Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 66: Reforged Bonds

Erimaya paces her room as she desperately tries to think. Rikuto has begun gathering all of the magic artisans who are citizens of Mornistae and the vassal territories, as well as any scholars and mages. He has become distant and distressed, gearing up for a more direct attack, as if the war with the demons is an afterthought.

She wants to warn Hekate, since Hekate believes that Mornistae will be on neutral or friendly terms with her thanks to her efforts to protect Erimaya and see her home unmolested.

Suddenly, an idea hits her.

She looks around. She picks her sheet up, and she casts it across her room. She tries to look, but nothing stands out. She picked it up again, and then did the same thing several more times. Still, she sees nothing out of place.

She looks around, whispering, “Lady Xyreko. Please, if you're there, I need to talk to you.”

The door opens, and her guard, Phingoen, peeks his head inside. “Did you say something, Princess?”

She shakes her head. “No. Just talking to myself.”

“Very well.” He retreats behind the door, and she sighs.

She whispers as quietly as she can, “Please, Xyreko…”

When she turns, she nearly screams. Towering over her is the imposing form of a suit of metal armor, but one not occupied by a living body. It's not Xyreko herself, but one of her golems, staff and all. 

Erimaya covers her own mouth, narrowly hiding her gasp from reaching the guards on the other side of her door. She looks around, thinking desperately. She trots to her desk, quickly penning a note. She holds it up for the golem, which stares at the note with no indication of its thoughts.

“[Please tell Hekate and Daniel that Rikuto is afraid of Daniel's god-killer.]”

The golem cocks its head, but it nods. 

However, nothing happens. “A-Are… you going?”

The golem puts a finger to where its mouth would be, and she cocks her head. “But, you can't waste time!”

The door opens again, “Princess?” She gasped, but when she looked, the golem was gone. She looks at Phingoen again. “Y-Yes?”

“Heralesse is here to see you.”

Erimaya is flustered, but she shakes her head. “No.”

“Eri!” Heralesse squeezes past the guard, and Erimaya huffs in anger. She walks away from her elder sister, who doesn't pursue her, since they're still in Erimaya's room. “Eri, listen…”

“No! None of you trust me! Hekate and Daniel are good people! If you saw what I saw, you'd worship them!”

Heralesse is quiet for a moment, and Erimaya snaps, “You two exiled him and treated him like an enemy when all he did was save my life. I'm very happy to be alive. I want to serve my homeland. I was trying to make sure Daniel was safe and harbored no ill-will.”

“Eri…”

“No! If you and your fiance continue, you’ll make him our enemy. All he does is help! You’re the blind ones who can’t see it!”

“I know…”

Just as Erimaya is about to continue her rant, she halts. “What?”

“I-... I know… We should have stood up for Daniel… Most of the nobles we tried to appease either proved to be traitors or sold us out while we were dealing with Bromlund. They… even tried to assassinate you…”

“What?”

“I… just found out myself… Aramellianna found information that they tried to get rid of you… to force Mother and Father to restore my betrothal to Zorenwein Junior.”

“H-How… did you learn this?”

She takes a deep breath, walking over to Erimaya’s bed and sighing as she takes a seat. “Rikuto blurted it out when I was asking him if we can afford to make such a vast investment, since Daniel’s actions… weren’t that bad. He claims he’s trying to protect us, but… I don’t know anymore.”

“He’s going to attack someone who can destroy a country. I wish I could make you believe me with words alone, Sister. I truly do. But, you have to see it. It’s true. A great demon monster known as the Devourer was consuming the land and forcing the demons east. Many of them are open to diplomacy. Though, their leadership got rid of the Demon Tyrant to continue the war…”

Heralesse shakes her head. “Eri, you don’t sound right in the head saying all of this. It’s frankly unbelievable.”

“I know how it sounds! I do… But, you met Daniel. Hekate… She’s a little girl like me. She’s eccentric, but she doesn’t have a cruel bone in her body. We became friends. I was teaching her etiquette… What little I could do in the time we were together.”

