I am Just an Average Tamer

Kai swallowed hard, the weight of the moment sinking in as he reached out and took the scroll from Selene's hand. The parchment felt warm, humming faintly against his skin—like something breathing, waiting.

Just then, a translucent blue panel popped into view before his eyes.

[<Don't worry boy, this contract is safe. You can sign it freely.>]

Kai raised a brow.

'Really?' he thought silently.

[<Yeh. Trust me. No one can do anything to your soul, as long as I'm with you.>]

Still tense, but reassured, Kai nodded slightly to himself and took a slow breath.

Then, pressing his fingers against the scroll, he poured a small amount of his soul essence into it.

A soft glow spread along the parchment like ink in water.

Selene, standing across from him, mirrored his movement. She touched the scroll with graceful precision, her essence lacing into the parchment beside his.

For a heartbeat, the air stilled.

Then—

Whoosh!

The scroll shimmered, then crumbled into a thousand silvery particles, spiraling into the air like falling snow.

Half drifted toward Kai, the other half toward Selene.

They touched their chests—right over the heart—and vanished in a faint flicker of light.

Kai's breath hitched slightly at the strange warmth that bloomed inside him.

Selene's smile returned, gentle now—calculated still, but tinged with something softer.

"You've made the right choice," she said, stepping toward him. "You won't regret it."

Kai scoffed lightly. "Yeah, really reassuring."

Without warning, Selene raised a hand and ruffled his hair.

"That means you're one of my own. And no one—no one—touches what's mine," she said with a quiet laugh.

Kai blinked up at her, caught between confusion and something else… something warmer.

Then, with a small grin, Selene pinched his cheek.

"Don't worry, ghost boy," she said, her voice almost playful now. "From now on, you're under my protection too."

Kai turned his face away quickly, cheeks tinting the faintest red. "...Thanks."

Selene chuckled softly behind him, the sound light but confident.

"You can go now," she said, walking back toward her desk. "Enjoy your tea before those girls finish the cookies."

Kai gave a small nod, turned, and stepped out of the study, but the faint glow of the soul contract still lingered in his chest.

'You mean what you said?'

[<What? You don't trust me?>]

'No, I don't.

[<Tch. What a ungrateful bastard.>]

Kai chuckled lightly.

'Anyway, thanks!

[<Don't expect me to cuddle you like your new sugar mommy.>]

'Tch, can't you behave normal for once.'

[<I'm normal, you aren't.>]

After a few more bickering.

Kai returned to the guest room in silence.

The guards outside bowed and pulled the doors open.

Inside, the warm scent of tea and cookies lingered in the air. The quiet clink of porcelain and the sound of soft giggles reached his ears.

He stepped in and sat down on the same couch as before, leaning back, eyes closed.

His mind drifted, replaying the soul contract, the Duchess's words, her unsettling smirk—"You're mine now."

He exhaled slowly, trying to digest everything.

"Oh? Back already?" came Liliana's teasing voice, breaking the silence like a playful gust of wind.

Before she could add another jab, Elina sat up straight, puffing out her cheeks like a little guard. "Don't tease Big Brother! He looks tired!"

Kai cracked one eye open, raising a brow. "Thanks for taking my side, Elina."

Elina smiled sweetly, then leaned closer, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Sooo… can I play with Nox now?"

Kai narrowed his eyes. "That's why you've been defending me?"

"Tehee~" Elina giggled, not even denying it.

Liliana burst into laughter, leaning back with an amused shake of her head. "You've been betrayed by your loyal knight, Kai. It was all part of a scheme."

Kai couldn't help it—he let out a small chuckle, the tension inside him easing just a little.

"Fine," he said.

He then gave a mental command, and a circle appeared beside her.

Nox emerged from his soul space, still yawing.

Elina squealed with joy and scooped him up, cuddling him close as he gave a sigh and curled in her lap.

Liliana leaned back, watching them, her eyes twinkling.

"You know," she said, "this feels nice."

Kai nodded, gaze drifting to the two girls, and the small black wyrm making tiny grumbling sounds as Elina stuffed a cookie in his mouth.

"…Yeah," he murmured, "it really does."

Elina and Liliana giggled as they took turns cuddling Nox.

Elina stuffed him with bits of cookies when Kai wasn't looking.

Kai leaned back in the chair, arms folded, eyes half-lidded. He watched them for a while, a faint smirk tugging at his lips every now and then.

Time passed quietly.

Just as the sun dipped past the horizon and the room dimmed with evening hues, a soft knock echoed from the door.

A servant stepped in with a small bow. "Pardon the intrusion. Lady Selene requests your presence for dinner. The meal is prepared."

Elina hopped off the couch with a cheer. "Food~!"

Kai stood, brushing down his cloak as Liliana straightened her dress, giving her hair a quick pat.

They followed the servant down the long, warmly-lit corridors.

Wall-mounted sconces flickered with gentle flame, casting golden glows on polished stone floors and tall arched windows.

The scent of herbs and roasted meat mingled in the air.

They reached the grand dining hall.

At the far end of a long, darkwood table sat Duchess Selene, poised and regal as ever at the head seat.

Her expression softened as she saw them enter.

Liliana stepped forward and took the seat beside her aunt with a smile, sliding into it with familiar grace.

Elina quickly sat beside Liliana, legs dangling above the floor, her eyes already wandering toward the covered dishes on the table.

Kai moved to the other side and sat across from the girls, giving Selene a respectful nod.

Servants began lifting the lids from the trays—aromatic stews, roasted poultry glazed in spices, steamed vegetables, golden loaves of bread, and silver bowls filled with sweetened fruits.