-At least for now, I am your master.
Those words told Afanisi two things: first, Jonas had already seen through her little schemes; second, his relationship with Annis Erdoka was a partnership, not one of subordination.
The one truly beholden to the other was Annis Erdoka, not Jonas. Little schemes like hers would only backfire.
So, upon hearing that, Afanisi pressed her lips together and did not dare say anything more.
These past few days of maid ** had already planted a seed of submission in her heart. Jonas used that to deepen her impression of their respective positions as superior and subordinate.
Perhaps she had not noticed, but under the subtle influence of this psychological conditioning, Jonas had already become a dominant authority figure in Afanisi's eyes.
"If I'm not mistaken, that Executor of the Void Realm Church from the Federation originally shared your faith and ideals. Later, for some unknown reason, she changed her mind and took a path diametrically opposed to yours. Is that right?"
Jonas spoke softly, interrupting Afanisi's thoughts.
Her eyes widened, clearly not expecting Jonas to bring up these things. As though he could tell what she was thinking, Jonas chuckled and continued:
"Perhaps you don't want to tell me the truth because she gained even more favor from the void realm after abandoning her original faith... Or rather, the god she worships gave her more benefits. That's also why her psionic energy rank differs from the information you gave me..."
"You're afraid that, once I learn the truth, I'll make the same choice she did for the sake of profit: abandon my partnership with Annis Erdoka and work with the god she worships instead."
Hearing Jonas guess her thoughts with perfect accuracy, Afanisi stiffened, her awe of him growing.
"You're... right."
Afanisi's voice