I woke up that morning feeling unusually refreshed, the sunlight pouring through my bedroom window with a softness that made me want to linger just a little longer under the covers. I stretched lazily, ready to enjoy a peaceful morning after the long days of adventure, purification, and demon hunting.
But peace, it seemed, had no intention of waiting.
As I blinked and yawned, a sudden glow caught my attention. My eyes widened. Floating in mid-air, as if it had materialized from nowhere, a familiar yet ever-mysterious window panel hovered before me. It blinked lightly, like a ghostly apparition, making me feel equal parts annoyed and curious.
"…Not again," I muttered, rubbing my face. I had no idea when or why these panels decided to appear, but apparently, today was their day.
I leaned closer and read through the new list that had appeared. My brow furrowed as I processed it:
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Name: Shellia Emerald
Guild Rank: B
Job: Spirit Beloved
Current Spirit List:
Yuki – Spirit of Divine Healing (Light Beyond Nature)
Orielle – Spirit of Healing Flame (Pure Fire)
Sylas – Spirit of Healing Ice (Tranquil Frost)
Tamed Beast: Kaelin – Body Enchantment
Abilities:
Divine Purification → Rank A
Medium Purification → Rank B+
Shield of Grace → Rank B
Healing Flame (Orielle) → Rank A-
Pure Flame Healing (Medium) → Unlocked
Divine Healing (Yuki) → Rank S (Supportive)
Tranquil Frost Healing (Sylas) → Rank A (Supportive)
Overall Contractor Status:
Rank B (Guild Acknowledged)
Potential Growth: Unmeasured
---
I rubbed my temples. My head hurt already. I turned to Yuki, who perched quietly on my shoulder, tiny white fur practically glowing in the morning light.
"Yuki… what is this?" I asked, voice trembling slightly with confusion.
[Yuki: Lady Shellia, this is the panel confirming your current powers and contracted spirits… including a new listing.]
I stared at the panel in disbelief. "I already know what this window panel means. I want to ask why she is a tamed beast. Kaelin isn't a beast, she's—"
[Orielle: Perhaps it counts as a beast because your purification allowed her body's hybrid enhancements to stabilize? Healing something beast-like may qualify as taming.]
I groaned and buried my face in my hands. Of course. Of course. This is exactly the kind of logic I would get from my spirits. The sheer absurdity of it all made my head spin.
[Sylas: Well… that's convenient. Our work to protect the world is never simple. With this, we have one more tool in our kit.]
He said it so nonchalantly, as though commenting on the weather, and I wanted to throw the panel out the window. I had three spirits, each with opinions, and now one of them felt compelled to treat me like I was running a military campaign.
[Yuki: Lady Shellia… we are not a burden.]
[Sylas: Of course not.]
[Orielle: Hmph. Your tone worries me more than the panel.]
I groaned audibly. Three personalities, one morning, and apparently, now a new "tamed beast" to manage. I sighed, trying to center myself before anyone could notice my mounting panic.
The soft patter of footsteps on wood announced Mira's arrival. She came in smiling as always, enthusiasm practically radiating off her as she set about preparing breakfast. Her energy was infectious, though at that moment, I mostly felt overwhelmed.
"Good morning, Lady Shellia!" Mira chirped, moving with practiced grace. "I've prepared breakfast! You must eat—it's important for your energy!"
I took a deep breath and straightened my posture. "Thank you, Mira."
[Yuki: Breakfast will also help stabilize your mind, Lady Shellia.]
[Sylas: …and keep your spirits from debating among themselves.]
[Orielle: …which they already are.]
I shot a glare at Orielle, who merely raised an eyebrow and sipped from her tea. Typical.
When I walked into the dining room, I was met with an unexpected scene. Everyone was there: my mother, Giovina, looking elegant as ever with her calming blue eyes; my younger sister Alecia with her black-purple hair, and Alex, her twin, with matching blue hair and lively eyes, bustling about setting plates. Even the three spirits were hovering nearby, some on the table, some near me.
