Rose sat on the couch of the House of the Crane, the student home, she shared with Estelle and Sue Ellen. It was a quiet day, and her boyfriend Olaf was away. His phone was still on the coffee table, and to her surprise, she saw the screen was still on. Usually, she would ignore it, but something caught her attention. There was a notification from a Telegram group called "Brotherhood."

Curiosity won out over her better feeling, and she opened the app. What she read there made her blood curdle. Olaf, George and Thomas, their boyfriends, shared explicit messages about them with the group members. It wasn't about love or respect, but about intimate details, comparisons and even a scoreboard. Rose felt her cheeks burn with shame and anger.

"Estelle! Sue Ellen!" she shouted, her voice trembling with emotion. "You have to see this."

Her housemates came running, and together they read the messages. Estelle's hands clenched into fists, and Sue Ellen put her hand over her mouth. "This can't be true," Sue Ellen whispered. "How dare they?"

Rose felt a wave of determination. "This stops now. We cannot let this happen. We have to do something."

Rose’s hands trembled as she scrolled further, her stomach twisting with each vile message. The so-called "Brotherhood" wasn’t just a private joke—it was a cruel archive of betrayal. Olaf, George, and Thomas had been sharing every intimate moment, every vulnerability, turning their relationships into a game for strangers to mock.

Her vision blurred with tears as she read a particularly degrading comment about Sue Ellen, followed by Thomas’s laughter in response. Estelle’s name appeared next, reduced to a number on their disgusting "scoreboard." Rose’s breath hitched—how long had this been going on? How many nights had they sat in this very living room, smiling at their boyfriends, unaware of the humiliation brewing behind their backs?

The House of the Crane had always been a sanctuary, a place where generations of students had built friendships, shared dreams, and stood together. Now, it felt tainted. The crane—their proud emblem of grace and loyalty—was no longer soaring. It was grounded, its wings smothered in filth, just like their trust.

Rose quickly locked the phone, her heart pounding. But the shame, the fury, didn’t fade. This wasn’t just about her, Estelle, and Sue Ellen. It was about every woman who had ever lived under this roof, every memory made here. And she refused to let it stand.

Rose set the phone back on the table, her fingers steady despite the storm inside her.

"This is an emergency," Rose cut in, her tone leaving no room for argument. "War council."

At once, Rose, Estelle, and Sue Ellen sat down to discuss the crisis over a bottle of wine. The air was thick with anger and disbelief.

Rose spoke up, trembling with rage, "I can't believe they dare to do this. To slutshame us on a public platform like that... it's just despicable."

Estelle nodded, her eyes red from crying, "They're supposed to be our boyfriends, not our tormentors."

Sue Ellen's jaw was set, determination in her eyes, "We can't just let them get away with it. "

Rose took a deep breath, "I know. I've been thinking. We could cut all ties with them, block them everywhere, and move on with our lives. That's the obvious choice."

Estelle sniffled, "But it won't change that they did this. And it won't stop them from doing it again to someone else."

Sue Ellen leaned in. She said in a low and serious tone, "We could go to the police. Make a report. Maybe even get them into some serious trouble."

The room fell silent as they all contemplated the gravity of such an action.

Rose frowned, "But we know how that could go. The police might not take it seriously, or they could say there's not enough evidence. And even if they do, it will be a long, hard road."

Sue Ellen nodded, "And it won't change who they are at their core. They'll  find new ways to be jerks."

Estelle's eyes lit up with an idea, "What if we don't just cut them out, but we take control?"

Rose looked at her, intrigued, "What do you mean?"

"Well," Estelle began, "I remember reading about those relationship therapists who run those workshops. The ones that help you... reshape your partner's behaviour."

"You mean, like, turning the tables on them?" Sue Ellen's eyebrows shot up.

Rose nodded slowly, "Yes, but we'd have to be smart about it. We can't just force them to live with us. We have to make it seem like it's their idea."

Estelle sipped wine, "We could start with an ultimatum. They move in with us in the House of the Crane, or we're done."

Sue Ellen's eyes gleamed with the beginnings of a plan, "And once they're here, we start subtly controlling their every move."

Rose leaned back onto the couch, a wicked smile spreading across her face, "We'll ensnare them, make them our personal property."

The three friends looked at each other, the idea taking root.

"But how do we do it without them catching on?" Estelle asked, her voice filled with doubt.

Sue Ellen spoke with confidence, "We've got to be clever. Make them think it's all for their benefit. Maybe we say it's for a relationship experiment or something."

Rose's eyes narrowed, "And once we have them here, we'll make sure they're at our beck and call. We'll use those therapists' techniques to bend them to our will."

"They'll have to follow our rules," Estelle said, her voice firm. "And if they don't, we'll have to... remind them who's in charge."

