Chapter 9

I smiled.

If you were to ask me why, it is because I am happy.

Because my beloved Ryu has begun to work hard toward becoming strong.

I have known Ryu since he was very small.

When we first met, it seemed like Ryu’s friends could no longer play because they had to serve the country. So, I played with him instead. I pretended to be an ordinary human girl and we played together. I had fun too. How long had it been since I had played like that? Regardless, we played together until the sun began to set.

Then, one day, Ryu said he wanted power.

Apparently, his friend—the Hero—had been gravely injured. His friend who was a mage and the adults of the Knights’ Order had given their all, and somehow, they managed to prevent him from dying.

That was the catalyst. Ryu began to say he wanted strength. He said he didn’t want to just stay in town helping his parents; he wanted to become strong for the sake of those friends. He said it with a face that looked as though he were about to cry.

But Ryu’s aptitude was for the “Tamer” class. Even if he were to tame powerful beasts, against a true monster, he would likely only be able to buy a few seconds of time.

So, I made a proposal. I told him I would become Ryu’s “Familiar.”

Ryu was surprised to find out I wasn’t human, but he accepted it immediately, which made me happy all over again. Afterward, I explained what kind of power he would gain by contracting with me, and what the risks were. I explained those risks in meticulous detail. If things went poorly, Ryu’s body and soul would not hold together.

Honestly, I wanted him to give up. But Ryu wouldn’t.

I was anxious. That is why I was so shocked when Ryu successfully completed the contract. Many humans had come seeking my magical power, trying to form a contract, but they all died, unable to withstand it. Even those who succeeded either went mad or were broken.

Yet, Ryu did not go mad, nor did he break. While my magic made him prone to fevers, no issues arose that could truly be called a problem. Curious about Ryu’s soul, I investigated it—and I was stunned.

Ryu’s soul was immense, glowing with a powerful radiance. In all the long years I have lived, I have never seen a soul so strong.

In that moment, I was certain. Ryu will become stronger and greater than any Hero.

Ryu, you will surely become a being even more magnificent than I.

So, keep working hard. The Elder Fenrir became strong one step at a time, so he will surely be a good goal for you.

I will help you when the time comes.

So please, do your best. I am rooting for you.