Unmotivated Deity

The group of noble children, minus Barret, seemed to become very energetic after Jien stated that he was willing to give a summoning a try. Since he had won their round robin without even knowing about demon summoning and contracts, they wondered what kind of demon would answer his call. On top of this they wondered just how much he would improve with the help of a demons enhancement. They had each used enhancements from their various demons during the fight and most had still lost to him in one manner or another.

They took turns introducing their demons and a short description of what they could do. Even Barret joined in for this portion since they would be working together in the future it was important to have at least a base concept of what everyone could do. Rosalind excitedly showed off the golden necklace coiled around her neck in the shape of a needle-spined serpent, mentioning the name Cleo and that she provided Rosalind with a boost in physical strength and stamina. This was something that Jien politely smiled and nodded to, not knowing why this girl who already seemed to wield rather explosive strength somehow needed yet more. Then again, her family were blacksmiths so he could see the use in helping refine weapons and armor.

Lesley and Olivia had introduced their contracted demons already, so Olivia simply added that Rumnos gave her a boost in speed and if summoned in his animal form was large enough for her to use as a mount if needed. Bernard followed by summoning the shadow of a large stallion behind himself from a steel pocket watch that had a rearing stallion on its lid. He presented his demon by the name Lyle and stated that he likewise provided a boost to speed but less of an explosive boost and more of an acceleration. Of course, there was also the fact that as Lyle had the shape of a stallion he could also be used as a mount. This left Barret he simply said the name Liza while pointing to a golden tie clip in the shape of a sitting cat with its tail curling up beside it, stating simply that it provided him with enhanced stealth.

Jien was quite interested in the topic but did not pry into it too much, rather focusing more on the concepts behind summoning and the ritual itself. He found out from this discussion that though there were summoners who had attempted to summon multiple demons nobody had recorded ever succeeding. The land was large and not every summoning was documented so there was no way to be sure, but it appeared that each person could only have one summoned demon.

He also learned that if he were to pass away the contract would dissolve naturally, and the demon would be sent back to its own realm so there was no risk of wild demons as far as they were aware. It was also stated that it was possible to dissolve the contract yourself at any time but after doing so it was unlikely that any other summoning would provide a result. Putting these pieces together it sounded like your first successful summoning would be your only chance and those that broke or canceled the contract would never have another shot.

It was around this point in the conversation that they were brought into one of the banquet halls of the manor that Jien hardly visited. Here there was a long table with many seats, and they sat to be served lunch cooked by the chef of the Losler manor and a few hired helpers. For a while they ate their food before getting back into the topic on hand since Jien had accepted to attempt a summoning after they were finished eating here. After the summoning attempt they would have some more time to socialize before they would have the final banquet and dance of the evening.

Now that they had discussed the rough details about summoning and how it was likely a one-time method it was time to talk about the ritual itself. For this part they also brought the adults into the conversation since this both required their permission and their assistance as a safety net. Summoning and contracting a demon was not necessarily all sunshine and rainbows. There were recorded cases, though from previous generations of the practice before it was standardized to a large degree, where the summoned demon would attack the summoner as a test. Not all demons were automatically friendly, though a large portion were for unknown reasons.

The adults would monitor the summoning and help subdue the demon if it would attack. Though this could be considered as unfair and against the rite of summoning it was always best to have a safety net. A demon was likely to accept even if the summoner did not beat them in the case of an attack. Having another subdue them was a show of strength in itself. Having the wits or connection to have a protector stronger than yourself proved a different type of strength that was often accepted.

The summoning itself was rather simple. One would draw a standardized summoning formation, use incense created from a set of specific herbs and recite a specific spell. Once done they would inject their mana into the formation which would become a beacon and door for the summoned demon if any answered. If one did answer, then they would make a contract that only the demon and the summoner would ever know. If the contract was struck successfully then the summoning would be considered a success, and you could learn more about your new companion.

The lunch went by quickly as they provided the specifics and presented their individual experiences to help Jien know what to expect. It wasn't long after that the dishes were cleared, the table and chairs moved to the side of the room and the formation drawn on the floor in the ink that Jien used for drawing his formations when practicing. The incense were lit at specific spots on the formation, releasing a sharp earthy scent into the room.

Jien was about to try his hand at summoning with everyone watching him carefully.