After becoming a devil, Shiho had thrown herself into training.
Beyond magic, she'd chosen a blade for close combat.
Her first lesson: the care and maintenance of her weapon.
It was grueling physical work.
Shiho's breathing grew heavier with each motion.
Cleaning required meticulous attention—to truly resonate with the blade.
Sharpening followed, honing its edge to lethal perfection.
Finally came practice and application.
...
Outside the door.
Akemi froze mid-step, magic tome clutched in her hands.
She'd come to ask her sister for guidance on spells, only to stumble upon this blade-training session.
After a moment's hesitation, she edged closer.
Everything about devils fascinated her.
But gradually...
A deep flush spread across Akemi's skin.
Her body trembled faintly as she hunched forward involuntarily.
A long moment later...
She quietly cleaned the floor before slipping away with utmost care.
Downstairs.
"Oh my, you were gone quite a while."
Vermouth propped her chin on her hand, smirking like a fox as she listened to the sounds from above.
Akemi's body tensed.
She'd been so absorbed that she'd forgotten the woman's presence.
Disaster.
Had Vermouth figured everything out?
This was mortifying.
Akemi inwardly panicked but forced a calm facade.
No matter what, she couldn't lose composure.
Still...
A cool draft reminded her of her predicament.
She desperately wanted a bath.
It was all Shiho's fault.
Vermouth blinked playfully. "Quite the show, wasn't it?"
"No idea what you're talking about."
Akemi rolled her eyes.
Vermouth sniffed delicately, her expression turning wry. "Seems it really was quite the spectacle."
Akemi's embarrassment peaked.
She could smell that?
Did this woman have a dog's nose?
Vermouth gazed at Akemi with open envy.
"You're incredibly lucky, you know—running into someone like Mr. Kaiser."
Though their time together had been brief...
Through subtle probing, she'd pieced together the truth.
Both sisters had become devils.
It was...
A leap straight to the heavens.
Unconsciously, she recalled the power Shiho had displayed.
Thump! Thump thump!
Vermouth's heartbeat quickened.
She glanced meaningfully at Akemi.
If they could do it...
Why couldn't she?
It all depended on whether Mr. Kaiser would accept her.
...
The next morning.
Kaiser descended the stairs hand-in-hand with Shiho.
Her skill at "maintaining" her blade had improved so much that even he had been captivated all night.
In the living room downstairs...
Akemi's face flushed crimson the moment she saw them.
The sounds had echoed through the entire night.
Was that even humanly possible?
No...
They were devils.
That explained it.
On the other side...
Vermouth's eyes flickered as she took in the scene.
Without hesitation, she approached Kaiser and dropped to her knees.
"Lord Kaiser, Vermouth wishes to pledge her loyalty to you."
Kaiser's expression shifted as he regarded her with a half-smile.
Vermouth stiffened instantly, barely daring to breathe.
As the silence stretched...
Her unease mounted.
Fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
Kaiser's continued silence made the room feel increasingly oppressive.
The mysterious pressure left her struggling for air.
Had she failed?
Would she be silenced now?
Shiho and Akemi watched quietly.
They held no fondness for Vermouth.
There was no real grudge between them...
But they knew full well she was a genuine witch.
Still...
Whether to accept a servant was Master's decision alone.
As his servants, their role was simple: obey without question. They wouldn't interfere.
After what felt like an eternity...
Kaiser noted the glowing Devil Contract on his panel and asked calmly, "Still untouched?"
"Absolutely. No one has ever laid a finger on me."
"Good. I accept."
Vermouth's eyes widened as her taut body relaxed in relief.
Only then did she realize...
She was drenched in sweat.
A look of survival washed over her face.
Moments ago...
She'd truly despaired, convinced her death was imminent.
Thank goodness she'd always kept herself pure.
Composing herself, she flashed Kaiser a flattering smile.
Kaiser stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Come to think of it...
Every candidate he'd encountered so far—regardless of potential—had one thing in common.
They were all virgins.
Was purity somehow a requirement for the Devil Contract?
He turned to Vermouth, a smile playing on his lips.
Truth be told, he'd had his eye on her from the start.
He'd planned to wear down her pride a bit.
But she'd proven remarkably compliant—saving him the effort.
Kaiser looked down at her imperiously. "Remove your outer clothing."
Vermouth didn't hesitate, moving immediately.
She hadn't witnessed a reincarnation ritual and didn't know his exact intent.
But now...
Even a second's delay would be disrespectful to a devil.
If Lord Kaiser commanded it, she would comply without question.
In fact, she added a little flourish of her own.
Shiho and Akemi's eyelids twitched at the sight.
Akemi couldn't help speaking up. "Master only said outer clothing."
"Hm?"
Vermouth blinked innocently. "Did he?"
"Could I have misheard?"
She gazed pitifully at Kaiser.
"No issue at all. It doesn't interfere."
Kaiser nodded appreciatively as he watched.
Vermouth's movements quickened.
In the end, she stood fully bared before him.
Though her face burned hot with embarrassment.
She might be called a witch...
But she was still a woman.
For the first time in her life...
Exposing herself like this to a man.
Even with mental preparation, the shame was overwhelming.
If you want to read more than 20 chapters early feel free to visit patreon.com /Archus