Page 17 of Plaything of the Dark Elf

The dark elves’ cruelty knows no bounds.

I look back at the dark elf and consider the offer. Even if it is meant to confuse me, it could be a good idea for me to take advantage of it.

But first, I want to clean myself up a little bit. Etheron’s servants cleaned me up last night before he came to my room, but last night got pretty… messy, so I need to wash up again.

“I think I am going to take a bath first,” I answer. I go to close the door, but the elf stops me.

“Let me help.”

“Oh, I don’t-”

“I am your personal servant, miss. It is my job to assist you.” Her face is expressionless, so I cannot tell how she feels about this arrangement, but it must seem strange. It’s strange for me! But I don’t want to continue to argue. Clearly, Etheron has arranged this.

So, I step aside and let my servant in to help me prepare my bath. I stand aside as she gets the shower ready adding different perfumes and flowers to make it smell nice. It’s a luxury I’ve never had a chance to experience. I suppress my awkwardness and try to enjoy it.

I slip into the tub and let the water envelop me. The elf sits behind me and helps me bathe, taking my hair and washing it. The warm water is helping my tight muscles loosen, but it’s hard for me to truly relax given the current situation.

To help, I try to strike up a conversation.

“Um, what’s your name?”

“Miegre, miss.”

Miegre, I mouth to myself. I don’t know what else to ask. I’m not under any impression that Miegre and I will become friends, but I’d like for things to be tolerable between the two of us.

I thank her when she’s done with my hair. She tries to help me with my body, but I shake my head insisting I can take care of that part. I quickly scrub myself.

When I’m done, she brings me a towel, and I dry off. I go back to the closet and look at all the clothes.

“The General selected all the clothes. He said to inform him if anything isn’t to your liking.” He personally selected everything. Etheron is becoming more and more of a mystery with each passing minute.

“They’re all lovely,” I respond. “I’d like to go out after getting dressed.”

“Of course,” she bows. She leaves the room as I pull an outfit from the closet. I get dressed and exit the room to find Miegre waiting for me.

She leads me on a walk around the mansion. It’s a beautiful home. It isn’t as ostentatious as some of the other elven homes. I feel like the dark elves take things a little too far at times, trying to show off, but Etheron’s home is rather tasteful.

But I’m not just focused on the architecture and decorations. I make a note of every window, entrance, everything I see as I am led around. The information could come in handy in the future.

Knowing the layout of the mansion will be helpful if a chance to escape ever arises. This cage might be nicer than others, but it’s a cage nonetheless. My main desire is to get back to my family.

If the opportunity comes to me, I will seize it and leave in a heartbeat which means keeping my eyes and ears open.

Suddenly, Miegre walks and turns to me. Her face is still blank, but I can’t help but worry a little bit. This feels too good to be true, and I keep waiting for the truth to reveal itself.

But her demeanor does not crack as she looks at me.

“Would you like to see the General train?”

Train?I don’t know if I like the idea of seeing Etheron fighting. He’s already a formidable presence in my mind, but seeing him train would give me a chance to learn more about him.

I’m also curious if last night was a fluke. Maybe it was the rush of almost dying that made everything so electric. It would give me some peace if that was the case.

I look back at the elf and nod.

“Okay, let’s go.” She nods and turns back around. I once again follow her, though now I am a little tense knowing I am about to see Etheron again. My heart beats with anticipation.

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