I've come to notice I often come across the dilemma of "who is the ML?" in Korean webtoons or such.
(very rarely others).
They really like to make us suffer don't they?
Lol I used to ship these two together (Iklies and Penelope) but my eyes have seen the light after seeing the true ML x Penelope pairing. This is the closest I'll ever obtain to isekai villainess enlightenment.
I like ilkes, but the whole Slave/Master thing is a turn off. No matter how you look at it, the dynamics are skewed and that type of romance isn't my cup of tea. The 'Brothers' and King ain't it either, leaving the magician dude.
However, a strong friendship between her and ilkes will work.