After returning home, I slept long and deep. Once I’d finally surfaced, I underwent a grueling medical exam.
When the doctor confirmed I was in perfect health, I was whisked away to the office of Grandfather—the Head of House. The Admiral, Mister Carmine, and Teacher Cedric were already waiting for me.
“So,” the Head of House began, “are you able to summon the Spirit King of Wind again?”
“Mmm, no. He said I need to grow more, grow big.”
Truth be told, I wanted to summon him right away and show him off, but the Spirit King of Wind wouldn’t even manifest as those shimmering letters.
[The Spirit King of Water ‘■■■■’ advises that you will have the strength to summon again after you sleep a hundred nights, and then a hundred more.]
‘Okay. That’s alright!’
I’m not sad at all. Smashing that golem into pieces was just too much fun.
[The Spirit King of Water ‘■■■■’ mutters.]
[My precious little baby… it’s good that you’re healthy and strong, but is it really okay to teach you like this…….]
[The Spirit King of Fire ‘■■■■■’ defends you.]
[Kids grow up fighting a little bit here and there. Isn’t that better than cowering in fear when you’re an Awakener?]
As I stared blankly at the floating text, Mister Carmine stroked his chin.
“I would like to recommend Ancient Language lessons for the youngest Young Lady.”
“Oh?”
“Since the Spirit King’s name is composed of a combination of Ancient Language.”
There was, however, one strange thing.
Not only could no one else see the Spirit Kings, they couldn’t even hear their names. It was as if the moment I shouted them, that sound was scrubbed from existence; nobody could seem to recall it. Even if I tried to speak the names aloud, only chirping sounds would escape my throat.
‘Maybe that part is forbidden.’
They would have to figure it out for themselves.
“I was able to deduce what the name might be in the Ancient Language, but calling out the various combinations yields no response. It means the name only gains meaning when spoken by someone with the qualifications of a Spirit Master—specifically, someone with enough Spirit affinity to contract with a Spirit King.”
Wow, Mister Carmine. You’re so smart.
The Admiral listened with a grave expression, while Grandfather, the Head of House, looked deeply intrigued.
“I shall have to invite a renowned professor of Ancient Language. While we’re at it, I think I shall invite a professor of Spiritology from Mondal as well.”
At Grandfather’s words, the Admiral gave a slow, measured nod.
“Yes. However, the fact that Shupetty is a contractor to the Spirit King must be kept strictly hidden.”
“Hmm. How do you suggest we go about that?”
“If you want to hide a special needle, you must place it among other needles.”