Shiho's eyes flew wide, a flash of terror crossing them.
Kaiser had actually shoved her forward to take the bullets?
He was utterly shameless.
Wait.
He wasn't human—he was a devil.
Even so...
She still wanted to curse him out.
But with the bullets hurtling closer, growing larger in her vision, there was no time for second thoughts.
What do I do?
How do I handle this?
Right.
I'm a devil now.
I have demonic power.
She thrust her hand out, a spark of confidence flickering in her eyes.
Then!
Her expression twisted into indignant despair.
How exactly was she supposed to use demonic power?
She'd only just become a devil—she didn't know the first thing about it.
Whiz! Whiz! Whiz!
The bullets were inches away, looming huge before her.
"Damn it—I don't want to die here!"
Almost instinctively, Shiho's hands flailed wildly.
Clink! Clank!
To the stunned disbelief of the men in black, her arms blurred into afterimages—and she caught every bullet barehanded.
"Th-this... how...?"
"How did she do that?"
Everyone except Kaiser stared, eyes bulging as if they might pop out.
Shiho snapped back to reality, gazing at the bullets in her palms in utter disbelief. "I... actually did that?"
"See? Never judge us by human standards."
Kaiser shrugged casually.
At his words, Shiho shot him a withering look. "That still doesn't excuse pushing me out front."
"What, as my servant, you're going to hide behind your master?"
Kaiser replied with perfect confidence.
Servants needed proper training if their master was going to reap the benefits.
Besides, bullets like those couldn't even scratch her now.
"Enough dwelling on it—they're trying to escape."
Shiho refocused, noticing the guards' movements.
Hesitation flickered in her eyes.
Kaiser reminded her gently, "Never show mercy to enemies."
"The organization isn't destroyed yet. If word gets out, it could put the people close to you in danger."
Shiho froze, then steeled her gaze.
Right—she still had her sister.
No more hesitation.
She hurled the bullets back.
Though merely thrown, they flew faster than when fired.
Splat! Splat!
Blood sprayed.
The men in black collapsed without even a scream.
"How does it feel—your first kill?"
Shiho fell silent for a moment, then shook her head. "Not great."
"You were human until recently. That's normal."
Kaiser patted her shoulder. "Don't worry—you'll get used to it after a few more."
"And the rest in the facility—I'll leave them to you."
Shiho: "..."
"Hah, just kidding."
Shiho gave him a flat stare. "Mr. Kaiser, could you stop with jokes like that?"
"Only if you drop the 'Mr.'"
Kaiser blinked innocently, grinning. "Shouldn't you be changing how you address me by now?"
Shiho paused, cheeks tinting pink as she murmured, "M-master."
The word felt strangely embarrassing.
Kaiser savored it for a moment.
Hmm.
Being called "master" for the first time wasn't half bad.
Then, with a casual wave toward the facility—
Hum.
A magic circle bloomed across the ground.
In the next instant, towering flames roared skyward.
"All done. Time to head home."
Shiho: "???"
"Don't get the wrong idea—it's just part of looking after my servant."
Kaiser explained. "You're a devil now. You don't seriously think angels and exorcists aren't real, do you?"
Though Shiho's power was nearing Mid-Class Devil, she couldn't even control basic demonic energy yet. He genuinely didn't feel safe leaving her alone.
"F-fine."
After a brief hesitation, she nodded.
He had a point.
And with the lab destroyed, staying in a hotel wasn't an option.
The organization might track her down that way.
She wasn't afraid of them anymore, but she needed to confirm her sister's safety first.
"But... no funny business."
"I'll try my best."
Kaiser spread his hands innocently.
"..."
Shiho's mouth twitched.
It was too late to back out now, wasn't it?
Had she walked straight into the tiger's den?
...
Ten minutes later.
In front of a spacious villa.
Kaiser double-checked the address against the building.
"Master, is this really your place?"
Shiho eyed him suspiciously.
She half-expected him to barge in, eliminate the original owner, and unilaterally declare it devil territory.
"What kind of nonsense are you imagining?"
Kaiser unlocked the door with his key. "It really is mine."
Though, technically, this was his first time seeing it since arriving in the human world.
Shiho breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
Indiscriminate killing wasn't something she could stomach.
Inside, the villa was fully equipped with modern appliances.
"Not bad—the fridge is even stocked with fresh ingredients."
Opening the refrigerator door warmed Kaiser's heart.
No need to guess—this was Grayfia's doing.
He pulled out a few items, noticing Shiho watching him with surprise.
"What? Something on my face?"
"No, just... surprised."
Shiho shook her head. "A devil who cooks?"
Cleaning the ingredients at the sink, Kaiser replied without turning. "Taking care of yourself is a basic devil skill, you know."
In both lives, he'd known his way around a kitchen.
This time, he'd learned for Grayfia's sake.
Last time, to save money.
Come to think of it...
He was starting to miss some of those Eastern dishes.
Shiho settled on the sofa and pulled out her phone, dialing Akemi Miyano.
"Shiho? Calling at this hour—missing your big sister already?"
A warm voice answered.
"Sis... um..."
On the other end, Akemi set aside what she was doing, brow furrowing slightly.
"You're hesitating. Did something happen?"
Shiho paused, then said, "It's hard to explain over the phone. Could you come to Kuoh Town?"
"Of course. I'll head over right away."
"Okay. Be careful, sis."
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