The docks at the port.
"So, the two of you have betrayed the organization after all?"
Vermouth's eyes sharpened as she overheard the exchange between Kaiser and Akemi.
At the same moment, the men in black behind her demonstrated their professional training, shifting into action.
Click, click.
The surroundings fell eerily silent, broken only by the lapping of waves against the pier.
"You're not seriously telling me you came here with just the three of you?"
Vermouth recovered, a strange expression crossing her face.
"More than enough to deal with you."
"With Master here, even the entire organization could be crushed effortlessly."
Akemi and Shiho spoke one after the other.
The odds were so overwhelmingly in their favor—they couldn't imagine losing.
"I don't know where this confidence comes from."
Vermouth shook her head and waved lightly. "But betrayal demands a price."
"Take them."
At her command, the men in black moved.
"Shiho, you're up."
"Yes, Master."
Shiho nodded, raising one hand gracefully.
Hum!
Brilliant light flared as a pale blue magic circle materialized in the air.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
In the next instant, several wind blades tore through the night, slicing cleanly across the guards.
The men froze in place, eyes wide with terror and shock.
They glanced down instinctively—visible gashes blooming across their bodies.
Splat! Splat! Splat!
Blood sprayed as every guard was bisected.
"..."
Cold sweat beaded on Vermouth's forehead as she stared, horror etched across her features.
Akemi gazed at the strewn corpses, equally stunned.
She hadn't expected Shiho to strike—and with such overwhelming power.
Did that mean...
She could wield strength like this too?
Kaiser turned to Vermouth, a faint smile curving his lips. "Vermouth, was it? Let's have a chat."
At his words, Vermouth shuddered.
Without hesitation, she spun to flee.
But the moment she moved, her body locked up.
An inexplicable pressure enveloped her completely.
A chilling certainty gripped her heart: one more step, and death awaited.
"Just a warning. I'm sure you won't do anything foolish again."
The pressure vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.
Thud!
Vermouth's legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the cold concrete.
Kaiser stepped over the bodies and approached, gently lifting her chin with a finger.
A pale, strikingly beautiful face met his gaze.
Her chest heaved with fear, the pale expanse nearly straining against her clothing.
In this tense moment, her alluring curves exuded an unexpected, almost intoxicating sensuality.
Even Kaiser felt his interest pique.
"Wh-who exactly are you?"
"What have you done to Shiho Miyano?"
Vermouth's voice trembled slightly as she regained some composure, unease evident.
Kaiser ran his fingers through her golden hair, smiling faintly. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Kaiser—a devil."
"As for Shiho... she's my devil servant now."
"D-devil?"
Vermouth stared in disbelief.
But those wind blades had been no illusion.
"So you'd better behave."
Shiho leaned in, sleek black wings unfurling from her back.
"..."
Vermouth's pupils contracted sharply.
Her entire worldview had been upended.
After a long silence, she let out a bitter laugh and raised her hands in surrender.
"Fine. Whatever you want from me, I'll cooperate."
Kaiser smirked. "You're quite sensible."
"What choice do I have? You're a legendary devil, after all."
Vermouth sighed. "A mere human can't possibly resist you."
"Then you know where the organization's headquarters is?"
"Yes—but that person is always there. I'll need to make arrangements."
"You seem to know exactly what I have in mind."
Vermouth offered a wry smile. "Akemi did say she wanted to destroy the organization."
"That's my wish too, actually."
She meant it sincerely.
She'd once planned to wait for a certain "silver bullet."
But with devils involved now, what did that even matter?
Kaiser patted her head lightly, smiling. "Then I'll leave it all to you. Don't disappoint me."
With those words...
A magic circle flashed.
Kaiser and the others vanished from the docks.
Back in the standalone villa...
Vermouth stared blankly.
So this was the power of a devil.
"Where... is this?"
"My home."
Kaiser gave a brief introduction, gesturing for her to pick any room.
He was growing fonder of this villa by the day.
With so many spacious rooms...
It would easily accommodate everyone as his household expanded.
...
Shiho slipped into Kaiser's room, her gaze drifting uncertainly.
"Master, I still need to teach Akemi more magic."
"Have you forgotten what you promised me earlier?"
Kaiser lounged in his chair, casually placing the bedroom key on his lap.
At the reminder, Shiho's body gave a slight shiver.
She'd lost her head for a moment.
If she hadn't spoken up...
This lecherous master would have claimed her sister anyway.
It was too late for regrets now.
She bit her lip, ears burning crimson, but finally nodded. "I-I know. I won't go back on my word."
Kaiser's posture straightened instantly.
An indescribable sense of conquest surged through him.
In the next moment, his intent sharpened as he smiled faintly. "That's my good servant."
Shiho met his gaze, eyes brimming with shy embarrassment.
Yet deep within, a trace of inexplicable excitement flickered.
As if some hidden part of her... anticipated what was to come.
Then...
Like a cautious kitten, she slowly crawled toward him.
Her fingers brushed lightly against the key.
That familiar scent and heat enveloped her completely.
If you want to read more than 20 chapters early feel free to visit patreon.com /Archus