Anima is a soldier-like woman sent by Shiro-san out of the blue. I was stunned when she told me she used to be a Black Bear, but the biggest question remains—why does she want to serve me?
If it was because I defeated her in battle or something like that, I could understand. But I didn’t beat Anima at all. In fact, it was the opposite—she defeated me without so much as a scratch.
[Why do you want to serve Miyama-kun? It’s not like he’s stronger than you, right?]
It seems Rei-san had the same thought as me, and she straightforwardly asked Anima the question.
In response, Anima shot a sharp glare at Rei-san before answering.
[You fool! Do you think power is the only factor that decides who is in charge!? There are many knights in this world stronger than their King! Furthermore, if Master had the same physical abilities as me, that battle would have been an overwhelming victory for him!]
[……Miyama-kun, Miyama-kun. This girl’s attitude is completely different when she’s talking to you!]
[E-Ehh… Anima, I’d like to know too. Can you explain why you decided to serve me?]
[Hah!]
Compared to how she seemed ready to pounce on Rei-san—shouting as if she was threatening her—when I asked the question, Anima immediately straightened her posture and responded respectfully.
[These days, many people run away from me even when they’re armed, but Master boldly faced me with nothing but his bare hands. Even though he was clearly inferior to me in terms of combat ability, he showed no fear or hesitation whatsoever.]
[I-I see.]
No, that was just because of Auto-Counter! I couldn’t even move my face, and on the inside, I was absolutely freaking out on the inside.
It just happened to work out that way, and if I had encountered her alone, I would have bolted immediately.
[Master’s brave and courageous eyes in that moment… It was as if my heart was consumed by the flames of hell itself, and I became Master’s prisoner! However regretful it may be, when I was a Black Bear, I couldn’t defy the fate of being under the command of a Special Individual!]
[Is that because they have some sort of special ability?]
[Yes! Special Individuals of the Black Bears possess powers similar to Brainwashing Magic, compelling the other Black Bears to follow them. But more importantly, while I may have once been a Black Bear, I’ve been reborn with a new life! There’s no way I would ever turn my fangs on Master! You have nothing to worry about—this body and mind exist solely for Master!]
In other words, if I were to summarize what Anima said… she was impressed by my courage for challenging her despite my obvious weakness and decided she wanted to serve me.
Though honestly, I feel like most of it stems from a misunderstanding… It seems Anima has already firmly decided in her mind that I’m her master.
[U-Unnn. I think I get the gist of what you’re saying. Thanks for explaining it to me.]
[I am unworthy of such kind words. Now, please, Master, give me your orders!]
[…Errr.]
Anima’s eyes are practically sparkling with anticipation, but even if she suddenly asks me to give her an order…
[No, ummm, I don’t really have any orders now…]
[N-No way! C-Could it be that I’m of no use to Master…?]
No, no, don’t just give me that look tinged with despair, as if the world is ending, okay!?
What do I do here? Do I really have to give her some kind of order? But I can’t just come up with something on the spot…
[…Miyama-kun. I need to discuss something with you.]
[Eh?]
As I was wondering what to do, Rei-san whispered to me.
[Actually, I think you’ve heard this before, Miyama-kun, but Rigforeshia’s Security Force is pretty shaken right now. We’re in such a tight spot that we’d even welcome the help of a cat. So, would you mind lending this child to us until we’ve finished reorganizing to some extent? Since she mentioned she used to be a Black Bear, I’m sure she’s more than capable in combat.]
[That’s fine with me, but…]
Rei-san was referring to asking Anima for help with the Security Force, whose minds were broken by Isis-san.
It’s true that I don’t have any particular orders for Anima at the moment, and indirectly, I do bear some responsibility for why the guards’ minds were broken.
After hearing my reply, Rei-san nodded once before turning to Anima.
[Anima-kun, you must be confident in your fighting ability, right?]
[Haahhh!? F*cking trash talking with me so casually—wanna get torn apart, huh!?]
[…Errr, how strong are you, Anima?]
[Hah! When I got this body, Shallow Vernal-sama gave me combat abilities equivalent to a Viscount-rank High-ranking Demon!]
[…I see. This child really was a former Black Bear. Other than when she’s talking to Miyama-kun, she’s practically a berserker…]
Anima’s change in attitude toward me and Rei-san is so easy to understand. What can I say… This girl really has quite the personality.
Anyway, it seems that Anima’s strength has grown even more than before, as Shiro-san has granted her power comparable to that of a High-ranking Demon.
The power of a Viscount-rank High-ranking Demon… As always, that airheaded Goddess clearly doesn’t understand the word “moderation.”
[Then, Anima. The elves’ Security Force is in a pretty chaotic state right now. I need your help with that until they can get things reorganized…]
[Hahh! Roger that! This Anima will fulfill Master’s will with all my heart and soul!]
When I ask her to cooperate with the Security Force, Anima salutes with overwhelming enthusiasm and responds with a gleeful expression.
She seems genuinely thrilled to receive my orders… Yep, she’s definitely a one-of-a-kind child.
[Well, that’s quite reassuring. Now then, Anima-kun, I’m going to speak with the guards. Would you mind coming with me?]
[Shut yer trap, trash! The only one who can give me orders in this world is Master!]
Rei-san smiled at Anima’s apparent approval and tried speaking to her… but Anima’s nails extended, pointing directly at Rei-san’s neck.
A Black Bear’s weapon is its immense strength and sturdy claws, but it seems Anima’s weapons are also her nails.
[…Miyama-kun.]
[Anima, I want you to listen to what Rei-sa… Rejnhardt-san has to say.]
[Hahh! Forgive me, Rejnhardt-dono! For your guidance and encouragement, I will humbly be under your care!]
[…How remarkable. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a child so extremely straightforward.]
Apparently, Anima has no intention of taking orders from anyone other than me. However, when I told her to follow Rei-san’s instructions, she retracted her outstretched nails and saluted.
After giving me a crisp salute, she turned to follow Rei-san to the Security Force. Watching their backs as they walked away, I let out a heavy sigh.
Dear Mom, Dad—Anima, the former Black Bear, has a stern, straightforward personality, and was extremely aggressive towards everyone except me. Fortunately, though, when it comes to my orders—she seems to be absolutely obedient.
<Author’s Notes>
Wyvern: Beaten by the Death King => Also beaten by the Underworld King Black Bear: Beaten by the Death King => Promoted to Heroine
Where did the difference in treatment come from? Is it the difference in pride? Their circumstances……?
Wyvern-senpai: “You traitoooooooorrrrr!!!”