Synopsis

The chapter opens with the protagonist enjoying the greenhouse, pondering the Duke's actions and her own relationship with Eclis. She plans to remove Eclis's slave choker, a key element in her game-like system to boost favorability, despite some lingering fear. However, Eclis refuses, stating his preference for the choker as it ensures her attention and pity, revealing a sharp understanding of her manipulative tendencies, and his own desire to keep her feeling responsible for him.