Heralesse sighs. “Apparently, Rikuto believes in the power of this weapon, because he has been obsessed. I’m not sure what his goal is, but… He seems set on stopping Daniel.”

“Stopping him from what? He’s not doing anything.”

“That we know of. Eri, I know you still trust him, and… I have my doubts… But, he sided with a demon kin. And, now we’re getting reports that he’s actively increasing the dragon population. The same dragons he supposedly killed.”

“He did kill dragons! Just… not all of them. But, the Dragon Empresses are also wonderful people.”

Heralesse sighs. She cups Erimaya’s cheek. “Eri, I wish there was something I could do. I can’t see what you say you saw, and I haven’t met Hekate.”

“That’s it!” exclaims Erimaya. “What if we could invite Hekate and Daniel to a summit to pursue peace? I know they’d come!”

“Demons have always rejected…”

“Not demons, Hekate and Daniel. They’ll come. I’m certain of it.”

Heralesse thinks for a moment. She looks at her younger sister’s face as she thinks. She asks, “And, how would you get a message to Hekate to invite her?”

“I’ll send her a letter. She told me how to contact her.”

Heralesse sighs. She’s not convinced. “And, how exactly are you supposed to do that? Just because you were able to contact her once, the journey to the border forts is dangerous enough, let alone trekking into the Demon Wildlands.”

With a soft glare, Erimaya retorts, “I don’t appreciate you doubting everything I say and do, Elder Sister. If I tell you, you’ll tell Rikuto.”

“I will not if you ask me not to.”

The younger princess sighs. “Elder Sister, I love, admire, and respect you. But, when I did trust you, you betrayed that trust. Hekate is the rising power in the west. I have my way of reaching her, but you don’t need to worry.”

Heralesse hesitates as she thinks about Erimaya’s words for a minute. She sighs, murmuring, “I’m sorry, Eri.” She then sits upright, saying more seriously. “Very well. I’ll discuss the notion with Rikuto and our parents, and if she’s available, Grand Duchess Aramellianna. If we can, I do believe peace is the preferred option.”

Erimaya nods in agreement. “Agreed. I shall send a formal letter to Empress Hekate once they approve.”

Heralesse smiles, and she hugs Erimaya, kissing her forehead. “Please don’t do anything reckless anymore, my dear sweet little sister.”

Erimaya smiles gently. “I won’t. Thank you.”

“Oh, and remember, Empress Sundenelle has expressly forbidden recognizing Hekate as a titled ruler. Not picking a fight, just telling you to be mindful in court.”

“Understood. But…”

“I know. We’ll need to treat her with respect if we want to get anywhere. I’m just worried… Sundenelle might try to get involved. Anyway, problems for the future. I’ll talk to you later to let you know what’s decided.”

With that, Heralesse stands up and leaves the room with one last sincere smile. She has to now convince everyone else to consider a peace summit with someone that the Empress of the Grand Zenkon Empire, with whom Mornistae is allied, has expressly denounced.

And, from the sounds of it, Hekate can be specific about who she gets along with. 

***

Daniel walks out of his restroom, flinching in surprise when he finds Kera'tai waiting for him. “Oo, uh, Kera’tai? What’s going on?”

She grins at him, looking up and down the hallway. She sighs in apparent relief. “I finally have you alone…”

Daniel sighs. “So, uh, what did you need me alone for?”

She approaches in a titillating manner, teasing warmly, “Isn’t it obvious, Master?”

“If you’re looking for business advice from Earth, I must insist that I’m not a businessman. I’ll do what I can, but I can’t guarantee your business idea is a good one.”

She cocks her head in confusion. “What?”

“No?” replies Daniel as innocently as he can muster.

Kera’tai frowns at him. “Seriously?”

“Did I ruin your mood?” asks Daniel facetiously, likely proving he knew what she wanted.

