The Spirit Said, 'You're Unworthy as My Master, Cancel the Contract!' So I’ll Give It to My Sister Who Wants It - Episode 2.4

Mistia was utterly stunned by Gilbert’s audacity, her eyes widening in disbelief. In her moment of hesitation, she unwittingly allowed him to close the distance between them. It seemed even Skia was too taken aback to react, for he did not stop Gilbert from advancing. With an elegant bow, Gilbert addressed Mistia.

“Lady Mistia. There was something I forgot to mention.”

“Y-Yes?”

For some reason, an ominous feeling crept over her.

“I have given you a great gift. Before I return to my country, I would like something in return. Lady Mistia, please become the Crown Princess of Terre. I ask you to marry me.”

“………………Excuse me?”

A low growl escaped from Skia, and at the same time, Mistia stiffened with an audible crack. She was so shocked that no words came out.

(No way. Absolutely not.)

Gilbert’s face held a fixed, mocking smile.

Upon seeing that expression, Mistia realized his true intent—he was trying to humiliate her at this grand ball, where high-ranking officials from various nations had gathered.

Terre was a country far larger than Asteria. To Mistia, Gilbert, as its crown prince, was a figure beyond her reach. If she outright rejected his proposal with a simple “I refuse,” it could escalate into an international issue.

The spectators held their breath, waiting to see how Mistia would handle the situation.

(So, Gilbert wants to make things as difficult for me as possible?)

—Then I’ll take him on.

Just as Skia, unable to hold back any longer, was about to speak, Mistia quietly began to respond.

“Oh my, what an honor beyond my station. …However, Your Highness, as the Crown Prince, you must already have numerous candidates for Crown Princess, must you not? If I were to wed you and take precedence over those ladies, they would undoubtedly suffer greatly. …The sorrow of having one’s rightful place taken is an anguish beyond words.”

Lowering her silver eyelashes, Mistia cast a sorrowful gaze toward the floor.

Her delicate demeanor evoked deep sympathy from those around her. Whispered conversations broke out.

“I heard that Lady Mistia was once stripped of her position as ruler by her uncle and stepsister. They treated her like a servant and even forced her to eat scraps meant for dogs.”

“How terrible!”

“No wonder she is so considerate of the Crown Princess candidates’ feelings.”

The murmured words pierced through Gilbert like needles.

He had intended to corner Mistia, yet somehow, he was the one receiving disapproving glances from the crowd.

(W-Why? Why am I being blamed?)

Gilbert had no knowledge of Mistia’s past.

But the onlookers were unaware of his ignorance. It was common sense to thoroughly investigate someone before proposing marriage.

The atmosphere had shifted completely in Mistia’s favor.

With certainty of her advantage, Mistia spoke again.

“Your Highness, I must decline your proposal. Please forgive me.”

Hiding her lips behind her fan, she smiled gently. The noblemen around her blushed at her mysterious allure. Meanwhile, Gilbert clenched his teeth in frustration, humiliated by the rejection.

Mistia had won. Completely.

“Now then, Your Highness, if you’ll excuse me.”

With flawless grace, she executed a perfect curtsy.

Even Gilbert, along with the other men in attendance, was momentarily captivated by her poise, unable to move. None dared to follow her as she turned on her heel—chasing after her now would only invite ridicule.

Gilbert was furious.

Amid the glittering ball, he felt as if he alone had been cast into the shadows. He imagined a spotlight shining solely on him as everyone pointed and laughed.

His thoughts spiraled into paranoia. And his humiliation turned into bitter hatred toward Mistia.

“Mistia Redfield…! I swear, you will regret making a fool of me…!”

Gnawing at his fingernail, Gilbert vowed revenge.

Then, after a moment, something occurred to him, and a wicked grin spread across his face.

“Ah, that’s right. I already saddled that woman with a worthless piece of trash. Even garbage can serve a purpose—let’s see if that hero stumbles because of it.”

The hero who saved the capital of Asteria had a single, glaring flaw.

He had formed a contract with an utterly useless earth spirit.

Remembering this, Gilbert felt a slight sense of satisfaction.

He snatched a glass of wine from a passing servant and downed it in one gulp. Casually tossing the empty glass aside, he smirked as the startled servant scrambled to catch it.

He was the Crown Prince of a great nation. This level of arrogance was just right for a small country like Asteria.

“Just you wait.”

He imagined the day Mistia would regret defying him, and his chest swelled with anticipation. With that, he strode forward, carrying himself as if he owned the ballroom.

The night was still young.