Mob… Sore mo waki mob no hazu nan desu kedo!?

I look up at Suou, who still has a firm grip on both my shoulders. His gaze remains tense, and there’s no way I can think he’s joking. Indeed, it’s not a joke for Suou. The thought of it sent a cold chill down my spine.

“I would like to confirm one thing. Most likely, because of the master-slave relationship that comes with the oath, we’ll become master and servant, right? Is that something that can be undone?”

“That would require the death of one of us. ‘Right!’  ... Yeah.’”

As I suspected... I had a feeling, but hearing it directly makes the impact much stronger, causing me to interrupt. However, I don’t know if it’s a master-servant relationship. The image that comes to mind is one of gratitude and servitude, but it’s different, isn’t it? Above all, in that case, there’s no land or benefits to give Suou. Money, perhaps? If that’s the case, wouldn’t being an employer linked to financial matters be more fitting than a master-slave relationship? Huh? An employer?

“Just a quick question... The ‘master’ you’re talking about, it’s not some employer tied to financial matters, right?”

Mid-sentence, I’m met with Suou’s cold gaze and can’t help but offer a wry smile.

“You really are an idiot. Huh?”

This makes things more complicated. Frankly speaking, it’s scary. Yeah, there’s no way I could become the master of someone so intimidating! Perhaps I should stop struggling in vain and just make up my mind. It’s odd... Why did things end up like this? I should be doing my best just to live my own life.

“As you know, I’m not a noble or anything. Even if I become your master, I can’t offer you land, status, or money. Furthermore, am I really as warm as you think? I’m a thirteen-year-old kid. I’m already struggling just to survive, but Is that okay?”

I look into Suou’s eyes, trying not to miss anything from his reaction.

“Yeah. What I seek isn’t land, status, or money. It’s hope for me to continue living as myself.”

I can’t possibly believe that I could be that hope for him, though.

“...I’m willing to become your master. However there are conditions.”

I could see Suou holding his breath at my words. His expression seems tense.

“What is it?”

“My life is mine to protect, so I will protect myself. Naturally, your life is also yours to protect. No matter what happens, you have to be able to protect yourself, even if I’m in danger.”

“That’s...”

“I’m not done yet. Shut up and listen”

“Your abilities won’t be sealed. I’ll believe in you for now, but in the event you go berserk, I’ll seal those abilities in any way necessary.

“Next... Live as yourself. Don’t say stupid things about the meaning of your existence or anything foolish like that. Cherish the present. I’m not going to carry your life on my shoulders just because I became your master. If you seek your own value, then do it yourself, and enhance that value. Even before it comes to me or anyone else, be someone you can be proud of, someone you can respect.

Oh, and one more thing! I have no idea what to do as a master, and I don’t really feel like a master either. The master-slave relationship is impossible for me. How about equals? Like comrades? Yeah. Even servants would be fine... but that’s a joke! Don’t take it seriously!!

As of now, that’s about all that comes to mind. If there’s anything else you want to add, let me know and I’ll do the same. If you’re still okay with these conditions, I’ll tell you my name. Although you probably already know it. But I guess I have to say it myself, right?”

As I speak, Suou lets out a wry smile.

“I can accept... When you’re in danger... understood. Being equals... Haah, understood. I accept all the conditions. Normally, conditions like these would be out of the question. You’re always yourself no matter what.”

Seeing Suou about to complain, I glare at him. I've already compromised enough. I can’t bring myself to listen any further.

“I don’t know why you’re sighing. It’s me who’s supposed to be frustrated, isn’t it? Seriously how did things end up like this? My name is Asnord.”

“Why isn’t the flow of magic responding strongly to your name?”

“Huh? My name is definitely Asnord.”

Magic reacts to names!? That’s news to me. In terms of previous life knowledge, could it be something like a true name? Scary! While lost in thought, Suou kneels before me. Yeah, I admit it! There’s a stunning handsome guy with deep crimson eyes kneeling in front of me. I’m about to cough up blood!!

“That’s undoubtedly your name... But still, the magical response seems a bit dull.”

Huh? I did answer properly though? It’s the name that my parents from this life who aren’t here anymore gave me. Suou tilts his head, but he seems to have accepted it somehow. Well, I’m not lying, so if he has an issue with it, that’s his problem... but if he didn’t accept it wouldn’t that mean I wouldn’t have to become a master!?  I wish he hadn’t accepted! Ah, it’s too late now.