“Wha-!? Master, I exist to serve you now. Your every whim is mine to make possible.”

Daniel snaps his fingers, pointing at her as he says brightly, “Then, I want to visit this world’s moon.”

Again, she stares at him blankly with her mouth agape, unable to form a thought to retort with. Daniel smiles softly, waiting patiently to give her a chance to respond.

“I… I can’t… do that… Master.”

“Ooo. Good thing you’re not a slave then, huh? I wonder what that would do…” muses Daniel out loud. Not that he wants to test it, but he does ponder the notion of giving an obviously impossible order to a magically bound slave. Would they immediately die? Or, would it be like Hekate, where they would have to endeavor until they die? 

Regardless, Daniel replies, “Anyways, I’m heading down to the contract chamber to meet Xyreko, Ryuogriar, Reignleif, and Geirahoel to remove their contracts.”

Kera’tai slumps a little, smiling softly in defeat. “Oh… I see…”

Daniel sighs as he rubs his neck, looking away from her for a moment. “Listen, Kera’tai. I don’t know what I’m doing. Seven have me hooked, which just sounds ridiculous. But, if you… Look, I can’t bring myself to force anyone I care about to do anything. You’ll stand a better chance treating me like someone you care about, rather than your master.”

“B-But I do care about you, M-...” Daniel gives Kera’tai a serious look as she starts to call him ‘master’ once more, and she halts, taking the hint. She softens, murmuring, “You said you’d let me abide by my cultural traditions.”

“You may. But, you will also live with the consequences. If you view me as a master instead of a friend, then there is no room for anything else.” Daniel smiles at her gently. “Please excuse me. You’re welcome to accompany me, but I have to meet with the others.”

Daniel starts walking down the hall, and Kera’tai watches him for a moment. She jogs into step, wrapping her arms around his left arm. “Daniel, if you must insist… I shall make you fall in love with me. I am quite confident in my charms.” She giggles playfully, leaning against him as they walk. 

Daniel simply chuckles, replying warmly, “You make it sound like a challenge.”

“Perhaps. But, you’re not my opponent, dear Daniel.”

“Do what you want,” replies Daniel. They make their way to the intra-castle transport station, which are the fixed teleportation circles Daniel can use. He selects the receiving circle for the floor and section where the contract chamber is set.

The walk is uneventful, as Kera’tai simply enjoys the alone time that she can get. The three dragon empresses, Xyreko, and Hekate are already present at the contract chamber, and Hekate points at Daniel and Kera’tai. “Hey! You better not have been thinking about being late because of her.”

“I’m not late, am I?” asks Daniel in retort. 

“No, but you were thinking about it!”

“You caught me. Actually, I made my way through every woman in the Citadel on my way here. Well, all but one, of course.”

Hekate glares at him with shock. “That’s it! You have to cuddle with me! Immediately!” Hekate fumes impotently as Daniel approaches. “I’ll make you something tasty after the contract removal.” Her big foxy ears twitch, and she asks skeptically, “What is it? Grilled fish? Mmm… Steak? I like steak. Your steak is better than Xyreko’s. No offense, Xyreko.”

“I have no reason to take offense. I suspect bias plays a part in your opinion,” replies Xyreko.

“None of those,” replies Daniel. “It’s something that’s a bit tedious to make, but I’ll make some special treats to celebrate if this is successful.”

“A new treat!?” exclaims Hekate. A fire lights in her eyes. “Xyreko, lift this contract at once!”

Xyreko chuckles, while Geirahoel snaps, “Daniel! You must teach me this recipe.”

“Not alone, you won’t,” adds Ryuogriar. “I shall perfect it first and make the ones Mukori chooses exclusively.”

“With respect, Elder Sister; I have been practicing for this day.”

“And, I have a more experienced palette by over two hundred years. My tastes are perfect.”

“Mukori doesn’t like bitter flavors,” interjects Reignleif softly. “Your favored flavors aren’t the same.”

“I know that!”

