Guided by his memories of the plot, Shuo navigated Kuoh Town's winding streets, searching for Xenovia and Irina.
He found them not in the midst of battle, but embroiled in a heated argument on a sun-bleached sidewalk—both looking utterly defeated. Their mission funds had vanished, spent on "saintly" portraits that were, in hindsight, anything but holy.
"This is all your fault, Irina!" Xenovia snapped, arms folded. "We're broke because you just had to buy those ridiculous pictures. Now we don't have a single yen left!"
Irina pouted, chin jutting out. "Excuse me! Those were portraits of saints. It's called faith, Xenovia!"
"Faith?" Xenovia shot back, glaring. "I've never seen a saint in the Bible look like that."
Irina's eyes darted away, cheeks coloring. "W-Well, maybe it was a modern interpretation…"
A heavy silence fell. Irina slumped against the wall, sliding down until she was crouched on the pavement, her voice edged with despair. "Why is everyone in this country so heartless? Can't someone have a little compassion for two starving girls?"
Xenovia let out a long sigh, her tone dry. "At this rate, we'll starve before we even get a shot at our mission."
No leads on the missing Holy Swords. No money. Not even enough dignity left to argue properly. Xenovia could only laugh bitterly. "Maybe we should just find Kokabiel. If we're going to die, better on the job than in the gutter."
Irina groaned. "I can't believe this is my life…"
Just as they were about to drag themselves onward, a shadow fell over them.
"Well, well. If it isn't the famous Church duo?" Shuo's voice was all smug amusement as he sauntered up, hands in his pockets. "Didn't you two have a mission to complete? Or are you moonlighting as beggars now?"
The girls looked up, startled. Irina's face twisted in annoyance. "Oh, it's you. Here to rub it in?"
Shuo grinned, eyes glinting with mischief. "Who, me? I'm not that cruel. But you two do look pretty pathetic."
Without another word, he produced a large bag of Koneko's special dried fish from seemingly nowhere and tore into it, savoring every bite right in front of them.
Both girls stared, stomachs audibly rumbling. Even stoic Xenovia couldn't help but swallow.
Shuo's eyes sparkled with an idea. He pulled out two more packs of dried fish and dangled them temptingly. "Well? Want some?"
Irina and Xenovia exchanged wary glances, suspicion written all over their faces.
"For us?" Irina narrowed her eyes. "Since when are you so generous? What's the catch?"
Shuo rolled his eyes. "Relax. Even if you teamed up, you couldn't take me down. What could I possibly want from you?"
Irina hesitated, then muttered, "He's got a point, Xenovia…"
She turned back to Shuo. "You're really giving these to us?"
"Take them. Seriously. Eat." Shuo's smile was disarmingly genuine.
Irina snatched the dried fish, quickly passing one to Xenovia. In seconds, both girls were wolfing down the food, eyes shining with gratitude.
"Oh, thank the Lord, real food! I knew our prayers would be answered!"
"Praise be!" Xenovia echoed, mouth full.
Shuo watched, deadpan. "You know, I'm the one who fed you. Maybe a little gratitude my way?"
But the girls were too busy devouring their meal to reply.
When they'd finally slowed down, Shuo leaned in, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "How about we make a deal?"
Xenovia's eyes narrowed. "What kind of deal?"
"You two become my maids. I'll provide food and a place to stay until you find Kokabiel and finish your mission. Sound fair?"
Irina recoiled, scandalized. "What?! Be your maid? In your dreams! I'd rather starve!"
But Xenovia, ever the pragmatist, lowered her gaze in thought. After a moment, she looked up, resolve set in her eyes. "Fine. I accept."
Irina gaped at her. "Xenovia! You can't be serious—selling your dignity for a few snacks?!"
Shuo clapped his hands, delighted. "Now that's what I call adaptability. You see, Irina, real warriors know when to bend so they don't break."
He leaned closer, stage-whispering, "Would you rather die of pride, or live to finish your mission?"
Irina bit her lip, eyes brimming with tears. "…Fine. I'll do it. I'll be your maid."
"Excellent!" Shuo grinned. "First things first, let's get you two a proper meal. You look like you're about to faint—your, uh, assets are shrinking by the minute."
Irina's face turned scarlet. "P-Pervert!" She crossed her arms protectively over her chest.
Shuo feigned innocence. "Hey, I'm just saying—if you're going to wear maid outfits, you need to fill them out properly. It's a matter of aesthetics."
Xenovia shot him a look that was equal parts exasperated and bemused.
After a hearty meal, Shuo led the girls to a boutique specializing in maid uniforms.
The moment they stepped inside, a chorus of sweet voices greeted them: "Welcome home, Master!"
For a split second, Shuo felt a pang of regret that he hadn't visited a place like this sooner.
Irina clung to Xenovia's arm, looking ready to bolt. "Why are we here? What's with all these maids?"
Shuo winked. "We're shopping for your new uniforms, of course. And remember—call me Master, or I'll have to punish you."
Irina groaned. "Xenovia, I have a really bad feeling about this…"
Xenovia just sighed.
Shuo, meanwhile, whispered instructions to the shop attendant, picking out outfits with suspicious enthusiasm.
Soon after, the trio left the store, Shuo carrying several bags with a gleam in his eye.
"Heheheh. Once we get home, you two are changing into those maid outfits I picked out. No complaints."
Hearing this, both Xenovia and Irina shivered, a chill running down their spines.
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