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Usually, there were plenty of students up on the roof during lunch, but today only one girl was there. Lucky.
She stood with her back to him in a school uniform, long black hair hanging like tassels, posture graceful. Sunlight kissed her bare thighs beneath her skirt, pale enough to almost glow.
When Miko Yotsuya heard footsteps and turned, she spotted Rosen—and immediately dashed toward him.
"Please, Master! Take me in! I'll do anything!"
"…?"
Rosen had expected she wouldn't turn him down today, but he hadn't expected her to be this direct.
"You don't know what I saw last night. I can't spend another second in that house!"
"So please, whatever you want me to do in the future, I'll do it—just let me sign the contract so I can fight back against those things!"
She'd almost grown used to the horrors at home, but once she'd glimpsed a way out, there was no going back into the dark.
Seriously—who could stand waking up to see two spirits crouching in the corner of their bedroom, or something dangling upside-down from the ceiling? Her heart wouldn't survive it much longer.
Something about this scene felt familiar to Rosen.
"What kind of resolve do you have saying this? You realize that once you become my retainer, there's no backing out. You'll follow my orders in everything."
"I know. That's why I came to the roof today—because I'm ready. As long as I can fight those things."
That last part was her hedge. If he really could help her, serving under him wouldn't be so bad.
As for "everything" he mentioned—well, she could handle that.In fact, it'd be good practice.
She'd planned to get a boyfriend anyway, if not for the whole "seeing ghosts" problem.And losing it in high school? Not exactly unheard of here.
Besides, her "master" wouldn't be some creepy old man—he was her age, handsome, and foreign.
If she could get through the start, the rest might even be… enjoyable.She just hoped the first time wouldn't hurt too much.
Those movies she'd watched under the covers made it look painful enough.
Screw it.
She clenched her fists until her fingertips went white, closed her eyes, and said, "I… I understand! I won't regret it!"
"You really are completely wrapped up in your own little world, aren't you?" Rosen muttered, certain she was imagining all sorts of nonsense.
Something about her demeanor was way off—no, nine parts out of ten parts off.Flushed face, fidgeting, legs pressed together and twisting as if she was holding something in.
This girl… whatever she was imagining, it wasn't wholesome.And judging by the way she was looking at him—it was about him.
Tch. Shameless.
…Not that he was much better.
"If that's your resolve, then let's begin."
This was his first time forming a contract too, so he was a bit excited himself.
"What do I have to do?" she asked nervously.
He thought for a moment, then said, "First, lift your shirt."
"…Eh? That… that's so sudden! I-I'm not ready yet!"
Her eyes went wide. She couldn't believe this guy—he looked decent, but apparently that was just an act.
"Relax. It won't hurt much."
Before she could protest further, a golden spear of light appeared in his hand, glowing with divine energy in the sunlight.
Miko blinked, stunned. There was no way that was just a magic trick—only someone with real power could pull that off.
"What… what now?"
"Lift your shirt and you'll see."
She made a small sound of understanding and slowly raised her uniform top.Maybe she tugged too hard—or maybe she was too nervous—but she ended up baring not just her stomach, but her chest too.
High school girls these days… Rosen thought.Still in school, yet already built like a grown woman. Truly, the blessings of 2D reality.
"This might tickle a bit. I'm going to insert the spear and engrave the holy sigil inside."
Miko's eyes went wide in disbelief.
That long? If he put that inside… wouldn't it break her?
"..."
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