Hekate jumps in between all three of them, pointing at Ryuogriar specifically. “Do what you want, but know this! I get first right to anything Daniel makes. It’s my sacred right.”

Ryuogriar gasps, feigning a haughty attitude. “Oh? I wish I had known. I do believe… yes, you would know if you had tried the dish Mukori made specially for us.” She cups her cheek with her palm, making a feigned forlorn expression.

Hekate scowls at the dragon woman, beginning to growl, but Daniel says, “Let’s not forget why we’re here. Ryuogriar, I’ll give you the first bite of what I’m going to make if you can name what you’re talking about.”

The elegant dragon woman gasps, and Geirahoel snickers, becoming rigid when Ryuogriar glares at her. 

Daniel, trying to stay on task, asks, “Xyreko, is there any danger to them or their eggs?”

“Of course not, Daniel. That’s why I held off until I could do further research. And, I knew you’d ask that, so I tested it on volunteers.”

“Volunteers?” repeats Daniel skeptically.

“Yes. Goblins and ogres are quite eager to help you in any way they can, since you treat them with such great respect and have provided them with a luxurious place to live and work.”

Daniel looks at her with a light glare. “You tested it on goblin and ogre mothers?”

“Y-Yes? They… They volunteered, and I was confident no harm would come…”

Daniel takes a breath and sighs. Xyreko adds softly, “I am sorry, Daniel.”

“No… I appreciate you pursuing and confirming safety, but… You know I don’t like you testing on living beings. And, I didn’t say it before, but I dislike testing on unborn children even more. I can’t argue with the mothers consenting, as long as you properly informed them.”

“I did.”

“Good. But, next time, let me know if live testing is needed, and I’ll make the call then. If I am to be considered the emperor of this place, then I should bear responsibility, authority, and accountability. I don’t believe the ends always justify the means, and I want to avoid crossing lines.” He looks at Xyreko, adding sincerely, “I doubt there was an alternative in this case, and I would have come to the same conclusion. The only thing I would have done differently is try harder to discourage participants from participating.”

Ryuogriar asks softly, “Are you even certain you wish to remove the contract, Mukori? True to your word, you have not exercised your authority over us in any significant capacity, and we have managed to defend what we care about. I am personally content with things the way they are. The only thing to change by removing, as far as I can tell, is that we would be able to return to our old ways.”

Daniel looks only with his eyes at Geirahoel, who looks down a little, and Reignleif, who is watching him for his answer. He returns his gaze to Ryuogriar with a smile. “I’m certain. It was a request, and I trust you three not to go overboard anymore.” All three dragons blush as they stare at him, and Reignlief shrinks into her mantle with a sheepish smile, while Geirahoel looks away, hiding her face with her droopy sleeves. Daniel adds seriously, “Though, allow me to remind you that you are significantly stronger than I am when interacting with me.”

They chuckle together, and Kera’tai remarks softly, “Forgive me for saying so, but I’m still surprised that you befriended the dragons of all things. Or… that you earned their trust.”

Ryuogriar responds instantly, “That’s because Daniel is fun and comforting to be with. He doesn’t try to intimidate us or command us.”

“He also isn’t a war monger,” adds Geirahoel with a slight bitterness to her tone. “If we weren’t dragged into trying to conquer this place at that monster’s behest, I wouldn’t know what it’s like to die.” She rubs her chest gently, remembering that day.

Daniel looks down for a moment, scratching his neck as he considers for a moment. “Geira, Ryuo, Reina… I am… truly sorry for hurting you that day. I haven’t properly said it. I don’t regret defending myself and Hekate, but I am sorry. I hope you…”

Ryuogriar hugs him, laying her head against his collar. “I forgave you the day we confirmed my first egg was coming, Mukori. I fell in love with you as the days went on.”