Rose nodded in agreement, "We'll start with little things, make them dependent on us for their happiness. Then we'll slowly remove their freedom until they're fully under our control."

The three friends clinked their wine glasses together, their eyes filled with excitement.

"To the House of the Crane¨

Then Olaf walked into the living room, his footsteps lazy and carefree. "Forgot my phone," he said, scooping it up from the coffee table. The room was silent.

Olaf hesitated. The air was thick, heavy—like the moment before a storm breaks. "You guys okay?" he asked, forcing a chuckle.

"Fine," Rose said, her voice smooth as glass.

He shifted, uneasy but unwilling to press. "Alright, well... see you later?" He leaned down to kiss her, and she let him—her lips cool, unresponsive. When he pulled back, her eyes held his, dark and fathomless.

But then Rose smiled—just a faint curve of her lips—and Olaf shrugged it off. "Weird," he muttered under his breath as he turned to leave. The front door clicked shut behind him.

Only then did Rose exhale, slow and controlled.

"He has no idea," Sue Ellen whispered.

The Crane was ready to strike.

A week later, the six of them stood in front of a large, stately building on the edge of town. Rose, Estelle, and Sue Ellen had persuaded their boyfriends to come with them to what they described as a "relationship therapy course." Olaf, George and Thomas were sceptical, but they realized they had no choice. No harm in such a course, they thought. They would show their goodwill and say politically correct things about inclusion, equality, and respect.

How wrong they were!

Annabelle and Henry, the course supervisors, welcomed them with a calm, but authoritarian appearance. Annabelle wore a tight, dark dress, and Henry sported a neat suit. Their eyes radiated an unmistakable severity.

"Welcome," Annabelle said. "You are here to learn. And we're here to teach. Come in."

The group was led to a large, dark room. The walls were covered with bookcases, and candles burned, creating a mysterious atmosphere. In the middle of the room were six chairs, three on each side, facing each other.

"You are here because there is an imbalance," Annabelle began. "You, boys, have abused your power. And you, girls, have allowed this to happen. That is going to change."

No one mentioned the slut shaming but with a shock the boys understood that their cruel game had been discovered. No words were needed for that.

You think this was just a joke?" Estelle’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. "You think humiliation is funny?"

Thomas opened his mouth, a nervous laugh already forming. "Come on, it wasn’t that serious—"

"Silence." Henry’s command was quiet, but it snapped like a whip. The room fell still.

Annabelle stepped forward. "The Brotherhood ends tonight. Every message, every photo, every vile word—it will be erased. And you will erase it yourselves, in front of us."

Olaf’s face paled. "You went through my phone?"

Rose smiled, cold and sharp. "You left it unlocked. Consider it fate’s intervention."

George scoffed, trying to regain control. "This is an overreaction. We didn’t hurt anyone."

"You did." Sue Ellen’s voice was barely above a whisper, but it struck like thunder. "You just didn’t care enough to notice."

Annabelle’s gaze swept over them. "This house stands on respect. You have broken that. Now, you will repair it."

"Or," Annabelle added softly, "you can refuse. And face the consequences beyond these walls."

The unspoken threat hung in the air. The House of the Crane had its ways.

Olaf looked at Rose, searching for mercy. He found none.

"Choose," Henry said.

Olaf, shifting uncomfortably back and forth, tried to protest. "We meant no harm. It was just a joke."

Henry looked at him sharply. "No harm? You have shared confidential information without permission. That is a violation of privacy and respect. And that's what we're going to work on today."

Rose nodded. "Exactly. You must learn what it means to be submissive. To listen, instead of determine."

The guys looked at each other uncomfortably. "Submissive?" Thomas asked. "What do you mean by that?"

Annabelle smiled. "You will understand soon enough. Let's get started."

The course was intense. The first exercise was simple: the boys had to look at the girls and repeat what they said, without comment or objection.

"I am valuable," Estelle said, looking at George.

George hesitated, but repeated: "You are valuable."

"No," Annabelle interrupted sharply. "You address her as 'Lady Estelle'. Start again."

George looked surprised, but repeated: "Lady Estelle, you are valuable."

"Good," said Henry. "Now you, Sue Ellen."

Sue Ellen looked at Thomas. "My limits are important."

Thomas sighed, but repeated: "Lady Sue Ellen, your limits are important."

Rose looked at Olaf tightly. "You have violated my trust, and now you will learn how to make up for it."

Olaf's eyes flashed with discomfort, but he repeated: "Lady Rose, I have betrayed your trust, and now I am going to learn how to make up for it."

Annabelle held a riding crop in her hand, a symbol of discipline. "If you don't speak correctly," she said, "this will help you remember."

