Chapter 113 – A Master and His Servants

“Of course, there was no way Familiars would receive food from humans. It wasn’t uncommon for them to be disposed of if they sustained injuries in battle or failed in some way,” Izu continued.

“That’s why Master is an unusual person. Despite who we are, you gave us names and treated us as equals, like we were human beings. Do you realize how much hope that instills in us Familiars?” (Izu)

…I see. Come to think of it, Izu was always very concerned about Sol’s attitude towards me. I guess she thought that a Familiar was a puppet that should only move for the sake of their Master, not someone to cuddle up to.

She had told Sol that it was outrageous for her to ride on my shoulder, or something like that. But when she saw my attitude towards Sol and Shiki, she finally realized that I wasn’t like the majority.

“That’s why… Umm… I, too, want to be… a bit selfish…” (Izu)

This probably meant that Izu wanted to soften her attitude towards me too.

“I don’t mind if you act a little selfishly sometimes. It’s the least I can do for all the things you guys do for me.” (Bouchi)

Rather, she felt more like a pet to me, so I couldn’t help thinking a bit of selfishness was cute. In fact, I wished that she would be more verbal about saying what she wanted me to do for her.

Sol, on the other hand, tended to be more reserved towards Shiki and Izu, although they were becoming much more familiar now.

“Master…! I’m delighted from the bottom of my heart to have been chosen by you!” (Izu)

“You’re exaggerating. I just bought you guys using my skill, you know? If you think about it, this also means I’m forcefully controlling your feelings with my skill.” (Bouchi)

After all, from the moment they appeared, their loyalty towards me was maxed out. I felt like there was some sort of external factor at work that was completely ignoring their will.

Still, they were useful to me, and I decided to buy them because they were the ideal companions for me, who was afraid of betrayal.

“It’s certainly true that we were summoned in a way that instilled in us loyalty towards you.” (Izu)

…So it really was the case.

“But surely… loyalty alone couldn’t produce a face like that.” (Izu)

Izu gestured at Sol, asleep in my lap.

“She looks so peaceful, so happy. Shiki-dono and I feel the same way.” (Izu)

“Yes. This one is proud to have been entrusted with the responsibility of protecting you, milord. This feeling isn’t due to the system, but one genuinely felt from the depths of my soul.” (Shiki)

“Shiki…” (Bouchi)

In other words, they were all looking at me as a person and following me because of who I was.

I wonder why? My heart feels really warm right now.

“Master is special. I’m proud to have a master who can form such a close bond with his Familiars.” (Yofel)

Then, Yofel continued to articulate with a serious expression.

“That’s why I’m a little curious. Master is so kind, but why is it that you keep your distance from other humans?” (Yofel)

“…!” (Bouchi)

Who wouldn’t think it was strange that someone was living a lifestyle that seemed as if they had abandoned human society?

“…I guess I should talk to you about this, Yofel. Besides… Shiki and Izu don’t know the details either.” (Bouchi)

I thought that it was a good opportunity, so I explained the environment that I had been in… until not long ago.

I began with speaking about being raised by my strict but warm parents, losing my mother and father, and the large number of people around me in my middle school years. And after entering high school, the normal, pleasant first year.

But then, everything changed when I came into contact with this person named Ohsaka Aito, the grandson of the chairman whom no one dared to act out against. And I, the only person in the school who defied him.

The entire school became my enemy, and all of my friends, classmates, and teachers turned their backs on me… No one would extend a hand to me.

So I stopped expecting anything from others. Because the more you expect, the more painful it is when you’re betrayed. It was painful. It was sad.

“I… stopped believing other peoples’ words. That’s why… Wait, why are you guys crying?” (Bouchi)

When I looked over, I saw Izu and Yofel covering their faces and sobbing.

As for Shiki…

“Kuuu! This one is so frustrated! Why should milord be scorned by such people?! Whatever did milord do to them?!” (Shiki)

Shiki clenched his fist so hard it bled.

“Exactly…! Why did Master have to be the one to receive such terrible treatment…?!” (Yofel)

“Ahh, this is unforgivable! Why didn’t anyone reach out to milord?! Isn’t school a place where everyone is supposed to learn together, as a group?! And yet…!” (Izu)

I chuckled at the sight of everyone expressing their concern for me.

“…Humans are weak creatures. They can’t avoid abandoning others to protect themselves.” (Bouchi)

“But milord! Your friends betrayed you, didn’t they?! Friendship, relationships, and bonds… those things should not be easily severed!” (Shiki)

“Precisely, Master! Once a bond is formed, it should be something that lasts forever! If they turn their backs on evil and break their connections off because of it, that isn’t something that can be called a bond in the first place!” (Izu)

Bonds, huh…?

“…Well, there was someone who was scared but still desperately tried to hold onto that bond.” (Bouchi)

“Was there really such a person, milord?” (Shiki)

“Shiki, you and Yofel saw that person not long ago.” (Bouchi)

““……!””

The two of them must have thought of that person at the same time. They turned to each other at the same time, sharing an incredulous glance.

“That’s right. It was Totoki. She and I were classmates.” (Bouchi)

“What…!” (Shiki)

“That person was…?” (Yofel)

“It’s true that she was a little better than the rest, but in the end, only by a little bit. If I was the one by your side, I never would have let go of you, Master.” (Izu)

Well, I can’t help but think that would be because of the ties of the Familiar system, though.

“As Master says, humans are indeed weak creatures. To think the person that had protected Ior without harming him had to give into one stronger than them…” (Yofel)

She must have had complex feelings about Totoki because she owed her a debt for saving Ior.

“It doesn’t matter anymore now, though. I have you guys now. Besides… it’s better to not have any emotional attachment to humans, just from a pure profit and loss standpoint. It’s easier to do business that way.” (Bouchi)

Emotions should be kept out of business dealings. I felt that it was a common practice to sometimes make ruthless business decisions for the sake of profit.

Of course, I didn’t mean to say that all emotion was meaningless. It was just important to make use of those emotions.

“Anyway, this is where I am now. I don’t expect anything from humans anymore. They’re just business partners.” (Bouchi)

“…Understood. I am Master’s bow. I will do everything in my power for your benefit.” (Yofel)

“This one will always act for Master’s sake to the fullest extent.” (Shiki)

“Me too. Everything as you command, Master.” (Izu)

The three of them all bowed to me.

“Yeah, I’m counting on you guys in the future.” (Bouchi)

The conversation was a bit embarrassing, but I felt like I had grown even closer to them as I listened to their thoughts and feelings.