Chapter: 142
‘A familiar spirit?’
“Familiar spirit? A clumsy perverted fox?”
“Exactly. If you find it burdensome to have a certain someone around, then let her become your familiar spirit.”
The clumsy fox bragged about how she’s offering a grand sacrifice, but honestly, I couldn’t even respond to that.
Claiming she would become a familiar spirit was enough to warrant a reaction.
In the Soul Academy, a familiar spirit functions like a pet system. You tame a specific beast to use it as you wish.
Like most systems in games, not every creature can be tamed, and the stronger the beast, the harder it is to tame.
Especially a noble being with the power of a forest lord—it’s impossible to make them submit to another life form.
How could someone ruling over a massive forest ever bow to a different creature?
Having tried to tame every being at the Soul Academy, I can confidently say: among those from the forest, they’d rather choose death than be a human’s familiar spirit.
Even this clumsy fox before me, who looks downright insane, stands as one who governs an entire forest.
So, here she is, declaring she wants to become my familiar spirit.
Right now, she’s smiling like an idiot, repeatedly calling me master, but I bet a lot of contemplation went into that decision.
…Right? I hope so?
If it were anyone else, I might not doubt it, but this clumsy fox? Can’t say I’m convinced.
I really can’t tell if she just wants to become my pet or if there’s something deeper in her motives. Yet, if she becomes my familiar spirit, it would lessen the burden of having her around.
According to the settings in Soul Academy, we can set various conditions during the bonding process.
While I can’t impose much on a being stronger than me, at the very least, I can curb her perverted antics.
After all, even if I reject this, the clumsy fox would still follow me. If she’s gonna wear a leash, I might as well welcome it.
“Fine.”
“Alright, since you want to be my pet, I’ll put a leash on you. Perverted fox.”
“Thank you, master. Here’s the leash I prepared…”
Ignoring the fox’s words, I stepped into the room and picked up grandpa.
“Grandpa, did that clumsy fox do anything bizarre?”
[Are you jumping to conclusions? ]
‘It’s not like she didn’t do anything.’
A pervert asking someone way younger than her to step on her—could she possibly have not done anything?
“Come on, spill it, grandpa. I’m bracing myself, so it’s fine.”
[Honestly, she did nothing. Surprisingly.]
‘Liar.’
[It’s true. By my honor, I swear.]
Huh?
She really didn’t do anything?
Really?
But my stoic noble grandfather wouldn’t just cover for that perverted fox with honor on the line.
This means the clumsy fox really behaved, which is a bit shocking.
[More importantly, are you going to make a bond with her as your familiar spirit?]
‘Yeah. Since I’ve been chosen, I might as well put a leash on her.’
Otherwise, who knows what she’ll do? I want to keep at least some minimal safety measures in place.
“Grandpa, please help me with this. You specialize in these things.”
Whether she fights for me or not is not really my concern.
Most threats could still be dealt with using my own powers as always.
So I want to prepare a contract that minimizes this fox’s perverted actions as much as possible.
Since the fox needs to accept the contract, I won’t be able to enforce many things, so I must prepare thoroughly!
[I understand. Just wait a moment. I’ve been thinking about this since I heard your request.]
Grandpa quickly proposed the direction of the contract, as if he had it all prepped.
[For now, let’s focus on preventing any criminal behavior.]
‘Yes! That’s exactly what I wanted!’
[I’m not sure what all we can set in the contract, but for now…]
He aimed to reduce the discomfort I feel towards the clumsy fox as much as possible.
While I can’t change her fundamental nature, I can at least block any inappropriate behavior.
Grandpa, you rock! I knew I could count on you! Let’s save the chaotic academy adventures for another time!
When I recounted what grandpa had told me, the fox showed a notably disappointed expression.
“What’s this, my future master? Don’t cling to me; don’t follow me around secretly; don’t peek at me. What’s the point of me coming this far?”
Is it really that hard not to be perverted? Right, it might be for you.
“If you’re unhappy, just disappear! Please, I’m begging you.”
“No way? Then get lost. I don’t care if I don’t have a perverted fox like you around. Truly, it might actually be better not having to hear your disgusting voice.”
“Mmehmehme…”
But the perverted fox didn’t have a choice.
It’s her own proposal to become a familiar spirit! Tough it out!
