GalaxyTL
“Ahem. Let’s put the Voice Spirit matter aside for now. Meg, your homework is to learn more about the nature of spirits.”
“Homework?”
Schlie-san said this, removing his hands from my shoulders and regaining his composure. I didn’t know much about Shou-chan yet, so of course, I planned on getting to know it little by little, but… why homework?
“The Don returned two nights ago. He saw you too, Meg.”
“Whaat!?”
Wh-What!? I’m constantly being surprised today. This was a big one! I’d unknowingly met the Don of the guild, someone I thought I’d never interact with. …Maybe it’s a good thing I was unconscious? I’d probably have said something weird out of nervousness.
“He gave me an assignment. I’ll be away from the guild for a week or two.”
“Eh…”
N-No way! I wanted to ask you all sorts of things now that I’d formed a contract with Shou-chan! Schlie-san must have seen my shocked expression. He chuckled wryly and continued,
“It’s hard to leave when you’re making that kind of face… But this is an assignment from the Don. That’s why I’m giving you homework.”
I see, he couldn’t refuse a job from the Don, and it was important work. I couldn’t be whining about it.
“Undershtood! I’ll do my besht! I’ll shurprise you when you get back!”
“Fufu, that’s the spirit. That’s what it means to be a member of Ortus.”
Eh, what did you just say? I thought he said “member of Ortus” …
“…The Don said he’d be happy to accept you if you wanted to join. Meg, do you want to become a member of Ortus?”
Gil-san suddenly said this. Ugh, really. Today was a day of surprises. And more importantly, was it really okay!? I hadn’t even talked to the Don!
As if sensing my confusion, Schlie-san chuckled. As expected of my master, he could see right through me.
“I understand how you feel. Meg, you’re already qualified, considering your race. It’s something you were born with, a matter of luck. That’s why you have the potential to become an indispensable member of Ortus, depending on your efforts. So, it’s all up to you, but… What do you say?”
Schlie-san winked beautifully, adding, “You’ve successfully formed your first spirit contract too.” I almost got distracted, but now wasn’t the time! My mind was made up!
“Y-Yesh! I want to be… an Ortush member!”
I declared this without hesitation. Because for as long as I was here, I wanted to be Meg of Ortus.
And if I ever returned to my original world… if I disappeared… at least this body’s place here would be secure. I’d be able to leave with peace of mind.
Gil-san and Schlie-san exchanged glances after hearing my response, then smiled. They said, “Well then, let us say this once again.”
““Welcome to the Special-grade Guild Ortus.””
My heart pounded.
“Well then, I’ll be on my way. Don’t worry, there’s a way to contact me. Nephry.”
After chatting for a bit, Schlie-san said this. He must have seen my sadness at the thought of him being away. He chuckled and summoned Nephry, the wind spirit. Nephry-chan, a means of contact?
“Meg, this is a wind spirit. Why don’t you try calling her?”
“Okii. Um… wind spirit… Nephwy-chan?”
The pale green bird, Nephry-chan, emitted a gentle glow for a moment. At the same time, I felt a connection forming between us. Whoa!?
『Ufufu, I’m happy to speak with you, Meg-sama!』
“Ah! That’s wight, I can talk to you because I named your type! Yay, I’m happy too!”
“Nephry, could you call one of your friends over? I need your help.”
『It would be my pleasure! I’ll work hard for the magic power you gave me!』
A pale green bird speaking so politely was strangely amusing. But somehow, I could tell it was Schlie-san’s first spirit. …Speaking of which, Shou-chan, with its “That’s right!” speech pattern, was very me-like. I wonder if it’s like… birds of a feather?
As I was thinking about this nonsense, a pale green light, like Nephry-chan’s, appeared before me. Maybe it was Nephry’s friend?
『This one is a Wind Spirit, like myself. I assure you there would be no problem if you formed a contract with this one. I guarantee it!』
“If Nephry recommends it, I’m sure it’ll be fine. Meg, try summoning this one.”
I did as I was told, even though I didn’t really understand. And then, the spirit before me transformed into a small, pale green bird. It looked like a miniature Nephry-chan. A tiny bird with a slightly long, fluffy tail.
“So cute!”
『Kyaa, thank you!』
The little bird replied in an adorable voice. Even cuter.
“Well then, give this one a name. A nickname is fine. Unlike your first contract, this will only require a small amount of magic power. It will help you with wind magic from now on, in exchange for magic power. The name is like a marker.”
So, you’d gather wind spirits by giving them nicknames, and they’d work together to cast spells. Apparently, a single spirit couldn’t handle large-scale magic. I see.
『Name! Give me a name!』
Its begging is so cute…! Uh, but my naming sense is… you know… Ah, Schlie-san, don’t look at me with such high expectations!
“Th-Then… Fuu-chan. You’ll be Fuu-chan from now on, is that okay?”
『Fuu! Cute! I like it, thank you! 』
It seemed to like the name, and I felt a warmth in my heart. Maybe we’d formed a bond.
“That’s a lovely name. And it’s easy to say, very nice.”
“R-Really? Ehehe.”
Gil-san nodded beside me, saying, “It’s a good name.” I wasn’t sure if he meant it or was just being fatherly, but his smile seemed genuine, so I figured he really meant it.
But! If I was back in Japan, I’d be mocked for my uncreative name choices! What’s wrong with that! …But this is my limit! And no one but a former Japanese person would even notice, so it’s fine!