"You got to be kidding me" I murmured while staring at the worm.

"So, human how about we form a contract?"it asked again gleefully.

I was in a complete trance.. A worm?

A freaking worm?

This can't be!

" I am positive that I summoned the demon lord but how on earth are you here?"I asked in confusion.

"The demon lord?" he looked at me confused but somehow I found his behavior really adorable

"pft - BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA" Did the worm just laugh at me?

"Seriously, humans are so dumb" it spoke then began to laugh again.

"What do you mean?" I glared at it annoyed.

"look here human, if you want to summon the demon lord you need plenty and I mean plenty of mana"

"Yes well I do have plenty -"

"pft - HAHAHAHAHAHA" I was cut off by it's annoying laugh.

This worm sure is cocky.

"You done laughing?" I said looking irritated.

"Yes. Ahem. So human, I don't know how you came to the conclusion that you have plenty of mana but the truth is you have mana just below average"

And my pride as a reincarnator was shattered then and there.

"......."

For a moment none of us said anything.

Wait. Salvarina didn't have mana at all if I have a bit of it even if it's below average it's a good thing.

I took a deep breath and looked at the worm below me. I must say it's quite cute. It's the first time in my two lives that I found a worm cute.

"So, what are you exactly?" I asked it while crouching down.

"Ahem. I am one of the first grade level monsters. The name of our species is Meniferocious weenie. We may look like worms but we are monsters. I hope to -"

"Weenie? Pft seriously?" I couldn't hold it in especially when it was speaking with high dignity.

"Hey that's our species name stop commenting on it!" The worm started wiggling around and huffing.

"Alright alright. So you are from the lowest ranks right?"

"Yes, with your level of mana even I am quite rare"

"You don't have to mock me like that" I just poked it.

"Then let's form a contract" it said with gleaming eyes.

"You see.. I want someone to protect me" I said while avoiding its gleeful gaze.

"Yes I know that. That's what spirits or monsters do, protect their masters"

"Yes well.. Are you sure that you can protect me?" I looked at it with a soft smile.

"Of course! I'll protect you with my life" The worm said while jumping up and down.

Why is it so cute!

"Alright then let's form a contract" I said. It's better than nothing.

"Alright but before that may I know my contractor's name?"

"Ah right. My name is Salvarina Salvair" I said.

"Now then contractor... name me"

"Name you? I thought I was supposed to sign?" That's what it says in the books about spirits.

"No. Signing works for high class spirits and monsters. For me you just have to name me"

I began thinking for a while. What should I name it?. It's soo cute and wiggles like a worm so how about "wiggly?.. It's a good name right?" I said with beaming eyes.

"...." it didn't say anything.

"Are you kidding me you freaking human! Wiggly? Wiggly you said? What a disrespectful name is that!. Even a dumb rock can come up with a better name."

Did he just compare me to a rock and that too a dumb rock?

I became a statue cemented by his insults.

" Alright that's it. First of all you're way too arrogant for a low class monster and Second of all What kind of a name should be given to a worm?! Don't tell me you want to be named Alexander or something. Just think about it Alexander the worm" I said while laughing my heart out thinking about naming it alexander.

"Hmmm.. It's actually a good name quite majestic I must say" it said.

"What? You like the name Alexander?" I was bewildered.

"Yep" it replied.

It's not a bad name. It's just that I got a feeling that I've heard it somewhere but where - wait a second. What's the name of the crown prince again?

Oh shit. It's Alexander Von Rultaz. How could I forget that trash's name?. I can't name wiggly after a trash.

"Human, aren't you gonna name me?" He said looking at me with puppy eyes.

"Ah. Well. There seems to be a problem with that name"

"What?" it tilted its head.

"You see Alexander means....trash.. That's right trash. It's a famous synonym for trash. How can I name my cute little monster after a trash?" I said being all dramatic.

"Oh.. Too bad.. It was a nice name though"

"I know right" I acted a bit then thought of an alternate name.

"Hey wiggly I thought of the perfect name for you"

"Seriously, you should stop calling me wiggly" wiggly said squinting.

"The name is iglo. It's neither too cute nor too majestic. Just the perfect name for a wor- I mean monster"

"You were just gonna call me a worm again"

"Hmmm.. Was I?" I asked innocently.

"Alright then I like that name. Now, I pledge that I, Iglo will serve his master, Salvarina until master's last breath and will protect the master with my life" iglo said and a black light appeared and dimmed real quickly.

"It's done master!" He said all excitedly.

"I'm glad to have you iglo" I said while poking it.

Just then someone knocked at the door.

"Mylady are you there?"

It was Mary's voice.. I quickly got up and went to unlock the door.

'master, should I hide or something?' A voice in my head spoke and I realized it was actually iglo's voice.

'wow, we can communicate telepathically like this?'

'master!'

'Just stay there. I plan to introduce you to her'

'Alright master'

"Mylady, it's time for your dinner" Mary said as she entered the room.

"Is it already?" I was starting to get hungry as well since I even skipped lunch but it was worth it.

"Yes, the Duke has just been back from the imperial palace and is looking forward to have - Aack!" Mary's face beame pale.

"He's looking forward to have what?"

"Mylady a worm!"

Why does he want a worm?

"Mylady, stay there. Let me try to find a way to get it out of here" Mary said while moving close but slowly towards iglo.

"Wait a minute... Mary stop. Don't kill it"

"I won't Mylady. I'll just flick it out of the window" Mary said trembling in fear.

"No. It's my monster" I said deadpanned.

"What?" Mary stopped and looked at me with a 'are you serious' expression.

"Yes it's true. I just formed a contract with it and its name is iglo"

"I see mylady even named it" Mary's face became pale and she began murmuring something.

Is she afraid of worms?

"Ah Mary -"

Suddenly a bunch of maids barged in.

"mylady, the Duke is waiting in the dining hall" one of the maids said. Ah right I forgot. Today is the day that I'll be having dinner with my father.

"Alright, then lead me there"

♠️