The Spirit Said, 'You're Unworthy as My Master, Cancel the Contract!' So I’ll Give It to My Sister Who Wants It - Episode 2.29

Meanwhile, Asteria had no idea that a major crisis was shaking the nation in Terre.

—

A grand ball was being held in the great hall of the royal castle.

King Orland honored Mistia and the others for saving the villages in his lands and arranged this event to introduce one of the key figures—Solm. The arrival of a new and beautiful spirit made the venue even more lively.

As soon as the introduction was over, the three of them were engulfed by the excited gazes and enthusiasm of the nobles, quickly swallowed up by a crowd.

And before they knew it, in the vast ballroom, the three naturally became separated.

—

(I can’t dance anymore… I just can’t…!)

Mistia was utterly exhausted.

No matter how many times she danced, the requests never stopped coming. She was grateful, of course, but even she had her limits.

Besides, she had once been shunned by high society, so she wasn’t very used to dancing.

(I need to slip away… somewhere with no people!)

She moved along the wall, trying to escape the watchful eyes around her. Then, in the corner of her vision, she caught sight of something.

(Skia…)

It was the figure of her beloved spirit. He was surrounded by many noble ladies, unable to move. As usual, his expression remained cold and emotionless, but to Mistia, it looked as if a snowstorm was raging around him.

(Should I call out to him? He might be in trouble.)

Now that she had seen it, she couldn’t just ignore him and walk away. After hesitating for a moment, Mistia took a step forward to call out to Skia.

At that moment—

Skia smiled gently at one of the noble ladies.

It was only for an instant, but Mistia saw it clearly. Her entire body froze.

The noble ladies squealed with delight at Skia’s smile, while Mistia’s expression grew darker and darker. She placed a hand on her chest, clutching her dress tightly.

(Skia… he smiles like that for others too…?)

A sharp pain struck her heart.

It was as if a drop of black ink had fallen into her soul, spreading and staining it completely. Unable to bear it any longer, Mistia stopped herself from calling out to Skia and quickly fled the scene.

—

Outside the ballroom, in the courtyard. The fountain’s water sparkled under the moonlight.

The cool night air caressed Mistia’s flushed cheeks. The noise of the ball was now distant, and silence surrounded her. Hoping to admire the roses, she walked past the fountain.

(Lately, I don’t feel like myself. I even felt jealous of Lord Solm over Skia… And just now, I was so shaken I couldn’t think straight… What’s wrong with me?)

Forget it. These ugly feelings… I need to throw them away.

Mistia took a deep breath, trying to suppress the dark emotions rising within her. She reached out toward a beautiful red rose.

She thought that if she touched something beautiful, it might cleanse her of her own ugliness.

Then, suddenly—rustle.

A faint noise came from behind her. Mistia’s heart leaped, and she turned around sharply.

“Skia?”

A voice filled with hope.

But that hope was immediately crushed.

The one standing there was a young nobleman—someone she had danced with only once at the ball. His face lit up with joy when he recognized her.

“Lady Mistia! So, this is where you were! I have been searching for you everywhere!”

“I see… I apologize for the trouble. Did you need something from me?”

When she spoke, the young noble’s cheeks flushed, and he straightened his collar. Then, he quietly approached and suddenly knelt before her. Mistia’s eyes widened in surprise.

“A vision of beauty. From the moment I first saw you, I have been utterly captivated. Please, Lady Mistia Redfield, would you do me the honor of becoming my fiancée?”

“…What?”

Mistia was left speechless by the unexpected proposal.

But she quickly regained her composure, lowered her eyes, and offered a polite bow.

“…I’m sorry. I am honored, but I already have a fiancé. I truly appreciate the effort you took to find me, but I cannot accept your offer.”

“T-That can’t be…”

The young noble’s face turned pale with shock.

He lowered his head, his body trembling as he remained kneeling.

“…Excuse me?”

Concerned, Mistia called out to him.

Then—suddenly, he jumped to his feet.

“I refuse to accept this! I cannot imagine having anyone else as my wife! Lady Mistia, you are like a goddess descended from the moon. Compared to you, all others are as insignificant as insects! I beg you, Lady Mistia—please reconsider—”

His eyes gleamed with an unhealthy obsession.

A shiver ran down Mistia’s spine.

Just as he reached out to grab her pale wrist—

“You’re the insect. Get lost.”

A deep voice, like a beast crawling out of the darkness.

In that instant, the noble’s body lifted off the ground.

“W-WHAAAHHHH!?”

Spinning wildly, he was flung far across the garden and disappeared into the bushes.

Mistia stood in stunned silence, staring at where the noble had vanished.

“I-Is he okay!? Skia!?”

She spun around.

And there he was—her beloved spirit.

As Mistia called his name, Skia’s lips curled into a smirk.