Saying something like that at a time like this was far too underhanded.
For a moment, Esnie could not even react. She lightly bit her lower lip, looking a little hurt.
Of course, she could not say she had been completely unprepared for this. At least, Esnie herself had expected it to some extent.
Once their mutual trust reached a certain level, the Collar would serve virtually no purpose.
Jonas wanted to take off the Collar out of consideration for Esnie. Its presence represented distrust and wariness. Only by removing it could their relationship truly be built on trust.
But knowing that was one thing. When it came to actually removing the Collar, Esnie still felt deeply resistant.
Just as Jonas reached out and unfastened the girl's Collar, a slender, fair hand suddenly caught his hand before he could withdraw it. Puzzled, he asked:
"What's wrong?"
Esnie seemed conflicted. When she heard his question, she said:
"Could we... leave the Collar on?"
"Why?"
Jonas stopped what he was doing and gently stroked her hair as he asked:
"I think our relationship no longer needs something like this to guarantee it... or do you think you might hurt me someday, Miss Esnie?"
-How could I possibly do that!
Esnie shook her head in denial, then looked up and said firmly:
"Even without the Collar, I would never betray you, Mr. Jonas."
Some things mattered more than physical restraints... After everything they had been through, Jonas had long since become as important to her as her younger sister.
"Then why don't you want to take off the Collar?"
Jonas seemed a little confused. After taking a moment to find the words, he continued:
"You should know very well, Miss Esnie, that the Collar represents the unequal relationship between us... I'm only removing