{You have tamed the monster, Apeman.}


    The monkey turned to me and gave a thumbs-up of approval. I let go of Terra.


    “Ahhn...” Terra moaned as she collapsed to the floor.


    She turned to look back up at me, her eyes tearful and full of accusations.


    “I-it was for the greater good.” I coughed.


    Ultimately, after much work, I had gained the Apeman’s respect and incidentally tamed him. Rather than continue to let him witness my shame, I brought him into my soul world so that Terra could clean up without being stared at. I made sure to give her a towel, fresh panties, and a clean outfit. It was the only gentlemanly thing to do. Of course, Sapphire was also giving me hard looks.


    “You didn’t touch me at all...” Sapphire pouted.


    She was like the little sister I never had. She’d tease me and give me a hard time, and she had her own life and her secrets, but when we needed each other, we’d be there. That was the relationship I had felt with her younger self, and it carried through to this part of her too. Whether her name was Rubee, Garnet, or Sapphire, I felt like she was family.


    “Sapphire...” my expression turned serious and I looked up. “I love you, Sapphire, bu... what?”


    Sapphire was no longer standing in front of me. I turned around to see Terra waiting next to me. She pointed to the doorway leading out of the boss room which was now hanging open. Sapphire poked her head in from the hallway.


    “I was messing with you, dummy.” Sapphire giggled. “Are we going or not?”


    She turned around, her pigtails dancing as she ran off. Terra reached up and patted my shoulder.


    “I thought Master’s confession was sweet.”


    “Well... now I’m annoyed with her.” I narrowed my eyes.