Chapter 39
“…Normally, isn’t this the kind of grace one couldn’t possibly handle?”
— If even I couldn’t handle it, or if it were a grace too great for me to bear, then that would truly be a problem for you. And such things are very rare in this world.
The Lord nodded as he spoke.
Yurein couldn’t help but laugh—it was so absurd.
But, well, he had a point.
After all, even the dark magic that once tried to swallow up Parmahal had been something the Lord could handle.
So for the Lord to say something was “too much to bear,” it would have to be something beyond even that.
And if it ever came to that, Yurein would be in serious trouble.
— Besides, there aren’t many who could bestow such grace upon me anyway.
The Lord said this, looking up at Yurein.
Perhaps because those clear eyes seemed to hold the sky itself, Yurein found her gaze drawn in.
Watching her, the Lord smiled brightly.
— That’s why I’ve decided to go with you.
“…What?”
— I shall follow you, child.
The Lord puffed out his chest proudly.
— Originally, I only meant to give you my blessing and be done with it. But… following you might prove entertaining.
“What?”
Yurein’s eyes went wide.
“You mean you’re coming with me? Personally?”
She had only hoped to borrow the Lord’s power—
but the Lord coming along in person was an entirely different matter.
— Of course. Though my body has weakened from long seclusion, the other Lords still sleep, and since the Divine Beast has left this land, I can no longer wield my full power. The strength I can manifest will depend on your capacity.
“On my capacity?”
Yurein frowned.
She couldn’t understand what her own “capacity” had to do with the Lord.
— Didn’t I just say I’m going with you?
“Yes… you did?”
— Then since you’ll be my contractor, the power I can exercise will depend on your strength, don’t you think?
The Lord chuckled mischievously.
Only then did Yurein realize—he was teasing her.
But she didn’t feel annoyed by it.
Just… curious.
“Wait—contractor?”
Contractor of the Lord?
A Guide was the one chosen by the Divine Beast to form a pact.
Espers were able to use their powers because long ago, the Divine Beast pitied humankind and bestowed them with energy.
A few individuals who inherited that energy strongly became Espers.
However, the Divine Beast’s power was too immense for a human body to endure, so the Beast asked the god to allow one chosen person per generation to become its Vowed One.
After the Divine Beast departed, the four Lords who missed it watched over and cherished the remaining Guides—
but that was long, long ago, before they all fell asleep.
Now, the Lords were mere figures in children’s tales and legends.
That was why even Aila being acknowledged by a Lord had been an incredible feat…
— That’s right. Become my contractor.
“But how does one even become a contractor? Aren’t Guides already bound to the Divine Beast?”
Yurein frowned.
“Wouldn’t that be… a double contract?”
— …When you put it that way, it does sound like a scam.
Double contract—
the phrasing was a bit funny. The Lord squinted his eyes.
“I didn’t mean it like that! I was just wondering if such a thing were even possible.”
— True enough. Guides have always been the Vowed Ones of the Divine Beast.
The Lord relaxed and nodded.
— But you aren’t a Vowed One, are you?
He said it casually, but Yurein’s eyes flew open.
“What? Not a Vowed One? But I’m a Guide!”
He saw it himself!
Just a moment ago, he’d witnessed her wielding her mother Rosalyn’s power.
So why was he saying this?
— That’s exactly why I wish to go with you. Normally, a Guide’s power comes from the vow with the Divine Beast… but yours—yours flows from your own soul. Remarkable!
The Lord clapped his hands together gleefully, his blue-sky eyes sparkling.
— That’s not to say the Divine Beast never touched you, child. It certainly laid its hand upon you. Yet, you are no Vowed One…
The Lord circled around Yurein, speaking cheerfully.
— So come, make a pact with me, child. I shall watch over you!
His voice rang out clearly.
Yurein’s feelings were mixed, but the Lord looked as carefree as ever.
“…All right.”
— Excellent! I knew you’d agree!
The Lord clapped again, then fluttered toward her and pressed a finger to her forehead.
— May your wish reach your soul, and may your soul’s flow be drawn forth.
The words were sung like a prayer—
not just in her ears, but deep within her body, deeper still—
somewhere she couldn’t quite name.
And only then did Yurein realize—
how stifled her breathing had been until now.
White light flowed from the Lord’s fingertip like mist.
As it sank into her brow, it formed a glowing sigil.
When that sigil shone clearly upon her forehead, the Lord withdrew his finger with a satisfied smile.
— There. It’s done, child. You are mine now.
As he said that, he waved his hand.
A blue radiance gathered in his palm, solidifying, reflecting the surroundings like a mirror.
The Lord held it up before Yurein.
“What the—!”
Seeing her reflection, Yurein’s eyes went wide.
“How am I supposed to go outside like this!?”
Her irritation flared, and her tone sharpened.
The Lord’s wings, which had been flapping excitedly, drooped at once.
But Yurein was serious.
A large glowing sigil was emblazoned upon her forehead.
— Are you ashamed? That’s the mark of the Lord! In the past, receiving it was a tremendous honor!
The Lord pouted, then shook his head.
— Still, the contract cannot be undone. Absolutely not.
“No, no, the contract’s fine! I just meant—this mark… ah, never mind.”
As Yurein stared at the light, her face brightened.
The luminous sigil slowly faded and disappeared.
“Oh, it’s gone. Thank goodness. Everyone would’ve stared at me otherwise.”
— Exactly!
The Lord’s wings spread again as he brightened.
— To bear my sigil is a great honor!
“…Yes, of course.”
— From now on, child, it will only appear when you use my power excessively or when our bond grows strong.
The Lord smiled proudly.
Yurein still looked uneasy, rubbing her forehead where the mark had been,
but to the Lord, bestowing it held deep meaning.
It was…
“Anyway, that means the contract is done, right?”
— Now you must train to use my power…
“No time for that.”
Yurein’s tone turned firm.
The situation outside was dire. She had to leave now.
“Parmahal is still collapsing. We can’t afford to linger here.”
— To contain a Lord’s power is no small task. But if you don’t wield it, I cannot leave this place. Child, your body will suffer for it.
The Lord’s face twisted in concern, wings drooping again.
Yurein spoke calmly.
“That’s fine. If it takes a toll, so be it. But it’s not just a ‘toll,’ is it?”
— No. And you’re not even a child of Parmahal. If you had long carried my mark or dwelt in my domain, your body would adapt more easily… that’s why you must first grow accustomed to this space—
“Wait. So if someone has lived long on this land and carried your mark for some time, they could handle your power?”
— Yes, that’s correct.
The Lord nodded.
At that, Yurein’s eyes lit up.
“Then… could they become contractors too?”
— That depends on their qualities.
“Then what about this?”
Yurein quickly explained her idea.
The Lord’s eyes widened in surprise.
— …It’s possible. That would let you use my power outside as well. Yes—what you wish for could indeed be done.
“Great!”
Spinning around, Yurein ran toward the door she’d entered through earlier, then turned back.
“Please wait here a moment. I’ll call for you when the time comes—then come to me.”
