At Eriri's home.
"So, did you notice anything off?"
Eriri hugged her arms, eyes darting around her room.
If she had more savings, she'd have moved already.
Coming home now filled her with dread.
Kaiser replied, "Yes, there's a low-level cursed spirit about to evolve."
"Wh-Where?"
"Want to see it?"
"Can you do that?"
"Customer request, of course."
Kaiser snapped his fingers lightly; a wisp of magic power flashed across Eriri's eyes.
Instantly!
A disheveled, ragged female cursed spirit appeared before her.
"Aaah!"
Eriri's piercing scream echoed through the room.
"You can see me?"
"You really can see me?"
The spirit rasped excitedly.
Foul stench assaulted her; Eriri's scream cut off, body shaking uncontrollably.
"No need to fear so much."
"I'm here, aren't I?"
Kaiser waved casually.
Magic power surged.
Boom!
The spirit exploded into specks of light, vanishing.
Eriri gaped, trembling. "It's… gone?"
"Of course. We're professionals."
Kaiser nodded. "Problem solved."
"Now, settle the bill—ten billion yen."
Eriri's pupils shrank. "That much? You're joking!"
"Contract's clear in black and white. Planning to dodge payment?"
Kaiser placed the contract before her.
[President's Personal Service: ]
Seeing the text, Eriri's eyes bulged.
Her father was a diplomat—wealthy, yes.
But that sum? Absurd.
In that moment, she realized:
What's scarier than ghosts?
Being alive but broke.
Eriri forced a smile, timidly. "Um… I don't have that much. Can we negotiate?"
"No. My rate's fixed."
Kaiser shook his head. "If you can't pay cash, pay with yourself."
Eh?
Eh eh eh?
Eriri's twintails quivered, pupils trembling visibly.
Was… was this president a human trafficker?
Or planning to chop her up for organs?
Tears welled; large drops rolled down.
Her thighs shook uncontrollably, drip-drip sounds hitting the floor.
She wanted to flee.
But this was her home.
And his display earlier—terrifying.
All over.
Her life… ruined.
"…"
Akemi Miyano: "…"
This girl wet herself from fear.
Kaiser and Akemi exchanged glances, both startled.
What had she imagined?
"Relax, Miss Eriri. We won't sell you."
Kaiser said helplessly. "Your safety is guaranteed."
Eriri paused, looking at him.
He didn't seem to be lying.
True—with his power, no need for shady money.
"Phew!"
She exhaled deeply, whispering, "You really won't sell me… or my organs?"
"Of course."
Kaiser nodded.
Eriri relaxed—too soon.
"I'm a devil, after all. Selling you would be wasteful."
Wh-What?
Eriri stiffened again.
Before today, claims of being a devil would've sounded like jokes.
But her worldview had shattered.
Cursed spirits existed.
Devils seeming real made sense.
Eriri trembled harder.
More puddles on the floor.
Done for.
He's a devil.
He'll… eat me?
I'm young—I don't want to die.
"We won't harm you," Akemi said, rubbing her forehead, consoling quickly.
Any longer, she might faint.
But Eriri heard nothing.
Her mind crashed.
"If this continues, I'll toss you on the street."
Like this?
Eriri glanced down, face flaming.
Too scared to notice her state.
No.
Being thrown out would be social death.
Eriri held back tears, enduring fear.
Then expertly slid into a kneel, performing a perfect dogeza.
"Mr. Devil, please don't!"
"See? Cooperation works."
Kaiser shook his head helplessly, extending his finger as golden blood seeped. "Remove your outer clothes."
Eriri's mouth twitched, face crumpling. "Mr. Devil, you… you're going to…"
"To inscribe the mark," Kaiser explained. "Reincarnate you as a devil, my lifelong peerage member."
"???"
Eriri's head filled with question marks.
Humans could become devils?
"You unwilling?"
"I… I'm willing."
Eriri nodded obediently.
No choice now.
And… it didn't seem bad.
Better than being sold.
Most importantly, knowing cursed spirits existed, the world was too dangerous for normals.
Better as a devil—with self-protection.
And… serving?
Her face warmed; she stole a glance at Kaiser.
Seemingly acceptable.
This devil was incredibly handsome.
Mentally prepared, Eriri's gaze firmed.
From today, she, Eriri, would become a devil.
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