The Spirit Society was held in the academy's courtyard.

  Usually known as a place where students chatted and ate—a place of rest—it had been decorated to look like an entirely different location.

  Arches of flowers, deep navy canopies reminiscent of the night sky, floating orbs of light gently illuminating the surroundings, creating a fantastical scene.

  Several people had already gathered at the venue, each conversing among themselves. Of course, besides familiar faces, there were those rarely seen even within the academy. Being here meant they were all contractors. Like my brother, it seemed quite a few had been invited from outside the academy as well.

  In their hands were wine and light refreshments. The atmosphere was filled more with anticipation than tension, yet simultaneously carried a taut air.

  Indeed, this seemed less a simple information-sharing meeting and more a noble social gathering.

  I took a deep breath inwardly before stepping into the venue.

  "Master Dylan, this way."

  Martha bowed lightly and exchanged glances with a waiting attendant. Thanks to her, I could move without hesitation.

  "You've arrived, Dylan."

  "Good evening, Brother."

  Claudio had already blended into the scene with bearing befitting a distinguished guest. His refined posture and calm gaze—looking slightly sterner than usual because this was a public venue.

  "Good that you weren't late. ...You're nervous?"

  "...Is it that obvious?"

  "It's written on your face."

  My brother smiled subtly, then gently placed a hand on my shoulder.

  "But that's fine. Better that than appearing frivolous here."

  'Wow, so glamorous! Hey Dylan, that cake on the table looks delicious!'

  There was a frivolous one inside me, but I'd gotten used to it by now. Such carefree words helped ease the tension in my shoulders just a bit.

  "Master Belmond, and Master Claudio as well. Welcome."

  A calm yet firmly grounded voice. Turning around, there stood Julius de Altius, the host of this gathering. His golden hair reflected the light orbs, sparkling brilliantly.

  "Lord Altius. We're grateful for the invitation this evening."

  My brother stepped forward and returned a perfect noble's bow.

  "Many obtained bonds with spirits at the recent pact ceremony. This will be a great strength for the kingdom. However, power is meaningless unless properly guided. I hope this gathering can help us explore the path we should take."

  Julius's words seemed directed at everyone present. His cool purple eyes looked straight at me.

  "...Though my abilities are modest, I intend to strive not to shame that responsibility."

  A voice surprisingly steady escaped me. Julius narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded with satisfaction.

  "Indeed. Then let this gathering first be a place to exchange greetings and deepen our bonds."

  At Julius's signal, the tension in the venue eased slightly. Musicians began playing soft melodies, and conversational voices spread here and there again.

  "Well then Dylan, let's make the rounds."

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Brother Claudio prompted me. With my brother leading, I was introduced to contractors one after another.

  "The second son of the Belmond marquisate, Master Dylan Belmond."

  When my brother introduced me concisely, the others each returned bows. There were noble scions, but also commoners studying as special students.

  "Pleased to meet you. I'm Roy of the Filibert viscounty."

  The young man who introduced himself had somewhat delicate features. His first impression seemed timid, but curiosity dwelled in his gaze.

  "So Master Dylan has also become a contractor. Congratulations."

  "Thank you. ...What kind of spirit did you contract with, Master Roy?"

  "Mine is a lower water spirit. Convenient, but not suited for combat."

  Roy smiled wryly. Conversing like this felt less like nobles and more like fellow academy students.

  'Hey hey, I want to introduce myself too! Dylan, say it out loud!'

  Shaking off the noisy voice in my head, I formed a smile.

  "Even so, water spirits are indispensable to daily life. I'm envious."

  "Hearing you say that is reassuring."

  Roy exhaled with relief and relaxed his expression slightly.

  Next, another noble scion spoke to me. The venue livened up with topics about spirit contract partners and specialized techniques, naturally forming several small circles.

  "Now then—"

  A clear voice subdued the venue's murmuring. Turning, Julius had already walked to the center. With each step, those who'd been chatting stopped moving, gazes naturally gathering. When he raised one hand lightly, the surrounding noise subsided. Attendants moved soundlessly, clearing the central table. With all eyes gathered at once, Julius stepped forward.

