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In front of a quiet restaurant.
Two figures stood there like greeters, waiting silently at the door.
One was a girl in black-rimmed glasses, dressed in a neat, professional outfit.
She looked young, but she carried the air of a capable businesswoman.
The other was a girl wearing a traditional shrine maiden outfit, her long hair reaching her waist.
The two of them stood patiently.
Suddenly, the professional-looking girl's eyes lit up. She took a few quick steps forward, bowed slightly, and politely handed over a business card.
"Your Majesty, we're honored you made time for us despite your busy schedule. It truly is a great privilege."
"Sayamiya Kaoru, Kyoto branch of the Official History Compilation Committee?" Lin Luo glanced at the card, raising an eyebrow. "But this area isn't under Kyoto's jurisdiction, is it?"
"We heard that Your Majesty isn't fond of dealing with men, so of course we wouldn't dare risk offending you."
"You people really know how to do your homework."
Minato smiled faintly at Sayamiya Kaoru, then turned his eyes to the miko beside her.
Sayamiya quickly added, "Your Majesty, this is Mariya Yuri, a shrine maiden from the Nanagami Shrine."
"G-Greetings, Your Majesty," Mariya Yuri bowed a little nervously.
"Mhm."
Minato nodded in return.
He was actually quite familiar with Mariya Yuri.
But had she ever joined the History Compilation Committee?
Next to him, Rias was quietly observing the two girls as well.
Although they had been in contact before, she hadn't expected the reception to be handled by such young women.
It looked like the Committee had come well-prepared.
That thought made her glance at her fiancé with a strange expression.
This guy's reputation for being a lady-killer was clearly well-known.
Sigh.
She let out a barely audible sigh.
What did that make her, really?
The main wife helping the king collect more concubines?
That's just... depressing.
Noticing Rias's gaze, Sayamiya Kaoru remained unfazed, standing tall and poised, her figure on full display.
She smiled politely. "You must be Lady Rias. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Likewise," Rias responded with a graceful smile, her expression calm and elegant.
Then Sayamiya led them into the restaurant and seated them in the very center.
Looking at Minato, she said, "Since we weren't sure what Your Majesty preferred, I took the liberty of preparing a selection of dishes. I hope you won't mind."
"It's fine."
Minato waved his hand and looked around. "Looks like this place got a full remodel. And... there's no other guests?"
Sayamiya kept smiling. "From now on, Your Majesty will be this restaurant's only guest. It's only proper."
Minato gave her a long look.
So far…
There really wasn't anything to criticize.
"Alright, my time's valuable. Let's get to the point."
The food came out quickly.
Minato began eating as he spoke.
And to be honest, the food was excellent—better than even Erina Nakiri's cooking.
Clearly, they'd brought in a top-notch chef.
"Well, since Your Majesty insists," Sayamiya said respectfully, "The truth is, ever since your rise, some of the founding members of the Official History Compilation Committee have been hoping to meet with you."
"Founding members?" Rias raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you mean those guys from the Netherworld?"
"That's exactly who I mean," Sayamiya said helplessly. "I know it's bold of us to ask, but those old men can be such a pain—they're always trying to meddle in everything."
Rias lowered her voice, "As far as I know, there are rebellious gods in the Netherworld. We can't take them lightly."
Even though their country hadn't had a godslayer before…
The hidden forces behind the scenes were not to be underestimated.
Minato gave Rias a reassuring look, then turned coldly toward Sayamiya.
"If you know it's presumptuous, then you shouldn't have brought it up."
"I don't care who they are. If they want to see me, they can come themselves. What kind of idiots send someone else to pass a message like this?"
Sayamiya Kaoru: "..."
Mariya Yuri: "..."
Yeah, that's a king for you.
No matter how easygoing he might seem on the surface, he was still a king to the core.
"I was out of line," Sayamiya bowed deeply. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
"Well, since you're a pretty girl, I'll let it slide."
Minato shrugged. "Anything else?"
"There is," Sayamiya stood up seriously and performed a traditional bow. "We humbly ask that Your Majesty accept the allegiance of the Official History Compilation Committee, and allow us to serve you as subjects."
Neither Rias nor Minato looked surprised.
For a legitimate supernatural organization to swear loyalty to a king—it was practically routine at this point.
"Sure."
Minato nodded.
Having a local group take care of the little stuff would save him a lot of trouble.
"But who exactly is going to be the contact between us? I'm not interested in chasing you people down every time I need something."
Sayamiya instantly understood. "May I ask what kind of qualifications Your Majesty is looking for in an assistant?"
"I think she'll do just fine," Minato pointed straight at Mariya Yuri and said bluntly, "From now on, she'll be my contact. Anything I need, I'll let her know."
"As you command, my king."
Sayamiya nodded, then turned to Mariya with a serious expression. "Miss Mariya, from today forward, you will serve by His Majesty's side."
"Wha—?"
Mariya froze, completely thrown off.
Wait, what just happened? How did the conversation get to this point so fast?
You want me to follow this king?
But—no one told me anything about this!
Mariya clutched the fabric of her shrine maiden outfit, starting to panic.
A king?
The ruler of the earth, the one who could destroy everything... Can I really do this?
Not to mention… he's a demon.
If I mess up even once, our whole country might be wiped out!
Rias noticed the terrified look on Mariya's face and gave her a strange glance.
Did this shrine maiden seriously show up without any mental prep?
"What's wrong, Miss Shrine Maiden? Serving a demon like me too much for you?"
Minato said calmly, "If it's really that hard for you, I won't force it."
"..."
Mariya stiffened, then finally lowered her head.
"Of course not. Serving the king is my honor."
At this point, she had no room left to say no.
"....."