The whip was not used harshly, but its threat was clear. Every time one of the boys fell back into old patterns, a gentle whiplash reminded them of their new role.

At the end of the course, after days of intense sessions, they stood in front of a tattoo shop in the city centre. This was the last part of the course: a lasting sign of their commitment.

"You know what you have to do," Annabelle said, and she led the group inside.

The tattoo artist, a woman with striking red lips and a confident appearance, was ready. "Who goes first?" she asked.

Rose looked at Olaf. "You."

Olaf hesitated but sat down. On his forearm was tattooed "L.R." in large, red letters – the initials of Lady Rose. It proved that he was henceforth exclusively hers.

Then it was George´s turn. On his arm, "L.S.E." appeared, and on Thomas' arm, "L.E." The boys looked at their new tattoos with discomfort and resignation.

When they left the tattoo shop, the atmosphere was different than when they arrived. The boys were quiet, while the girls had a sense of accomplishment. They knew there was still a lot of work to be done, but they had taken the first step.

"From now on," Rose said, looking at Olaf, "you always wear short-sleeved shirts. Those tattoos have to be visible."

Olaf nodded. "Yes, Lady Rose."

Estelle and Sue Ellen imposed the same rule on George and Thomas. "And if someone asks what those tattoos mean," Estelle added, "you explain that you are ours. Of Lady Estelle, Lady Sue Ellen, and Lady Rose. And no one else's."

The guys nodded, their voices soft but clear. "Yes, Lady Estelle. Yes, Lady Sue Ellen."

"So," Olaf said as he looked at Rose, "do you think this will work?"

Rose smiled cautiously. "That depends on you. But I have good hope."

And with those words, they walked into the evening together, ready for what the future would bring. The tattoos on their forearms were an enduring symbol of their new dynamism – a reminder of the lesson they had learned. And every time someone asked about the meaning of those red letters, Olaf would honestly answer: "I belong to Lady Rose. And no one else's."

A few weeks passed.  Initially, everything seemed to be going well. Olaf, George, and Thomas neatly followed the rules: they addressed Rose, Estelle, and Sue Ellen as "Lady." They wore short-sleeved shirts so that their tattoos were visible. They explained what those tattoos meant when someone asked about them. But slowly but surely, the old habits began to creep back.

One evening, they were all sitting in the living room of the student house. Rose was busy with her studies, Estelle was reading a book, and Sue Ellen was on her phone. Olaf, George, and Thomas sat on the other side of the room, whispering and occasionally laughing. Rose couldn't hear what they were saying, but the tone was clear: it wasn't respectful.

"Olaf," Rose said, as she put down her book. "What are you talking about?"

Olaf looked up, his face contorted in a grin. "Oh, nothing important, Lady Rose," he said, but his tone was slightly mocking.

Estelle and Sue Ellen also looked up. "George, Thomas," said Estelle sternly. "Is there anything you want to share?"

George shook his head, but his laugh betrayed him. "No, Lady Estelle. Everything is fine."

Sue Ellen got up and walked to George. "Why do I feel like you're going wrong again?" she asked, her voice sharp.

George shrugged. "Maybe we just think it's a bit exaggerated, all those rules. We're not children anymore, are we?"

The girls exchanged a look. This could not go on any longer.

The next day Olaf, George and Thomas had a rude awakening. Rose, Estelle and Sue Ellen stood at the foot of their beds, with straight faces.

"Get up," Rose said. "You have deserved punishment."

They were taken to the living room, where the girls had prepared a riding crop, a pair of handcuffs, and a large sign that read "Respect is not optional."

"You broke the rules," Estelle said. "And now you are going to learn the consequences."

Olaf tried to protest. "Come on, this is ridiculous. We already did that course, didn't we?"

Sue Ellen looked at him intently. "And that wasn't enough. So now we are going a step further."

The first penalty was for Olaf. He had to sit on his knees and repeat aloud: "I belong to Lady Rose, and I will always respect her." When he hesitated or used the wrong tone, he was hit with the riding crop. After a few minutes, his attitude had changed.

"I'm of Lady Rose," he said, his voice now serious. "And I will always respect her."

Now it was George's turn. He had to stand in the corner for an hour, with his hands cuffed behind his back. On his back hung a sign that read: "I belong to Lady Sue Ellen. I speak to her with respect."

Thomas received the most humiliating punishment. He had to kneel before Estelle and kiss her feet, saying aloud: "Lady Estelle, You are my only priority. I will never be bold again."

After the punishments, the boys were impressed. Olaf looked at Rose and said softly: "I'm sorry, Lady Rose. I will never let it happen again."

George nodded. "Lady Sue Ellen, I now understand what respect means."

