The four boys all looked curiously at Ventura, who was about their age. Mrs. Ganfusen understood what would happen next, but the four boys were still rather confused.
Ventura pursed his lips and said, "Um, there's something I need to explain first. There's something wrong with my body. I'm a little sick, so sometimes when it acts up, it hurts a bit. But I'll do everything I can to protect whichever of you chooses to come play with me. I promise!"
Choosing a Soul Contract partner was rather like a matchmaking date, and Ventura had effectively revealed his hidden illness right at the start.
At that moment, one boy asked, "What does it feel like to have a sick body?"
As he asked, the boy stepped forward and reached out to touch Ventura's arm, sensing its different feel.
"It feels uncomfortable," Ventura said.
"I'd like to experience physical discomfort too," the boy said.
"Huh?" Ventura was a little surprised, but continued warning him, "My attacks happen less often now, but every time it happens, my soul hurts too."
"But aren't you fine?"
"I'm used to it."
"I'll get used to it too," the boy said. "I'm not that fragile. When I lost my mom and dad, I told myself I would always be strong. You probably wouldn't understand that feeling."
"I don't have a mom or dad anymore either."
The boy froze, then said, "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. What's your name?"
"Lan."
"Lan? Oh, I'm Ventura. So, shall we go together?"
"Yes."
"Do you know what going together means?" Ventura asked.
"The gentleman from earlier said I could go out with you and see a world where Order holds sway."
"Then do you know that once you go out with me, we won't ever be able to separate again?"
"I