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[ Yuuto's POV ]
Azazel stretched out on the couch like he owned the place. Which, considering the summoning ticket had brought me here, he indeed did.
"Come on, kid. Sit down and have a drink with us" He patted the cushion beside him "You standing there will kill the vibe"
I glanced between him and Benemune. The woman had already settled into an armchair, crossing her legs with practiced grace. No hostile intent. Just curiosity wrapped in calculated interest.
"Alright" I said, moving to sit on the opposite end of the couch.
Benemune rose smoothly, heading to the bar cart. Crystal clinked against crystal as she selected a decanter filled with amber liquid "What's your preference?" she asked, pouring a generous amount into a glass for Azazel.
"Water's fine" I said before she could reach for another wine glass.
She paused mid-pour, turning to look at me with raised eyebrows "Water?"
"I don't drink" I replied simply "But I'll keep you both company"
Her smile widened, genuine amusement flickering in those orange eyes. She poured herself a drink, then grabbed a glass of water from a pitcher, handing it to me with a slight bow "Here you go, young devil"
"Thanks"
Azazel took his glass and downed half of it in one go, sighing contentedly "It feels great, having a good wine after a long day of paperwork"
I took a sip of water, letting the silence settle for a moment before asking "So, are you two a couple? Visiting town together?"
Azazel nearly choked on his drink. He coughed, then burst into laughter "Do I look young enough to be married to her?" He slammed his glass down on the table with a thud "She's my secretary. We're here on business"
Benemune smiled serenely, swirling her wine "Unfortunately for him, I have standards"
Azazel clutched his chest in mock betrayal.
Business visit, huh?
My mind started connecting dots. If Azazel was in town, that meant the timeline was moving forward. Kokabiel would be here soon, if he wasn't already. That psychotic Fallen Angel with a hard-on for restarting the Great War. And where Kokabiel went, Valper Galilei followed him, so soon enough I would be going back to my devil mode.
Freed was already dealt with. I'd made sure of that personally. The memory of his screams still brought a satisfied smirk to my face when I thought about it. No one knew about that little side quest except me and Asia. But someone would have replaced him. Someone would be wielding those stolen Excalibur fragments.
I wonder who will be that.
And the Church would send the exorcist duo soon.
Kokabiel? I could handle him now. With my current arsenal and Assault Mode, that war maniac would regret waging a war against us.
But Valper...
My jaw clenched involuntarily. That piece of shit wasn't getting a quick death. Not after what he'd done to all those innocent kids. I'd make sure his suffering would be way more painful than Freed.
I set my empty glass down on the table, the soft clink pulling me back to the present.
"So what kind of powers do devils have?" Azazel's voice had taken on a slightly slurred quality. The wine was hitting him faster than expected "Can you show us some?"
Benemune leaned forward, eyes bright with enthusiasm despite the flush on her cheeks "Yes! I'd love to see what you can do"
I fought back a smirk.
If I didn't know the plot, I'd probably believe they were just drunk and curious.
No secrets today, you sneaky fellows.
I extended my arm toward Azazel's wine glass. Demonic power flowed through me. The wine froze solid in seconds.
"I can do tricks like this" I said casually.
Benemune's eyes widened, leaning closer to inspect the frozen wine "Is that all you can do?" The excitement in her voice was almost childlike "Surely there's more?"
Azazel grinned, pointing at me with his glass "Come on, kid. You're keeping your best tricks up your sleeve, aren't you?"
I sighed, letting a hint of reluctance show "My master has forbidden me from showing my other powers to humans" I met Azazel's gaze directly "If I disobey, she'll give me a very strict punishment"
The lie rolled off my tongue smooth as silk. Rias would never restrict me like that, but they didn't need to know that.
Azazel deflated slightly, though the grin never left his face "Ah well, can't argue with orders from your superiors. Wouldn't want to get you in trouble"
"How long are you planning to stay in town?" I asked, shifting the conversation.
Benemune poured herself another drink, the bottle trembling slightly in her increasingly unsteady grip "Depends on how events unfold" Her words came out slower now, more careful "For now, we're just waiting for the perfect opportunity"
"Until then" Azazel added, slouching further into the couch "You'll be perfect for keeping us company"
Shit.
That meant he'd summon me more often while he was here. Under normal circumstances, that wouldn't be a problem. But I needed to avoid him until after I took Issei to meet Tiamat. Not that I was afraid of getting caught , but I don't want to be on guard every time I get summoned by him.
I needed a distraction.
Something to keep him occupied and away from summoning me every other night.
An idea sparked.
I stood up abruptly.
"Everything alright, kid?" Azazel asked, tilting his head.
"I'll be back in a moment"
The summoning circle on the floor flared briefly as I teleported back to my apartment. I grabbed the PlayStation from my room, unplugged everything, and bundled it under my arm along with the game I'd been saving.
When I arrived back in the living room seconds later, both Fallen Angels were staring at me with confused expressions.
I coughed, setting the PlayStation down on the table "Since you'll be staying in town for a while and don't want to be bored, I'd like to introduce you to something interesting"
Benemune blinked, tilting her head "What is it?"
"Just a moment"
I got to work connecting the console to their massive TV, threading cables and adjusting settings. Once everything was ready, I popped in the game disc and waited for the title screen to load.
"This" I said, gesturing to the screen as the haunting menu music filled the room "is Eldin King"
Yeah, this world's Elden Ring. The name was different, but surprisingly the game was still familiar, with it's 'simple' and 'easy' challenges.
Azazel squinted at the screen.
I handed him the controller "Want to give it a try?"