Thomas looked at Estelle, his eyes full of remorse. "Lady Sue Ellen, you are right. I am Yours, and I will never forget that."

The girls exchanged a satisfied look. They knew this was no guarantee for the future, but it was an important step.

"Good," Rose said. "Let's hope this is a lasting memory."

And with those words, they walked out of the room together, ready for what the future would bring. The guys now knew that respect was not optional – and that the consequences of their actions were never far away.

Nevertheless, the impertinence of Olaf, George and Thomas soon returned. Despite the previous punishments, the lasting memories of the tattoos and the riding crop, they seemed to show their old, disrespectful behaviour again.

One night, after a particularly cheeky comment from Olaf about how "all those rules were ridiculous," the girls decided that they were fed up with it now. Rose, Estelle and Sue Ellen had had enough. It was time for a more drastic measure, one that would ensure that the boys would never forget themselves again. They ordered the boys into the living room.

Rose stood before them, her arms crossed with a determined look. "You have violated our trust again," she began. "And we have had enough of your impertinence. It's time for the next step."

Estelle opened a box. and took out a metal object: a chastity belt. T"What's that?" asked Thomas, his voice trembling.

"This," said Sue Ellen, holding up the object, "is a chastity belt. And you're all going to wear one."

Olaf shook his head. "You don't mean that. That's insane!"

Rose looked at him tightly. "It's not a joke, Olaf. You have proved that you cannot be trusted. So from now on we determine your sexuality. You wear these belts, and we keep the keys."

The guys protested, but the girls were determined. One by one, the chastity belts were put on. Olaf was the first to go. He stood up reluctantly, while Rose fastened the belt around his waist. The metal felt cold and uncomfortable against his skin.

"This is humiliating," Olaf muttered.

"That's the point," Rose replied calmly. "Maybe it will help remind you of your place."

George was next. Sue Ellen put the belt around his waist. "From now on," she said, "you are mine. And only mine."

Thomas was the last to go. Estelle fastened the belt around his waist and looked at him tightly. "This is not a punishment," she said. "This is another opportunity to learn what respect means."

When all the belts were put on, the girls explained the rules. "You wear these belts until we decide you can take them off," Rose said. "And that can take a long time."

Estelle added: "You don't have access to the keys. We keep them. And if you break even one rule, the period will be extended."

Sue Ellen looked at the boys sternly. "And don't forget: you are ours. Always and everywhere."

Olaf looked at Rose and said softly: "This is very extreme, Lady Rose."

Rose smiled. "Extreme behaviour requires extreme measures, Olaf. You have caused this yourself."

George shook his head. "I see, Lady Sue Ellen. But this feels... humiliating."

"That's the point," Sue Ellen replied. "Maybe it will help remind you of your place."

Thomas looked at Estelle. "Lady Estelle, I understand that I was wrong. But this is difficult."

Estelle nodded. "Good. Then you now have something to think about."

The guys slowly adapted to their new reality. The chastity belts were a constant reminder of their submissiveness, and the girls made sure they were always aware of it.

One evening, they were all sitting in the living room. The boys were quiet, while the girls smiled contentedly. Rose looked at Olaf and said, "Do you see what respect means now?"

Olaf nodded. "Yes, Lady Rose. I understand now."

Estelle and Sue Ellen exchanged glances. They knew this was no guarantee for the future, but it was an important step.

"Good," Rose said. "Let's hope this is a lasting memory.

In the House of the Crane, there was a new dynamic since Olaf, Thomas and George wore chastity belts. Sue Ellen, Rose and Estelle suddenly seemed more interested in their boyfriends than ever. The belts, tight around their waists, exerted an inexplicable attraction on the girls. The keys, which they wore on silver chains around their necks, were used as a kind of trophy, a symbol of their power.

The day always started the same. They dressed, although the belts always remained visible under their clothing. In the kitchen, the girls waited for them, their keys glistening in the morning light.

"Good morning, honey," Rose said to Olaf, hugging him with a kiss on his cheek. Her hand slid along his waist, where the belt was tight.

Olaf felt a mixture of pleasure and frustration. He knew the belt wasn't coming off, but Rose's attention was undeniably exciting.

Thomas and George also got their share of attention. Estelle hugged Thomas from behind, her hands resting on his stomach, while Sue Ellen gave George a long, deep kiss.

"You are so cute with those belts," said Estelle, the key sparkling on her neck.

Often, even during the day, the boys were taken to the bedroom. It always started with a cuddle party, where the girls caressed and kissed them. But soon it went further.

"Olaf," Rose whispered, pushing him onto the bed. "Show me what you can do."

Olaf obeyed, working his hands and tongue to satisfy Rose. She moaned with pleasure, her body writhing under his touches. When she was done, she gave him a long, deep French kiss, her hands in his hair.

