"Huh?"
The traveling merchant's gaze turned strange as he looked at Roland. Looking at Aestus Estus, whose exquisite beauty was almost dazzling, he simply could not understand why Roland called such a delicate young girl a sword.
The girl with waist-length silver-white hair responded to Roland's words in a completely flat voice.
"Yes, Aestus Estus is Master's sword."
Despite those deeply emotional words, Aestus Estus remained expressionless.
"Good girl."
Roland nodded in satisfaction, then placed his hand on the girl's head and stroked it without a second thought.
"...Mm."
Despite this sudden treatment, Aestus Estus did not resist at all, merely narrowing her eyes in comfort.
This master and servant really knew how to play...
Watching the affectionate interaction between Roland and Aestus Estus, the merchant's lips twitched. Not wanting to get his fill of their radiance, he simply turned his attention back to driving.
"Master... he doesn't seem to believe you."
Aestus Estus glanced at the merchant. Though her expression remained innocent, she seemed to have seen straight through his thoughts. Leaning close to Roland's ear, she breathed out warm puffs of air and whispered teasingly.
"Should I prove it to him?"
"There's no need. The Contract between Aestus Estus and me doesn't need anyone else's recognition."
Aestus Estus rested her full weight against Roland, her creamy skin conveying a wonderful sensation and warmth through her clothes woven from magical energy.
He gently held that hand out before Aestus Estus, letting her look at the spirit crest on its back.
The taciturn girl reached out a finger and gently stroked the back of Roland's marked hand, a marvelous light flickering in her eyes.
"Yes, my destined master."
By the end of the Fourth Holy Grail War, Roland had gained a basic impression of Contract Spirits of different ranks. The