He scratched his head, turning the controller over in his hands "I've never played this before. But sure, let's see if it's as interesting as you say, kid"
I walked him through the basic controls.
Then he started playing.
The opening cinematic rolled, showing the Tarnished rising from death. Azazel leaned forward, paying attention despite being drunk. When the Grafted Scion dropped down and the boss health bar appeared, his eyes widened.
"What the—"
The Grafted Scion killed him in three hits.
"WHAT?!" Azazel nearly threw the controller.
"Don't worry, you don't have to kill him to continue"
He grumbled something, but he respawned and continued with his gameplay.
By the time he made it past the tutorial area, he was fully invested. The frustration on his face had transformed into genuine engagement. With his struggle against Grafted Scion, I bet he would be struggling a lot with Tree Sentinel.
But I know, for someone smart like Azazel, it won't be too much of a problem.
"How come I never came across this before?" he muttered, more to himself than to us.
I watched him stopping in front of the Tree Sentinel as I felt a presence beside me.
Benemune had moved closer, swaying slightly, her cheeks flushed from too much drinking "What about me?" Her voice came out with a playful pout, adorning her face "Did you not bring anything fun for me, young devil?"
I turned to face her "I could cook for you? You must be hungry after drinking so much without dinner"
Her eyes lit up as she smiled "Then please, surprise me"
---
Twenty minutes later, I returned from the kitchen carrying three plates. The aroma of perfectly seared steak filled the room, mixed with roasted garlic and herbs. I'd gone all out, pan-seared ribeye with a red wine reduction, roasted vegetables with balsamic glaze, and creamy mashed potatoes with butter.
Benemune's nose twitched. Her mouth literally watered as I set the plates down in front of her.
"This is beef Wellington-style steak" I explained, pointing to each dish "With a demi-glace sauce, honey-glazed carrots, and potatoes whipped with truffle butter"
"Enjoy the feast"
She picked up the fork and knife with the reverence of someone handling sacred artifacts. She sliced a piece of steak and lifted it to her mouth.
A delightful moan escaped her lips when she took the first bite.
She breathed, eyes closed in pure bliss.
Then she took another bite.
"This is so~"
I sat down across from her, trying very hard to focus on anything else. The painting on the wall. The sound of Azazel cursing at the Tree Sentinel. The texture of the couch leather under my hands. With each passing second, I was getting close to being defeated by Lady Lust.
But Benemune kept eating. And moaning with delight. Every single bite produced another sound of pure ecstasy that made my brain short-circuit.
"This is... incredible..."
The scene in front of me felt like watching her pleasuring herself, while her being totally unaware about me.
By the time she finished the third plate, my self-control was hanging by a thread. She collapsed back against the couch, a satisfied smile doned on her flushed face, eyes half-closed in contentment.
I let out a long breath.
No compensation tonight, apparently.
Azazel was still glued to the TV, death-gripping the controller as the Tree Sentinel killed him for what had to be the twentieth time "This damn horse knight! How is he moving like all this?!"
"You can come back later when you're stronger" I called over, but he was too proud to take on my generous offer.
"Like hell! I'm not moving ahead, kid. Not Before, I kill this bastard!!!"
Sigh, another one falls to this.
I glanced back at Benemune. She looked completely out of it, sprawled across the couch with that blissful expression still on her face.
I couldn't just leave without my compensation. That's not how contracts worked, according to the Devil rules.
I walked over and leaned down, gently poking her cheek "Hey Miss. I need the payment for the contract before I leave"
Her eyes opened slightly, unfocused and dreamy "Hmm?"
Then her hand shot up, grabbing my face with surprising strength for someone that drunk.
She pulled me down and kissed me.
My brain stuttered to a halt.
Her lips were soft, tasting of wine and something sweet. The kiss deepened, and I found myself not resisting. Her other hand tangled in my hair, keeping me in place as she explored my mouth with a thoroughness that suggested she'd been enjoying way more than me.
When we finally separated, five minutes later? Ten? Time had become meaningless for me, she smiled up at me with half-lidded eyes.
"This was the best night~" she murmured, voice barely above a whisper.
I straightened up, mind still processing what just happened.
That... could technically count as payment.
Right?
Azazel's frustrated screaming at the Tree Sentinel filled the room. Still completely absorbed in the game, oblivious to everything else.
"I'll be leaving now, now that contract is fulfilled" I said, more to myself than anyone. If I stay any longer, I might get caught up with the wrath of Azazel.
Benemune hummed contentedly from the couch, not really hearing me. She'd wrapped her arms around a cushion and was hugging it like a body pillow.
I moved to summon the teleportation circle when she stirred, reaching out to me all of a sudden.
"Wait..." She fumbled in her pocket, and took out a golden ring. Still drunk off her ass, she pressed it into my palm "Payment... thank you for your service...Young devil"
Then she wrapped her arms around me from behind in a loose hug, her breasts pressed against my back, while she mumbled something in my air, that I couldn't catch it.
I carefully separated her from myself, settling her back onto the couch in a position where she wouldn't choke if she threw up. But I doubt that. She seems to be experienced yet inexperienced drinker to me.
The ring had Intricate designs carved into the gold, probably worth a small fortune and a compensation for this contract.
"This Golden bastard is cheating!!!!" Azazel cursed, slamming the controller.
Once again, he was killed by the Tree Sentinel.
I summoned the magic circle beneath my feet, feeling the familiar pull of demonic teleportation, as the light enveloped me, my last sight was Azazel muttering curses at Sentinel while Benemune snored softly on the couch.
This was one of the weirdest contracts so far.
. . .
A/N : Is fic getting too boring?