The courtyard was still buzzing with aftershocks of the battle when another ripple of light appeared. Shellia froze in place, dreading what she knew was coming. And just like a ghost barging through her bedroom window at midnight, the infamous floating panel blinked into existence.
It shimmered in bright blue, glowing letters spelling out what looked very much like an official game update.
---
[Status Update: Shellia Emerald]
Name: Shellia Emerald
Guild Rank: B
Job: Spirit Beloved – Rank A
A Beast Tamer – Rank C
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
Frost Stag 🦌❄️ Orryn
Origin: Born from eternal ice atop the highest mountain.
Powers: Manipulates ice, purifies water, shields from darkness.
Symbolism: Purity, steadfastness, hope within cold.
Role in the world: A guide for the lost, often appearing as blue light in snowy forests.
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
---
Shellia pinched the bridge of her nose. "...Of course. Of course it upgraded. Because the universe refuses to let me have a normal day."
Orryn, still in his adorable chibi stag form, bleated happily and tried to hop onto her lap, which was a spectacular failure considering she was still standing. He bumped against her shin instead, looking up with shining eyes.
[Look, Shellia!] Yuki squeaked, bouncing up and down on her shoulder. [You're a Beast Tamer now! Officially!]
Orielle leaned closer, flames flickering at her fingertips in excitement. [Another title? Honestly, Shellia, at this point, you're going to need a pamphlet just to introduce yourself.] She smirked. [Spirit Beloved, Beast Tamer, Healer, Purifier, Orphanage Matron—]
"Stop right there," Shellia snapped, glaring.
But Sylas, ever the cool one, folded his arms with a faintly pleased expression. [This is good. Very good. It means we're no longer just a defensive force. With Orryn and Kaelin, you have an offensive lineup. And us, of course.] He tilted his head slightly, the picture of elegance. [It's about time.]
Shellia groaned. "Why do you sound like this is a strategy meeting for world domination?"
[Because it is, technically,] Sylas replied calmly.
The Emerald Knights, though unable to see the window itself, watched with wide eyes. From their perspective, Lady Emerald was surrounded by shimmering spirits, a chibi stag clinging to her like an affectionate puppy, and an aura of power that made their very armor feel lighter.
Commander Reinhard finally stepped forward, tall and broad-shouldered, his scarred jaw set in a mixture of sternness and awe. His crimson cloak fluttered behind him as he approached, each step deliberate. Unlike the other knights, he didn't bother hiding his curiosity.
"Lady Shellia," Reinhard said, his deep voice carrying across the courtyard. "It seems your power grows even further." His sharp eyes flicked toward Orryn, who was still gnawing gently on Shellia's gauntlet like a teething child. "You have tamed the beast?"
"Tamed is… a strong word," Shellia muttered, trying to pry her sleeve free. The stag bleated happily and refused to let go. "It feels more like… he tamed me."
Some of the knights snorted, quickly smothering their laughter. Reinhard, however, merely nodded, as though this was perfectly acceptable. "Nevertheless, the result is clear. You have gained an ally."
Shellia gave him a flat look. "You mean a fourth creature demanding breakfast every morning."
Reinhard's lips twitched, the closest thing to a smile anyone had seen on his face since the campaign began. "Perhaps. But make no mistake, Lady Shellia—this is no trivial feat. Few in history can claim to tame a corrupted beast, let alone one of legend."
The knights murmured in agreement, voices carrying admiration. Already, rumors were being born: Shellia Emerald, the noble daughter who could tame demons, purify the land, and collect spirits and beasts as though they were drawn to her.
Shellia could practically feel the legend growing like a storm she couldn't control. She sighed deeply. "Great. More rumors. Just what I needed."
Orielle smirked, sipping her imaginary tea. [It's not a rumor if it's true.]
"Stop helping," Shellia hissed.
Yuki puffed his cheeks adorably. [But Shellia, this is a good thing! You're stronger now. You can protect more people.] His little eyes shimmered, like he was about to cry if she didn't agree.
Sylas, predictably, was unmoved. [He's right. The path ahead won't be easy. More power is necessary.]
Shellia pressed a hand to her forehead. "You three are impossible."
Orryn, apparently sensing the need for comedic timing, chose that moment to leap into her arms. He fit snugly against her chest like a warm, glowing pillow, and bleated with all the seriousness of a hero delivering a speech.
The knights erupted into cheers. To them, it wasn't a ridiculous moment of an exhausted noblewoman holding a chibi deer against her armor. No—they saw a saintly figure, blessed by both spirits and beasts, carrying the weight of the future in her arms.
Shellia groaned. Loudly.
---
The aftermath stretched on. Knights began clearing debris, dragging aside corrupted ice chunks that still smoked faintly with dark energy. Reinhard issued orders with sharp efficiency, but his eyes often flicked toward Shellia, as though making sure she hadn't vanished like a mirage.
When at last the battlefield was secured, Reinhard approached her again. "Lady Shellia, I must ask you to return to the estate soon. The duke will want to hear of this immediately."
Shellia wanted to crawl into bed and sleep for three days. Instead, she gave a weary nod. "Fine. But if my father hears that I've adopted another one, I'm holding you responsible."
Reinhard actually chuckled—a deep, rare sound. "Noted."
Yuki gasped softly. [He laughed! The scary commander actually laughed!]
Orielle leaned back smugly. [Miracles never cease.]
Sylas raised a brow. [He has a sense of humor after all. Fascinating.]
Shellia muttered, "You're all enjoying this way too much."
---
By the time they returned to the Emerald estate, Orryn had firmly claimed the role of spoiled mascot. He refused to walk, demanding to be carried like royalty, bleating loudly whenever Shellia tried to set him down. Worse, he discovered that chewing on her cloak drew instant attention from Yuki, who would scold him like an older brother, which only seemed to encourage him further.
Orielle and Sylas were no help—one laughed behind her hand, the other smirked openly.
Reinhard, ever professional, pretended not to notice. Though when Orryn tried to climb onto Shellia's head like a crown, even he had to cough into his fist to hide a laugh.
Shellia exhaled slowly, looking skyward as if pleading for divine intervention. "This is my life now. Isn't it?"
[Yes,] all three spirits said in unison.
---
And thus, the tale of Shellia Emerald grew one chapter larger. Not just Spirit Beloved. Not just the healer who could purify. But now—the reluctant Beast Tamer of Orryn, the Frost Stag of legend, who had apparently decided that shrinking into an adorable chibi form and bleating for attention was the best use of his powers.
The knights would tell it differently. They would tell of Shellia's bravery, her bond with spirits, her ability to tame the untamable. The rumors would grow, echoing across taverns and guild halls, until her name became a symbol of hope.
But Shellia herself knew the truth. She hadn't tamed Orryn. She had simply shouted the first name that came to mind, and now she was stuck with a clingy, glowing deer that refused to stop chewing her gauntlet.
And as she dragged herself toward her chambers, Orryn snuggled against her neck like a smug scarf, Shellia muttered under her breath:
"I need a raise. Or at least a vacation."
---