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Hiding the truth when making a contract wasn't allowed—that was one of the rules.
So Rosen laid it all out: what she'd gain, and what she'd lose.
"If you make a contract with me, you'll gain the power to destroy spirits. And that power will keep growing, until the day comes when no ghost can touch you. To you, they'll be like ants—weak and pathetic."
"And the price?"
She was tempted, but not blinded.
Nothing in life was free.Everyone knew "free-to-play" was actually the most expensive kind of game.
"Once the contract's made, you'll no longer be human—you'll be my retainer. You can't disobey me. You can't betray me."
"…So basically, my freedom's gone?"
She lowered her eyes.
Rosen gave a small nod.
Power always came with a price. It was up to the individual to decide if it was worth it.
Some would do anything for strength.Others would rather die than eat from someone else's hand.
Miko was clearly torn.
If it were anything else, she might have impulsively agreed.But losing her freedom… that was vague enough to be unsettling.
"Don't rush it," Rosen said. "If you decide while you're emotional, you'll regret it later. And I don't want my first retainer sighing all the time."
She blinked at him in surprise.
"Um… I really don't know what to do right now. Could you give me… one night to think about it?"
"Sure."
He nodded, then asked, "You're a student at Soma High, right?"
"Mm-hm. I just transferred there last month."
They compared notes and realized their classrooms were on opposite ends of the same building.
No wonder Rosen hadn't noticed her until now—especially since her only friend was Hana Yurikawa. Given her tiny social circle, it made sense they'd never crossed paths.
"In that case, once you decide, meet me on the rooftop during lunch break tomorrow."
"Huh? You're a Soma Highl school student, too?"
"Yep. Feels a lot more down-to-earth now, huh?" Rosen grinned.
"Oh, by the way—want some watermelon?"
He'd almost forgotten he was still carrying it.
Watermelon didn't keep well once cut. Back in China, Rosen wouldn't have cared. But here in Japan, watermelons cost a small fortune—wasting one felt almost criminal.
Plus, sharing it was a good way to close the distance between them. She was practically his future retainer anyway.
And really, he was sure she'd agree in the end.
Spirits were already ruining her life. If things kept going this way, he doubted she'd last long.
A single night to think it over.Maybe even less—just one more scare, and her hesitation would vanish.
They sat at a stone table near the park.
Miko froze when Rosen casually produced a fruit knife from thin air.
"Is that… magic?"
He was wearing short sleeves, hadn't even turned around—there was nowhere he could've hidden it.
"One of my abilities," he said. "If you become my retainer, flying and walking through walls will be no big deal."
He didn't explain further. Showing off just enough power was its own kind of persuasion.
Her eyes lit up despite herself. She took a bite of the watermelon.
Sweet, cool juice burst across her tongue, washing away the lingering gloom from earlier.
"So good."
"If Hana were here, she'd probably eat half of this by herself," she said with a smile.
Hana Yurikawa was her only friend—and one of the main reasons she still bothered going to school. Just talking with her was enough to cut her anxiety in half.
Rosen knew Hana.
Not a main character, but her presence was strong.Like Miko, she also attracted spirits. But unlike Miko, most ghosts couldn't get within arm's reach without being burned to ash by her overflowing life force.
And she had a pair of thunderbolts—definitely promising retainer material.
Rosen made a mental note: once Miko joined him, Hana would be next.
"Well… thanks for today, Ma'am. See you tomorrow."
Miko bowed and headed off in the opposite direction.
Rosen went home, ran a bath, and opened the group chat.
"..."
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