SLRE 15

Chapter 15 …

“Basago’s image?”

“Now that you mention it, I’m genuinely curious, Contractor. What kind of impression do I give you?”

“You’re the third-rank Great Demon of Hell who played with Votis like a toy—freezing, burning, dunking him in water, and then perfectly roasting him with electricity.”

“Oh my. Such an impressive figure, where do you live?”

“You do.”

Too much, Basago muttered something like that, propping his chin on his hand with a laugh, then reached for a second-year social studies textbook from the shelf and began flipping through it. It was the book I was using for advanced study these days.

“Then ask me now. Solah, what don’t you know in social studies?”

“I’d rather just do it with my own power.”

“Liar. What about your promise?”

“I never promised. Just wait a moment while I eat this chocolate. Today, I’ll be studying the spirits too, so it’d be good if you know at least some history. Summoning is mostly connected, and it ties into alchemy and magic, so be ready to help me study in that area.”

“I don’t care what you study. I have no intention of eating chocolate, and I’m not your convenient little dictionary to use.”

Basago snapped back sharply, but I didn’t answer and lay back on my stomach on the bed, this time opening a math worksheet.

“So, Solah, do you have any study plans for the future?”

“A little.”

The elder’s return was delayed, and by now the semester had begun, bringing career counseling period.

It was early March, and the hallway felt chilly with desks set up for the consultations. I rubbed my ring for warmth before lifting my gaze. Basago, standing behind the teacher and peering at my school record, kept getting on my nerves.

“Tell me. The teacher will write your record to help you.”

“I personally hope to go to Ga University or Na University, or a campus of Da University in a rural area, for programs related to systems and computer software. I looked it up, and I think that path will help me in software. Considering my situation, I also looked into some four-year scholarship programs just in case. The closest feasible option seems to be a special admission at Ha University, which will require attention to school life and external competitions. My skills are lacking, but I plan to study hard. Since I grew up in the countryside, learning a computer-related major could also help the village chief or pastor who helped me a lot as a child. To prepare for possible career changes, I plan to keep my grades as high as possible and spend my free time in clubs. High school studies are said to be very difficult, but I believe doing my best will yield results. If I reach the limits of my abilities, I’ll consider that later. Since I haven’t even started yet, I want to aim high for now. I joined the choir, and I plan to engage in other activities if possible. In second year, I might try one more club for about a year.”

“That’s not just ‘a little’… that’s extremely detailed.”

“I think it’s not enough to prepare for the future flawlessly. The only option is to gain experience and add more as I go.”

“I thought you were consulting for third-year students…”

“Teacher, are there any external competitions suitable for first-years right now?”

“At this time, for first-years… hmm.”

The teacher made a complicated expression and then said, “I’ll look into it, Solah. I have high expectations for you,” holding my hands. Basago, standing behind the teacher, smiled politely. “Ah, my reliable contractor.”

At the end of the consultation, the teacher told me about several upcoming presentations and events. They weren’t exactly competitions, but actively participating or giving a successful presentation could also be a good achievement. I decided to prepare something and noted the details in my notebook.

It was my first time attending night self-study, but it wasn’t much different from studying in my room. The only inconvenience was the forced schedule; at home, I could freely manage breaks and playtime. Having people around and occasionally feeling the teacher’s gaze was also a bit uncomfortable.

Moreover, there was a particularly annoying burden for me as a student: a pet demon who couldn’t even help its owner’s mental recovery or act as a companion.

I was close to losing patience with this demon constantly touching me. After tidying the corner of my science notebook while organizing notes for the exam, I picked up my pen.

<Basago, go stay in the room.>

“How can I retreat without knowing when danger might strike you? It’s not exactly pleasant if something happens to you, Contractor. Could you consider my position as well?”

Basago smirked mischievously. “Solah,” he repeated loud enough for me to hear.

“Solah. What a pretty name.”

“What’s wrong with affectionately using a name? Don’t you know what it means to share a name?”

“Then shut your mouth, Basago. I don’t want to speak harshly. Respect my future plans. I’m going to study. If you want to talk, speak a language I can’t understand. It’s annoying.”

Pretending to pick up my mechanical pencil, I bent over and whispered it into his ear. Basago chuckled. Resting his chin on the desk and closing his eyes, he began observing me again.

“Is there a language I can’t understand? The promise ring should give you the wisdom of all worlds.”

<I’ll take the ring off.>

“….”

Seeing my response, Basago squinted and finally surrendered.

“All right, I’ll stay quiet. Keep the ring on.”

He seemed to enjoy scratching me lightly and engaging in playful, teasing conversations. He was indeed a bothersome companion. High school exams usually caused grades to drop, but if mine fell, a part of the blame would be his.

Even though he said he’d be quiet, Basago began talking again shortly after.

“I rarely see a human woman work as hard as you. In the last era I witnessed, women were mostly limited to marriage and child-rearing. Of course, you are exceptional. Just observing that rabbi’s reaction earlier…”

Rabbi? Isn’t that a word from the Talmud? Did I meet a rabbi today? I couldn’t ignore it and asked him about the term.

Basago’s eyes widened at my question, then he exclaimed in admiration.

“In your era’s language, perhaps it means teacher? Though the term ‘rabbi’ suits Solomon better than that person.”

“There’s a slight difference in duties. A rabbi traditionally guides spiritual growth, religious belief, and life understanding. Strictly speaking, it’s not my era, but when I looked up Solomon’s god recently, it appeared. In this era, teaching from person to person seems rare.”

“A demon of roughly the top twelve in Hell won’t be seriously harmed by light from a cross or mirror. The key lies in incantations and magical power. Divinity, spirituality, and faith or authority from God are what connect demons.”

<I’m not curious about that.>

I frowned as I scribbled answers on the paper.

<You’ve been talking the whole time. I’m studying, so behave. I won’t stop you from looking.>

After telling him off and lowering my gaze to my book, Basago adjusted his approach. He no longer spoke, but now he began touching my hair, cheeks, and earlobes.

I waved him off lazily while glancing at my book. This time, his cold, thin fingers lightly brushed along my fingers diagonally.

Not a demon for nothing—this was truly flirting from Hell.

I pressed down on my pencil lead, once again flicking off his meddling hand. Lately, I’d been thinking that capable demons like Basago might have beautiful appearances to seduce humans for their souls.

Yet, judging by his attempts—eye smiles like a shoujo manga hero or sweet words—it was still hard to tell what he aimed for. Maybe it was instinct for survival; demons would naturally develop instincts. But Basago’s skill seemed too weak for that. Perhaps, as a necromancer, he could fight using other means, making his physical abilities seem underwhelming. His approach was more like a mosquito than flirting.

I fended off his hands again, thinking through various hypotheses, and he raised an eyebrow, perhaps finding my gaze unsatisfactory.

“It’s a shame to waste attention on an inexperienced human woman like you, Solah. Were you thinking impure thoughts despite telling me not to speak?”

I narrowed my eyes. He had read my thoughts.

<Don’t read my mind. And, um, the embarrassingly serious behaviors are a natural flaw of mine.>

“That’s really too much. I try to treat you well and respectfully, yet you’re dissatisfied. Wouldn’t it feel better for you to feel loved by your contractor?”

“I warned you about indiscriminate contracts and reckless name-sharing. And do you believe inexperienced people who can’t see demons?”

I paused for a moment. That was hard to argue against. I conceded it after some thought.

<That’s true. I’ll admit it.>

Instead, I raised another curiosity.