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Before telling me what my mission would be, Rias explained how contracts between devils and humans work.
There were several reasons why a human would want a contract with a devil.
Sometimes they were workers wanting an extra hand, others were lonely people wanting company, and there were also those who were simply looking for pleasure, but for the latter there were low-class devils who worked only for that purpose, the famous Succubus.
As for the reasons why a devil would want to help a human, well, there was only one reason. The vital energy of humans, or mana.
Basically, humans paid for the contracts with portions of their own lives, and the devils fulfilled these contracts to become stronger and healthier. It was a way to maintain their youthful appearance for even longer than their semi-immortality allowed, and also a way to increase their mana.
It was good for me to hear this, because even reading the novel, I never understood what the contracts were for.
To disguise these activities as contracts, the devils used parallel services. Sona Sitri had the Student Council for that, and Rias Gremory had the Occult Research Club. In both, all members worked to fulfill contracts.
"Today, you will have your first mission. This mission was supposed to be Koneko's, but it will be assigned to you," Rias said.
"I can do that. However, I also believe it may be dangerous," I said, and pointed upwards.
"You're right, the Fallen Angels are still around. We need to talk about this later..." Rias said with a hand on her chin.
"Um... But Koneko already has other contracts to fulfill. Akeno, how about you accompany him? I know today is your day off, but—"
"Ara~ I'd love to, buchou." Akeno interrupted Rias.
"Tonello-kun, Akeno is my right-hand woman. She'll teach you a few things."
"Sounds great to me."
"Great. Tonello-kun, if you bring me the signed contract, I'll give you a special reward."
Hearing Rias say that while wearing only a towel was enough to set my heart on fire. I would have brought back the signature anyway!
*
Among all the girls in the Occult Research Club, Akeno Himejima was by far the easiest to get along with. She was reserved but kind, graceful, and caring. Not to mention that she was very beautiful, regarded as the second princess of Kuoh Academy. That said, after I saw the reaction of the people in my classroom when Yuuto Kiba came looking for me, I understood why she didn't speak to me directly that day.
"We usually use magic teleportation circles to get to our clients, but this is a special client," said Akeno on the back of the bike Kiba had lent me.
"Special?" I asked as I pedaled.
"You'll understand when... Arara~! Leonard-kun, you're in a hurry," Akeno said in a teasing voice, grabbing my waist with her slender arms. "I almost fell just now... Now turn right!"
I turned sharply right at the corner and could feel her breasts pressing gently against my back. The sensation was like having two pillows on my back, at least as soft, and every movement of the bike made me feel her breasts moving too.
I knew Akeno was known for her provocative nature, but feeling it firsthand was a completely different experience. Every time she moved, even if it was just to adjust her position on the bike, I felt such a divine, pure sensation that, for a moment, even I — a devil — felt like I was entering heaven.
"We're almost there, Leonard-kun," she said, hugging me tighter.
I would say that was a good thing because I was struggling to maintain self-control, but I also thought it wouldn't be a problem if they took a little longer.
Finally, we saw our destination ahead. It was a small shrine in the middle of the city, almost hidden between residential buildings and tall trees.
I parked the bike and helped Akeno down, offering her a hand. In gratitude, she gave me a gentle smile.
"So... this is the special place you told me about?" I asked, looking at the staircase leading up to the temple.
"Yes, it's a Buddhist shrine. That's why we couldn't use teleportation, or we would have been expelled by the multiple sacred protections."
"So what could be the problem here? Why would they call devils to a shrine?"
Akeno shrugged. "It's not our job to ask questions. We just have to fulfill the request and collect the contractor's signature."
"As you wish."
Akeno and I began to climb the steps of the sanctuary. The place, though small and poorly maintained, exuded tranquility, with those little bells swaying in the early evening breeze.
When we reached the top of the stairs, I spotted a man.
He was bent forward with age and didn't seem to be eating very well, given the thinness of his arms as he swept the temple entrance with a worn broom. Upon seeing us, the elderly man stopped what he was doing to greet us. "Welcome," he greeted us with a hoarse voice and a kind smile.
"You must be THEM."
"Yes, we are the devils," Akeno replied in a professional tone, more serious than when she spoke normally. "We received your contract request. How can we help you?"
The old monk took a deep breath, resting his chin on the broom as he held it like a staff.
"Please, let's talk inside. It's cold out here."
Without waiting for a response, he began walking toward the shrine. The place was like a classic Japanese temple without much luxury. It was a small, single-story building with a wooden box in front for people to throw coins into so the spirits would hear their requests.
The only room inside that building was where this man apparently lived.
"I have been taking care of this temple for many years," the monk began to speak as we sat around the low table.
His hands trembled slightly as he poured tea into small ceramic cups for us.
"This used to be a beautiful temple a few years ago. Many devotees came every day, especially back when we were famous for bringing couples together. Unfortunately, those good times had to end for new ones to come... The city grew, the buildings got bigger, and there are days when, even during the day, everything is dark around here. People are afraid to pass by after work and school, so there are far fewer people around now."
The story explained why this temple looked so abandoned compared to the ones I saw in anime.
"Please tell me how we can help you," said Akeno, only this time without the professional tone she had used before.
I looked at her and saw how tightly she was clutching the hem of her skirt. The way she looked directly at the elderly man with that resolute and determined expression finally reminded me that Akeno's family used to take care of a shrine not unlike this one.
"Not just today! I want to keep helping!" she continued.
The old man was taken aback at first by her determined tone, but soon smiled.
"I'm really glad there are young people these days who appreciate the value of an old shrine like this… Well, to get straight to the point, the biggest problem I've been facing lately is with a group of children." He scratched behind his ear, embarrassed to admit it.
"Every night they come here and throw stones at the bells, disturbing the simple spiritual peace of this place. I've tried talking to them, but because of my back problem, I can never get there in time before they run away. As a last desperate option, I decided to call you to try to resolve the situation. I didn't think you would actually come."
Akeno, with her usual serene expression, took a sip of tea. "Sir, do you have any idea why the children are doing this? Could there be a specific reason, or is it just mischief?" she asked.
The monk shook his head. "I believe it's just mischief. They seem to enjoy it, as if it were a game. However, every temple needs peace because spirits don't like noise."
I exchanged a quick glance with Akeno before turning to the monk and saying:
"We understand your concern and will do our best to help. Have those children been here today?"
"No, not yet."
"Then we'll stick around and try to catch them so they'll stop."
The monk smiled, visibly relieved. "I would be most grateful."
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