Reignleif approaches and hugs him as well. She’s shorter than Ryuogriar, and she lays her head against Daniel’s collar on the other side, listening to his heartbeat. Geirahoel squirms, since she knows the apology was specifically for her, since the other two were only knocked unconscious. One of the other female greater dragons, the gold dragon, was also knocked unconscious, but still holds some bias against all of the non-dragons.

Geirahoel murmurs, “I’m… sorry, M-Mukori… f-f-for speaking so wretchedly and attacking you. A-And for disrespecting you.”

Daniel smiles. “What they said. I forgave you long ago.”

She blushes, glancing at him as she retorts, “Y-You didn’t have to. It doesn’t ch-change anything. Neither will removing our contracts.”

Daniel smiles and nods. He asks warmly, “So then, Xyreko? Are we ready?”

“I don’t know. Are you four ready?” teases Xyreko dryly.

They chuckle, and a knock comes at the door. Xyreko’s guard opens the door, and Wenlianna jogs in, huffing from running. “P-P-Pardon this unsightly display. I… I was hoping I could witness contract magic, if that’s alright. Glyph magic isn’t my expertise, but it may serve as inspiration or be useful in the future.”

“I don’t mind,” replies Daniel. He looks at the three dragons, who nod in agreement. “By all means,” replies Ryuogriar warmly. “I have nothing to hide.”

“Oh, I forgot to mention you’ll have to remove your clothes,” states Xyreko, and everyone stares at her. Daniel smirks. “Nice try, Xyreko.”

“I’m serious.”

“Huh. I guess I’m going to have to delay your mission indefinitely.”

Xyreko stares at him in silence. He holds her gaze unflinchingly. “Daniel, we discussed this.”

“I’ll survive.”

Again, she stares at him as she thinks. She finally sighs. “Daniel, I exist to serve you. They obviously believed me.” She gestures at everyone else in the room, who blushes.

Hekate snaps, “Bad Xyreko! I-I… Daniel has seen me naked anyways, s-so I wouldn’t have minded.”

Kera’tai pouts, “Am I the only one here he hasn’t seen?”

Wenlianna squeaks, blushing furiously. “I…”

Daniel sighs. “See what you started, Xyreko? Let’s just get this over with.”

Xyreko guides them into position, starting with Ryuogriar as Daniel stands in front of them. “Alright, the process is relatively simple, now that the circle is prepared. In all seriousness, your hand will have to touch the crest.”

Ryuogriar grins, and she doesn’t hesitate to loosen her dress and shimmy the collar down much further down than needed, threatening to allow her well-endowed chest to spill out of her dress, in spite of the magic crest being present near the top of her sternum and her collar bones. Daniel maintains his composure, since they’ll just keep getting distracted if he becomes flustered.

Daniel takes his glove off, placing his hand on Ryuogriar’s chest. She huffs lasciviously, but he again ignores it. Though… “Sorry. Is my hand cold?”

“No, it feels good, Mukori. Now, if you want to tear-...”

“Ryuo… What’s next, Xyreko?”

“Repeat these words after I activate the circle; ‘I hereby release the Greater Dragon Ryuogriar from her contract with no conditions. Fade the mark from her soul and return her to her own will.”

“Uhh…”

Xyreko snaps her fingers, and magic lights illuminate the wall behind her, revealing a projection of the words in the eastern trade language. Daniel smiles with a chuckle. “Thank you, Xyreko.”

“My pleasure, dear Master.”

“If I may… Who am I speaking to when I read this? I never understood that about magic.”

Wenlianna answers, “It’s widely believed that spoken spells are heard by spirits that control the domains of whatever the spell falls into. Wind spirits for wind magic, light spirits for light magic, and void spirits for void or darkness magic.”

“Lady Ryukana can probably explain better than anyone else we know,” points out Xyreko. “But, there is no evidence the spells are controlled by conscious beings. Rather, the feldroks believed it to be echoes of the souls that came before, rather than conscious spirits, which answer the spell.”

“Like the unfinished business of a ghost?” asks Daniel.