"Wow…" I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.
"Quickly adding another member, Shellia?" Father's voice boomed from the doorway. Duke Gerald Emerald, his black hair perfectly in place and purple eyes reflecting quiet amusement, leaned casually against the doorframe.
I merely exhaled and muttered, "I guess so…"
[Yuki: Lady Shellia, we are not causing trouble.]
[Sylas: Indeed, your responsibilities are expanding, but it's manageable.]
[Orielle: And delightful, if I say so myself.]
I pinched the bridge of my nose, but even as my brain threatened to melt under the morning's chaos, I felt warmth. This was… family, in a way. My spirits were more than companions—they were like an extended family, each one quirking and arguing and supporting, just like siblings might.
Mira clapped her hands and gestured toward the food. "Eat, eat! I made extra for everyone—yes, even the spirits!"
I hesitated. "The spirits… will they—"
[Yuki: I can consume spiritual energy in food form. It's… satisfying.]
[Sylas: I don't require it, but the gesture is appreciated.]
[Orielle: Don't forget me. I like my tea with a side of bread.]
I chuckled despite myself, shaking my head. "This is insane."
Father Gerald's laughter rumbled through the hall. "It seems you've been quite busy, Shellia. Adding members to your party already? That's quick work."
I could only sigh and mutter under my breath. "It's not like I planned it…"
Giovina smiled softly at me. "It's heartening to see you surrounded by those who care for you. Even if they do argue like children."
I shot a look at Orielle, who smirked knowingly. That earned a small laugh from Alecia and Alex, who were busy placing plates before us. The room was alive, the morning sun bathing everyone in a warm glow. Somehow, the chaos felt… comforting.
[Yuki: Lady Shellia, you're not alone. Even Kaelin will adapt.]
I glanced at Kaelin, sitting quietly at my side, trying to imitate the mannerisms of the family. She looked nervous but determined, her fox ears twitching slightly as she observed everyone. She wasn't a spirit, yet she was now part of our little family in a way that felt… right.
[Sylas: She has potential, Lady Shellia. And she's resilient.]
[Orielle: Yes, don't underestimate her. But I'll keep an eye on her.]
I smiled faintly. "Good. Then I guess we all start today together. Spirits, humans, and fox-girls."
[Yuki: Indeed, Lady Shellia.]
It was strange to think that breakfast—a simple meal—could feel like a family gathering. But there we were: humans and spirits, gathered around a table, laughing, eating, and bickering as if the previous days of purification, dungeons, and demon fights hadn't happened.
Alex carefully placed a plate before me. "Eat up, Shellia. You'll need your strength."
Alecia nudged Kaelin gently. "And you too. Don't forget, breakfast is important."
Kaelin nodded shyly but gratefully. "Yes, ma'am."
Orielle tilted her head, observing Kaelin with curiosity. [Orielle: Interesting… she may learn quickly if she keeps up.]
[Sylas: And she will have guidance.]
[Yuki: Lady Shellia, the spirits' opinions may be overwhelming, but your leadership remains steady.]
I exhaled and finally let myself relax, taking the first bite of my meal. The chatter around me, the bustling of the household, the antics of my spirits—all of it reminded me that life was not just about power, contracts, or battles. It was about connection.
And today, with Kaelin joining our ranks, it felt like our little family had grown. Not by blood, not by obligation, but by choice. And somehow, despite the absurdity of the ghostly window panels, the constant chatter of my spirits, and the chaos of three very distinct personalities in my home, I felt… right.
[Yuki: Lady Shellia, you look at peace.]
[Sylas: Indeed. Your calm is reassuring.]
[Orielle: But don't get too comfortable. There will always be demons.]
I rolled my eyes. "I know, Orielle. But at least for now… breakfast first."
And for the first time in a long while, surrounded by spirits, family, and a fox-girl who had found her first home, I allowed myself to simply breathe.
It was going to be an interesting morning.
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