Chapter 73

"Prodigy" Elena Barnwood

She is the one who set the chain of events in motion that led Luisa to wander into the Infinite Prison after leaving the village. While her long, lustrous black hair and well-defined features remain the same as they were in the past, everything else has changed.

She wears leather armor and clothing that allows for easy movement, with several knives and a rugged sword at her waist. There are visible minor cuts on her limbs, and hanging from her neck is a silver tag, the mark of an adventurer.

"You've changed a lot, Elena. I never thought you'd become an adventurer."

"Being an adventurer is convenient; it allows me to earn money and travel to different countries... to find you."

Saying this, Elena glared at Luisa with the eyes of a predator who has spotted its prey. Luisa froze, like a frog caught in the gaze of a snake.

"I traveled to many countries looking for you... and while completing quests along the way, I somehow became a silver-ranked adventurer."

The ranks of adventurers start from iron, then copper, silver, gold, and platinum. Incidentally, silver rank is considered a veteran adventurer. It's not something a teenage girl could achieve in just a few months.

"I thought I might be taking a detour... but it's fine since we've met again. Come on, Luisa, come over here."

Saying this, Elena extended her hand to Luisa. However, Luisa made no move to take it.

"What's wrong, Luisa? Come with me. The outside world is too harsh for you. I'll protect you."

"Protect? You mean 'dominate,' right?"

Luisa, who had been listening silently until now, could no longer remain quiet at these words.

"Both 'protect' and 'dominate' are essentially the same, you know. Maybe you don't understand that, little one?"

"No. The driving force behind 'protection' is 'love.' But there's no love in your actions, Elena. All you have is a desire to dominate."

"What did you say...!?"

Struck by the truth, Elena's forehead veins bulged as she flew into a rage. Deep down, she understood that her obsession with Luisa stemmed from a desire to dominate and possess. She wanted Luisa to be a slave-like existence, subservient and dominated by her. However, buying a slave with money wouldn't satisfy her desire. She wanted Luisa's heartfelt obedience, beyond any monetary relationship. But Luisa's heart was stronger than she had anticipated, and she rebelled and escaped at the last moment.

Elena deeply reflected on this and made a decision.

'Next time we meet, I won't give her any room to resist.'

"Come over here, Luisa. I'll remind you who your master is."

As Elena took a step, then another, toward Luisa, Luisa braced herself. In terms of strength, Luisa was likely the superior. However, in terms of mental fortitude, Elena, with her fanatical possessiveness, had the upper hand over Luisa, who had a deep-seated trauma.

"Hehe, I'll take good care of you...!"

As Elena reached out to touch Luisa, a figure intervened between them.

"Wait a minute. Can I join in on this conversation?"

It was Sharo, who had intruded with clear hostility. Elena, who had been so focused on Luisa that she hadn't noticed Sharo, was slightly taken aback by the sudden interruption.

"...Oh, who might you be? Are you Luisa's friend? If so, I'm sorry, but I need you to never see him again. I'll take care of Luisa for the rest of my life."

"Wow, you've been stalked by such a crazy person, Luisa. I feel sorry for you."

Elena frowned, not at being called "crazy," but at Sharo's familiar way of addressing Luisa as "Luisa."

"...Who exactly are you to Luisa? Your answer could have serious consequences."

"Oh, you're interested? I'll tell you."

Despite the murderous glare, Sharo remained unfazed. She provocatively wrapped her arm around Luisa's shoulder, pulling her close, and said,

"I'm Luisa's cute, cute girlfriend. We're on a date right now. Got it? Go away."