025
Pop!
Several translucent sheets of parchment appeared before my eyes.
They displayed pictures and descriptions of various items, along with the number of ‘Well Done’ stamps needed to exchange for them.
‘This feels kind of familiar…’
A flyer?
‘But what’s a flyer?’
I wasn’t sure why that word came to mind, but it did.
Delicious! Healthy!
Chickpeas grown personally by the Earth Spirit King.
1 bag (10g) for just 1 stamp!
Effect: Clears your blood and eliminates high cholesterol.
Note: Minimum purchase of 3 bags required.
“Don’t need beans.”
I said decisively, and the Earth Spirit King looked dejected.
Need a sudden romantic moment?
Summoned by the Water Spirit King.
Romantic Rain Shower (10 minutes) for just 2 stamps!
Effect: Creates a sudden localized downpour.
Note: Minimum duration of 30 minutes required for purchase.
“Don’t need rain either.”-
The Water Spirit King chuckled awkwardly.
[It seems like it’s still too early for that.]
What else might be available?
It seemed like each Spirit King was offering something unique.
Looking for this?
Fire up with excitement!
Presented by the Fire Spirit King.
Orca-Energy Magical Sugar (10g) for just 3 stamps!
Effect: Completely eliminates accumulated fatigue and grants the energy and stamina of a 15-year-old boy.
Note: The sugar alone has no effect. It must be used in cooking.
“This one!”
I have to get this.
My eyes lit up, and I eagerly tapped the translucent window.
[Oh, wonderful! I’ll exchange it for 3 stamps then.]
“Yup!”
[Used stamps will lose their light, but they’ll remain visible on the grape board. Once the grape board is completely filled, a special gift awaits. Let’s work hard to achieve that!]
“A gift?”
That sounded very tempting.
After all, gifts from the Spirit Kings are always good things.
[The gift is… Dun dun dun! ✦‿✦]
Dun dun dun…?
[A contract with your chosen ★Spirit King★! Ta-da!]
“Oh my!”
The grape board contains ten grape-shaped slots.
I’ve collected three so far.
“So… I only need to collect seven more?!”
The book also mentioned the powers of the Spirit Kings.
For instance, the Water Spirit King once flooded an entire city, and the Earth Spirit King caused volcanic eruptions that killed tens of thousands with ash clouds.
‘I can’t believe all of it, but it’s clear they’re incredibly powerful!’
I rolled my eyes and reread the section labeled ‘Spirit Kings.’
—
Spirits are nature itself.
As such, they are generally forbidden from directly influencing the human world.
However, when they form a contract with a human, they can exert various influences as per the contractor’s wishes.
During this process, the contractor sacrifices aspects like lifespan, strength, stamina, or energy.
Depending on their affinity, spirit masters may contract with lower or intermediate-level spirits. Those contracting with intermediate or higher spirits are officially recognized as ‘spirit masters.’
Contractors with Spirit Kings are granted the special title of ‘Physis Master.’
A contractor of a Spirit King is treated and managed as a national-level asset.
This is because they are exceedingly rare.
They are considered equivalent to a Sword Master.
They can cause natural disasters if they wish or resolve calamities like droughts and famines.
—
Physis Master.
I muttered the title quietly.
“Hey, if I form a contract, will I have to give something up?”
[The grape board! That will be your payment.]
“Wow…?”
Isn’t that too good of a deal for me?
Well, not that I’m complaining.
“Okay, now let’s trade for the Orca Sugar.”
With this, I also had an excuse to visit brother Elzen.
‘Hmm, what should I make to make brother happy?’
Since it worked so well for teacher Cedric, who’s frail, it should definitely help brother Elzen too!
After thinking it over, I decided on a dessert that could never go wrong.
Crispy, sweet cinnamon apple pie!
‘I’ll share it with brother and enjoy it together!’
***
And so, the next afternoon.
I heard that brother Elzen was in his bedroom, so I carefully packed the freshly baked apple pie into a box and got ready to head out.
