The Spirit Said, 'You're Unworthy as My Master, Cancel the Contract!' So I’ll Give It to My Sister Who Wants It - Episode 2.36

“Are you really leaving?”

Mistia looked up at Solm with teary eyes.

Being gazed at so sincerely by his dear master, Solm flinched slightly. He had made up his mind, yet when Mistia pleaded with him, his resolve wavered so easily.

—This was Asteria, at the entrance of the Redfield estate. The time was early morning, still slightly chilly. A faint mist drifted from the forest, with the bright morning sun shining through. It was a pure and serene morning, perfect for a departure.

“I have already decided.”

If word spread that Solm’s former master was the great sinner Gilbert, Mistia and the others would inevitably be affected. But he kept those words to himself and lowered his gaze. If he told Mistia, she would surely say, “You don’t need to worry about that.” However, that answer would not bring Solm peace of mind.

He thought of Gilbert’s fate.

Gilbert had been stripped of his title as crown prince. Thomas, who had manipulated him, was executed in Terre
re immediately. Gilbert himself was banished to a distant frontier, confined in a dark, small prison cell. From what Solm had heard, despite the prison not being locked, no one ever attempted to escape.

Because countless grim reapers roamed outside. Anyone who tried to flee would have their life snuffed out in an instant.

To have the door to freedom open before you, yet be unable to leave—that kind of suffering was unbearable to imagine. And one day, when they could no longer endure it, the prisoners would take that first step outside.

Meanwhile, after the upheaval, Asteria and Terre had finally reconciled.

That said, Terre was now deeply indebted to Asteria. In reality, Terre had been forced into a submissive position, and Doran had sworn eternal friendship and non-aggression to Aurant. To celebrate the peace, Mistia had gifted golems to Terre. Thanks to this, the people of Terre no longer had to live in fear of monsters.

No one could have predicted that the very earth magic once scorned by Gilbert would end up saving the people of Terre.

“I’ll miss you.”

Skia’s voice was uncharacteristically weak. Solm widened his eyes in surprise and looked at him.

“I’m honored to hear that from you. …I will never forget how you raised your voice to save me that day. Thank you, Skia.”

Solm and Skia exchanged a firm handshake. Then, Skia spoke in a quiet tone.

“Wherever you go, you’ll be fine. After all, you are a Great Earth Spirit.”

“You think too highly of me.”

Solm smiled wryly at the compliment.

“Well, ever since you unleashed large-scale magic at the garden party, I had my suspicions that you weren’t an ordinary spirit… It was still a shock when I first heard it, though.”

—Yes, Solm’s true identity was that of a Great Earth Spirit.

He had never intended to hide it. However, when he asked Mistia to annul their contract, it was the first time he had revealed his true nature. A normal spirit could not maintain a physical form without their master’s magic. He believed that Mistia would never agree to sever their contract under such circumstances.

But things were different for a Great Spirit. A Great Spirit could exist on their own magic, without relying on their master. That was why Solm had chosen to break his contract with Mistia and set off on a journey into the wider world.

“Meeting you and Skia gave me the confidence to believe in my own power for the first time. From now on, just as I helped Fura Village, I want to help people in need across many different lands.”

Mistia started to say something but then fell silent, clenching her fist near her chest.

“…Please take care of yourself.”

Her voice was small, almost breaking.

“—Mistia.”

Solm called her name. The firmness in his voice made Mistia unconsciously straighten her back.

“This is for you.”

With those words, Solm reached out both hands above Mistia’s head.

Suddenly, a flower crown wove itself together right atop Mistia’s head. She blinked in surprise at the unexpected gift.

“This is…?”

“Just an ordinary flower crown. —A token of my feelings for you.”

Solm narrowed his eyes and gave Mistia a carefree smile.

His smile, like a blooming flower, mesmerized Mistia for a moment. After a brief pause, she returned his smile with a soft one of her own.

Mistia did not know the meaning behind this flower crown.

And perhaps, even in the future, she would never realize Solm’s feelings.

But Solm knew in his heart.

(…I will always love you, Mistia. More than anyone, forever.)

“We’ll meet again, right?”

“Yes, without a doubt.”

With Mistia and Skia’s warm gazes watching over him, Solm smiled gently. The morning mist lifted, and the bright blue sky stretched overhead—just like the reflection of Solm’s heart at that moment.

As Mistia watched Solm’s departing figure, she clung to Skia.

Skia wrapped an arm around her trembling shoulders, sensing she was about to cry.

“Just the two of us again.”

“…Yes. Skia, do you feel lonely too?”

“I do. But I have you. —And you have me.”

Mistia wiped her tears so Skia wouldn’t notice. Sensing her feelings, Skia pretended not to see.

And so, the two stood together, watching until Solm’s figure disappeared from sight.

Before long, the plum blossoms in the Redfield estate would bloom in full.

—The long break from the magic academy was ending. Soon, a new school term would begin.