TCHB 40

Chapter 40

“Shuri.”

While I was trying to figure out how to process everything, Ventus called me from behind. I hadn’t noticed when he came down.

“…Ventus.”

Because of the argument a little while ago, which wasn’t exactly resolved, there was now an awkward wall between us. It was a rare situation.

Someone, please get me out of here…?

“Talk with me for a bit. Your birthday party isn’t ready yet, so give me some time.”

“Ah… okay.”

I nodded, even though I was dying inside from the awkwardness. I knew I couldn’t run away and had to face this.

Ventus grabbed my wrist and led me out of the dining room. I followed him to his room on the first floor.

When we entered, Ventus didn’t speak. Silence fell across the room. I hated this kind of atmosphere. Before the uneasy feeling consumed me, I spoke first.

“What do you want to say to me?”

Ventus took a long moment before letting go of his lips, which had been close to mine.

“First, take this.”

“A necklace?”

―It’s me! I’m the Sword!

I heard Rel’s excited voice, but the only weapon in the room was the dagger Ventus carried.

Could it be…?

“No, I’ll refuse.”

I didn’t take the necklace. A sword might be carried around occasionally, but if it could take the form of a necklace, I’d have to hear that voice constantly.

…My life is ruined.

Still, thanks to Rel, the atmosphere in the room felt lighter.

I appreciated the relief, but this was really too much. A sword I have to wear all the time? I didn’t do anything wrong, so why am I being punished…?

―Shuri, you won’t accept me? How rigid you are.

“Ugh. Why is it like that? Ventus, put that away.”

I called the sword “that” and spoke firmly. A chill ran from my back to my neck.

Ugh. When will I stop hearing that cursed cuteness?

Unfortunately, Ventus didn’t back down. He made me sit in a chair and hung the sword, now transformed into a necklace, around my neck.

Even at such close distance, it felt completely different from Kiel.

…Kiel had a fresh, cool scent.

Thinking of him made me snap back to reality. How long ago did I shout that I didn’t like him? Why was I constantly thinking about Kiel even in small moments? My head hurt.

Shuri Clamback. Focus. You don’t like him. You can’t like him! Even if you did, you wouldn’t!

While I was scolding myself internally, I felt the weight on my neck.

The sword was already hanging there.

When I turned to face Ventus, he smiled.

“Happy birthday, …Shuri.”

For the first time, he called me Shuri instead of Alena. That hit me strongly.

Did I push too hard earlier? If someone suddenly changes their behavior, they might die—Kiel, Ventus, why do they keep acting like that?

But one thing was clear: the awkwardness between us had melted. I was grateful, thinking of Ventus as family.

“Don’t have weird thoughts.”

“Wha—? Not at all!”

Ventus seemed suspicious, but I acted casual.

Well. Why. Just… why.

“I-Is this a diamond?”

“Yes. I found out it’s the birthstone for April.”

“You even checked that? Thank you!”

I fiddled with the necklace and thanked him. For some reason, he covered his mouth and turned his head.

I’ve seen that somewhere before… Ah! Kiel! Wait, why does he keep coming up!

I shook my head violently. Go away! Don’t appear!

If someone else saw my thoughts and actions, they’d probably think Kiel was the source of all evil.

“And let’s make one more contract.”

“What? A contract?”

Another contract? Has the meaning of the word “contract” changed in the last 100 years?

“Yes.”

“When did the dictionary definition of contract change?”

“It hasn’t. It’s the same.”

“But you want to make one? Again?”

I blurted out in surprise. Ventus nodded calmly.

“Why?”

“Can’t I?”

“It’s not that. But you should know the contents. And do we really need to?”

“It’s just for my resolution.”

Resolution?

Looking at Ventus, I couldn’t read his thoughts. There was no emotion in the contract—only firm determination.

No matter what, he wanted to make this contract and never give in.

“Alright. Let’s do it.”

I didn’t press for more details. I would learn the contents during the contract anyway, and I trusted that Ventus wouldn’t harm me. After all, it was him. The one who protects me no matter what.

…Wait, did I forget something important? What was it?

“Oh. The crucial thing is that you’re a dragon.”

“A dragon?”

“And the Richard family is involved too.”

Ah! I should’ve asked! I completely forgot.

When I thought back to earlier, I felt like I’d been hit on the back of the head with a frying pan.

“Why are you spacing out?”

“L-Let go!”

I glared fiercely as Ventus tugged my cheek, but he laughed playfully.

“Huh? What did you say? You’re already 13, but your pronunciation is too bad, I didn’t catch that. Say it again?”

That brat!

When I tried to grab him back, he grabbed both of my wrists with his remaining hand.

“Wanna die?”

I was speaking fiercely, but with my cheek squished, my words were mostly muffled.