If she doesn’t like it, she can just leave! Go back to the forest where you came from!
Now that I think of it, it’s kind of strange. Am I seriously that charming?
If this clumsy fox is obsessing over me like this, it means my charm stat is maxed out, but the public perception hasn’t been all that great.
With that level of charm, even if other aspects are trash, people’s views should at least be favorable.
…Could it be that my trash reputation is enough to eat away at a high charm stat!?
Is that it?!
No way, no way! Am I really perceived as THAT bad?!
“Fine. I’ll accept it.”
In the moment I realized that harsh reality and fell into despair, the clumsy fox reluctantly nodded.
Instead of leaving my side, she figured it was better to be my familiar spirit with a few restrictions.
I wonder how much being able to call me master influenced that decision.
“Then let’s proceed with the contract.”
The clumsy fox said that and took out a talisman from her pocket.
“This is a talisman infused with my power. Hold it and think about the contract’s terms. And…”
The contract she explained was similar to the cutscenes in the game.
Nothing particularly new, but there was something nice about the familiarity. It was like being able to recreate something from the game.
However, that excitement quickly faded. Unlike the flashy effects from the game, the actual contract process felt dull.
After holding the talisman as instructed, it shone and melted into my body—done.
While it felt mystical, knowing the glamorous effects from the game, I couldn’t help but think, “Is that it?”
Sometimes, reality is disappointing.
As I stared at the spot where the talisman had disappeared, there was a puff! sound, and smoke rose.
What’s happening? Is it an explosion? Did something go wrong during the contract?
So that dull effect had a reason after all?!
“Is it really happening?”
As the smoke cleared, the figure of the clumsy fox turned into a small fox appeared.
She sat on the floor, turned to see herself, and then looked back up.
“Don’t worry! The contract hasn’t failed. It’s just that the power your master has isn’t enough, so I can’t fully reveal my appearance yet. Over time…”
…Wow.
I never expected to be saying this to a clumsy fox.
It’s a bit embarrassing to realize I have such thoughts, but…
She’s cute.
Her sparkling eyes.
Her tiny paws.
The super soft fur that’s bound to be fluffy.
The swishing tail.
She looks just like a doll.
Fluffy, fluffy!
“Master?”
The fact that this little fluff-ball has the clumsy fox inside is a bit annoying, but if I just erase that thought, it’s not too bad.
I’ve always liked animals! Especially if it’s a tiny one!
“Master?”
Watching her cock her head made my mind go blank for a moment.
Just like the time I petted my friend’s puppy, the fuzzy sensation filled my hand.
Kyaaaaah! THIS is it!
The warmth and softness that you can’t feel through a monitor.
The genuine softness of clumsy fox isn’t bad either; it looks well-groomed, so her fur is all fluffy.
Isn’t this top-tier fur among furs?
Addicted to that unique feeling, I kept petting her, but the clumsy fox suddenly stood up in a panic and darted away.
“Where are you going?!”
“Clumsy fox! Where are you?!”
Where are you going?! If you’re my familiar, then act like one and offer up your fluff and warmth!
“Wait… wait! Isn’t this too close?!”
What’s she talking about? She’s the one who’s clung to me this whole time, and now I can’t even touch her?
Come on! You want this too! Isn’t this what you’ve been wanting?!
Why the sudden shift to being pure?!
Come back! I’m chasing after her for more fluff!
But she darted away with speed, evading my attempts to catch her.
What is this?! Why is she faster than me when my stats are so high?!
Is it because she’s the forest lord?!
Knock, knock.
In a desperate pursuit, someone knocked on my door again.
Who now?! I’m busy here!
If it’s something lame that’s interrupting my fun, I won’t forgive you!
“Uh, Young Lady? Is there something you need?”
As I opened the door with a huff, I was greeted by Karl.
“What is it?”
“Why are you so sloppy?”
If he’s interrupting my antics without any reason, I won’t forgive him. I glared at Karl, who glanced at my expression and continued speaking.
“Ah. I received a message from Alsetin. They said they found the information you requested.”
Alsetin?
…That’s urgent, alright.
Sigh. It can’t be helped. After all, the clumsy fox is my familiar spirit now. I’ll just have to enjoy that fluffy fur later.
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