"I'll take them," I said to the old clerk.
After much deliberation, I decided to heed Aurora's advice and take both Familiars. Having two of them seemed like a better idea than just one.
I examined the eggs more closely. One had intricate dark blue spiral patterns, while the other had vibrant red spiral patterns. These two were definitely more unique than the other eggs. Aurora had an impressive eye for Familiars, and I was glad that she helped me with my decision. I knew that she was attached to her own Familiar, but I didn't realize how knowledgeable she was about them.
"Are you sure?" the old man asked me in a grave tone. "Once they're contracted to your blood, you can't give them back."
I nodded in affirmation. I knew that contracting them with my blood would influence them, and that the bond would be unbreakable. But I was prepared to take on that responsibility.
"Two million Eden," the old man said, his tone serious.
"..."
I was taken aback by the amount of money. For someone like me, who was barely making ends meet, it was a significant sum. I couldn't help but wonder how much profit the old man was making off of these eggs.
"2 millions Eden."
"I know," I replied sheepishly. My brain was still trying to process the staggering amount of money.
Thankfully, Aunt Belle was there to support me.
[<You don't deserve such a kind aunt.>]
I know! So shut up!
One day, I should really pay Aunt back...It was really becoming more and more awkward to ask her money...and even if I hadn't asked for it, she was transferring a lot of money onto my card, which was her gift as well.
I pulled out a credit card, and the old man showed me the card-reader. After swiping the card, I scanned my fingerprint to finalize the transaction. The card-reader beeped, displaying the word "accepted" in bright green letters. I couldn't help but notice the old man's smile widen as he saw the transaction go through.
That greedy old geezer...
He then pulled out two slim papers with intricate patterns drawn on them and used them to cover the two eggs. He placed his hands on the eggs, seemingly transferring some sort of energy to them. It was a strange sight to see, but I knew that it was part of the process.
My eyes widened as a circle suddenly appeared in thin air. It was the famous magic circle that I had heard so much about. Unlike my anathemas fire, which didn't require any circles, magic circles were a different way of using magic. They were rare in the Celesta Kingdom, and were more commonly used in Sancta Vedelia, my mother's birthplace.
The old man explained that contracts with familiars were usually done using the circle method, which was safer. The two circles slowly descended and wrapped around the eggs.
"Do you have your blood and hands ready?" the old man asked me impatiently.
I nodded and pricked both my palms with the needle he gave me, then placed my palms on the eggs. Immediately, I felt my hands stick to the eggs, and they began to greedily absorb my blood. It tickled a lot, and after a long minute, the eggs stopped glowing.
"They will hatch at any time, but it depends on you," the old man said wearily.
I thanked him and put the eggs in my space ring.
As I finished the contract with my new familiars, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with apprehension. The eggs were now safely stored in my space ring, and I couldn't wait for them to hatch. I wondered what kind of creatures they would be and what abilities they would have.
The old man's warning about not being able to give them back once they were contracted to my blood echoed in my mind. It was a heavy responsibility, but I felt ready to take it on. After all, having familiars would be a great advantage for me in my journey.
As I turned to leave, something tugged at my legs, making me stumble. Looking down, I saw a small boy clinging onto my jacket. His golden blond hair and sapphire blue eyes seemed familiar to me.
It took a moment for me to realize that he was the human form of Aurora's familiar. His curious gaze met mine, and I couldn't help but smile at the little guy.
"Ruma!" As expected, Aurora soon rushed here.
I put on a surprised expression to see Aurora appear out of nowhere, panic etched on her face as she called out to the boy. It was clear that she cared deeply for her familiar, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. I wondered what it would be like to have such a strong bond with a creature. I always wanted to have dogs...you know big dogs biting down any as*oles around to protect you.
As Aurora approached, the boy let go of my jacket and ran towards her, wrapping his arms around her leg. She scooped him up, cradling him close, relieved to have him back in her arms.
She apologetically lifted Ruma and looked at me. "Please accept my apologies for not noticing him..."
"No, it's fine." I smiled unconcernedly. "Do you know who that is?" With a smile on my face, I asked.
"Ah...no, he's-"
"Mama." Ruma muttered as he wrapped his hands around Aurora's neck.
"..."
"..."
Aurora's smile turned awkward.
She probably didn't want anyone to notice her familiar's presence here, let alone understand their relationship. For starters, being familiar with human forms was extremely rare. They couldn't be considered familiar but a little less than human due to their uncanny resemblance to humans. Second, Ruma was Aurora's official Familiar. Ruma's appearance was still unknown to many people, and she wanted to keep it that way for as long as possible. As for why the heck Ruma was calling Aurora 'Mama', I had not ideas.
[<Are you jealous?>]
No way.
I don't want a brat call me 'Papa' or 'Daddy' when I'm just sixteen.
"...That's..." Aurora obviously looked for an excuse.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. It was clear that there was some sort of deep connection between the two, but damn...they were really close that I wouldn't doubt if Ruma was truly her child...Is that even possible?
"His father must be quite...unique," I joked, trying to lighten the mood as I looked at Ruma and then at Aurora, who was disguised from head to toe. Despite the disguise, there was still no doubts in my mind.
"It's complicated," Aurora replied with a hint of reluctance to share more.
I raised both my hands, realizing that my joke was probably unnecessary since it was obvious that Ruma was Aurora's familiar for idiots. The yellow bird I saw few minutes ago and Ruma now may not have had physical similarities, but their aura was undeniably alike.
As Aurora looked even more panicked and awkward, I reassured her that I wasn't trying to meddle. "I am not someone who meddles," I said before walking past her.
"Hum, excuse me..."
"!"
I raised my gaze and saw another--freaking familiar face!
Elona...
She was there with a grey falcon in her arms, her familiar.
My heart raced as I saw Elona approaching. How did she find out I was here? Did Jayden or Aurora tell her? They were still close, so it was possible.
I cursed under my breath. Elona was family, and if she sensed our strong bloodline, she might discover my true identity. And if I was discovered here with Aurora, who was also trying to hide behind me, it would be a disaster.
Speaking of Aurora...
Don't hide behind me!
I couldn't believe she was trying to hide behind me. I felt annoyed and frustrated. She was probably worried about being seen here, especially with her disguised appearance, as Elona was accompanied by guards from the Falkrona Army.
I took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. I couldn't let Elona or anyone else discover my true identity. I needed to find a way out of this situation, and fast.
"Excuse me?"
Elona was clearly talking to me, but I played the ignorant blindman.
For fuck's sake!
Curse my luck!
"Hey, Lady Falkrona in person is talking to you, show some reverence and respect, brat," a burly knight glared at me.
I recognized that guy...
It was Manu.
One of our Family's veteran guards.
I should have treated him more hardly at home!
"Are you really blind?"
Should I just remove my mask and order the other guards to beat him up?
"Enough, Sir Manu. It's my fault to not have notice-"
"He is not blind; don't worry, Milady." Before Elona could finish, the clerk spoke uselessly.
Old geezer?! Do your job instead of annoying me!
"Sorry, Milady, I will have to excuse myself..." I said in a hurried tone and tried to leave but...
Something grabbed the scruff of my neck.
I turned around, annoyed, and saw that it was Ruma who was the culprit.
You are stopping me as well?!
Dammit...Am I just paranoiac or Elona's gaze on me is becoming more and more suspicious...