“I, Azelkath Philight, who inherits the blood of Philight passed down from the progenitor, pledge my memory and oath to the blood. At this moment, I Azelkath Philight, now granted the name Suou by my lord, swear to dedicate all that I possess and live together in harmony with my master, Asnord.”

As the words leave his mouth, patterns appear in Suou’s eyes. Just as they appear, the depths of those patterns within his pupils start to glow like flickering flames, radiating a deep scarlet. In this mystical enigmatic phenomenon, I can’t help but widen my eyes. Suddenly, Suou stands up, his left hand circles around the back of my head, pulling me closer.

(Summary: At this point in time Suou pulls Asnord in for a deep kiss. Very much confused and panicked Asnord tries to struggle out from underneath and bites Suou’s tongue in a desperate attempt to resist. However, this does nothing to deter Suou’s advances. In the end, Asnord inadvertently ingests a mixture of blood and saliva which initiates the pact process. This is where the translation picks up again. Overall the scene carries a powerful sense of non-con, and it’s evident from Asnord’s intense struggle that he’s uncomfortable with the situation.)

Simultaneously, the room’s door blew open with a deafening sound, but I couldn’t spare any attention for it. Suou confirmed that I had swallowed and released my mouth. Even while pulling away, he licked away the tears that had streamed from the corner of my eyes, but I didn’t have the capacity to care about that right now.

Because as soon as I swallowed, the back of my right eye heated up and a throbbing pain shot through it.

“Az! Are you alright!? Damn it!! Get away!!”

Cradled against the warmth of his shoulder due to the intense heat and pain, I managed to look up, finding Mooks-san there. After a sharp intake of breath at the sight of me, he turned back to Suou standing behind him.

“Az...! What the hell is going on with you!? Ugh...”

Pushing Suou aside, Mooks-san had approached me while glaring at Suou. Suddenly with a groan he fell to his knees.

“!? Mooks-san!? Are you okay?”

The heat and pain in my eyes haven’t subsided yet, preventing me from assessing Mooks-san’s situation. I hold onto Mooks-san’s hand., still on my shoulder. It’s frustrating that I can’t heal even though I want to. Then Suou’s voice reaches my ears.

“Aznord and you are both fine. Aznord will calm down once the Pact Ceremony is complete.

You were affected by the magic due to looking into my eyes. It should settle down quickly since it was only for a moment. I apologize; once the Pact Ceremony is complete, I should be able to adjust it... When everything is done, I’ll wear an eyepatch.”

What?! There was no mention of a Pact Ceremony! I didn’t sign up for this much pain! That damn guy!! He affected Mooks-san too! But I understand it’s temporary, and that brings me some relief. Still, I’ll definitely undo this ability seal!! As I direct my anger towards the source of all evils, the source unexpectedly comes closer to me. And it’s looking at me in astonishment. Why?!

“You! What’s happening inside your body?! You’re trying to purge my magic?! This kind of reaction has never been recorded before. If you get rid of it, the pact won’t mean anything anymore. My magic is special; I draw the Pact Mark on your right eye with it. That mark signifies the completion of the Pact Ceremony, so don’t remove it! Please!”

When I look up at Suou, I see his crimson eyes glaring intensely. White patterns are shimmering within those eyes. There must be similar patterns in my right eye. Suou’s expression is desperate, and I understand that this situation has taken an unexpected turn. Then, in an instant, he embraces me tightly, trembling. I let go of Mooks-san’s hand and, instead, wrap my arms around his shaking back.

The pain starts to echo in my head, and I can’t help but close my eyes and lean into Suou’s chest. When I concentrate on my burning right eye, I sense something moving there. It’s not the magic I usually feel, nor is it mana. This must be what Suou refers to as “Suou’s magic.”

Gently focusing my consciousness on that magic, I try to anchor it. I want to fix Suou’s magic onto my right eye. I decided to become the master through Suou’s pact, at least for now. I can’t go back on my decision once it’s made. Besides, if this Covenant Rite doesn’t go well, Suou might cease to be himself. I don’t know why, but I can easily imagine that. I don’t want to see Suou crumbling.

With strong determination, I visualize myself forcefully intervening and anchoring Suou’s raging magic. I accept Suou; there’s no way Suou would be harmful to me. There were no lies in that sad smile.

As I do this, gradually the movement of Suou’s magic begins to settle down. As the writhing magic calms, the heat and pain also subside. I don’t know how much time has passed, but the heat and pain cease. I gently open my eyelids and when I look up at Suou, there are beautiful crimson eyes moistened with tears.