―Oh no! Shuri’s in big trouble!

“L-Let go!”

I heard the sword speak, but my cheek was more important.

If it swells, are you taking responsibility? Let go. I’ll just bite that mischievous finger!

“See? Who told you to think about other things when you’re with me?”

Ventus smirked as if saying “No way,” and his mischievous expression made me even more irritated.

“You didn’t mean it, right?”

I remembered the important thing! I expressed my frustration honestly, and he finally let go. Right when I was about to bite his finger, Rel’s voice rang in my head.

―Shuri! Shuri! This is really important!

Even though it was an important moment for me!

“What is it, Rel?”

I asked sulkily. I wasn’t hiding that I was annoyed.

―You haven’t made Ventus pick up trash recently!

Rel told me something extremely important.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier! That’s super important!”

“Important? What’s so important!”

Ventus screamed, but neither I nor the sword cared. We just laughed at his reaction.

“You… will get mad just for pinching my cheek?”

I smiled brightly, intentionally, and answered.

“Yes! It’s so fun! You’re going to keep doing it?”

―That’s right, Ventus! Rel’s having fun too!

For once, the sword and I were perfectly in sync. Rel’s voice teased Ventus along with mine.

Every time I see it, I think—this has to be a fake sword. The personality is totally… unexpected.

I thought a sword would be noble, proper, polite—but Rel’s attitude was devilishly cheeky.

“Really… sigh. Let’s just make the contract first.”

Right. We were talking about the contract.

The conversation was moving so fast it felt like being swept down a river.

Ventus sighed and took my hand, ready to start.

“Contractor, Shuri Vita Clamback, do you accept a new contract with the dragon, Ventus Stellia de Deliet?”

“I accept.”

Ventus’ silver hair turned black, and his eyes turned red. When dragons use their abilities or make contracts, they return to their original forms.

Normally, his hair changes with the contractor, and his eyes shift with his attribute.

“The dragon, Ventus Stellia de Deliet, shall prioritize the safety of the contractor, Shuri Vita Clamback—”

My safety?

Ventus paused, but then finished.

“If the contractor dies, the dragon shall die simultaneously.”

The contract was complete. I was speechless.

“Are you insane?”

“No.”

“What is this! If I die, you die too!”

My face must’ve been twisted in shock. How could anyone make a contract where both die together?

Even if we were like family, even if we cherished each other, this was insane!

“Shuri. Some may call this selfish, but this is my resolution and my desire.”

There was no trace of playfulness in his face. Only seriousness and gravity.

I couldn’t argue. I’d made the contract after thinking it through.

Even a dragon cannot undo a dragon’s contract. If I could, I would’ve asked him to.

It felt like another burden, but on top of that, someone precious, someone like family, had put their life in my hands. That alone was shocking.

“Miss, are you here?”

A knock broke the tense silence. I tore my gaze from Ventus and opened the door.

“Yes. I was just talking with Ventus. Why?”

“Master and Madam have returned! Everything’s ready, so you can come out! But please pretend you don’t know anything!”

“Ahaha. Got it.”

I smiled, though it was a bit forced. Header didn’t notice anything strange.

“Enjoy yourself, Shuri.”

You’re the one messing with my outfit, yet you say that? Ridiculous. I almost shouted.

I left Ventus and followed Header to the dining room. I had no idea why something always happened on my birthday.

When I entered, the expanded space by Capacity Magic was filled with Illusion Magic. The ceiling looked like the night sky, and the floor was like a meadow. The sound of footsteps felt real.

Of course, I could spot all the flaws, being far above the one who cast the magic.

…But how much did all this cost? The number must be astronomical. Is this really okay?

“Mom, Dad! What is all this?”

Worried about the cost, I checked for my parents’ presence and put on a fully shocked expression. My reaction was very real.

My mind was a mess, but my body responded properly.

“Hmph. Our daughter! Surprised, huh?”

Dad’s sparkling eyes clearly said, See? Dad’s the best, right? I laughed. My 30-something-year-old dad was too cute.

Although the contract weighed on my mind, Dad’s cuteness made me genuinely laugh.

“And this is a gift from Mom and Dad.”

Mom handed me a giant teddy bear, the size of a 1L bottle.

Was this custom-made? I examined it and noticed three buttons.

Pressing one made the bear’s arms and legs move. Another made it dance. The last one… did nothing.

Hmm? Is this the stop button?

Turning it around, I noticed a tiny magical circle. It seemed to be the power controlling the bear.

How much did all of this cost?

Dad couldn’t hide his excitement, and Mom, pretending not to, watched my reaction curiously.

It was nice, but… please, I just wanted a simple, cozy party, yet the party got bigger and the gifts got more extravagant!?

No matter how rich they were, is this really okay?