Not a sub-female?
Yuel's gaze shifted to the male kneeling at his feet.
The man's clothes hung in disarray. Pale skin that should have been unblemished was marred by dark bruises and finger-shaped marks. His eyes were swollen and red from crying, and he bit down so hard on his lower lip that it had nearly drawn blood.
Even so, he continued glaring at Layton.
His entire body trembled violently from fear, humiliation, and helpless rage.
Layton's expression changed instantly.
A flash of panic and viciousness crossed his eyes.
"What nonsense are you talking about?" he barked.
"You're obviously a sub-female I purchased from the auction house."
"I'm not."
The man's voice broke as tears spilled down his face.
Desperately, he grabbed the hem of Yuel's trousers as though clinging to the last piece of driftwood in a storm.
"Sir, please save me."
His fingers shook uncontrollably.
"My name is Reon. I'm an instructor at the Imperial Mecha Academy."
