Extra's Revenge: Reincarnated As A Slave-Chapter 60: Amara’s Condition

"I greet you, Master."

Regardless of his thoughts, Rey knelt down the moment he appeared before his Master, showing his unquestionable loyalty to him.

It was also a way to stroke the young man’s ego.

’You like it, right? That someone as powerful and talented as I am is groveling at your feet...’ He laughed inside, watching Augustus desperately try to hide his pleased expression.

Even Logan noticed this.

The old man stifled a laugh while sneering secretly at the Young Master.

Only Augustus didn’t know what was happening, and that the two subordinates he was most proud of did not have a good impression of him at all.

"I called you here regarding the Annual Coliseum Festival. It’ll be taking place in a few weeks. You’ll be facing the very best in the Coliseum—whether the present ranked fighters or those that will be replacing them. Because of this great hurdle, I want you to focus more on strengthening yourself, and I have a few things to give you that’ll help."

Once again, Rey expressed an exaggerated gratitude towards his Master.

His true thoughts were completely different, though.

’What a stupid man. You’re only giving me proper means when the tournament is this close? Pathetic!’

"I will grant you Sequence 6 of the Reversal Technique and, your wish all those months ago, Sequence 5 for the Inverse Technique. I will also ensure you get proper Artifacts for this event."

"Thank you so much, Master! Your kindness is unparalleled! I am truly grateful for this opportunity." Rey continued to grovel and thank Augustus.

"N-no... This much is fine."

Augustus, who would have gloated and bathed in the gratitude, surprisingly raised his hand and stopped Rey from going any further.

"This is the bare minimum, actually. There is no need to thank me so much."

"Master..."

Rey felt puzzled and dissatisfied.

Why was Augustus acting so differently?

’I don’t like it when he is not being himself. It makes things less predictable!’

"You’ve worked tirelessly for me all this time, young man. Words truly cannot express how grateful... how useful you have been. I know that my help at times were inadequate, but you pushed through regardless."

’What is this guy talking about now?’

Rey hid his frown.

He was truly confused about where all of this could be coming from and where it would eventually get to.

Then, he was hit with the words.

"This will be the last fight you will have for me as my slave. I plan to concede to Amara’s wishes and give you to her."

Those words shook him.

Rey felt a rather complex feeling in his heart.

And, despite his rational self, he took a big risk and blurted out a question.

"How... is she?"

’What are you doing?!’ He almost screamed at himself. ’Why would you ask him such a question? Why now?’

"She is fine. She is making steady recovery, though her talent has been affected greatly. I... was hesitant to give you to her before because I thought she didn’t need an extra advantage, but it seems like she’ll be needing you more than I will in the coming days."

’Is her situation that terrible?’ Rey was shaken when he heard this.

He already knew about Leon’s story and how he had escorted Augustus through his Academy days.

Amara was going to have him do something along those lines.

’Looks like Augustus is mirroring his situation back then with Amara’s present circumstances. Has her talent dropped to his own dogshit level?’

Rey couldn’t help but feel a little sad.

’Such a waste.’

If Amara was no longer talented, it was all the more reason he didn’t see any potential or advantage in being her slave.

She couldn’t protect him any longer.

In fact, the opposite would likely be true.

’I’ll suffer dangers if I am with her, since she will likely go through a hard time, just like Augustus. Braving the storm with that kind of person offers no benefits. I might be the one who ends up protecting her. But by doing so, she’ll get attached. She might never want to let go of me, and my chances of freedom will basically become nonexistent.’

Of course, despite thinking like this, Rey wasn’t lost on the benefits.

’It is possible that her talent may return, but even if it doesn’t, by taking advantage of her situation, I can mold her into my ideal of what a Master should be. If I make her a figurehead, wouldn’t that mean I could have access to the unofficial heir of the Desgarron Family?’ Rey sighed and internally shook his head.

’Let’s be realistic. This plan is too ambitious for the current me. There are too many obstacles and uncertainties. It is too risky. And with her fallen talent, she will likely face some resistance from Augustus, who also has ambition. I can no longer be assured that Amara will become the next head.’

Rey had to let her go.

He already knew he had a much more realistic plan that was underway.

Although he was tempted to also explore this option, he didn’t want to be too greedy.

’I’m sorry, Amara... but our paths differ.’

Rey had grand dreams.

He desired revenge.