In another room, Thomas did the same for Estelle, while George satisfied Sue Ellen. The boys did their best, but the chastity belts remained tight around their waists, a constant reminder of their submissiveness.

Sometimes the boys were given a massage with oil, a moment of pleasure in their otherwise strict routine. Rose rubbed Olaf's back, her hands soft but firm.

"You're so strong," she said, her hands running over his muscles.

Olaf felt relaxed, but also frustrated. The belt stayed on, and he knew he wouldn't get satisfaction.

Thomas and George also enjoyed the massages, but just like Olaf, they felt the limitations of the belts.

-One evening, when the girls had gone to bed, Olaf, Thomas, and George stayed behind in the living room.

"This can't go on like this," Olaf said, in a soft voice.

Thomas nodded. "I feel like I'm trapped. That belt... It's humiliating."

George looked at his friends. "But what can we do? They have the keys, and they have us in their power. But they are so attractive... And they give us attention. Sometimes it feels like it's not that bad."

Thomas shook his head. "That's exactly what they want. They make us dependent while keeping us under control."

They understood that nothing could be done. They had gone too far in their compliance and now it was too late. Or so it seemed.

The next day, Olaf was summoned into Rose's study. The chastity belt around his waist felt heavy, Rose was sitting at her desk, surrounded by books. Her eyes, sharp and piercing, studied him as if she wanted to read his soul.

"You have a shallow mind, Olaf," she said, her voice calm but unrelenting. "That's because you're studying business. You think in numbers and models, but you don't understand what it means to feel and reflect deeply."

Olaf felt the words as a blow. He always tried to do what Rose asked, but it was never enough. "I'm doing my best," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

"Your best is not enough," Rose replied, leaning back in her chair. "I don't just want to control your body and your posture, but also your mind. Therefore, you will write an essay on obedience and submission, based on the classical Chinese philosophers. Think of Confucius, Laozi and Mencius. I want to see that you understand their ideas and can apply them to your own life."

Olaf looked up. "And if I do it right? Shall you remove the chastity belt then?"

Rose smiled slightly, a glimpse of affection in her otherwise stern gaze. "Maybe. But only if I think you deserve it."

She got up and walked over to him. With a steady hand, she undid the chastity belt. Olaf felt his heartbeat quicken. You can satisfy yourself, Olaf," she whispered. "But quickly. This is not a moment of pleasure, but a lesson in obedience. Do you understand?"

He nodded, his hands trembling, and did as he was told. His eyes were closed. Within minutes, it was over. Rosed fastened the chastity belt again, her movements precise and controlled.

"Good," she said, taking a step back. "Now you go to the books. I expect that essay in two weeks. And remember: this is an opportunity to show that you are more than a superficial mind."

Olaf nodded and left the room, his thoughts confused. He walked through the corridor of the girls' house, his head full of questions and doubts. In the kitchen, he met Estelle, who took him in with a sharp eye.

"You look like you've just been through a storm," Estelle said, her voice slightly mocking. "What has Rose done to you again?"

Olaf sighed. "She wants me to write an essay on obedience and submission, based on the classical Chinese philosophers. She says I have a superficial mind."

Estelle grinned. "That sounds like Rose. She always wants to control everything, including your thoughts. But maybe she has a point. Business economics is not exactly a profound study."

Olaf looked at her, his eyes full of uncertainty. "Do you think I can do it? That I can convince her?"

Estelle shrugged her shoulders. "That depends on how seriously you take it. If you earnestly show that you understand what obedience means, then maybe. But you have to do your best. Rose is not easily impressed."

Olaf nodded, a spark of hope in his eyes. "I will do my best. I want to finish this."

Estelle put a hand on his shoulder. "Good. And remember: obedience is not just doing what is said, but also understanding why it is important. That's what Rose wants to see."

Olaf went to his room, his head full of thoughts about Confucius, Laozi and Mencius. He picked up a book and started reading, determined to prove that he was more than a superficial mind. Maybe, if he did it right, Rose would finally free him from the chastity belt.

After two weeks, kneeling and with his head bowed, he handed Rose a USB stick. On it was this document

Essay on Obedience: A Philosophical Exploration from the Classical Chinese Thinkers

By Olaf, commissioned by Rose

Obedience is a concept that is central to many cultures and philosophies. In classical Chinese philosophy, obedience is not seen as blind submission, but as a form of harmony and respect for the natural order. It is a virtue that contributes to a stable society and personal growth.

Confucius emphasizes the importance of obedience within the five relationships: ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, elder and younger brother, and friend and friend. In these relationships, obedience is a reciprocal duty. For example, a son must obey his father, but the father also must lead his son with wisdom and love.

