I woke up to the sound of snoring. I gently opened my eyes and felt relieved that I could no longer feel any pain. My whole body is light as a feather, and I feel like I could kick some demon asses—not that I want to.
How long did I sleep? I remember fainting from extreme fatigue. Even though Pygmy tried to heal me, it didn't affect me. I have kept fainting and stressing myself ever since I came into this world. I should take it easy now that the Holy Knights have arrived.
I know that our battle against Belial, the lesser demon, was just the beginning of the unfortunate events in this empire. If those demonic forces still walk shamelessly in every corner of this empire, we can't avoid the dangers ahead.
I understand that I have no obligation to serve this empire since I know I don't belong here based on my appearance alone. I almost met my demise again from all the previous battles, but needless to say, it's also a way for me to know the truth about my transmigration.
I felt a touch on my hand. I turned to the other side of the bed and saw Averon peacefully snoring. I stopped laughing when I saw his mouth slowly open and his saliva drooling.
I'm delighted to know that they were safe from the attack. I was frightened when I saw the demon take the mana stone from the commander's study room and thought that Averon and the other people inside the fortress were harmed.
"Contractor."
Who was that? Averon is still sleeping, so I guess it's not him.
"Contractor!"
Wait, is that Pygmy?
"Pygmy? Where are you?" I breathed.
"I'm here! Inside the ring!"
Ring? I looked at my fingers and didn't even notice that I was wearing a golden ring with a gorgeous minimalistic jewel on top.
"Hold on, are you inside this jewel? How were you able to fit inside?" I questioned.
I can hear him giggle. "The great Pygmy never reveals his secrets! By the way, I was worried that you weren't waking up after the battle, so even if we're not in a permanent contract yet, I stuck close to you."
"So you shaped yourself into a ring?" I chuckled. How cute. "Can I summon you again? I want to talk to you face-to-face."
Pygmy went silent. "Pygmy?" I called.
I gently caressed the ring. "Pygmy, are you still there?"
"Uh, Contractor," he slightly paused, like he was hesitating. "I cannot leave this ring."
I jerked up. "Huh? Why?!" I shouted, making Averon jolt from his sleep.
He suddenly looked sideways and landed his gaze on me.
"Why did you shout? Are you in pain?" He asked as he scanned me from head to toe out of worry.
I shook my head. "No, I'm perfectly fine. I feel stiff from lying all day," I said as an excuse for my behavior.
Averon crossed his arms like a father reprimanding his child.
"You've been sleeping like a princess for two weeks, Adel. We were uneasy because you haven't shown signs of waking up."
My jaw dropped as I processed what he said to me. I've been asleep for two weeks! I was exhausted from the battle, but it wasn't compared to falling off a cliff and transmigrating to another body! Is it because of the temporary contract?
"The Holy Knights saw you, the commander, Leon, and some unconscious knights outside the fortress. They also found an unidentified body lying not far from where you were." He stood and checked my temperature.
"You no longer have a fever—that's a good sign. Since you were the only one who stayed conscious when the Holy Knights arrived, you were bound to explain what happened. Let's say…" He did a thumbs-up. "They considered you the 'hero' for defeating the demon."
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Why? The commander was the one who fought that demon from the beginning."
Averon shook his head, showing he also didn't know the answer to my question.
"I understood their perception because even I couldn't believe what happened." He looked above while massaging his chin like he recalled a memory.
"Renatus and Faust awoke when all of you were still battling the demon. For some reason, we couldn't leave the fortress, as if something was blocking the door from the outside. Besides that, a sudden light flashed from the ground like it covered the whole fortress!"
I flinched when Averon suddenly raised his arms as if he had just won the lottery.
"Then Bam! The wounds of the injured knights suddenly healed! Even my mana was replenished! I thought I was a goner from all the mana I've used from healing. The Holy Knights also saw the light as they advanced to the fortress and thought you had all the answers."
I massaged my temples out of frustration. "Are the Knights from the Temple still here?"
He nodded. "Yes. The commander of the Holy Knights, Sir Jeralia, has been waiting for you to gain consciousness. It's best to discuss important matters with them if your body is in a good state."
I sighed, not knowing what to say. I can't inform them just yet about Pygmy's appearance! I know there will be quite a commotion if I tell them I may be a Spiritualist—whatever that is.
