Chapter 21: After The Battle

“Cheers!”

After the competition was over, we went to a restaurant in the central for a celebration. Of course, we’re not allowed alcohol yet, so everyone toasted with juice.

“Good work, everyone.”

“I only used enough mana for a single shot, so I don’t feel that tired.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Well, that’s right. Anyway, the classroom defense was a success.”

“Yahoo!!!”

“This time, you were able to win against the seniors because your opponents were weak. However, there is a possibility that stronger classes will apply for a match with you.”

That’s true. Though the victory was ours this time, we can’t be complacent. We have to battle every month, after all.

Aside from that, a lot of students and professors watched us. It is highly unlikely that we’ll be able to defeat them in one-hit, just like previously, in the future.

“You will also participate in one-on-one battles and in endurance matches, as well as competitions in which opponents are affected—either in superior or inferior ways—by use of Auxiliary Magic. Do not be satisfied with the outcome of today’s match, but study hard and become stronger.”

“Yes!”

After that, we ate and drank to our heart’s content, and then we went separate ways.

───＊＊＊───

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to show off your skills, Halt-sama.”

Tina apologized as we went back to the mansion.

“Ah, I don’t mind. Victory’s more important.”

“Ah, well, there’s that, but… There’s a part of me that wanted to see you fight.”

“Oh, is that so… Don’t worry, next time I’ll work hard, and I’ll let you see something good.”

“Fufufu, I’ll look forward to that. By the way…”

“Ah, Tina also noticed?”

“Yes. Youko, you are there, I assume? Please do come out.”

Tina turned back and talked to the seemingly empty space.

“Hmm, as expected of Tina Harivell. You’re not my contractual master, but still, you were able to sense my presence.”

A girl attired in kimono appeared on the spot where no one should have been standing.

“Thank you for the praise. So, can you please explain why you are following us? And what is this about a contract?”

“Ah, I’ll be the one to clarify.”

So, this morning, I told Tina that I formed a contract with Youko and that she originally wanted to control and dominate the academy, among other matters.

“I see, so that means you are a demon owned by Halt-sama.”

Tina was angry for some reason.

Suddenly, she collected magic in her right hand and prepared to launch an advanced magic attack toward Youko.

“Wha, wait!!! I am exclusively bound to my Master! So unless Master desires it, I can never dominate this academy! Please spare me!”

Youko trembled like a leaf in the face of Tina’s enormous magical strength.

“Tina, wait. I won’t let her do evil stuff. So please, just let her stay as a student in this academy.”

“You want to protect that vixen because of the contract, Halt-sama. Demons frequently use that trick. Please be at ease, I’ll definitely obliterate her.”

“Hiiii!!! Ma, Master!!!”

Youko fell on her bottoms with a thud, and she looked at me with tear-filled, pleading eyes.

I didn’t want this docile kimono-clad beauty to die, nor do I want to see my exclusive maid kill someone, so I helped Youko on her feet.

“Tina, calm down. I’m not affected by the contract.”

“Eh!?”

Tina and Youko simultaneously raised their voices in disbelief.

Actually, I already checked my Status Board after the contract-binding. The result is—

Condition: Cursed [Static Curse] (Fixed)

No changes at all—it was as if I never entered a contract with Youko. Maybe, it’s because I already have the curse of the Evil God?

By the way, the magic circle that’s proof of our pact is still on Youko’s right hand, but mine doesn’t have a trace of it. It disappeared without me noticing.

I had the strange protective urges before, but I found out that it’s on a level where I can ignore it just fine if I wanted to. In short, the contract is effective on Youko’s side, and she will be obedient to me, but I am not obliged to protect her.

This contract poses zero disadvantages on my side. Moreover, I can control her however I want. Even if she’s a demon, I see her as a human because of her disguise.

She’s pretty cute, too.

I don’t want to see Youko be killed.

“Youko, rise.”

“Y, yes.”

Youko stood at my command.

“Turn around once and meow.”

“Me, meow.”

After turning in a circle, Youko meowed. She looked so embarrassed.

“See, I told you she’d follow my orders absolutely.”

“Ah, Master.”

Youko was disconcerted after she received the first order since the contract was made. Her body moved against her will.

“She might submit to Halt-sama. Nevertheless, she can still attack and manipulate other people.”

“Hmm, then let’s do it this way. Youko, you can never launch a malicious attack against other people unless I order you to do so.”

I stroked the magical circle on Youko’s right hand with my finger as I gave my order.

“I, I understand!”

“So with this, there should be no problems, right? I’ll let her stay on my side so that I’ll be able to keep an eye on her when she’s idle.”

“B, but it’s dangerous for a demon to stay by Halt-sama’s side! Not only that, Youko’s exquisitely lovely, so if she’s constantly with you, then Halt-sama’s virtue and fidelity will…”

Tina suddenly mumbled, so I didn’t catch the latter half of what she said.