Confucius teaches that obedience comes from respect and moral integrity. It is not only an outward act, but also an inner attitude. Those who obey out of fear or coercion are not acting according to the moral principles of Confucius.

Laozi, the legendary founder of Taoism, offers a different perspective on obedience. In the Dao De Jing, he writes about the Dao, the natural way or the universal principle. Obedience to the Dao means living in harmony with nature and accepting the natural flow of things.

For Laozi, obedience is not a matter of following rules, but of intuitively sensing what is right. "The highest virtue is not to be virtuous," he writes. In other words, obedience is spontaneous and unconstrained. One does not fight against the natural order but goes with the flow.

Mencius a follower of Confucius, believes that man is good by nature. According to him, obedience is an expression of this inherent goodness. When people behave according to their moral compass, they contribute to a harmonious society.

Mencius emphasizes, however, that obedience should not degenerate into oppression. A ruler who treats his subjects unjustly loses the "Mandate of Heaven" and may be resisted. This idea shows that obedience has limits and should always be balanced with justice.

Classical Chinese philosophy shows that obedience is a complex and multifaceted concept. It is not blind submission, but a virtue that comes from respect, harmony and moral awareness. Confucius teaches us that obedience is a social duty. Laozi states it is a natural state of being, and Mencius maintains it can express our inherent goodness.

For me, obedience is a way to understand my place in the world and strengthen my relationships with others. It proves my respect for the natural order and those who lead and inspire me.

Lady Rose, I hope this essay convinces you of my commitment and dedication. I have tried to fathom the depth of classical Chinese philosophy and apply it to my own life. If you feel that I have passed, I hope that you will take off the chastity belt, as a sign of your confidence in my obedience and growth.

With respectful regards,

Olaf

Rose sat in a comfortable armchair that embraced her like a throne. Her posture was relaxed, but her gaze was sharp and attentive. In front of her, Olaf knelt on the floor, his head slightly bowed, his hands resting on his thighs. On either side of Rose sat Estelle and Sue Ellen, both with a strict, but not unfriendly expression. Olaf had just read his essay on obedience. Now the time had come to weigh his words.

Rose broke the silence. Her voice was soft but penetrating. "Olaf, you read your essay. What do you think of it yourself?"

Olaf looked up, his eyes met Rose's. His voice was soft but clear. "I think I've made a good start. I have tried to understand the ideas of Confucius, Laozi and Mencius and apply them to my life. But I also realize that I still have a lot to learn. Obedience is not just a matter of doing what is said, but also of understanding why it is important."

Rose nodded with satisfaction. "That's a good insight. But let's hear what Estelle and Sue Ellen think of it."

Estelle, sitting on Rose's right side, leaned forward slightly. "Olaf, you talk about respect and harmony, but how do you see that reflected in your daily behaviour? Do you think you are obedient enough?"

Olaf hesitated for a moment. He felt the pressure of their looks, but he knew that honesty was all that mattered here. "I'm doing my best, but I am still falling short. Sometimes I feel resistance, especially when I don't understand why something is being asked of me. But I'm working on letting go of that resistance and having more confidence."

Sue Ellen, on the other side of Rose, now raised her hand. Her voice was calmer, but no less penetrating. "You mention the Dao of Laozi. How do you apply the idea of 'going with the flow' in your life?"

Olaf thought for a moment. He felt Laozi's words in his mind, the peace they promised. "I try to fight less against what is happening. When Rose asks me something, I try not to ask why, but to do it first. It's not perfect yet, but it gives me peace."

Rose smiled. "Good answer. But do you think you are ready to be released from the chastity belt?"

Olaf shook his head without hesitation. "No, I don't think so. I still have a lot to learn and prove."

Rose nodded and then looked at Estelle and Sue Ellen. "What do you think?"

Estelle spoke first. "He has made progress, but he is not there yet. He has to put the lessons of the philosophers into practice for longer."

Sue Ellen agreed. "I agree with Estelle. He must also continue to study and meditate, especially while doing physical labour. That will help him to develop discipline."

Rose nodded again, her decision had been made. "Good. Olaf, you've heard what Estelle and Sue Ellen are saying. We agree that you are not ready for salvation. But there is a way forward."

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze determined. "To get closer to salvation, you must take a part-time job collecting garbage. This should not be at the expense of your studies, so you will have to organize your time well. The work will help you to develop humility and discipline, and it is also a way to recoup the cost of purchasing the chastity belt."

Olaf nodded, his face serious. "I understand. I will do my best."

Rose smiled, satisfied with his reaction. "In addition, you have to keep meditating while you work. Think about the lessons of the philosophers and how you can apply them in your daily life. Only then will you get closer to salvation."