Everything and everyone in this world served that goal in his eyes.

But—

Amara was useless to him now.

"She’ll likely return to the Manor next month. But she won’t spend too much time here, since she’ll have to leave for the Academy not too long after. Ah, yes, she was able to delay her promotional exams due to her health, so when she returns, she’ll have to take the exams and then enter the Second Year."

"...."

"Ah... why am I even saying all this?"

Rey wondered the same thing.

Augustus was being honest and sincere towards Rey for what seemed like the first time.

There was no bravado or theatrics.

He appeared vulnerable at the moment.

Almost pitiful.

But Rey knew better than to feel any kind of emotions for his Master.

’After winning in this Annual Festival, he will cement himself in the Coliseum’s records and will earn enough money to start a proper business. He likely won’t need me anymore anyway, so giving me to Amara should help him get rid of his guilty conscience towards me and also help his sister. In his mind, he feels like he is doing a good thing, but this is simply what is convenient for him. You still haven’t changed, Augustus. I am glad.’

As for the Young Master’s plans, while Rey expressed silent approval towards them, he outright rejected everything in his mind.

He was close.

So close to his ideal destination.

Yet there were sudden things that interrupted his plans.

He felt his mind churning.

’Why am I so unlucky?’ He was tempted to ask. ’Why now? Why is he giving me to Amara now? That would mean a new Slave Contract, and knowing how much Amara values me, she’ll resort to a less restrictive but more sophisticated contract. I don’t want that!’

Rey was done being a slave.

Freedom was so close—already in sight.

He just needed a little more time.

’What does Logan think about this?’ Rey subtly glanced at the old man, but was met with a poker face.

’Is this in line with his plans, or is it also out of his expectations?’

Regardless, he simply had to accept it.

’I can only hope that my plans come to fruition before the exchange happens...’

Rey’s initial projection at freedom was early January, but he could see it happening before the end of December.

’We are in early December now, and the Coliseum Festival takes place in late December. I should be free either before or after the Festival, but it should be before January, when Amara will be leaving for her Second Year. It’s all going to work out!’ Rey told himself, clenching his fist.

Augustus stopped speaking so much at this point and dismissed Rey.

Just as Rey was leaving the room, another servant was entering with a letter for him. It was sealed in a particularly precious envelope—the kind used by the highest of Nobles.

It was only a glance, but Rey could see the seal embedded on it.

—The Kahn Family.

’Isn’t that... The Duke—?’

Rey couldn’t dwell much on it, however, since the door to Augustus’ room closed and he had to follow Logan to obtain his new Techniques.

*******

[Several Hours Later]

Augustus sighed for the umpteenth time.

Anytime he stared at the letter and read through its contents, he couldn’t help but form a deep frown on his face.

’What should I do?’ He kept questioning himself like this.

The situation he was presented to him was rather grim. But, if he looked at it in another light, it was an opportunity for him.

Should he take it?

’But... that would mean going back on my word...’ Augustus felt deeply conflicted.

The reputation he struggled so hard to build could end up crumbling. The family which was already recognizing his greatness could grow upset with him.

His sister...

’Her condition will worsen as time passes. Although it might not seem like her talent has fallen a lot now, it will keep declining until she loses her Ether Core completely.’ His expression was grim.

’Mom and Dad are desperately seeking a cure, and even I worry about her. But... this could be my chance. I could take this opportunity to become the heir!’ Augustus had an ugly smile on his face, but it only appeared for a brief moment before completely vanishing.

’No! What am I thinking?!’

Even though he desired wealth and power, he had long given up on leading the Desgarron Family.

It was rightfully Amara’s.

’I should be praying for my little sister’s recovery. Although there was a time I envied her talent and coveted her abilities... She is still my sister. I... truly want the best for her.’

That was why he decided to part with the nameless cursed slave despite his potential.

’He will protect you in the Academy so you won’t overexert yourself and worsen your condition; or worse yet, reveal your declining talent to everyone.’

The Desgarron Family planned to keep this secret safe—within their walls.

Only close and loyal members of their family could know. Since Rey was a slave, he wasn’t going to betray them anyway, so there was no problem telling him.

Logan was also a loyal servant that had served the Manor for decades.

A greater level of trust applied to him.

’I truly want the best for you. The ideal situation would be what I was planning all along, but this letter...’

His expression turned even more serious as he looked at the words within it one last time.