“I suppose that’s a fair way to look at it. Souls interwoven with magic are powerful bundles of energy, as evidenced by the feldroks becoming stronger when they absorb magic. It’s likely feldroks were not the first race to wield magic, but adapted to overpower magic.”

“I see. So, spirits or lingering soul fragments. Works for me. One more thing… Why can I use Ryuo’s current name, rather than the name she gave me when the contract was established?”

Xyreko lets out an audible chuckle, and she replies gently. “Because, Master, the very first instruction you gave your newly contracted dragon, along with slapping you, was to go by a new name. Because she wholeheartedly accepted this name, and it was the instruction of her contractor, it became her new true name.”

Daniel is a little surprised, and he looks at Ryuogriar first. The white dragon smiles tenderly, and when he glances at the other two, they also smile.

He says gently, “I see… Then, let’s do this.”

Xyreko nods, and she begins casting the spell to activate the contract removal circle. It begins glowing, and once more, it reminds Daniel of the strange magic circle that appeared in his bedroom that fateful day. Once she’s ready, Xyreko nods at Daniel.

“I hereby release the Greater Dragon Ryuogriar from her contract with no conditions. Fade the mark from her soul and return her to her own will.” Daniel can feel the glyph on Ryuogriar’s chest heat up, and she hums a little, wincing slightly. “Are you alright?” whispers Daniel.

“I-I’m alright. Just a strange sensation.”

“Oh, and Daniel, do try to stay calm,” adds the caretaker golem. “The golems were able to handle it.”

“Handle what exactly?”

Suddenly, the air crackles and whooshes, and a gust blows as an apparent hole opens in the air above them. The golems Xyreko had in the room immediately take firing stances, aiming at the strange black sphere with whirling energy around it.

Daniel would guess, given the appearance and Xyreko’s reaction, that it’s a portal. 

Daniel reaches across his chest under his right arm to grip the hilt of his revolver, watching the portal.

From it descends a being that sends a chill through Daniel just looking at it.

It possesses gossamer, torn-looking robes that immediately remind him of the grim reaper, and its long, gangly hands might as well be bones. Its face is also rather grim, though it appears to be a mask with a demonic face on it and solid black eyes.

“Xyreko…” states Daniel in a warning tone, but she simply gestures as Hekate and the others cover their ears. The golems fire in unison, and the floating wraith screams in surprise and anger.

“Contract Demon! Don’t stop touching Ryuogriar!” calls out Xyreko, before a second volley follows the wraith as it tries to retreat, finding a barrage of fire with specialized bullets from every direction. After the second volley, while the wraith is screaming in agony, Xyreko adds, “They try to hijack contract spells when conditions are fulfilled for its removal, when the spell is in a transitory state and the contractee is still bound.” A third volley thunders, and Daniel winces, switching his hand to Nemaisol’s hilt. He tries to pull the sword from its scabbard, but it doesn’t move. He tugs and tugs, finally managing to pull it out, though the sword does seem heavier than usual. Meanwhile, Ryuogriar holds his hand to her chest, keeping their connection so he doesn’t accidentally remove his hand.

The mechanic keeps his magic-repelling sword towards the wraith, ideally to defend Ryuogriar, since she’s the one apparently targeted by the demon.

Thankfully, it loses strength quickly, and the golems close in, firing relentlessly in volleys until the wraith cries out, disintegrating into a pile of ash.

Afterwards, Xyreko finishes the ritual, and a cool sensation reaches through Daniel’s palm. “You may take your hand away, now, Daniel.”

Hekate instantly snaps, “Xyreko!? What was that thing!?”

“I told you. A contract demon.”

Kera’tai remarks, “That doesn’t look like a normal demon.”

Daniel adds as he inspects Nemaisol for a moment. “Why didn’t you tell us about it beforehand?”

“I had hoped it would be unnecessary. From testing, the ratio of successful contract removal to contract demon arrival is ten to one. Though, I suppose they may be able to tell what the target is and choose to ignore goblins and ogres…”

Daniel sighs. “Ya think?” He shakes his head. “Anyway, those things can hijack contracts?”

