"No, it's still not happening."
"...We've been at this for what seems like an hour, Shihon…what do you mean, 'no'?"
"No as in, 'I'm not leaving Master for some random bitchass kid who I don't love', no!"
Letting out a groan, Liohime slumped back in response.
Even after nearly thirty minutes of explaining Shihon's need to be transferred to Liohime's client who had requested that he retrieve her in the first place, Shihon just would not budge.
"Shihon-"
"No! I don't wanna hear iiiiiitttt!!"
Covering her pointy ears and raising her voice in a wailing tone, she rejected his statement like a rebellious child.
"Jeez," Liohime muttered, "You're being way too stubborn right now."
"Even if you try to force me, Master, you can't! We're contracted to each other!"
This sudden remark caused his eyes to quickly lock onto hers.
"....."
"Even if you try to force me, Master, you can't! We're contracted to each other!"
"Yeah, I kinda heard you the first time, Shihon. I just decided not to react to that because I know that it's not true."
"It is!"
Liohime tilted his head in confusion, noting the expression on the young woman's face that did not change.
He could tell that by the sudden firm tone and stern gaze that she was being sincere. Still…
I don't remember forming a contract with her at all, he reminded himself. Why would I, when the beast was meant for my client and not me? Just what is she talking about….?
There was no way that he messed up, right?
Well, well, well, if it isn't the scammer getting scammed.
Nervously gulping down his own saliva, he stood up and braced for an impossible reality as he called out:
"[Liohime Kitagami: Magical Beast Contract Information]."
And just like that, the impossible was shown to his own eyes immediately.
A large holographic and translucent blue square suddenly appeared in front of his face, displaying a small blank and grey portrait next to fine white text that was etched out into merely a few lines:
[ LIOHIME KITAGAMI'S MAGICAL BEAST CONTRACT INFORMATION (1 Available) :
Magical Beast: Unknown.
Name Given: Shihon.
Type: Unknown.
Abilities: Unknown.
Contract Information: Signed. As per the contract created by the Magical Beast, it is activated by a physical touch based on the close bond formed between the immense history of the two parties involved, both Magical Beast and Owner.
Contract Abilities: The Owner may receive distinct forms of the Magical Beast's abilities and summon the Magical Beast at any given time, as well as give out Special Orders that the Magical Beast must obey under any circumstance. Both the Magical Beast and Owner can both gain a mental link that confirms the location via how strong or faint the link is once both parties are within a one-thousand meter radius from each other.
Contract Termination: Contract becomes terminated through a slow process when a Special Order given to the Magical Beast by the Owner is rejected by the Magical Beast, causing it to lose its memories in the process. Contract also becomes instantaneously terminated by the death of one of the two existing parties involved, either the Magical Beast or the Owner. ]
"…."
"So, whaddaya think, Master-"
"W-WHAT KIND OF CONTRACT IS THAT!?"
"Eeek!!"
Shihon's soul almost separated from her body when Liohime screamed out in utter shock. He could only watch on and shout while perplexed, failing to understand anything that was written out in front of him.
I can't blame him, that's one of the most confusing terms and conditions I've read in a while.
Then, all of a sudden, dizziness began to dwell, and his head felt light.
"I need to…sit down and…take a breather," he said as he slumped down onto a nearby couch, acting as if reading the contract had taken a large toll on his body physically.
The young woman furrowed her brows, but seeing that he was not in any dire physical pain, she continued to eat without worry and finished the bowl of ramen in less than a minute while Liohime was having a mental crisis.
He covered his face with his right hand and sighed.
I don't understand…anything of what that contract said, and I don't remember having any history with this beast-girl before yesterday, so what the fuck is actually happening here?
At a later time, he would definitely recheck the contract information, but for now, he was in an incredibly confusing situation.
He was currently the owner of the beast that was supposed to be his client, and there was no option to easily transfer his ownership. What should he say when face to face with that kid?
Fuck them kids. - Narrator, 20**.
"I really hate having to scam people," Liohime whispered to himself, "especially when there's the chance of my clients trying to hunt me down if they don't get what they want. Plus, I really need this money that I got from that kid. A refund of that size would hurt me financially."
He awkwardly snickered, trying to hide the anxiety that gripped him.
Ah, my head hurts, he lamented internally. I hate stressful situations like this.
Then, as if in response to his never-ending burden, a soft weight pressed against his lower body, causing him to open and lower his yellow eyes.
…Huh.
Shihon had laid her body on his, hugging him with her slender, smooth arms, and kept her head to his beating heart.
"Master," she spoke quietly, "You're stressed, aren't you?"
"-hk."
"It's okay…just calm down, Master. I'm here for you."
And somehow, the beating of his heart began to slow down, and his rapid breathing decreased.
He once again closed his eyes and started inhaling and exhaling slowly.
She's right, Liohime, you idiot, he reprimanded himself. Calm down. Let's take this slowly.
"Shihon."
"Hmm?"
"Thank you."
"O-Oh…of course."
He smiled as their glances met each other and Shihon began to blush.
Maybe having someone by my side after all this time might be okay….just maybe. Ah, fuck it.
He had no idea if what he was doing was the right thing, but for the first time in a while, he wanted a bit of company like this.
He began to raise himself and the beast-girl up from the couch and he returned an embrace as they both stood, with the golden rays of the morning sunshine beaming through the windows
"Listen to me, Shihon."
"Y-Yes, Master?"
"I'm losing a lot of money because of this decision that I will make, so you better be worth my while. From now on, you belong to me."
Her eyes lit up, with the reflection of Liohime's genuine smile shining from her pupil.
"I'm not the best when it comes to taking care of someone," he continued, "and I'm no good with socializing around other people constantly, but let's take care of each other, Shihon."
She gulped, and blinked in quick succession to avoid her eyes from watering.
"...Right," she replied. "I am yours, Master."
"W-When you say it like that…"
"Oh? Does it sound like something a wife would say?"
Shihon from downtown!
"...You do know that you have, like, zero chance of hooking up with me, right? Cause I'm gonna set that as a boundary right now. Partially because you're still a Magical Beast at the end of the day."
And blocked by the not-so-fun one!
"Tch, you're no fun, Master," Shihon replied. "But do not fear, I will change that mindset of yours one day…"
"Hey, don't try anything funny in the near future."
Thus began the story of the not so peaceful relationship that would ensue.
In all honesty though, I do kinda feel bad for that poor client now.