Wataru looked down at her and spoke, his voice even. "Listen, Cloche. You are now my slave, like Marielle and Eir. I don't plan to mistreat you, but I also won't tolerate any disobedience. From now on, remember your place, and act accordingly. If you try to rebel, there will be consequences."
"Yes… Master," Cloche responded, her voice barely above a whisper.
"If you behave well, there will be rewards," Wataru added, his tone softening slightly. "And I may even free you from your servitude someday. So do your best."
Cloche trembled, her tail wrapping itself around her waist as she bowed her head deeply. At the very least, the arrogance that had colored their first encounter seemed to have diminished. Wataru reached out and patted her head gently, to which Cloche's tail began to wag.
Their positions were now firmly established.
