The speaker hadn't meant any harm—but the crowd took his words to heart.
With so many students trailing Ren Kuroda to watch the spectacle, it was impossible not to overhear his conversation with the Shikigami Dormitory registration teacher. Until now, everyone had assumed that both Nurikabe and Spider Princess were already formally Kuroda's shikigami. But now it seemed neither had signed a "Shikigami Contract."
How could a mere transfer student who didn't even know how to form a shikigami contract have two powerful yokai submit to him?
The crowd didn't understand it, and frankly, they weren't particularly interested in that mystery anymore. What caught their attention now were Nurikabe and Spider Princess—the two shikigami without a contract.
No contract meant the master wasn't officially established. Allegiance could change.
"Brother, I've got my eye on your Nurikabe. I'll pay 100 million yen for the contract. How about it?"
"Get lost! Are you trying to fool this junior who knows nothing? Judging by its strength in the last battle, this Nurikabe is at least C-rank, maybe more, and it seems to have some hidden talents. You dare offer only 100 million? I'll give 500 million yen—and three years' worth of unlimited holy water—just for this junior!"
The murmurs of excitement and disbelief rippled through the crowd. Someone—a slightly short boy—had first offered 100 million yen for Nurikabe. But before Yuto could respond, a slender girl in a second-year uniform, with chestnut hair tied in a neat ponytail, stepped forward and trumped the offer.
The short boy's anger flared, ready to contest the challenge—but seeing who it was, his fury vanished.
The girl was a member of the Kagamimori family, one of the thirteen ancient demon-slaying clans, just like Jizuru Maruji's family. In terms of rank, they trailed only the Tsuchimikado family—heirs of the legendary Onmyodo line of Abe no Seimei—and the Kamijou Sakura family, placing them third among all the families.
This wasn't an empty threat. The Kagamimori family had the means to back up their offer. Skilled in demon sealing, the clan's resources were immense. Money wasn't an object, and the three-year supply of holy water made it even more formidable.
For perspective, the holy water used in exorcisms might be cheap, but a steady supply for years was incredibly valuable. The Kagamimori family, with their private family shrine, had no shortage—so their offer was virtually untouchable.
"Since everyone seems to want Nurikabe, junior," another student called, "what about your maid shikigami? I've been wanting one like her for a long time. How about thirty million yen?"
"I'll go fifty million!" the Kagamimori girl countered immediately.
Everyone knew the powerhouse Nurikabe was far beyond reach—so their attention turned to Spider Princess in her maid outfit.
Even without knowing her yokai type, even with spiritual vision, the other students couldn't gauge her true strength. But her form, her presence… and the fact that she was clearly skilled, made her worth a small fortune.
Not that the Onmyoji were all noble. Many of the male students, seeing Spider Princess's curves in that outfit, had impure thoughts. A high-quality inflatable doll might cost millions, but here was a beautiful, obedient, and capable shikigami who could move, act, and "perform" in countless ways. Spending tens of millions? A bargain.
Watching the bids fly, Yuto couldn't help but smirk. They were bidding without even asking if he would sell.
Though he had to admit, hearing Nurikabe valued at 500 million yen was tempting. Five hundred million could buy a luxury apartment downtown—but to these kids, it was pocket change.
"Spider Princess," Yuto teased, "not even worth as much as Nurikabe, huh?"
She responded with a sweet smile, completely unbothered.
"Isn't that better, Lord Yuto?" she said. "If we ever run low on funds, we can sell that idiot Nurikabe. Five hundred million! Think of all we could get for Lady Yami and the young lady."
Nurikabe, hiding in the shadows, initially thought he was making Yuto look good and earning favor. But after hearing Spider Princess's scheming suggestion, he immediately clung to Yuto's coat once more.
"My lord, I am utterly loyal to you! And lately, I've studied a lot of action movies online—I've even learned professional bed-warming techniques. Whatever Spider Princess can do, I can do too…"
Yuto's face darkened. "What the hell is this bed-warming service? I'm a decent person! You warm my bed? Do you expect me to sleep with a giant rock in my arms? Stop watching useless videos all day—you're going to corrupt Ryuhime!"
Tu Bi blinked, looking innocent, ready to spill insider knowledge. But then his attention fell on Spider Princess, still smiling sweetly beside him.
Tu Bi knew the rules. Displeasing Yuto might get him a scolding. Displeasing Spider Princess? That would guarantee a beating.
..
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