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The gambling instinct up top wasn't all that different.
At the end of the day, it always boiled down to what people call a "heat of the moment" decision.
Once that heat cooled, most would regret whatever reckless thing they'd just done.
Like spending 648 on a gacha roll, pulling the character they wanted, and then suddenly thinking—"Man, if I'd used that cash for food… or a new mouse and keyboard… wouldn't that have been smarter?"
But this time, Yuki Suou didn't hesitate. Not even for a second.
"I've already decided. As long as it saves me and Ayano, I'll agree to anything."
For all her quirky, mischievous energy at school, Yuki was practically a different person in private.But in truth, both sides—the refined young lady raised in etiquette, and the cheerful, geeky girl—were equally her.
She'd grown up learning how to read the room, so even as the Suou family's "perfect daughter," she wasn't like those cold, standoffish rich girls.Her approachable nature earned her plenty of admiration and respect from classmates.
When she saw Miko Yotsuya and Hana Yurikawa , she immediately guessed they were also Rosen's chosen followers.
And honestly? Having a "master" who'd still goof around in a haunted house with his people was miles better than the alternative—Being bound to some god, memories wiped, turned into nothing but a tool.
At least Rosen's followers were still human.Gods' slaves weren't even that anymore.
"Um, Miss Yuki," Ayano finally spoke up, hesitant. "In a situation like this, shouldn't we consult your grandfather first?"
"No need. Even if I told him, he couldn't help." Yuki shook her head.
Truth was, the moment Rosen asked her to consider who might have prayed to the gods for her sake, she'd already thought of her family.
As the Suou heir—the only child and future head—she'd been protected, educated, and groomed with every resource the family could provide.If her grandfather had known using up three blessings would cost her life, he never would've let it happen.
So either he had no idea…Or he had made the prayer without knowing the price.
Just like those western movies with devils making shady contracts—every clause a trap, every promise a pitfall waiting to swallow the unwary.
Ayano fell silent at that.
Yuki, however, turned to Rosen, eyes steady with resolve."Alright. Let's begin."
"Not here," Rosen replied. "This place isn't suitable."
A moment later, he used Divine Step to bring them back to the villa.
For Yuki and Ayano, it was their first time experiencing teleportation. Their eyes lit up with shock and wonder—this was the kind of thing they thought only existed in manga, and yet here they were, living it.
Ayano finally let go of her last shred of doubt.If he could pull off something like this, Rosen really was the real deal.
"Teleportation?! That's amazing! Lord Rosen, if I become your follower, will I get to do that too?" Yuki's eyes sparkled.
"Maybe. Depends on your own talent."
Each contract awakened a unique ability. Rosen couldn't control what they got, but it always tied back to their nature.Spatial abilities like teleportation were rare—probably too much to expect from an everyday schoolgirl.
Still, once she advanced to a mid- or high-ranked envoy, he could teach her Divine Step himself.It wasn't about spells or incantations—its secret lay in the very meaning of "divine."
In Gabriel's world, only angels could use it.Here, Rosen was close to unraveling its structure, and once he did, he could pass it on.
"Fine then! I'm ready—let's do this!" Yuki's excitement overflowed. You'd never guess she'd been terrified of spirits and mountain gods just hours ago.
And then… Rosen started taking off his clothes.
Yuki froze, stiff as a statue.A few seconds later, she managed to stammer:
"Uh… w-wait. That direct? I mean, I'd braced myself for the possibility of ending up in your harem someday, but isn't this… a little fast?"
"I-I'm not saying I don't want to! Just… maybe a bit too sudden…"
She crossed her arms, puffing up with false bravado."And don't underestimate me—I'm an experienced fujoshi, okay? If it's not too hardcore, there's no way I'll cave that easily!"
"…Miss Yuki has quite the collection of… adult doujins," Ayano deadpanned from the side. "That's where she gets all this 'knowledge.'"
"Wha—?! You traitor!" Yuki's face turned bright red as she whirled on her maid."When I become Lord Rosen's follower, the first thing I'll do is offer you up as tribute! Yes! A shameless maid like you deserves to be taken and trained by a great man with lewd intentions!"
Honestly… the master-servant bickering was kind of entertaining.
Still, the contract proceeded smoothly.
That is, until Yuki saw Rosen pull out the massive, gleaming Holy Spear—and realized he intended to drive it into her body.
"Wait, wait, wait—that's huge! That'll kill me—no, it'll destroy me!!"
The spear pierced her abdomen.
But instead of the mix of pain and pleasure she'd braced herself for, a layer of greasy, foul-smelling residue oozed out of her skin.
The clean-freak in Yuki couldn't handle it. Without even asking about her powers, she bolted straight for the bathroom the moment Rosen pointed the way.
Meanwhile, Rosen checked her stats with Miko and Hana.
[Contracted Follower: Yuki Suou]
Rank: Novice Envoy
Strength: 10
Endurance: 10
Dexterity: 10
Agility: 10
Divine Power: 10
Skills:
Silver Tongue – Conversations flow smoother; people are more easily persuaded. Charm increased.
Divine Projection – By expending divine power, replicate any real-world object as a temporary projection.
Cannot last long.
Once the illusion cracks, it vanishes.
"..."
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