Louise's words left Hayashi Maki a bit speechless.
In this world, nobles—keen to separate themselves from commoners and seem more "exalted"—played games with names, making their surnames absurdly long.
Louise's full name, for example, was Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière.
Kirche's was Kirche Augusta Frederica von Anhalt-Zerbst.
By contrast, "Hayashi Maki" had only two characters—plain as a commoner.
Seeing Louise's doubtful look, Hayashi Maki didn't argue. He simply flipped his right hand.
A bloom of hellfire roared to life.
The air in the room turned scorching.
Louise's mouth fell open. "F-fire magic! How—? You didn't even chant!"
Hayashi Maki raised a finger; a stream of water appeared and hovered.
"You can use water magic too?"
Not just that.
He twitched his fingers; a clay doll in Louise's exact shape rose from the floor. Another flick—lightning struck it; then a gust of wind cut through, reducing the doll to ash. The water wrapped up the dust and whisked it out the window.
Louise stood gaping, at a total loss for words.
This world had only four elements of magic—water, fire, earth, wind. But Hayashi Maki had used lightning on top of all four.
If I could use those too… Louise felt herself growing excited.
"Well? Do you believe me now? Also, I'm not from your world. The length of a name isn't a yardstick for strength or status."
"And my name isn't actually that short—in truth, a demon's name is far longer than any human noble's. 'Hayashi Maki' is just for convenience."
(Hmph—like I'd tell you my surname also includes Diablo and Alexander.)
Louise nodded numbly. She'd had enough shocks for one day. A dual-element caster was already a once-in-a-generation talent. The man before her wielded all elements, his depth unfathomable—and most importantly, he was someone she had summoned.
Didn't that mean she was the truly remarkable one?
"Um… Hayashi Maki, what do I have to do to cast four elements at once like you?"
She asked shyly, fidgeting.
Hayashi Maki smirked. "Simple. You're my follower now. As long as we deepen the contact between our mana, the magic seed in you will bloom—then you'll gain the power your heart desires."
"How do we… deepen mana contact?"
Louise looked puzzled.
Hayashi Maki didn't answer. He just looked her up and down with a heated gaze and licked his lips.
Louise realized what he meant at once. Blushing, she backed up fast, arms crossing protectively.
"Don't even think about it! I'm a noble—I won't be that casual!"
She wasn't Kirche, in heat at all hours; how could she agree to something so indecent?
"Oh? Suit yourself. It's not my magic on the line."
He shrugged, then—still in his boxers—flopped into her bed like he owned it, clearly about to rest.
Louise was scandalized.
"What are you doing? That's my bed!"
"Your bed is my bed. I said this already: you summoned me without asking, dragged me to this world, separated me from my family—so you're responsible for keeping me. That includes warming the bed every night."
She'd been about to explode, but those words made her falter. It was true—she'd summoned him without permission. Being separated from family must be hard.
Biting her lip, watching him close his eyes, she softened a little.
"…I'm sorry."
She said it in a small voice. Too loud would be embarrassing—she was a noble lady, after all.
"It's fine—just take care of me, Louise. It's late, and summoning me burned a lot of your energy. Rest. We'll talk tomorrow."
With that, Hayashi Maki naturally gathered her in and tucked them both under the covers.
Louise jolted, instinctively pushing at him.
"Y-you can't!"
"What did I do?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"You're too close! I'm a noble lady—how can I sleep next to you?"
"There's only one bed. You're welcome to the floor," he said lightly.
Louise ground her teeth.
"Why me on the floor? This is my bed!"
"Which makes it mine, too. Alright, enough. Quiet Louise is cuter. Go to sleep."
"Don't treat me like a child—y—"
"Argue again and I'll kiss you."
He said it flatly.
Louise clapped a hand over her mouth, not daring another word—though inside she fumed. He was so infuriating!
Hayashi Maki chuckled, pulled her close, and gently stroked her silky hair.
"Easy. I'll protect you from now on, Miss Louise. Trust me."
His gentle hand in her hair made her cheeks burn; her body gave a tiny shiver. She didn't know why, but her heart trusted him on instinct. Warm as this embrace felt strange—it also felt safe.
Glancing at the sigil on the back of her hand, she found herself looking forward to tomorrow's lessons. Whatever else he was, she had summoned him. Familiar or not, she could present him as one—and everyone already assumed he was. His strength was her strength, as master.
And maybe—just maybe—she really could cast magic with his help.
Thinking of those four crisp elements he'd shown so casually, she grew giddy. Tomorrow, she'd wipe away her shame! Damn you, Kirche—what I summoned is way stronger than your salamander!
Seeing her growing bright-eyed, Hayashi Maki couldn't help kissing her forehead.
"Good night, Miss Louise."
Blushing, Louise's stomach suddenly rumbled. Hayashi Maki realized they hadn't had dinner—he'd been too busy kissing and forgot.
"Haha, sorry, Louise—I forgot you haven't eaten."
He threw back the covers, lifted her to sit up, and with a wave conjured instant noodles, baumkuchen, pineapple bread, and other snacks onto the table—items he routinely stored in his space.
Louise stared, wide-eyed.
"Is that… alchemy?"
"Nope. Just retrieving stored things—space magic."
"Space magic? That's not an element I've heard of… Um, how do you eat this?"
She pointed to the two cups of instant noodles. Hayashi Maki pulled out bottled water, boiled it with magic, and poured it into the cups.
Late-night instant ramen wasn't nutritious, but it would let her taste food from another world—good enough for now.
Watching him wield all sorts of magic so effortlessly, Louise trembled faintly—and something unfamiliar stirred in her heart.