The Spirit Said, 'You're Unworthy as My Master, Cancel the Contract!' So I’ll Give It to My Sister Who Wants It - Episode 2.3

Solm finally introduced himself, and then, as if dissolving, he turned into shimmering particles and disappeared. His magic supply had been cut off due to his loss of consciousness.

Watching this, Gilbert clapped his hands once, producing a sharp sound.

“The spirit has spoken its name, which means it has acknowledged you as its master, Lady Mistia! How wonderful. As the crown prince, I found it quite troublesome to keep him. I am truly grateful that you have taken him in. It also sounds good to say that I bestowed an important spirit upon the hero who saved the kingdom… Well then, let us proceed with the contract transfer, shall we?”

His voice was incredibly cheerful.

It seemed Gilbert had no attachment to Solm at all. His face was bright and carefree.

Hearing the word “bestowed,” Mistia’s eyebrow twitched slightly. Spirits were not objects.

“…Please go ahead.”

Forcing herself, Mistia smiled at Gilbert. She couldn’t afford to offend him. If he changed his mind, Solm might be trapped in violence once more. She couldn’t ruin this opportunity with just a single expression.

But forcing a smile made her cheeks hurt.

Seeing Mistia’s smile, Gilbert spread his arms wide in satisfaction.

“Good, looks like you’re in a better mood!”

The way he spoke suggested he was about to add, “What a simple-minded woman.”

Of course, Mistia was far from being in a better mood.

Perhaps emboldened by her reaction, Gilbert continued speaking.

“Come to think of it, our dear hero was originally from a baron’s family, correct? This must be your first time receiving a gift from a crown prince, no?”

There was a mocking glint in Gilbert’s eyes.

It was as if he was saying, “Normally, you’d need permission just to speak to me.”

Rather than feeling insulted, Mistia worried about Gilbert’s safety.

(I’m too scared to turn around…!)

She could feel a dark aura behind her.

She knew there was someone who would get angrier at her being ridiculed than she would herself.

But since Skia hadn’t said a word, he must have been suppressing his emotions just as much.

That showed how deeply he cared for Solm.

It was the first time Skia had ever been so concerned about someone other than Mistia.

(For some reason, I feel just a little jealous…)

That fleeting thought crossed her mind for an instant.

(I shouldn’t think like that.)

Mistia quickly snuffed out the faint jealousy, like blowing out a candle flame.

Gilbert raised his hand and chanted a spell directed at Mistia.

As she felt the heat of Solm’s name being engraved onto her heart, Mistia slowly closed her eyes.

＊ ＊ ＊

The elegant sound of string instruments was pleasing to the ears.

Tonight was the grand ball.

In honor of the “Hero Who Saved the Kingdom,” the hall was decorated in nothing less than the most extravagant splendor.

The light from the massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling was reflected by the polished marble floor.

Everywhere, white and purple flowers, chosen to match Mistia’s image, filled the hall with their sweet fragrance.

For this event, all the curtains had been replaced with purple ones.

It was clear from this alone how much favor the king had for Mistia.

Even the seasoned high-ranking nobles let out murmurs of admiration at the luxurious decorations.

The sudden peace in the royal capital, Asteria, brought smiles and a sense of celebration to all.

Amidst this peaceful atmosphere, the string instruments suddenly fell silent.

The murmuring crowd quieted down, turning their gazes toward the platform at the top of the stairs.

A group of musicians carrying brass instruments marched onto the platform.

“His Majesty approaches!”

At that cry, the musicians raised their instruments and played a triumphant fanfare.

The curtains at the back of the platform opened, revealing a middle-aged man with a white beard.

He was none other than Aurant di Asteria, the king who ruled over the capital.

Placing his fingers on the railing, he smiled at the gathered crowd.

**”I sincerely thank you all for coming tonight. However, I am not the star of this evening, but rather, a certain young lady.

She is the one who formed a contract with the Great Spirit of Light and successfully restored the Guardian Crystal— the true savior of peace.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce… Lady Mistia Redfield!”**

Skia escorted Mistia as she stepped through the curtains.

As soon as they appeared on stage, a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.

Mistia felt like she was going to faint from nervousness, but she held on.

Skia’s grip on her hand tightened slightly.

Aurant raised his hand to quiet the crowd once more.

**”I, Aurant di Asteria, recognize Lady Mistia Redfield’s great deeds and honor her as the ‘Hero Who Saved the Kingdom.’

As a token of our deepest gratitude, we offer her the highest praise!”**

A grand applause broke out.

Mistia curtsied gracefully to Aurant.

“Your Majesty, your words are too generous.”

“Nonsense! Now, enjoy the night to your heart’s content!”

Aurant laughed heartily and waved his hand.

At that signal, the elegant string music resumed.

Mistia glanced down the stairs and saw a huge crowd gathered below.

(Oh no… Do I have to greet every single one of them?)

Noticing her despair, Aurant gave her an amused smile.

**”Ah, Lady Mistia. From now on, you will receive countless marriage proposals from foreign lords.

You may reject them all if you wish.”**

“U-Understood…”

With his role completed, Aurant sat down heavily on his throne.

Mistia, feeling a bit burdened, bowed to him once more before turning to Skia.

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and began descending the stairs.

Before she even reached the bottom, a young man eagerly stepped forward.

“Lady Mistia, it is a great honor to meet you! I am from the Duchy of Darresten—”

“Out of my way! My fair lady, I have traveled across the sea from the kingdom of Tihana—”

As multiple voices rushed at her all at once, Mistia instinctively leaned back.

Most of the crowd consisted of young men.

Moreover, their accents were foreign; none were from Asteria.

Many were high-ranking nobles and even princes from other lands.

At that moment, Mistia finally realized something.

(**Of course, Other countries don’t have Guardian Crystals or the protection of the Great Spirit of Light.

If they make me their wife, their kingdom would gain an immense advantage. **)

She forced a polite smile, preparing to refuse their offers.

But just then, a blue cloak fluttered in front of her.

Before her smile could be seen, Skia had stepped between her and the suitors, shielding her with his back.

**”My master is troubled. If you wish to approach her, perhaps you should first try to get past me?

That would be the wiser approach.”**

With his devastatingly beautiful face, Skia smirked darkly.

In an instant, the air turned icy cold.

The once-confident suitors stiffened, their smiles faltering.

“Ah… Great Spirit of Light, a pleasure to see you…”

“O-Oh, I just remembered I have urgent business elsewhere…!”

Those who had hoped to “get close” quickly scattered.

As Mistia sighed in relief, her gaze caught one particular figure.

(Gilbert, the Crown Prince of Terre…)

She refused to call him “Your Highness,” even in her thoughts.

Their eyes met, and to her shock, Gilbert smiled and began walking toward her—

As if they were old friends.

(W-What!? After everything that happened!?)