The Spirit Said, 'You're Unworthy as My Master, Cancel the Contract!' So I’ll Give It to My Sister Who Wants It - Episode 2.23

Gilbert bowed to the elderly man. On his head was a crown.

The deep red cloak, which only the king was allowed to wear, radiated dignity, naturally inspiring respect in those who saw it. Following Gilbert’s lead, everyone present, including Mistia and her companions, knelt before the elderly man—King Doran von Terre.

Doran raised one hand.

“Everyone, lift your heads. Lady Mistia Redfield, the hero who saved Asteria, and the esteemed spirits, thank you for traveling all the way to Tele. My foolish son, Gilbert, hasn’t caused you any trouble, has he?”

Mistia looked up at Doran as he addressed her.

(*How thin…*)

She held her breath, careful not to let Doran notice her surprise. His ashen skin and the way his flesh clung tightly to his bones shocked her.

His royal scepter served as another leg, desperately supporting his frail frame as if he might collapse at any moment.

“I offer my greetings to His Majesty, the shining star of Terre. No, Your Highness has been most gracious. After all, you have even arranged this splendid garden party for us.”

Mistia had many things she wanted to say, but she held them back and kept them to herself.

“Haha, I appreciate your patience, dear hero. Don’t you agree, Gilbert? Now then, Lady Mistia, as you can see, even standing in the sunlight is difficult for me. If you don’t mind, I would like to move inside the castle and invite you all to a banquet. Would that be acceptable?”

“It would be an honor beyond measure, Your Majesty.”

“Very well, then I shall see you later.”
Having heard her response, Doran left, surrounded by his attendants. Though he swayed unsteadily, he chose to walk on his own instead of using a palanquin. Mistia felt a deep respect for him.

(*He can barely stand, yet he came all this way just to greet us. And now he’s even inviting us to a banquet… What a generous man.*)

Even in this short exchange, Mistia could sense Doran’s character.

Gilbert glanced at Mistia, then suddenly smirked before silently following after Doran. It seemed he was also returning to the castle.

(*What was that smile…?*)

The fearless grin Gilbert had shown left Mistia with a vague sense of unease. Still, she followed the guide leading her to the royal castle.

—

**The Weight of Their Gaze**

The banquet hall inside Terre’s royal castle.

Seated at the table, Mistia took a bite of the fish dish that had been served while observing her surroundings.

The female guests were casting heated glances at Skia and Solm. With the two handsome spirits sitting on either side of her, Mistia naturally became the center of attention.

Or so she thought. In reality, she was also being closely watched.

She was wearing a different dress than the one from the garden party.

The dark blue satin fabric shimmered under the lights. The off-shoulder design highlighted her elegant neckline, but the long sleeves covered her shoulders, keeping the look modest.

It was a sophisticated outfit, perfect for a banquet.

Simply put, the dress made Mistia look stunning.

(*Ugh… I can’t taste the food…*)

Being stared at so intently made her feel incredibly uncomfortable.

But strangely, she didn’t entirely dislike the experience.

She stole a glance at Skia, who was seated to her left.

(*This new outfit… it really suits him…*)

Tonight, he wore a white tailcoat. Skia usually dressed like a holy knight, so seeing him in formal wear was a refreshing change.

Under the chandelier’s light, his platinum blonde hair was slicked back neatly. The fabric of his attire was thin, subtly revealing his well-toned physique to those around him.

—A man without flaw.

Mistia gulped unconsciously.

Perhaps it was the wine she had drunk, something she rarely indulged in, but her thoughts felt a bit hazy. She couldn’t take her eyes off Skia.

The other women were just as mesmerized, their eyes filled with desire as they gazed at him.

An irrational urge welled up in Mistia—she wanted to grab Skia’s hand and run away from this place.

Just then, a voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Lady Hero, are you enjoying yourself? We are about to open a bottle of the royal family’s treasured wine. Please, have some.”

King Doran spoke with a hearty laugh.

From his seat far across the hall, he raised a bottle toward her.

But his hand, which held it up, was trembling.

(*The banquet has only just begun, but this ‘uncorking ceremony’ must be the main event. Maybe he wants to end the gathering soon… He looks like he’s in pain. I hope he isn’t pushing himself too hard.*)

But a king must have his pride.

Mistia, as a guest from another land, could never say, *Please don’t strain yourself.*

The only thing she could do was agree with him and help move things along as quickly as possible.

“I deeply appreciate Your Majesty’s generosity.”

As she responded, the butler standing beside Doran swiftly uncorked the bottle and poured the fruit wine into the king’s glass. All eyes in the room focused on it.

“Following tradition, I shall take the first sip as the host of this feast.”

Saying this, Doran lifted the glass and drank it down in one gulp.

“Delicious! A flavor worthy of this night. Now then, Lady Mistia, you must have some as well—”

But just as Doran finished his glass and turned to offer some to Mistia, his smile suddenly vanished.

The glass slipped from his hand.

And fell to the floor.