  "Everyone, I'm glad the introductions are complete."

  After briefly surveying the surroundings, Julius nodded with satisfaction.

  "Now then—let us have the contractors display their powers."

  At those words, a small stir ran through the venue. In the air mixed with tension and anticipation, I swallowed audibly.

  'Oh, finally time to shine! Come on, let's go big!'

  Wait, hold on. Do you even have powers to display?

  'Ah... w-well, we'll manage somehow!'

  Unlike before, Lou's words were clearly hesitant, and cold sweat ran down my spine. Gone was her usual carefree attitude—obvious agitation seeped into her voice.

  Well, I was also at fault for not anticipating we'd need to display spirit arts. If I'd anticipated this beforehand, I could have consulted Lord Altius in advance.

  But this was troublesome. In this atmosphere, I couldn't very well say "I can't do anything."

  "Then, I'll demonstrate first."

  When Lord Altius stepped forward, the entire venue fell silent. He closed his eyes and raised his hand lightly. Just that, and a faint wind rose from his feet.

  The next moment, the floating orbs of light all flickered simultaneously, and a vortex of wind swept across the entire venue like a caress. Petals fluttered through the air, gathering around Julius in an orderly circle, making no sound.

  As the petals were enveloped in light and burst, the wind quietly vanished. Only its afterglow continued to glow softly for a while.

  Sighs of admiration escaped from the crowd.

  "Beautiful..."

  Someone's murmur triggered applause.

  That was spirit arts. Unlike magic, requiring neither incantation nor sigils, power woven purely through the bond between contractor and spirit. Refined control and elegant presentation—truly befitting the Altius ducal heir.

  'Sylpheed's quite the performer!'

  Lou seemed to have forgotten earlier, enjoying herself. To her, this was probably like watching an acquaintance's party trick.

  While I watched, contractors came forward one after another to display their spirit arts. Water danced in arcs, flames scattered like fireworks, and plants sprouted from the stone pavement, blooming instantly.

  Then came my turn.

  "Master Dylan Belmond."

  Julius's voice quietly echoed, and all eyes in the venue turned to me at once.

  ...I want to run.

  'It's fine! Leave it to me!'

  Receiving those utterly unreliable words, I stepped forward with cold sweat on my back. Not showing anything here would be problematic. At worst, if I could just show something—anything—

  "...I'm counting on you, Lou."

  'Leave it to me! Something flashy—wait? Huh? The light is... here goes!'

  When I gently raised my hand, a small light appeared at my fingertips.

  ...That was it.

  The venue fell silent for just a moment.

  When that light popped like a soap bubble, the atmosphere relaxed and scattered laughter spread.

  "...This is light spirit arts."

  When I said it matter-of-factly, the venue's mood softened instead, and several even applauded cheerfully. Spirit arts were spirit arts, no matter how meager. I saw no color of pity.

  ...Though I was too scared to look at my brother's face.

  "Not bad."

  Julius smiled faintly. It wasn't mockery, but a smile tinged with something like enjoyment.

  "It's not about the magnitude of power. The mere proof that a contract was properly formed is sufficient."

  "...Thank you."

  When I bowed my head reflexively, applause rose again from the surroundings. My spine, stiff with tension, finally relaxed slightly.

  'See, it worked out! The venue's atmosphere lightened too!'

  ...You definitely could have done more.

  'Um, by next time... I'll try harder!'

  At that somewhat excuse-laden voice, I could only smile wryly.

  "Master Dylan Belmond, thank you. Now then, for the last—"

  Lord Altius's voice echoed through the venue. Before the next name was announced, the atmosphere grew slightly taut. Everyone sensed it. The last one remaining was—that man.

  Gazes naturally gathered toward one corner of the venue. Standing there was a silver-haired youth. Kreis von Altona.

  His cool expression seemed to see through our hearts.