I Only Summon Villainesses

I spaced out for a moment, still breathing deliberately, managing not to lose grip on the breathing technique she’d taught me even as my body screamed for rest.

”Kassie...” I said, eyes still fixed on the ceiling. ”I wonder — do you drink water? Eat food? As a spirit, I mean.”

She had been walking away from the pillar, but she stopped. Glanced back at me with one red eyebrow raised.

She didn’t reply immediately. Instead, she turned fully, folded her arms over her chest again, and seemed to consider the question carefully.

”This is my first time being a spirit, remember? I’m not exactly supposed to know how any of this works.” She paused. ”But I don’t think trying would hurt.”

”Hmm...”

”Why?” She tilted her head, a subtle look of curiosity flickering in her eyes.

”I just...” The words came slowly, surprising even me with their weight. ”Po’s food is really good. And I feel like it’d be nice if you and Maggie could taste it. Actually appreciate it. You guys are always here feeding on spirit energy, and that just feels... unfair, honestly.”

Her voice took a moment to come, and when it did, it was softer than usual.

”We’re not complaining?”

”Yeah, I know.” I pushed myself up slightly, propping on my elbows to look at her properly. ”But I want you guys to actually live, you know? You might be my spirit summons, but you all wanted another chance at life, didn’t you? Then you should be able to live it. We should get you outside the Nave. You could wear normal clothes, talk to normal people, exist like a normal person. There’s no harm in that. And while you’re out living, Maggie could be in the Nave recharging. Then when you come back to recharge, she goes out.” I shrugged. ”I mean, I’m not even spending any essence doing this, right?”

Kassie’s voice didn’t come.

I waited a beat. Then another.

Nothing.

I got worried. Pushed myself up further, wincing as my exhausted muscles protested, until I was sitting upright. Kassie was still there — but her head was tilted slightly to the side, and there was a strange, somber smile playing at her lips. Her eyes... they looked different. A little glassy, catching the light in a way that made something tighten in my chest.

At that moment, I trembled. Not from exhaustion though.

’What did I do?’