Victor now gave Tesoro a completely different impression from when they had first met.
A down-to-earth hero.
A frightening demon king.
That was probably the extent of the contrast!
Victor was doing it on purpose. He had deliberately tried to scare Tesoro.
Victor asked, "What is your relationship with Stella?"
"I—I'm her—I'm her friend." Tesoro knew what rich people bought slaves for.
Especially young, beautiful female slaves.
In his eyes, Stella had already become Victor's personal property.
Although Stella had removed her collar and felt very happy herself, Tesoro believed that Stella would always be merely a servant, someone else's property.
Therefore, he wanted to save Stella and give her true freedom.
Victor said expressionlessly, "Then you should know that she's different from before."
"I know." Tesoro clenched his fists.
He thought Victor was warning him.
"Mm. Go back, and don't come looking for her again," Victor said.
After hearing Victor's words, Tesoro did not leave. His body trembled, but he summoned his courage and said, "I want to give her freedom!"
"Why?" Victor asked.
"She said I sing well. She's my friend."
Tesoro answered loudly.
"For that reason?" Victor asked expressionlessly.
Tesoro gave a quiet "Mm."
His mother hated his singing, which had deeply wounded him, while his friends had all abandoned him.
He had been abandoned time and time again.
Only Stella had been different.
Victor asked, "But what can you do now?"
"I'll work harder, save more money, and then..."
When he reached this point, Tesoro could not continue. He grew nervous and looked at Victor uneasily.
Victor smoked and calmly voiced Tesoro's intention. "Buy her back from me?"
"Yes," Tesoro answered.
Victor said, "But I don't lack money, and I won't sell her to anyone."
After hearing Victor's words, Tesoro was completely stunned.
"Money is useful,