Makima is the Control Devil; devils are her interest, and the ability to control is an interest within an interest!
She even secretly signed a contract with the Cabinet.
All the damage Makima suffered was converted into luck, illness, natural disasters, or losses for the Cabinet's citizens. Simply put, it was offset by good fortune.
Her existence was viewed with hostility by various countries.
After all, the more people controlled by Makima and the stronger they became, the stronger she became, and the harder she was to kill!
So, conversely,
Makima was curious about how Yuzuki, through the ability called [Gourmet Devil], controlled Tohru.
Even though Tohru was sincere, in Makima's eyes, she was being controlled.
Seeing Yuzuki lost in thought,
Makima took the lemon tea from Yuzuki's hand, using his straw, sipping it, savoring it carefully, swallowing it, then looking into Yuzuki's eyes and asking again.
"Like this, it tastes incredibly delicious, something that ordinary food cannot achieve."
"But why is Tohru controlled by you, while we are not?"
"I've come for the second time. Did I not eat the right food? Or do I need to come a few more times?"
So, Makima sensed the "ability" of the food during her first visit.
Her curiosity brought her back for the second time.
But the answer to that question remained unresolved.
Why was Tohru controlled, or why did she believe she was controlled, while others were not?
Facing Makima's question,
Yuzuki was indeed a bit anxious.
Especially because he didn't know how to answer it.
Their thought processes were truly different!
"Let's talk about Tohru first, Makima." Yuzuki chose to address them one by one.
"Mm." Makima nodded.
Yuzuki first took back his lemon tea from Makima's hand.
Then he began to explain about Tohru.
"You think Tohru is controlled by me; that's only half true. I don't control Tohru forcibly; she just works for me here. It's more about a relationship like friends."
Makima tilted her head slightly: "A friend relationship?"
"Simply put, it's a mutual agreement." Yuzuki reiterated the employee contract: "Tohru benefits from being here with me, and I also benefit from Tohru. That's the reason for the control."
Yuzuki felt he had explained it very clearly.
However, Makima shook her head: "You shouldn't let Tohru take advantage of you; that's not full control."
"…?!" Yuzuki was stunned.
Makima, you true capitalist!
No wonder you're a wicked woman!
"No, I'm different from you, Makima." Yuzuki took a deep breath: "You are the Control Devil, not me. So, this is my method of control, understand?"
Only then did Makima nod, a sign of understanding, but then she smiled.
"So, you also admit that you are a devil."
Yuzuki: "..."
Are you trying to corner me step by step?
Yuzuki wiped his forehead, unconsciously sipping the lemon tea, and then realized Makima had already drunk it.
However, Makima glanced at him, her eyes showing no fluctuations at all.
Yuzuki sighed and answered directly.
"Let's put it this way, Makima, if you think I'm a devil, then yes, I am a devil. Whatever I can do, because making delicious food is indeed my ability."
"As for control, you can interpret it as you wish."
"So what I want to convey is that Midnight Diner, and I, and the future staff, we are all peaceful people, enjoying life, honest, and like to relax."
"Unless I encounter something that hinders me from planting, then I will plant it in the field."
While speaking, Yuzuki also looked at the ground in the yard.
To be honest, this soil is quite good.
If only there were organic fertilizer, the plants would surely grow quickly and well.
After saying all this,
Makima finally nodded, indicating she understood.
However, her thoughts did not stop there.
Makima stared into Yuzuki's eyes.
"One last question. What is your goal? Is it a devil, like the Gun Devil, or other devils?"
"World peace." Yuzuki answered in a flash: "I'm not interested in devils; whatever happens to them is irrelevant to me."
"Humans, ghouls, and devils can order food at my shop as long as they don't cause trouble, or I will kick them out."
Hearing this, Makima stood up and extended her hand to Yuzuki.
"Yuzuki-kun, I really like your answer. So, how about we work together? From now on, gatherings and meals with the Anti-Devil Division will be held at your place."
"We can be friends first, right?"
Being friends with the Control Devil first?
Yuzuki did not answer that question directly but extended his hand, shook Makima's hand, and replied.
"If it's just for gatherings, Midnight Diner welcomes the Anti-Devil Division."
"Mm." Makima nodded, then withdrew her hand: "That's good. I will also come often; after all, the food here is really delicious."
Makima returned, leaving with her subordinates.
Clearly, Hayakawa Aki looked confused. The dragon that was right in front of them yesterday, yet they left without a word. At the same time, it was clear that he felt relieved.
And Power, happily shouted, "We'll come again next time!", leaving with them.
A moment later,
Kirishima Touka and her friend Yoriko Kosaka also finished eating.
This time, Kirishima Touka did not ask for a doggy bag.
She only said that their café staff would gather here in a few days.
And Yoriko Kosaka took many photos.
She was very happy today, praising Kirishima Touka for sharing and insisting on recommending this Midnight Diner.
Before leaving, she stood at the entrance, taking many photos of the shop, saying she would help Yuzuki promote it for free.
Yuzuki verbally thanked her; this was normal and could not be stopped.
Finally, Kamishiro Rize also left.
However, as she left, her gaze toward Yuzuki seemed quite full of hatred, but also a bit profound.
This made Tohru, after seeing her leave, run and ask Yuzuki,
"Yuzuki-san, did you do something to offend her?"
"?" Yuzuki raised his hand and patted Tohru's bottom, making a 'slap' sound: "Wash the dishes!"
After being slapped,
Tohru, on the contrary, immediately went to wash the dishes.