Kneeling in Apology
“Ugh...” Eloise slowly regained consciousness, her body enveloped in a pounding headache and dizziness. When she opened her eyes, she found herself lying on a large bed inside a guest room. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling cast a faint, shimmering glow, and the soft mattress cradled her back. For a moment she lay there, dazed, trying to piece together the situation while scanning her surroundings. Her memories were hazy. The last thing she clearly recalled was being mesmerized by Chloe’s feet and wine, followed by Chloe raising her hand to cast a spell on her.
“Haa... What a stupid mistake...” She chastised herself for the impulsive act she would never have committed under normal circumstances, gripping her throbbing head. She had no idea why it had happened, but yesterday she had clearly acted on pure impulse. Even if she had been excited, she hadn’t asked for Chloe’s permission, and touching her body like that raised serious doubts about her suitability as a pet. Fortunately, Chloe must have kept her sanity because she hadn’t used such a strong spell on her. No, Chloe had been in no condition to use magic in the first place—basic magic was the limit. She had only felt a headache and mild dizziness, nothing more. The aftereffects of the spell had simply left her body feeling a little heavy. The room was quiet, occasionally interrupted by outside noises that reassured her this was reality.
“Haa...” Eloise exhaled once more, slowly sitting up on the bed and running her fingers through her hair. She reached for the water glass beside her, took a sip of cool water, and moistened her parched throat. Her eyes landed on the clock placed next to the table, and she realized an entire day had passed. Then she suddenly sensed movement in the bathroom. There was no one else who could have entered; it had to be Chloe. Again sighing, she wondered how she should apologize when she finally climbed off the bed and walked to the bathroom door. Just as she expected, the sound of running water stopped. Reacting to the silence, Eloise knelt and lowered her head. Several minutes seemed to pass before the bathroom door opened, and the person inside stepped out. Hot steam filled the room, and Eloise greeted it by speaking first.
“I’m sorry, unnie. I messed up. Please forgive me.”
Chloe, who had come out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her damp hair, stopped in her tracks at the sight before her. Of course Eloise couldn’t see Chloe’s expression while she kept her head bowed, so she simply waited in silence for an answer.
“Look up, Eloise.” A series of soft plops echoed as Chloe spoke. Eloise carefully raised her head at the words. And in her vision she saw Chloe—golden hair harmonizing with her porcelain skin. No, Chloe was completely naked.
“Ugh...” The unnecessary memory of last night resurfaced, making it difficult for Eloise to meet Chloe’s eyes directly. But Chloe walked over anyway, took hold of Eloise’s chin, and made her look up at her. Their eyes met. Chloe’s face, usually cold toward the bewildered Eloise, softened as she placed a light kiss on Eloise’s forehead.
“Eh... Unnie?” The sensation of her forehead being lightly kissed made Eloise instinctively rub it with her hand. Looking at the flustered Eloise, Chloe’s expression shifted in an instant to a smile. She knelt again and gently tapped Eloise’s forehead with her knuckle.
“Hurry and shower. We need to head back to the academy soon, don’t we?”
“Haa... But, unnie...”
“It’s fine. I was just too startled, that’s all. Besides, are you okay? I used the spell thinking you were unconscious, so even though I know your body condition, the shock probably isn’t that bad... still, just in case. And the bruise will be gone later; next time, no more incidents like last night...”
Watching Chloe babble in an uncharacteristic way, Eloise noticed that the back of her ears were strangely red. Chloe must have found the memories of last night just as stimulating as she had. Thinking about it, Eloise had always been the one on top; this was probably the first time she had heard her pet refuse to obey. Ignoring Chloe’s embarrassment, Eloise bent down and kissed the top of her foot.
“I’m sorry. I am your obedient pet who only listens to Chloe-nim’s words.”
Chloe, who had been about to say something else, froze for a moment before smiling and gently stroking Eloise’s head.
“That’s right. You are my only loyal pet and dog.”
As if sealing a promise, they decided to bury the memories of last night. Eloise felt a twinge of disappointment over the undying bruise, but she knew that a pet begging its owner for release lacked charm, so she would hold back for now.
“Then I’ll wash up too.”
“Sure. You’re not in a rush, so take your time.”
Leaving Chloe to change clothes, Eloise stepped into the bathroom and began washing herself.
****
“Then I’ll have to rely on you again later.”
A person different from last night bowed toward Eloise and Chloe and spoke. With words of gratitude, they left the guesthouse. As they passed through the lobby and headed outside, they maintained their usual appearances. Unlike last night, Eloise and Chloe now wore ordinary casual clothes. Without heavy luggage to carry, it was only natural they could move freely—thanks to the magic tools.
“I always think this magic tool is so convenient.”
“The inventory one? Yeah, carrying heavy bags around isn’t fun. But the price is expensive.”
Running their fingers over the ring-shaped magic tools on each finger, they began walking through the street while chatting normally. The effects of the light stun spell had mostly faded after the shower, so Eloise could return to her usual condition. Moreover, there was another reason her mood had improved: Chloe’s terrible smell from yesterday was gone. She must be wearing perfume, she concluded, and that restored her usual well-being. Chloe occasionally teased Eloise or spoke about academy life as they walked.
“So, how’s your roommate?”
“Umm...” As they chatted, the name Serina slipped from Chloe’s lips. Hearing her roommate’s name naturally come out of Chloe’s mouth made Eloise feel uneasy. Of course she only thought it; her face showed nothing. But Chloe, as if finding the expression amusing, linked arms with Eloise.
“Cough... Well, it seems there’s talk of her making new friends lately. Might be worth keeping an eye on.”
“Huh... New friends? Still have that kind of luxury?”
“If you want, I can arrange it so you’re alone again.”
“No need. It’s fine to have a place to breathe. In the end, what I want is just that beautiful body.”
For a split second, jealousy flared in Eloise’s chest at Chloe’s mesmerized eyes, but the flame quickly died out.
“Well, I’m still curious about this new friend. Find out who it is for me.”
“Yes.”
Cutting through the fresh air, the two headed slowly toward the academy dormitory. When they reached the building, they stopped for a moment and faced each other.
“Umm, I said to forget it, but now I’m bringing it up. Still, thank you yesterday, Eloise. It’ll help a lot with recovery. I’ll never forget this favor.”
Moved by Chloe’s words, Eloise smiled at her.
“Being with unnie always makes me happy. Please take care of me from now on too.”
Chloe’s smile faded slightly at the words, as if something was weighing on her. Before she could ask what was wrong, Chloe spoke up.
“Umm... And the bruise, honestly I need some time to prepare my heart again... So please wait a little longer... Still, I’ve been thinking about doing it with you first...”
As if comforting Eloise, who was secretly thinking of Serina, Chloe’s words made her smile and place a light kiss on Chloe’s palm.
“Thank you. Unnie, I’ll wait whenever you want.”
Chloe replied, hugging Eloise gently.
“Then I’ll head in first.”
“Yes. Unnie. Go inside.”
Sending Chloe to the other dormitory building, Eloise watched her figure disappear from view before entering her own dorm. She had no idea her smile would vanish from her expression.