The Spirit Said, 'You're Unworthy as My Master, Cancel the Contract!' So I’ll Give It to My Sister Who Wants It - Episode 1.17

After Mistia’s spectacular victory in the duel, opinions about her at the academy became divided.

Some purely recognized her strength. However, others looked down on her, believing a rumor spread by Alisha.

—And that rumor was:

“Have you heard the rumors about Lady Mistia? Apparently, she abandoned the spirit she had originally contracted just to form a pact with that beautiful Light Spirit.”

“Oh my, how terrible! She looked so lovely, but her true nature is disappointing. And what happened to the spirit she abandoned?”

“They say Lady Alisha took pity on it and saved it. Taking on three spirits at once—no wonder she couldn’t fight properly.”

“How kind of her! To sacrifice herself for others… how admirable.”

“I think so too.”

Such was the rumor being spread.

Mistia let out a sigh. She was sitting in the academy’s courtyard, a place filled with lush trees, perfect for hiding away. The weather had been pleasant throughout the week before her return to school, so she decided to have lunch outside, only to overhear these unpleasant conversations.

The rumor was the complete opposite of the truth. Yet, most of those who believed it were female students. What gave the rumor credibility was Mistia’s current contract with a stunningly beautiful spirit. Just one look at him could melt hearts, evoking both admiration and jealousy.

It was inevitable that every girl would wish to be the one adored by him. In short, Mistia had become the target of envy among the female students. Given such circumstances, they naturally clung to any negative gossip about her.

“Should we move somewhere else?” Mistia murmured.

“No, if we move, we’ll be noticed. Oh, would you like some of this? I borrowed the kitchen to make sandwiches.”

“I’ll have some, then.”

Skia sat down on the red checkered cloth spread over the grass. The sight of him sitting so primly looked strangely out of place, making Mistia chuckle.

“You laugh more often now,” Skia observed.

“…That may be true,” Mistia admitted.

She swallowed the words she wanted to say: It’s thanks to you. The atmosphere between them grew warm and peaceful—until the voices of the female students rang out again.

“—And not only did Lady Mistia discard her spirit, but she even abused it! I can’t believe she’s a special scholarship student!”

“What is the headmaster thinking?”

Mistia’s shoulders flinched. She had never abused a spirit. If anything, she had been the one mistreated. As dark thoughts clouded her mind, a voice suddenly called from above.

“You girls are talking too much, aren’t you? Mistia was personally chosen by Mary as a scholarship student. There’s no way someone who mistreats spirits would be given such an honor.
Or do you have complaints? If so, I can tell Mary.”

“L-Lady Belle!”

The girls turned pale as they realized Belle and Mistia were there.

“N-no! We would never question the headmaster’s decision!”

“You’re Lady Rebecca of House Felkart, aren’t you? And next to you is—”

“E-excuse us!”

The girls who had been whispering rumors about Mistia hastily bowed to Belle and fled the scene. Belle let out a huff, her long tail swaying.

Mistia looked up. Belle was lounging on a tree branch above them.

“Lady Belle,” Mistia greeted her.

“Good day, young lady. I appreciate you helping my master.”

Skia bowed politely. Belle turned her face away, looking slightly embarrassed.

“D-don’t get the wrong idea! I wasn’t helping you. I just couldn’t stand hearing them insult Mary!”

A textbook example of a tsundere. Belle then gracefully jumped down from the tree and landed in front of Mistia.

“…By the way, there aren’t many days left until your return. Have you found a maid yet? I asked before.”

“Of course, I haven’t forgotten. However, there’s someone I truly want to hire, but I don’t know where she is.”

Mistia recalled the sound of crackling fire. She remembered when Alisha had thrown her mother’s pendant into the fireplace. A maid had immediately reached into the flames to retrieve it. That maid had left a lasting impression on Mistia. Where was she now? What was she doing?

Back then, Mistia hadn’t been able to help her. But now—

“Her name is Irene Benburton.”

“Benburton? Oh dear.”

Belle’s pupils narrowed, and her whiskers twitched in excitement. Sensing the unusual atmosphere, Mistia hesitantly asked,
“Did something happen to the Benburton family?”

“I only heard rumors, but apparently, they failed in business and are on the verge of ruin. If there’s still a young lady in the family, you’d better hurry. The fate of a fallen noblewoman is often tragic.”

“No…! Lady Belle, do you know where Irene is now?”

“…I don’t. I could investigate, but it would take time. In the meantime, her fate is left to chance. Are you willing to accept that?”

The phrase left to chance sent a chill through Mistia’s body.

If she hesitated now, she might never see Irene again. A terrible premonition filled her heart, and she made up her mind. It was a bold request, but she had no choice. Taking a deep breath, she cautiously spoke.

“Forgive me, Lady Belle, but… are you a Dark Spirit?”

“Yes, I am. Dark Spirits do have magic to find missing people. However, unfortunately, Mary can’t use that spell.”

“No, I wasn’t planning to ask Lady Mary. Lady Belle, please—let me read your Spirit’s Grimoire. I understand that a Spirit’s Grimoire is precious and not something to be shown to just anyone. But even so… please, I beg you.”

Mistia bowed deeply. Beside her, Skia folded his arms in thought.

“What did you just say?”

Belle’s voice sharpened, but Skia immediately spoke up.

“I see… It’s true that if it’s Mistia, she might be able to use Dark Magic. A loophole, so to speak.”

“What are you talking about? Even if I show you my Spirit’s Grimoire, you’re not contracted to me. It’s meaningless.”

Belle sounded frustrated, as if Mistia were wasting time. But Mistia and Skia remained serious, simply staring at her in response. They weren’t joking.

“No way… You don’t mean—”

“Yes. Mistia can read a Spirit’s Grimoire.”

Belle was stunned.

In all her long years of existence, she had never heard of a mere human—especially such a young girl—being able to read the language of spirits. However, she could tell that the beautiful spirit beside Mistia was no ordinary being. Even so, it was unbelievable.

Moreover, Belle loved Mary. Normally, she would never hand over her Spirit’s Grimoire without Mary’s permission. But then, a thought crossed her mind:

There’s no way this girl can read it. But… what if she can?

Curiosity tingled within her. By nature, Belle was inquisitive. That arrogance loosened her resolve.

“Oh really? Then prove it. Try reading it.”

With that, Belle summoned a book from the dark mist. The purple ribbon binding it unraveled on its own, and the book settled into Mistia’s hands.

“I’m grateful, Lady Belle.”

Mistia’s heart ached with guilt. With trembling fingers, she opened the cover.

(What if I can’t read it?)

Anxiety gnawed at her. But the years of dedication and relentless study guided her hand.

She traced the first line—the simplest Dark Magic spell.