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Bang!
Akemi Miyano slammed the door behind her, cheeks puffed in annoyance, and stomped down the stairs.
Muttering under her breath, she grumbled, "Ugh… so I'm the workhorse now, huh? Just you wait…"
Her voice dripped with resentment, but once she reached the first floor, she simply collapsed into a chair, looking utterly deflated.
Pathetic.
She scolded herself.If she'd just gone in swinging from the start, the problem would've been over in seconds. But the thought of doing it in front of so many people on her first try? No thanks.
With a sigh, Akemi decided to channel her frustration into productivity. She booted up her computer.
"Hmph, work? Please. Child's play."
Upstairs
"Master, I can feel it—my level just broke through!"
"Mine too! Why was it so fast this time?"
"Master, I've already reached Four-Wing Fallen Angel!"
Aside from Vermouth, every one of Edgar's familiars had just leveled up.Ordinarily, even with nonstop effort, another rank-up within a few days would've been impossible. But right now, they could all sense it—Master felt… stronger.
"Of course," Edgar said with a faint smile. "I've already surpassed your average demon king."
He let that hang for a moment before adding, "But if you want to keep leveling quickly, you'll have to put in the work yourselves."
A chorus of eager nods followed, their faces flushed with excitement. They dove into their tasks with renewed energy, wasting not a drop of breakthrough elixir.
Especially the Fallen Angel trio.The soul-deep punishment they'd endured had already stripped them of shame, and now that they'd ascended to Four Wings, their greed was practically spilling over.
Their intensity spurred the others on, which in turn pleased Edgar even more.
Downstairs
"Finally done. The client filter program's working."
Akemi shut down the computer and stretched.
That's when she heard clear footsteps outside the door.
Edgar's Exorcism Agency
Eriri Spencer Sawamura stood in front of the sign, flyer in hand.
Grand Opening – Edgar's Exorcism AgencyLadies Only. No Men Allowed.
She frowned.What kind of agency only takes female clients?Was this place even legit?
Still… the strange happenings at home wouldn't stop haunting her mind. She'd been to churches, shrines, even hired so-called specialists—all fakes. This was her last hope.
Biting her lip, she pushed the door open.
"Welcome, miss!"
Akemi got to her feet with a dazzling smile, though her eyes quietly sized the newcomer up.
Yep—this girl had a problem. The cursed energy clinging to her was thick, far more than what you'd get from a casual encounter.
And most importantly—she was cute.Akemi hadn't forgotten the real "goal" of opening this agency. Officially, it was to give the Master's familiars hands-on experience. In truth? A wide-net recruitment strategy for his growing harem.
And this one? Definitely in the "qualified candidate" category.
"You don't need to worry, miss," Akemi said warmly, guiding her to the sofa and pouring her a cup of tea. "We're professionals here."
Eriri hesitated. The woman in front of her certainly looked professional—but in a sharp, office-lady kind of way, not the spiritual-exorcist type she'd imagined.
Had she come to the wrong place?
Click. Click. Click.
Footsteps descended the stairs. Eriri turned instinctively—and froze.
A tall, well-dressed young man with messy black hair stepped into view, an air of quiet authority around him.
Edgar's eyes lit up at the sight of her. One glance at his system panel confirmed it—the demon contract icon was already flickering.
Perfect. Opening this agency had been the right call.
"Welcome," Edgar said with a polite smile. "I'm the owner here."
Then, without missing a beat, "Eriri, why don't we talk about the trouble you've been having?"
"You… know my name?" she asked, startled.
"Of course. I'm a student too, you know," he lied casually.
"Oh… I see." Eriri relaxed slightly and took a sip of tea. "Well, for the past few days, my things have been moving around my room on their own. And sometimes… I feel this icy, oppressive presence."
As the memory hit her, she wrapped her arms around herself, shivering.
"Don't worry," Edgar said, sliding a contract toward her. "Sign this, and we'll take care of it. If we can't, you won't pay a single yen."
That… actually sounded fair.
She picked up the pen and signed.
"By the way," she asked, "who's going to handle my case?"
"Whoever's most qualified," Edgar replied smoothly. "Which, as the president here, would be me."
"…Then I'll leave it in your hands."
Something about his confidence made Eriri feel safer already.
"..."
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