Olaf looked at Rose, Estelle and Sue Ellen, one by one. He felt a mix of relief and determination. "I am grateful for your feedback and the opportunity to grow. I understand that obedience is a process, and I am willing to invest the time and effort that is necessary. I will do my best in city cleaning and continue to meditate on the lessons of the philosophers."

Rose smiled contentedly. "That's the right attitude, Olaf. If you persevere, you will see that salvation is within reach. But remember: it's a road, not a sprint."

The conversation was over, but Olaf continued to kneel for a while. He felt the heaviness of their words, but also calm. The road to salvation was still long, but he knew that every step would

him closer to his goal.

While Olaf thought deeply about the road towards total submission, Thomas couldn't bear it any longer. The rules, the constant control – it had become too much.

He stormed into the living room, where Estelle stood, her arms crossed, as if she had expected his outburst. Her gaze was calm, almost indifferent.

"It's done!" shouted Thomas, his voice echoing through the room. "I'm fed up! This whole thing with that chastity belt, those humiliations, those rules – it's nonsense, and it's going to stop now!"

Estelle shrugged her shoulders, her face impassive. "Oh, so you think you can just decide that it stops? That's cute."

Thomas walked over to her. "I'm not a toy, Estelle! I am a human being, and I deserve respect!"

Estelle looked at him, her gaze hard. "You have to earn respect, Thomas. And you have only shown that you cannot be trusted¨

Thomas looked at her, his eyes full of struggle. "This is not fair."

Estelle laughed briefly. "Honestly? You have chosen these rules yourself. Now you have to live with it. Or would you rather have everyone know what kind of person you are really?"

Thomas sighed deeply. "What should I do?"

Estelle took a step back, her voice was icy. "First of all, you apologize. And not such a half-hearted 'sorry'. I want to hear that you understand what you did wrong."

Thomas knelt, his head bowed. "I'm sorry, Lady Estelle. I shouldn't have reacted like that. I understand that I have to obey, and I will do my best to follow the rules."

Estelle looked down at him, her face impassive. "Good. But excuses are not enough. You will give up all your clothes, including your underwear. I shall sell them on eBay. From now on you only wear your chastity belt."

Thomas looked shocked. "Only the chastity belt? But... How am I supposed to...?"

Estelle interrupted him. "You do the housework. And you keep wearing the chastity belt until I think you deserve to take it off. ."

Thomas slowly got up and started to take off his clothes. His hands were shaking as he took off his shirt, dropped his pants, and finally handed off his underwear. He was now naked with only the chastity belt around his waist. His face showed shame and resignation.

Estelle picked up his clothes and threw them in a bag. "Good. Now you are going to do the housework. And remember: I don't want to hear any complaints. This is what you deserve."

Thomas nodded, his voice barely audible. "I understand."

Estelle left the room with the bag of clothes, while Thomas was left alone. He grabbed a duster but he did his job poorly. He deliberately did badly and played dumb when Estelle called him to account. Thomas did not understand that he was playing with fire. He didn't know this continued impudence would lead to a fate far worse than anything he had ever experienced.

One evening Estelle had had enough. She called a meeting with the leaders of a nearby fraternity house for boys hoping to sell Thomas to them. The fraternity members had heard stories about Thomas' rebellion and wanted to bend him to their will. They were fond of owning and training servants who did not quite meet the norm.

The next day, three of them arrived at the House of the Crane. They were burly, muscular boys, who made stern faces. Their eyes shone with excitement. Thomas was brought before them in his chastity belt, the cold metal pressed uncomfortably against his skin. His hands were tied behind his back with rough ropes that dug into his wrists, and his ankles were chained together with a short chain, limiting his freedom of movement to mere shuffling. Estelle had prepared it well. The transfer had to have a heavy symbolic value.

The fraternity members looked at him from head to toe and discussed his potential with each other. They laughed and made fun of him at his expense, which only deepened the blush on Thomas' face and the fear in his heart.

"We need to fix the price," Estelle finally said. Rose and Sue Ellen nodded. Then the students came up with a remarkable proposal. "We can start talking about money," one of them responded, who had introduced himself by his nickname Big Boris but we can also trade. We have a Hyundai Santa Fe. It's old but well-maintained. And a student house always needs a big car, because you are with several people and you have to move quite often. Or get a beer. What do you say? We came in it. It is in front of your house." The three girls thought that was a good idea. They chained Thomas up in the bathroom for the time being. Then with their guests, the girls walked outside to inspect the car.

The 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe sat in the driveway, its metallic paint dulled by years of sun and road dust but still sturdy—a relic of early 2000s practicality. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was solid: five seats, a decent sound system, and enough trunk space to fit groceries, luggage, or, if necessary, a whiny submissive who’d overstayed his welcome. The girls circled it like sharks.

