Ling Qi (Spiritpact / Soul Contract)

Episode 5

Forever Together With You

Hey, wake up.

The ritual is today...

Shut up.

I can't sleep well even when I'm a spirit?

Go away. Lack of sleep is bad for the skin.

Come on, get up.

Hey, what're you doing?

Pay me properly!

Why?

You saw me naked!

The ritual happens today.

Start getting ready.

Eh? Why do I have to go?

You-sama, we've been waiting for you.

The master is waiting for you on the second floor.

Okay.

It's pretty lively around here today.

Even the entrance is sparkling.

This is my first time coming here.

Must be nice being rich.

They have a whole building just for changing clothes.

It's like a labyrinth.

Excuse me, but where's Tanmoku Ki?

He is still having his hair done at the moment.

Don't just space out.

Get over here.

O-Okay.

Today's ritual is a pretty big deal.

Sit.

The ritual is a ceremony to purify the aura of heaven and earth.

It's the most important duty of a Youmeishi.

However, for the Youmeishi, this ritual could very well be their last.

That's why I need you to promise me three things.

First, never cut this string.

It's made of my braided hair and it links our souls together.

Okay.

Second, do not take off the spirit binding rings.

I couldn't take them off anyway, even if I wanted to.

So, what's the third promise?

Do you remember your own name?

Of course I do. It's You Keika. Why?

That's the last promise.

Don't forget who you are.

Got it?

Pinky swear with me.

Swear you won't forget these three things.

You're being weird today.

I promise.

Pinky swear, liar has to swallow a thousand needles.

Master, the preparations have been completed. It's time to go.

Understood.

Oh, one more thing.

After today's ritual, the whole world will know that

You Keika is the spirit shadow of Tanmoku Ki.

You-sama, Shiyou-sama, your seats are here.

I've never sat in such special seats before.

It's because you're well liked by Tanmoku-san.

Don't even try to come after my position though.

Keika, Shiyou, you two are pretty lively.

Would it be all right if I joined both of you?

Of course.

We were just talking about you.

Saying how you are the most fashionable grandmother in the world.

Shin Shiyou, were your ancestors actors of many different faces?

Keika, have you gotten used to living with him?

That boy is much kinder than he seems.

Please try to tolerate him.

Okay... I got it.

He doesn't kick your futon while you're sleeping, does he?

It must be hard on you.

Why is she spoiling only you with attention?

They say that couples slowly begin to resemble each other.

You're resembling Ki more and more.

Anything but that.

It must be starting.

I said I didn't want to do it, but we really will be linked from now on.

All that he experiences will be linked to me.

His past and his future as well.

Please wait. Who are you?

It's me, Butler Shito.

I'm sorry, but I had heard you were banished from this house.

I cannot let you through.

They want to drive me away that much?

You have some nerve.

Do you know who I am, then?

I'm sorry, but there is no one called "who I am" on the list.

Just a moment, if I may.

Are your eyes bad?

This is the head of the Shito family.

Watch what you say.

Jiun-sama, I am simply following orders.

It's fine. Stand down.

Yes, ma'am.

Both of you, please come this way.

It seems there are reasonable people even in the Tanmoku family.

Yes, I guess you could say that.

I can't tell what they're saying,

but that power is clearly being transmitted with his voice.

It's a comforting power that seems to warmly wrap around me.

It is continuing to spread around Tanmoku Ki.

My heart is getting warmer, as if it's being purified.

There's no way I can compete with this person.

The ritual will be ending soon.

I have something I want to check on.

The person overseeing the ritual has to be sincere.

Does the head of the family really have nothing to feel guilty for?

What are you talking about?

You seem to have forgotten about my Ritsu.

Could it be that you don't remember?

It's your fault that my cousin, who was your butler, was banished and lost his job.

That's a false accusation!

Shito Ritsu stabbed the Youmeishi,

even though the Tanmoku family showed him mercy and saved his life.

Who are you?

I am...

Ah yes, you're that girl who hasn't married into the Tanmoku family yet.

You have no right to interfere.

Hey, lady, shut up.

I'm the reason he got hurt in the first place.

If you have an axe to grind, take it out on me. Shiyou has nothing to do with this!

My, my, would you look at this?

The prestige of the Youmeishi must have

fallen considerably to make someone like this a spirit shadow.

That's enough.

I have not received any reports about this.

That's because I didn't tell you, Grandmother.

The other day, the master's spirit shadow injured Shito Ritsu with the Rakugetsu sword...

Do not intrude.

I want an explanation from the head of the Tanmoku family himself.

You Keika, come here.

What kind of drama is this?

A power struggle in the royal court?

Just shut up and watch.

We're getting to watch for free. Does it matter what it is? Jeez.

Kneel.

So even the head of the family acts boldly.

To think he would erase a spirit shadow's soul in front of so many people.

Can my relationship with Tanmoku Ki be cut off like this?

I didn't think the master was this cold-hearted.

The Shito family is a clan of spirit masters with great influence,

and they have a long history with the Tanmoku family.

No matter how important You Keika is to him,

he shouldn't want to break the relationship between the two families.

This sword's name is Rakugetsu.

It is a sacred treasure passed down since ancient times.

It can kill both gods and demons,

and subdue evil energy from the four cardinal directions.

From now on, it shall be your weapon.

That is an order from Tanmoku Ki, thirteenth head of the Tanmoku family.

I will not allow anyone to oppose me.

Understand?

Do not take your eyes off of me.

Once a spirit, you will be my shadow for the rest of my life.

Your spiritual essence will join mine and our lives and souls will be the same.

Light and shadow will be in harmony and bring peace to all creation.

I'm glad you're with me

I can feel you even in the dark

Even if the world leaves me behind,

I can feel your warmth

I'm glad you're with me

I want you to become my spirit shadow.

We need each other

Brother, what is the master saying?

He has declared it to the world.

They are of one body and soul.

The errors of the spirit shadow are his errors.

He's outwitted them.

What's this?

He's completing the pledging ceremony with the spirit shadow?

How can he give him the Rakugetsu sword that we inherited from our ancestors.

Damn that Tanmoku Ki! Defiling my family name to protect a stranger!

Does he not know how to be the head of the family?

Grandmother, please say something.

He's finally become an adult.

I'm so deeply moved.

Did you hear?

You Keika is the spirit shadow who has made a pact with that boy.

Whatever happens, he will take action for his sake.

The sword was given to the Tanmoku family.

Doubting the spirit shadow is the same as doubting the Tanmoku family.