The Contract of Arrogance
The knight before her had asked her to teach him what arrogance truly meant. Yet Yusoha had no idea how to explain it. To her, it was simply a matter of acting on what she believed was right.
"Hey, you."
"Eclipse."
"Huh?"
"My name is Eclipse."
Come to think of it, they hadn't even introduced themselves properly. Yusoha muttered under her breath.
"My name is Yusoha. Call me Yusoha from now on."
After revealing her name, Yusoha stepped closer to Eclipse.
"Understood."
"So what you want is for me to show you the innate arrogance I possess... is that it?"
"Exactly."
Yusoha frowned slightly. Just how was she supposed to teach him about arrogance?
"Hey, Eclipse?"
"What is it?"
"What exactly do you mean by teaching you arrogance? Do I need to act a certain way or speak in a particular tone?"
Eclipse shook his head at her question.
"That's not it. Simply show me your true self as you are. Judging by how you sent those people flying earlier, you clearly hold a rather high position here. Am I correct?"
"Yes."
Yusoha nodded without hesitation.
"Since you've lived that way from birth, just show me that version of yourself."
"Why do you want to learn something like that from me? Plenty of people hate this side of me. The media constantly criticizes me for it."
"Media... I see. That was one of the words from the injected knowledge. So many people disapprove of you."
"That's right. I don't know what kind of world you came from, but... in the wealthy nations of this world, equality is generally the standard. It's not that nobles don't exist, but it doesn't mean everyone is truly equal either."
"I already know that from the injected knowledge as well. New social classes arise from wealth and power. And you are one of those who benefit from it."
"Correct. By the way, Guardian Stars are incredibly convenient. They even fill you in on things like that."
"I'm not entirely sure myself... but it seems to inject information based on the life one would have experienced if born and raised in this world. It must be connected to you somehow. Perhaps the life an Awakened has lived influences their Guardian Star."
"That could be it. Not much has been revealed about Guardian Stars yet."
"Anyway... just show me your usual self. The same goes for me. You don't need to concern yourself with things like others' criticism."
"I was planning to do exactly that anyway."
Even after nearly having the life choked out of her moments ago, Yusoha's bold demeanor hadn't changed in the slightest.
"Good. That's more than enough."
"Now I'm the one who's curious. Why are you so interested in this concept of arrogance?"
"Who knows. Let's just call it simple curiosity."
"Hmm... Well, if all I have to do is show you my usual self, it's not exactly a difficult request. So it doesn't really matter. Anyway, I look forward to working with you, Eclipse."
"Yes."
"Then come over here for a moment."
"Are you planning to form the contract?"
"Yes. So stay still."
With those words, Yusoha approached Eclipse, activated her mana, and engraved the seal of the contract onto his armor with her power. The moment golden mana swirled across the worn armor, Eclipse felt a strange sense of intimacy toward Yusoha.
"Is it done?"
"Yes. Now you're my Guardian Star. And I'm your master."
Strictly speaking, the contract between Guardian Star and Awakened was one of equals, but Yusoha naturally asserted her superiority. Eclipse said nothing, since he was curious about the nature of her arrogance anyway.
"Understood, Master."
"No, don't call me master. If you ever appear before the world and call me that, I can already see the Guardian Star Protection Association throwing a fit about Guardian Star abuse or whatever nonsense they spout."
"Guardian Star Protection Association?"
"You don't need to know the details. They're just lunatics. The contract between a Guardian Star and an Awakened is based on mutual agreement, but they ignore even that basic common sense. If they decide the summoner's attitude toward the Guardian Star is unreasonable, they start spewing garbage about rights and protection."
"This world is fascinating. If they know so little about Guardian Star contracts, they must be non-Awakened."
"Exactly. They simply watch the Awakened and Guardian Stars that appear in the media and project themselves onto them. When they see Guardian Stars entering battle, the way they obey their Awakened's commands even in unreasonable fights stirs up sympathy in those fools."
"I see."
"Don't think about it too deeply... Anyway, just call me by my name."
"Understood. Soha."
"Yes. That's perfect. Oh, by the way."
"Hmm?"
"These people need to be taken to a treatment center."