Rose was the first to speak, arms crossed as she eyed the SUV. "Let me get this straight. We put up with Thomas’s nonsense, and in return, we get this?" She nudged the tyre with her boot. "I mean, it’s better than listening to him beg for attention every five minutes."

Estelle popped open the driver’s door and slid inside, testing the seat. "It’s got air conditioning," she announced as if that settled everything. "And look—back seats fold flat. Imagine the possibilities." Her grin was all teeth, the kind that promised trouble.

Sue Ellen leaned against the hood, arms folded, but her smirk gave her away. She tossed the keys in the air and caught them. "So. Do we take the deal and let him go?

Rose laughed, low and knowing. "Get rid of him. Obviously."

In the glove compartment were papers showing that this Santa Fe had only recently been inspected. "That one will serve me better than Thomas," Estelle said. That settled the matter. They traded Thomas for this Hyundai Santa Fe.

Without warning, his new owners picked him up and threw him in the back of their van.

Once in the fraternity house, Thomas was taken to the basement, which had been converted into a makeshift dungeon. The room was cold and damp, with a single bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows on the concrete walls. He was thrown onto a straw mattress in the corner and the chains on his ankles were attached to the wall.

The fraternity members introduced themselves only by their nicknames Big Boris, Gorilla Gus and Wild Bill. They explained the rules to Thomas, who was now their property to use as they saw fit.

"You will address us as 'Master' at all times," Big Boris began. "You will do as we command, no questions asked. Your job is to clean this house from top to bottom, do the dishes and satisfy us whenever we want. If you don't, you will be punished."

Thomas looked at them in disgust. "But I'm not a homosexual!" he exclaimed.

The fraternity members laughed in unison. "That's what they all say," Gorilla Gus chuckled. "But you learn to like it. They all do."

Wild Bill picked up a whip made of a particularly stinging type of leather. "This will encourage you to cooperate," he said, bowing it.

Thomas felt a knot forming in his stomach. He had heard about the knout before, but he had never felt one. The fraternity mates took turns showing him how painful it could be. They beat his buttocks and thighs until he burst into tears.

The following days were filled with hard work and humiliation. Thomas had to clean the dirtiest parts of the house with nothing but a cloth and a bucket of soapy water. The fraternity mates looked at him, sometimes barking orders, sometimes just laughing at his plight. When they were bored, they called him to their quarters, where he would perform humiliating tasks with his hands and tongue.

The nights were even worse. Thomas was taken to the communal living room, where the fraternity mates were watching TV or playing video games, where he had to serve them drinks and snacks. If he didn't react quickly enough, or if one of them decided they wanted more than just a beer, he would feel the sting of the knout across his bare back.

One evening, when he was lying on the ground after a heavy beating, Wild Bill came to him. "You know, you could make it easier on yourself," he said, stroking Thomas' cheek with the tip of his knuckle. "You don't look that bad. If you just embraced your new role, maybe we wouldn't have to use this thing as much."

Thomas looked up at him with tearful eyes. "I can't," he whispered. "I'm not like that."

Wild Bill sighed and stood up. "Suit yourself," he said and walked away.

But the seed was planted. Thomas lay there, his thoughts were racing like crazy. Could he become what they wanted? Would it be easier if he gave in?

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Thomas changed. He began to perform his duties without complaint, hoping to avoid the pain of the knout. He learned to read the state of mind of the fraternity members and to anticipate their desires. And, to his horror, he found himself craving their attention, their approval.

One evening, when Big Boris called him to his room, Thomas willingly went along. He knew what was expected of him, and for the first time, he didn't fight it. He used his mouth and hands to satisfy his new master, trying to ignore the revulsion he felt deep inside. But as the months passed, the aversion turned into something else. Something that made him feel alive.

Thomas' transformation was complete when the fraternity members decided to organize a special event. They invited Rose, Sue Ellen, and Estelle to come and see the new and improved servant they had bought from them. Thomas, now dressed in a leather jockstrap and collar, served drinks and snacks to the guests with a smile on his face.

Estelle was shocked to see Thomas again. For her it was hard to see the young man she had once owned herself, being used in such a way. She offered to repurchase him, but the fraternity mates were not interested in selling. Thomas was now one of them, a precious possession they could use for pleasure.

Thomas himself didn't feel like returning to Estelle. He had found a new purpose in his life, one full of pain and submission, but also with a kind of strength. He had become what his owners wanted, and in doing so, he had taken his destiny into his own hands. It might be a paradox, but it did not feel that way.

So Thomas stayed in the fraternity house, serving his new masters with fear and loyalty at the same time. As their devoted plaything, he had discovered a part of himself that he did not know existed, and he loved it.