151 Seiji Kamijou (2/2)
‘These two are always fighting,’ he thought, mentally shaking his head.
”Master, have you woken up?”
A beautiful girl with black hair and a red robe... no wait, a beautiful boy appeared at the door and bowed towards him while greeting him politely.
This was a Zashiki-warashi spirit. Seiji had given him the name of Hoshi.
”I’m awake... has everyone gathered?”
”All our companions have gathered together and are awaiting our Master’s arrival.”
”Alright then, I’ll come out right away.”
Seiji walked over to the clothes rack and slipped into the traditional Japanese hunting robes hanging there.
Zashiki-warashi Hoshi retrieved Seiji’s hat for him, and Seiji placed it on his head.
After he finished putting on his clothes, Seiji walked out of his bedroom with Zashiki-warashi Hoshi following behind him.
”Stop messing around and follow Master!”
”Okay...”
”Alright~”
Behind him, Seiji heard Firefly Grass Chiaki lecturing the other two spirits, and Zombie Mika and Snow Girl Shika-chan’s replies.
Seiji walked through his home’s hallway and out to the garden, only to see that many Spirit-branded Retainers were waiting for him there.
Mountain Kid Zankita Juumonji and Starving Ghoul Kazufuru Ooike.
Floorboard Spirit Tetsuo Sasaki and Ancient Fire Lantern Koji Hoshihara.
Crow Tengu Michirou Juumonji and Blue Priest Hisashi Juumonji.
Shadow Girl Haruka Shimizu, Fireball Spirit Shiina Shiho, and Long-haired Ghoul Anya Saigenji.
Demon Fox Rion Amami and Demon Fox Kotomi Amami.
Mermaid Shell Kaho Miyamoto and Rain Girl Saki Yoshizawa.
Maiden of the Bridge Rika Amami and Wisteria Spirit Nozomi Uehara.
Smoke Demon Mai Houjou and White Wolf Hitaka Shuho.
Flower Demon Rana Kirin and Blue Lantern Ghost Natsuya Yoruhana.
...
Seiji exchanged glances and nodded at all his trusted subordinates. To him, they were more than mere servants; they were his valued companions.
Blue Lantern Ghost Natsuya bowed to greet him. ”Greetings to Master.”
With her leading the crowd, all the other Spirit-branded Retainers also began greeting Seiji.
”It’s been so long, Master. It’s wonderful that you remain healthy.”
”Kamijou-sama, I await your orders.”
”Seiji-sama, this one really missed you~~”
”Please give us your orders. No matter what they are, we’ll accomplish them.”
”Master, I... I’ll work hard this time as well!”
”Master, I heard that we’re going to fight against an incredibly powerful demon today? Haha, I can hardly wait!”
Various emotions such as concern, respect, and passion could be heard from his retainers’ greetings.
Seiji smiled gently upon hearing them all.
”Everyone,” he began, the sound of his voice prompting the crowd to fall into silence, ”I’m delighted to see that you’re all doing well. I meet frequently with some of you, yet there are also others that I haven’t seen in a long time.
”If it were possible, I would throw a party for everyone, so we can gossip idly and enjoy ourselves. But we don’t have the time for that right now.
”You’ve probably all heard the news already: there is an incredibly powerful evil demon currently rampaging east of here—and I suspect the demon is not alone. At a rough guess, more than a 100 people have already fallen victim to it.
”I’ve searched for every piece of information I can, but I’ve been unable to ascertain this demon’s true identity.
”However, we cannot remain idle for any longer; even as I speak, it draws closer to the city. If we do not make haste and defeat it, many more will fall prey to this evil monstrosity.
”Out of an abundance of caution, I summoned every single one of you here today in order to fight against this unknown demon or demons. We will crush whatever lies before us with our combined strength.”
Seiji swept his gaze across his retainers.
”All of you are mighty heroes.
”Many humans and spirits owe their lives to you.
”As long as we remain united, I believe no feat, task, or threat is an impossibility!”
Every retainer smiled upon being praised by their master. Some laughed heartily, and others smiled faintly. Yet more covered their mouths in embarrassment, while the rest let out light, somewhat shy chuckles.
”This time, we shall emerge victorious once more! But… what is of utmost importance is that…” Seiji paused, and his imposing manner rose to a crescendo. ”Everyone! Not a single one of you is allowed to die!! This is the most important order!!! Do you hear me!?”
”We hear you—” every retainer cried in unison.
Saving people was important, victory was important, but the most important thing to Seiji was his companions’ lives.
As long as all his companions were still alive, even if they temporarily suffered a defeat, they could always come back for revenge at a later time!
On the other hand, even if they achieved victory at the price of a companion’s death, that still equaled defeat.
That was what Seiji Kamijou believed.
Up until now, he had never lost a single retainer before, nor had he ever been defeated in battle.
He was convinced that this time would be the same.