Even though the sweet aroma made my mouth water… I held back. I’ll enjoy it later with brother!
“I’ll give you the honor of joining the social club.”
Feeling good about myself, I cheerfully headed out.
Wearing my bunny ear headband, I was excitedly on my way when I ran into Angela in the hallway.
“Social club…?”
I stared blankly at Angela.
I had no idea what that was.
“Yes. Normally, someone like you wouldn’t be allowed to join. But Grandfather told me to look after you, so I’m giving you a chance. Be grateful.”
Huh.
I tilted my head and, enunciating each syllable carefully, replied firmly.
“I’m not grateful!”
“What? Do you even know how important the social club is?”
“Nope.”
Angela widened her eyes in disbelief. But what could I do? I really didn’t know.
“I’m busy, so bye.”
I needed to deliver the apple pie before it cooled down.
Although this golden honey-glazed apple pie would still taste delicious even if it got cold, I wanted to make sure it was enjoyed warm.
Hugging the box tightly, I walked past Angela without a second glance. I had gone just a few steps when Angela suddenly yelled loudly from behind me.
The shout was so loud I had to stop in my tracks.
“You! Do you think you’ll always be adored?”
“……..…?”
“Do you have any idea how scary Grandfather really is?”
I turned around to look at her, puzzled. Angela was biting her lip and trembling slightly.
What’s with her? Grandfather is fun and kind!
“I’m a direct descendant, so no matter what happens, I’ll always be family. But you’re not. The moment you’re deemed useless, you’ll be cast aside.”
“That’s not true. The admiral said I’m his daughter. I even have a badge.”
It seemed like Angela didn’t know much, so I calmly explained.
To keep it safe, I had hidden the badge the admiral gave me inside my pillow. Every night before bed, I’d take it out for a moment to look at it, then tuck it back in. It helped me sleep well.
“You actually believe that?”
Angela’s eyes widened in shock, and she spoke as if genuinely astonished.
“Of course, they’re treating you well because they think you’re useful, dummy. Do you think you’d still be considered family if you were nothing?”
“That’s not true! The admiral… the admiral says I’m pretty.”
“Ugh, how clueless. You’re such an idiot. Why do you think Ricardo was abandoned?”
“That’s…”
I was at a loss for words.
I wanted to argue, but my mouth wouldn’t move.
After standing there for a long moment, I mumbled quietly.
“The admiral said I don’t have to make a contract with a Spirit King.”
“That’s a lie too. Every adopted child in Pashayen has to be valuable. Otherwise, when they grow up, they’re sent to places like the Radum Mountains. You don’t know that, do you?”
“……..…”
The Radum Mountains are far from here.
I wanted to say something, but what should I even say?
While I was trying to think, Angela smirked smugly and spoke.
“You’re not a real daughter.”
“……….…!”
That… that wasn’t technically wrong.
Tears welled up for a moment from the unexpected attack, but I didn’t cry.
I clenched my fists tightly, feeling more angry than sad.
“What do you know to talk as if you understand the admiral’s heart?”
“…What? Isn’t it obvious? I’m a direct descendant, and you’re just some commoner picked up off the streets.”
“The admiral’s feelings are something only he knows.”
“And you can’t even call him dad yet?”
Her sharp words left me speechless.
I will call him dad soon.
Once I find the courage, I will.
[The Water Spirit King ‘■■■■’ trembles with fury.]
[That’s my child! MY CHILD!!]
[The Fire Spirit King ‘■■■■■’ quickly intervenes.]
[Calm down, calm down. Let’s leave it at that.]
My vision blurred, making it hard to read the glittering words that appeared.
As I struggled to steady my breathing, Angela pointed a finger at me, gloating.
“Luarel is my real cousin. Not someone like you! When Luarel comes back, you’ll be cast aside immediately.”
“No!”
“A fake daughter, and yet I was going to graciously let you join the social club, but you don’t even appreciate it. How arrogant!”
At that moment…
“What are you talking about? Once someone becomes my sibling, they’re my sibling.”