Just by gaining extraordinary abilities through a temporary contract with Pygmy, I was able to defeat Belial and his demonic beasts. Not only that, I healed all of them in an instant!
I roughly pulled my hair out and screamed internally. I swore that after the battle against the demon, I'd spend my days remembering Adelaide's memory while living the best life! I'll find a job and get married to a handsome man! After this, I just wanted an easy life; is that too much to ask?
(Contractor, did you regret summoning Pygmy?)
Even though he can't be summoned due to unknown reasons, I can still see his adorable face in my mind and hear the sadness in his tone.
(No, Pygmy. I'm indebted to you for what you have done for me and my companions. I would like to have a permanent bond with you.)
"Adel? Are you still unwell? You have been staring at the wall for a while now," he questioned as he waved at the space before me. "Perhaps, can you see ghosts?"
I rolled my eyes and lay on my bed, covering myself with the blanket. I turned to the opposite side of the bed and said, "Stop teasing me, Averon. Just tell them that I'll meet them after having dinner."
Averon fixed the blanket and tucked me in properly. "Got it. Rest well, okay? Just call me if you need anything."
With that, he walked away. Before he could leave, I heard him whisper, "Maybe she injured her head. I better check it out when she's asleep."
"Averon!" I shouted his name in annoyance.
He quickly left upon hearing me call his name.
Ugh, this guy, seriously." I smiled as I complained.
I'm glad that all of them are well. Knowing that the battle had ended and reinforcements had arrived, I could quickly recuperate.
*****
"Thank you for the meal." I thanked the kitchen staff for the delicious meal.
It's been quite a long time since I've had proper food. I can gobble up an entire plate and still not be satisfied. With all the battles happening, I couldn't even think about eating, especially when I thought it would be my last meal.
"Lady Adel, the master, and the commander of the Holy Knights are waiting in the study room," the butler said after I finished my meal.
Well, that was an excellent supper until it lasted. I thanked the servants one last time before following the butler to the study room.
Upon entering, Commander Alberton, the three knights, and Commander Jeralia were sitting in front of each other. Why is the atmosphere in this room so suffocating? I'm feeling tensed just from the way they stare at each other.
When they felt my presence, the atmosphere surrounding Commander Jeralia suddenly changed. I could feel her intense stare and warm smile as I walked toward them. I can already tell how this is going to end.
"How are you, Lady Adel? Averon reported that you can walk properly now. Still, in case you feel burdened with Commander Jeralia's presence, we can discuss this some other time," the commander advised without minding the prickly glares of Sir Jeralia.
I awkwardly smiled. "I'm feeling great, commander. I appreciate your concern but want to discuss the important matters as soon as possible."
I fiddled with my fingers, trying to ease the tension.
"We can't let our guard down yet, especially when we don't know the enemy's objectives."
Sir Jeralia let out a rowdy laugh at my statement. I know she's a woman, but I can't help but assume she was a man before.
"I like how you think logically, Lady!" she reached out her hand. "I am Jeralia Khestri, the commander of the Holy Knights, but you can just call me Sir Jeralia."
She leaned back. "There are many things I want to ask you, Lady Adel, but it's best to tell us first what happened during the battle."
I took a deep breath before telling them the following events before their arrival: I started my story when I arrived in front of the fortress.
Of course, I still can't mention the appearance of Pygmy since I have no clue what a spirit is. I can ask Pygmy later for information, but I won't tell a soul about it if I'm still unsure.
They could also help me wield these mysterious abilities. Still, with the demon forces in the act, I can't risk giving information that could potentially be a hidden card in our troops.
"So, you are saying that you passed out for a moment right after the commander collapsed?"
I nodded. "I tried to bring the commander and Leon inside the fortress as the demonic beasts were swiftly advancing, but due to exhaustion, I passed out."
Did they believe my lie? I'm nervous because I can't comprehend what Sir Jeralia is thinking.
I flinched when she kneeled abruptly and proudly said, "Lady Adel, you must come with us to the Temple of Tellus. I might know what happened after you passed out."
I gulped. I looked at the commander and mouthed, 'Help me.'
Commander Alberton faked a cough and asked, "What are you implying, sir Jeralia?"
She gave me a warm (but very pressuring) smile. "The warmth, comfort, and benignity I felt as I witnessed the light from the fortress made me know that it was the work of a high-ranking spirit."
She held my left hand and kissed it.
"Lady Adel must be the saintess from the prophecies."
Huh? Huh?!