After receiving Xuemiyya's answer, Velin turned to look at Zephirin, unsure how to handle the matter for a moment.
Seeing the expression on Velin's face, Zephirin took the initiative to speak. "My lord, no matter what my current identity is, I am still your loyal subordinate. As long as you do not abandon me, I will follow you always, repaying the kindness you have shown me."
Hearing this, Velin fell silent for a long time before finally saying, "Over the years, I have not really done much for you. If you truly wish to become independent, I can let you leave. You may even take the subordinates you have trained, along with their families."
"As long as you do not refuse when I need your help in the future."
Zephirin abruptly rose to her feet, backed away several steps into an open area, and dropped to one knee. In a deep voice, she said, "My lord, what I said is my truest conviction."
"Without you, there would be no me today."
"When I was at my weakest, you saved my life."
"When I was still just an ordinary person, you allowed me to become a student of a Legendary Spellcaster."
"The reason I now have so many subordinates is also because of you."
"Everything I have now would not exist without your help."
Velin stood and walked before Zephirin, personally helping her up. Looking into her icy blue eyes, he said, "Have you ever considered that I did all this merely because I wanted to use you?"
"Isn't that perfectly normal?" Zephirin answered without the slightest hesitation. "Only those with value have the opportunity to be nurtured."
"The same principle guides how I train my followers."
"In my heart, you are the one who guided me. I will serve you