Before everyone arrived at the restaurant Rias had booked, they made brief introductions.
These were just superficial details.
The truly important content would be clarified in the upcoming formal discussion.
After about ten minutes, the driver slowly pulled the car to a stop.
Bai Li-kun opened the door and saw a hundred-meter-tall building.
Its main entrance was lavishly decorated, and the interior was also meticulously designed and furnished.
"If I recall correctly, the meeting location mentioned in the envelope was in the suburbs…"
"Plans have changed; I don't intend to make my guests travel that far."
Rias, who had also gotten out, briefly explained the reason and walked towards the main entrance of the hotel.
"Let's go, Mr. Bai Li-kun."
"It seems Miss Rias has gone to great expense."
"Because I believe this discussion will be very valuable."
Rias's tone was quite confident.
From her perspective, the aura she had previously detected came from Bai Li-kun, and once that power became her own…!!
Thinking this, Rias had already prepared the most valuable Evil Pieces for Bai Li-kun in her mind.
However, she still had some things to confirm.
Bai Li-kun followed behind Rias, arriving in the lobby with Himejima Akeno and Toujou Koneko at his side.
After the hotel staff confirmed the reservation, they immediately provided special VIP treatment, having an employee open an elevator not accessible to ordinary guests.
The final destination was the top floor of the hotel.
"This doesn't look like a restaurant."
Bai Li-kun stepped out of the elevator, looking at the luxurious penthouse suite before him.
"The restaurant is just one part of its function."
Everyone finally arrived at a rather extravagant place.
"In my opinion, luxury also has a corresponding value, because I don't like to waste money either."
Rias replied softly.
This was her way of showcasing her strength.
Even for devils, wealth can be useful in various worlds.
Upon reaching the lounge area of the living room, Himejima Akeno skillfully went to the kitchen to brew tea.
Toujou Koneko, meanwhile, went to the balcony connected to the living room, overseeing the city while checking the surroundings.
Because this was not Kuoh Town, not within their sphere of influence, and also not claimed as territory by a certain high-ranking devil, there were many uncertainties.
When Himejima Akeno had finished brewing the tea, Rias, smelling the fragrance, straightened her posture.
"Let's talk plainly, I believe Mr. Bai Li-kun has the same idea."
"Of course, I enjoy talking to efficient people because it's comfortable."
"Indeed, regarding the previous self-introductions, some parts were not made clear."
Rias began her introduction:
"I am not an ordinary person."
"I thought as much, otherwise Miss Rias wouldn't be interested in me."
"Gremory, that is the family name, and also… a high-ranking devil."
"Devil?"
Bai Li-kun pretended to be ignorant, showing a surprised expression.
At this moment, Himejima Akeno, as if on cue, brought a cup of warm black tea to Bai Li-kun.
"Please don't worry, Mr. Bai Li-kun, we are not the kind of devils in books who tempt humans and devour lives; although such beings exist, we are completely different from them."
Akeno then sat down beside Rias.
"Like humans, we also have correct and incorrect notions of right and wrong, and we also seek companions who can understand each other."
"As Akeno said, I am looking for companions."
Rias continued smoothly.
Bai Li-kun, still pretending, acted like a novice who had just learned about devils, trying to digest the large amount of information he had just heard.
Then he regained his composure and stopped pretending.
"I understand… Miss Rias, being a devil, sensed my aura, and thus believes I possess the power you desire?"
"A very accurate statement, Bai Li-kun."
Rias smiled alluringly, her jewel-like eyes fixed on Bai Li-kun.
"I think highly of you."
"Thank you."
"And what about you? That power that made me notice you."
"Before that… can you tell me how many companions Miss Rias currently has?"
"To be precise, they are both companions and my retainers; it can be understood as a master-servant relationship; but for me, Akeno and Koneko are my best friends."
With that, Himejima Akeno on the side nodded in acknowledgment.
"Queen… Himejima Akeno."
"Rook… Toujou Koneko."
Toujou Koneko, who had been on the balcony earlier, also gave her full introduction.
Rias, holding a chess piece, placed it on the low table in the middle of everyone.
"Evil Pieces, this is how I form contracts and recruit retainers."
The devils had gone through previous battles, and the Great Devils had lost most of their subordinates in the long wars, making it almost impossible to maintain their legions.
Thus, the devils decided to adopt a system of elite few.
This system is called Evil Pieces. A devil with a peerage can possess these pieces: eight Pawns, two Knights, two Bishops, two Rooks, and one Queen, totaling fifteen pieces.
High-ranking devils receive fifteen Evil Pieces from the Devil King.
By using these pieces on individuals they wish to make their servants, a master-servant relationship can be formed.
Rias, who had hidden nothing, looked at Bai Li-kun.
"Your power, I am very optimistic about."
"But Miss Rias and I are meeting for the first time?"
"I trust my judgment, because the aura detected by the temporary familiars was extraordinary. To put it bluntly… at that moment, Bai Li-kun, the aura you emitted seemed to us like a Great Devil using a super-large-scale magic."
"If that's the case, Miss Rias, aren't you worried that if I refuse, I might turn around and threaten you?"
"Everyone has a price."
Rias picked up the Evil Pieces on the table again.
"I think I can meet your asking price, and then… become my subordinate, Bai Li-kun."
After listening to Rias's statement, Bai Li-kun currently had a clear conclusion.
Evil Pieces? They don't feel as powerful as Power of Fate!