivable… But if my brother knew I was cursed by the Demon King, he’d sacrifice his own life to save me. I had no choice but to push him away through exile… Eltrinde needed to become someone he’d hate.”
Inside the carriage, she rolled up her sleeve. A black mark pulsed on her arm, spreading like rot.
There may have been better ways to distance herself from him. But knowing how powerful the curse was, Eltrinde…