"Ah. No need to worry. I didn't hit them that hard. They weren't following your orders anyway. Despite appearances, they simply fainted. They'll regain consciousness soon."
"Really? That's a relief then."
From the very moment he'd decided to correct their habits, Eclipse had never intended to launch a truly brutal attack on Yusoha's escort team. They were merely beings who followed orders, after all.
"Ugh..."
The moment Yusoha finished speaking, the escort personnel began to stir.
"What the hell happened..."
They opened bleary eyes, looked at Yusoha and Eclipse, and the memory of what had happened hit them. Their bodies trembled. They were terrified of Yusoha's retaliation for failing to react properly.
"M-Miss...?"
"What is it?"
"Did that Guardian Star... not do anything to you...?"
"He did, but it's fine. Everything worked out. Stop shaking so much. Who would've guessed my Guardian Star would be that strong? Especially with no mana at all."
Watching Yusoha gaze at Eclipse with clear satisfaction, the escorts let out breaths of relief. Since she seemed to be in a good mood, at least they wouldn't be punished.
"Then... may we withdraw now?"
"Of course. Ah, but."
Yusoha curled her lips as she regarded them.
"You'll need to improve your skills. Don't you agree? I'll overlook it this time, but if something like this happens again, know that I won't be so forgiving."
"Yes. We'll keep it in mind, Miss."
"And."
"...Is there something else?"
"Keep everything about Eclipse strictly confidential. Understood? If I hear even the slightest rumor about me having a Guardian Star, I'll assume one of you leaked it... and you can imagine what happens next, can't you?"
"Um, Miss. Why... are you trying to hide your Guardian Star?"
"Because I want to."
That was the end of Yusoha's answer.
"...Yes. Understood."
"Good. You're dismissed."
"Yes, Miss."
Once the escort team had withdrawn, Eclipse asked Yusoha with open curiosity.
"Why do you want to hide my existence? Given your personality, Soha, I expected you to show me off proudly."
Eclipse couldn't understand her attitude. The powerful figures he'd observed in his previous world had been unable to resist boasting about every precious thing they possessed.
"If it becomes known that I summoned a Guardian Star, the media will splash it across every headline. Then people will start wondering about you, Eclipse—what your abilities are like."
"That makes sense."
"That's exactly what I want to avoid. I don't even know your full capabilities yet. All I know is that you're incredibly strong even without mana. To appear before the media, it has to be perfect. Otherwise they'll tear us apart."
"Ah."
Eclipse finally understood. It was the difference in worlds and cultures. Here, people could observe the powerful through countless media outlets, and it was common for them to anonymously pour out whatever emotions they felt. In that environment, if Eclipse showed even the slightest weakness in front of the cameras, all the existing hostility toward Yusoha would bare its fangs at her.
"Understood."
"Good. Now for the most important part."
"Hmm?"
"Can you conceal your appearance? Most Guardian Stars can hide themselves, but can you?"
"...How would I do that?"
"From what I heard from my sister's Guardian Star, if the Guardian Star simply wishes it, their body in this realm disperses. Can you do something like that?"
"Let's try."
The moment he answered, Eclipse's form began to blur. The sudden sensation of floating caught him off guard.
"Oh. I can't see you. Eclipse. Are you there?"
He wasn't sure if his voice would carry, but Eclipse nodded as he replied.
"The voice seems to be audible, but the way it echoes inside my head like the telepaths describe... it must be something only I can hear since I'm the one who contracted with you. Perfect."
Yusoha smiled with satisfaction.
"Alright. Then let's head to my house first."
She immediately left the summoning room, and the moment she stepped out, she adjusted her expression into one of clear displeasure. It was all to deceive everyone. Her face, filled with the frustration of a failed Guardian Star contract, made every person who met her eyes tremble.
Yusoha's plan was simple. Her image was already beyond saving. So she would use Eclipse to engineer a complete reversal. To achieve that, she needed to refine the knowledge injected into him with greater precision, helping him fully internalize the common sense and etiquette of this world. After that, she would properly assess his combat ability and have him reveal himself before everyone.
As flashily as possible.
With that thought, Yusoha smiled inwardly.