Chapter 9: The Price Is a Bit High
"And precisely because of this, I have a suggestion that I believe you'll find interesting."
"Go on."
Renga said.
"It's like this—do you remember when I had Koneko invite you before? Although you refused, I've reflected on the fact that not everyone needs the identity of a devil, so I've given up..."
Rias said solemnly.
Though it wasn't outwardly expressed, Renga's pride was palpable.
How could such an all-around talented individual join her ranks for no reason?
"A wise choice. If today's matter is still about that, I think we won't need to meet again in the future."
Renga said in a calm tone.
"Uh..."
Rias felt a slight tension in her heart.
In truth, she had originally intended to ask again, but after sensing Renga's underlying meaning, she decisively cut ties with her past self.
After all, Renga was different from her current servants.
Koneko, Akeno, Kiba, and even Gaspar had all agreed to her invitation due to various reasons—they were homeless and harbored deep-seated grudges.
Although Renga was alone, he not only possessed great strength but also lived a comfortable life in a large house.
It was clear that without any other desires, how could she possibly succeed in recruiting him?
Meanwhile, Akeno and Koneko showed no reaction.
They already knew Renga's temperament and understood that his words carried no ill intent.
"This is the situation—we plan to cooperate with you."
Rias cleared her throat and then spoke.
"As the lord overseeing Kuoh City, you should already know this. However, for some reason, over the past two and a half years, criminal activities in this city have become increasingly rampant. Reports of ghouls, cursed spirits, ghosts, rogue exorcists, and stray devils occur almost every few days."
"But as you can see, the only people I currently have at my disposal are Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno. We're already stretched thin just keeping an eye on angels and fallen angels. Even if we split up to act separately, our efficiency is still insufficient. So, I hope you can assist us from the sidelines."
"Specific details?"
Renga asked.
This really aligned with what he had been thinking.
Then he saw Rias take out an obsidian badge engraved with the Gremory family crest: "This is a communication tool. In case of emergencies, a familiar will contact you. You're free to choose whether to accept the request. If you complete it, we will pay you, of course. If you want other forms of compensation, that's possible too."
Hearing this, Renga nodded.
"Alright, then I'll take this."
Seeing Renga accept the badge, Rias was overjoyed.
After all, this truly solved her urgent need.
Having Renga assist from the sidelines was entirely for work purposes, with no ulterior motive of recruiting him.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."
Renga said.
"Mm, by the way, here's a gift specifically for little Esther. Please accept it."
Just as Renga knew their secrets, he had no intention of hiding Esther's existence from them.
Therefore, Rias, Sona, and the others all knew that Renga had a sword familiar.
Moreover, it could take human form and was quite adorable.
"Then I'll thank you all on Esther's behalf."
Renga didn't stand on ceremony either.
Afterward, Renga stood up to leave. Seeing this, Koneko exchanged a look with Rias before following him out.
The door closed.
Akeno narrowed her eyes and looked at Rias, who seemed drained, then said with a laugh, "Rias, have you really given up?"
"What else can I do? No matter how generous the conditions I offer, Renga would never agree. If I were in his position, I'd do the same."
Rias leaned back tiredly on the sofa, the movement causing her ample chest to sway in a startling manner.
"You've grown, Rias. You're not the same little girl you used to be."
Akeno spoke with approval.
"If it were the old you, you would have tried every possible way to recruit him."
"I'm calling this strategic retreat. Blocking isn't as effective as guiding. If I actually ended up offending Renga because of this, I'd feel terrible."
Rias sighed.
"After all, he really is outstanding, even without combat abilities."
"Actually, I have an idea. If you propose it, Rias, he might just agree."
Akeno said mysteriously.
"What is it?"
"Have you marry Renga-kun, Rias. After all, pillow talk is the most effective. You wouldn't even need to form a familiar contract, as the Gremory family's son-in-law, he'd naturally stand by your side no matter what, right?"
"That joke isn't funny, Akeno."
Rias shot her a glare.
But truth be told, this proposal actually seemed like it might work.
The cost was just a bit high, she'd have to sacrifice herself in the process.