Yotsuya Miko was on the verge of tears, but strangely enough, she didn't think Takumi's price was unreasonable. After all, she'd heard that some temples charged over a million yen for simple exorcisms—and the power he had shown was the real deal.
The problem was simple: she was just an ordinary high school girl. She didn't have that kind of money.
Twisting the hem of her shirt nervously, Miko murmured, "I… I don't have that much. But I'll definitely pay you back, Mr. Exorcist…"
"I don't usually take IOUs," Takumi replied calmly, "but there are always exceptions. Tell you what—sign this contract and temporarily become my subordinate. You can take your time repaying me."
A glowing "Master–Servant Contract" formed from his magic and floated before her.
Miko stared at the sigil, then back at Takumi, feeling like she was about to sell her soul to a devil. Her heart pounded anxiously.
"Miko~ You don't want to face those evil spirits alone again, do you?"
That single line from Takumi shattered her last bit of resistance. If she had to endure another encounter like today without him, she'd be dead for sure.
In truth, she had only two choices: die… or become his servant.
Her eyes hardened with resolve. Without hesitating further, she signed her name.
A chain of magic materialized out of thin air, wrapping around her and engraving a glowing collar-shaped mark at her neck. As for the part where she needed to "kiss the magic circle," Takumi canceled that requirement using his master privileges.
It wouldn't be polite to hit her with the full ritual right away. He had plenty of time to make her voluntarily climb aboard this ship later.
Besides—Yotsuya Miko was, without question, a "main heroine." Her exceptional spiritual sight alone revealed that her body possessed a unique constitution.
Keeping her nearby wouldn't just accelerate his Gate of Worlds' progress—it might also make her a useful ally someday.
And, well, there were… other perks too.
Meanwhile, Raynare couldn't hide the flicker of jealousy in her eyes. That human girl, with nothing but spiritual vision, had also been accepted as one of her master's servants.
"Human," Raynare said coldly, "you're now one of the master's slaves. You'd better know your place."
"S–Slave?!"
At that word, Miko froze—realizing too late that she'd walked straight into a den of wolves.
"Don't scare her," Takumi said sharply. "Give her something for protection."
He didn't want Raynare bullying the girl when his back was turned.
Realizing she'd overstepped, Raynare lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Master. I went too far."
Then she turned to Miko, her voice brisk but professional. "Your body seems to attract Cursed Spirits. Keep this with you."
Condensing her light energy, she formed a small charm shaped like black angel wings. It radiated enough divine power to repel even mid-level demons—let alone spirits.
Miko accepted the charm carefully, her heart easing a little. Raynare might have a temper, but at least Takumi seemed… kind.
As for that "slave" comment—Miko decided to just pretend she hadn't heard it.
For now, survival came first. Everything else could wait.
"All right, Miko," Takumi said, standing. "My card has the agency's address. Come by tomorrow for orientation."
Without trying to make her stay longer, he left the church with Mio and Maria. Raynare remained behind, per his orders, to repair the place and keep it as a backup base.
She also couldn't retract the invitation she'd sent earlier—the nun she'd lured here would be arriving soon.
Takumi had emphasized that he wanted to be notified the moment she showed up.
On the way back, Takumi parted from Mio and Maria.
He wanted to test his newly acquired trait [Spirit Eater] on a few Cursed Spirits.
At the same time, the World-Crossing Gate charge had reached 99.8% after making Miko his subordinate. At this rate, it would soon hit 100%.
"Spirits aren't exactly everywhere," he muttered, scanning the quiet streets. "Without a magnet like Miko, they're hard to find."
It reminded him of when he'd first been cast out of the Hero's Village. Back then, he'd dreamed of soaring free—"The sky's the limit," he'd said.
Instead, he'd run for hours without meeting a single monster, demon, or spirit—until he collapsed in exhaustion. When he finally got picked up by someone, it was by a beautiful older woman… A very yandere older woman.
He'd only stayed with her a few days before she ran him over with a truck.
"Ahh… I was terrified then, but now I kinda miss her," he sighed.
What a shame he didn't have her contact info. Otherwise, he'd definitely pay her back—with interest.
Smirking at the thought, Takumi decided to change tactics. If he couldn't find any spirits himself, he could just use someone who could.
And he already had the perfect candidate.
Sensing through the Master–Servant Contract, he pinpointed Miko's location and headed her way.
At that same time, Yotsuya Miko had just left the church and was making her way home. Her steps were slow and unsteady—her mind still spinning from everything that had happened.
She'd only come to the church hoping for a charm or two… How had that turned into becoming Takumi's slave?
She looked down at the black-winged pendant in her palm, a faint hope in her eyes.
"Will this really protect me…?" she whispered.
"Hey! If you're not getting on, stop blocking the bus!"
The shout snapped her out of her daze. She turned quickly, bowing apologetically—and missed her step.
"Ah—!"
Before she could hit the ground, she felt a pair of soft arms catch her from behind.
Looking up, she met the gaze of a blonde girl peering down at her through thick glasses.
"You okay?" the girl asked kindly, helping her to her feet. "You just fell out of nowhere."
Miko bowed deeply. "T–Thank you! I tripped—I'm so sorry, really, thank you!"
Her earnest gratitude made the blonde girl blush slightly. Adjusting her glasses, she smiled shyly and shook her head.
...
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