The Spirit Said, 'You're Unworthy as My Master, Cancel the Contract!' So I’ll Give It to My Sister Who Wants It - Episode 1.24

“I used you to escape from battle. I didn’t even try to help you when you were being oppressed. And yet, before I knew it, I longed for you and wished that you would love only me.”

Skia’s sorrowful voice echoed through the long academy hallway.

Hearing his words, Mistia let out a small breath of relief.

(To be honest… I’m a little surprised. I had already suspected that Skia was the Great Spirit. I was worried he would ask to annul our contract, but…)

She stared into his beautiful cobalt-blue eyes that were looking down at her. It was said that he was born from crystal, and she found that easy to believe. His beauty was flawless, like a gemstone.

(Still, the destruction of the Guardian Crystal wasn’t Skia’s fault. And yet, he was forced to fight all this time… What a cruel story.)

“It was a sweet dream. But it’s time for the curtain to fall… I love you.”

His voice was full of resignation. After saying that, Skia placed his hand on Mistia’s pale cheek and drew closer. His perfectly shaped lips were about to touch hers.

(Ah, he’s going to kiss me—!)

Mistia squeezed her eyes shut.

But just before their lips could meet, Skia suddenly stopped.

Opening her eyes hesitantly, she saw a pained expression in his gaze. With such a troubled look directed at her, even someone as slow as Mistia could understand.

(This isn’t the kind of love one has for a master…)

Her head spun.

She was probably blushing all the way to her ears. Hearing those words of love made her heart feel light and unsteady. While Mistia’s heart was floating with happiness, Skia’s face twisted in sorrow.

Despite being the one who had just tried to steal a kiss, he looked as though he were the victim.

(I don’t want Skia to cry… Not now, not ever.)

As soon as that thought settled in her heart, everything became clear. Mustering her courage, Mistia managed to find her voice.

“I understand what you’re thinking.”

She whispered, then gently pressed her lips against Skia’s, who still wore a tearful expression.

His lips were as cold as a rock in the shade. (Is it because he was born from crystal?) she wondered absently, a soft smile forming on her lips.

Skia froze, his eyes wide with shock.

Mistia continued speaking.

“If you told me the truth, you wouldn’t be able to stay by my side anymore. But carrying this guilt was too much for you. So you decided to kiss me one last time, leaving behind only good memories. If I chose to annul our contract, you would accept it without complaint… That’s what you were thinking, wasn’t it? Though, it seems you couldn’t go through with it.”

“…!”

Skia’s shoulders trembled.

(Spirits really are selfish…) Mistia thought bitterly.

They were so straightforward, so intense—but also so precious.

—And that was why she couldn’t help but love him.

“Did it never cross your mind that I might love you, Skia?”

She tilted her head slightly.

A brief silence followed. Then, as the meaning of her words sank in, Skia’s face turned bright red.

“Wh—… You… You love me…!?”

“Yes, I do.”

The words slipped from her lips so naturally that even she was surprised by her honesty.

Perhaps it had begun that night—when he saved her from the brink of death under the starless sky.

While the spirits had betrayed her, leaving her in fear and doubt, Skia had always been kind.

Their relationship was too sweet to be simply master and servant, yet not casual enough to be lovers.

That delicate balance had always felt comfortable to her.

She knew that Skia’s love was overwhelmingly intense. But even so, Mistia accepted it.

Skia opened and closed his mouth like a fish, seemingly unable to believe her words. Seeing this rare side of him, Mistia couldn’t help but chuckle.

“But… You always smiled at me because you promised to do so in the beginning… And knowing how dutiful you are, perhaps you’re just saying you love me out of kindness? Or maybe… Maybe this is just a convenient dream?”

He covered his face with his hands, mumbling to himself.

(He’s even more suspicious than I thought!)

It seemed he couldn’t accept the reality before him.

Seeing his distress, Mistia leaned in and whispered softly into his ear.

“Skia, this is real. And I truly love you.”

“…!”

The sheer impact of her words made Skia jerk his head up.

They locked eyes, both of their faces flushed red.

“S-Say it again.”

“This is real.”

(Even now, he’s so dense…)

“…After that.”

“I love you, Skia.”

As soon as she said it, Skia pulled her into a tight embrace.

Surprised at first, Mistia soon relaxed and wrapped her arms around his back.

His silver armor was cool against her burning cheeks.

“Mistia… I love you, too. Probably far more deeply than you can imagine.”

“I’m happy to hear that.”

“You don’t understand. I would do anything for you—literally anything. And truthfully, I’m incredibly jealous and possessive. At the ball, I even wanted to cut off the fingers of the men who touched you.”

“Please don’t do that. But… Even those parts of you, I adore.”

Skia gently placed his large hands on her slender arms and gazed at her.

(That look again…)

It was as if he saw her as the most precious being in the world.

That warm gaze wrapped around her—embracing not only Mistia herself but also the girl who had once shivered in a cold, empty room, on the verge of death.

And even her fading white breath in that freezing darkness.

“I adore everything about you.”

Before Mistia could reply, their lips met once again.

He kissed her as though handling something fragile, making Mistia feel like crying.

(Feeling so happy that it almost makes me sad… How extravagant of me.)

With that thought, she closed her eyes.