“Why?”
I asked out of curiosity, and Older Brother explained at once.
“The Imperial Family, the Baratheum of Resurrection, is tied deeply to fire. To become Emperor there, you must be chosen by the phoenix.”
I knew what a phoenix was; it appeared often in fairy tales. They said it stayed with its owner until their final breath, died alongside them, and was reborn from the ashes to live forever.
“Once you become the master of a phoenix, the blood in your body boils. So, um… it puts the Empress in great danger.”
“Ung.”
“That is why many past Empresses were Fire Spirit Masters. It’s said that the names of the Spirit Kings were left behind alongside them.”
As soon as Older Brother finished, the Fire Spirit King nodded vigorously. I suppose it was true!
“Beyond that, it’s said that each one remains with the ducal houses, but I’ve never heard of the Water Spirit King’s name being in Pashayen.”
“Should I ask Grandfather the Head of House?”
“That would be good. But the true names of the Earth Spirit King, the Air Spirit King, the Fate Spirit King… I don’t even know if they exist, so let’s set those aside. Regardless, there are no records of those three in the country.”
Actually, if I only needed to contract with one, I had a way. Even if I couldn’t find their names, I just had to fill up the stamp board! My lips wiggled, eager to share the secret, but when I opened my mouth, only a chirp came out.
“You’re so cute. Still, I think if the Water Spirit King’s true name is hidden anywhere, it should be in Pashayen. After all, no other family shares our bond with water.”
Come to think of it, we are the Duchy of Pashayen of the Horizon. I wasn’t his biological daughter, but he called me family—I could be proud of that, right?
*But I… I’m going to leave someday.*
Then, did I really need to get on the good side of Grandfather the Head of House? The thought flashed through my mind like lightning.
*I will leave. I will definitely leave.*
It felt as if someone were whispering the words into my ear. I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head.
*If Grandfather the Head of House dislikes me, he said I’d be sent very far away. I don’t want that.*
*But you’re going to leave again, aren’t you? You did that before, too.*
*‘Before?’*
When was that? I was only four years old. Just as my head began to spin, the air rippled.
[Spirit King Union Quest!]
[Find out the names of the Spirit Kings!]
Every Spirit King who entered the room has given you homework.
✔
The true names of the eight Spirit Kings are hidden all over this world. Try to find the true names of the Spirit Kings.
Success Reward
1 ★Great Job Stamp★ per name.
Deadline
Age 30.
There was no condition this time that I couldn’t fail! And it was a relief that they were willing to wait until I was all grown up.
[Wow, you really are a beloved child! (◍•◇•◍)]
As the glittering text vanished, Eupheros appeared.
[You haven’t forgotten the previous Main Quest, ‘Become the Beloved of the Kings,’ have you?]
Yes! Of course, I remembered.
[To help our little contestant do their best, the Spirit Kings have put up some wonderful items at the Eden Shop. Be sure to check them out later! (づ￣ ³￣)づ]
Gasp—I was so curious. Because of Eupheros, I returned to my bedroom earlier than expected. I remembered the instructions: give my palm a big kiss and shout “Eden Shop!” loudly.
“……!”
A moment later, I opened my eyes wide at the first glittering item that appeared.
[One and only companion? The other half of a Bijou?]
The Emotion Spirit King will find it for you personally.
Only 2 stamps to find the Bijou match for one person!
Effect
Creates a situation where you can go to where the other person is.
Warning
No one knows what will happen. We take no responsibility!
Even though a suspicious warning was attached to the end, it was barely visible to my eyes. Because! Because!
*With this, I can find Elzen Older Brother’s companion!*
Excited, I puffed out steam through my nose. Older Brother said he didn’t want one, but I felt differently. What about Older Brother’s match?
*If it were me, I’d give them a chance. And I’d ask them to live with me.*
I really wanted Elzen Older Brother to meet them, just once.
*I have to collect stamps diligently!*
I fell asleep that night while making that vow.
A few days of peace followed. In that time, I received one stamp and grew closer to the other children while working hard as the Vice President.
“They’re back! Micard-nim is here!”
“What, really?”
“Wait, I think he’s coming with Raywood-nim?!”
Then, one afternoon, near the end of class, it happened.
Micard.
My first older brother had returned.
He was walking with the class president, Raywood.