“Yes. They reside in a pocket dimension, similar to storage magic. In fact, I believe storage magic was passed down by contract demons.”

Suddenly, Ryukana appears, saying rather urgently, “I detected an extraspatial intruder. Where is it?”

“Not to worry, your Divinity. It was a mere contract demon. It would have provided trouble before Daniel’s arrival, but they are no match for the overwhelming firepower of Earth combined with our magic materials.”

Ryukana looks at Daniel and he rolls his eyes and shrugs. “She caught me by surprise, too. Xyreko, are there any other things you’re keeping secret from me regarding this ritual? Please tell me before we do the others.”

Xyreko hesitates for a brief moment. “There is a slight chance that the being that comes through is a mana devourer, which is what it sounds like. Like the Devourer, it could become a great threat to this world. I doubt one will arrive here, though.”

Daniel looks to the goddess, and Hekate says the obvious, “I’d be more comfortable if we didn’t invite mega monsters into the Citadel. It takes time for Daniel to make his god-smiters.”

“I’ve heard that term a couple times,” replies Wenlianna. “What are these ‘god-smiters’?”

“Sorry, Wenlianna. That’s one thing I won’t be sharing with anyone who doesn’t already know,” answers Daniel.

Ryukana speaks to Hekate’s concern, “I shall remain close and seal any portals that open. I agree that we should avoid making an opening for something that threatens the world once more.”

Daniel nods, and Reignleif trades places with Ryuogriar, waiting on her turn. She has to strip her mantle to be able to reveal her own chest, though she doesn’t go overboard with trying to expose herself like Ryuogriar. 

Again, as they’re performing the ritual, a portal opens, but Ryukana simply waves her hand, and the portal crackles and vanishes.

“Where are they coming from, and how do they know the spell is taking place?” asks Daniel.

Ryukana replies, “There are worlds that produce beings capable of transcending from their own worlds to a place not unlike the Divine Realm. However, there is no established location. They can’t return to the physical realm without drawing the gaze of the god or goddess watching over that world, so they wait until they can anchor themselves with powerful magic.” She looks at Hekate just as the fox-eared girl is about to ask something. “Only Lady Order or Lady Chaos have the power to disentangle magic from one’s soul. Even the process by which Rikuto gained magic when coming to this world is an automated function of the summoning process. I could perform the ritual Xyreko is doing, but I don’t have the authority or power to remove the contract myself.”

Hekate’s brewing question proves to have been about just that, and she nods, satisfied. 

Daniel looks at Geirahoel, who is the last one. “Are you ready, Geira?”

She nods softly, stepping into position. Because her dress opens at the front like a kimono, she is more deliberate about minimizing how much of her chest is exposed. She looks away when Daniel places his palm on her chest, while Xyreko performs the ritual once more. Daniel jokes, “Come here often, Geira?”

“Sh-Shut up and do the spell. Dummy.”

He chuckles, and Xyreko signals him. He reads the spell once more, substituting Geirahoel’s name in, and he can feel the spell taking place under his palm. Geirahoel winces, squeaking softly.

This time, three portals open, but Ryukana responds to them just as quickly, launching powerful balls of energy into the portals before dissolving them this time. Daniel makes a note to ask about it later, though he suspects she was just obliterating the contract demons on the other side so they stop trying.

Once the spell is complete, Geirahoel looks at her chest, seeing no signs of the glyph and Daniel’s name. She relaxes, closing her dress and holding it closed with her left arm. Ryuogriar remarks in a playful pout, “Aww… I’ll kinda miss having Daniel’s name on my chest… It was charming and fun being his ‘property’.”

“You were never my property,” groans Daniel.

Geirahoel suddenly cocks her hand back without warning, and she swings her palm, smacking Daniel across the cheek with an audible clap that causes everyone else in the room to halt what they’re doing and gasp.

***