Sona glared at the unknown man wearing a black helmet, trying to peer through it. As she expected, there was a strong perception-blocking spell on it. 'So he's not here to rob the place?'
While the news about the "Crimson Apocalypse Thieving Group" was hidden from the public, it circulated widely among the higher echelons. Despite her reduced influence, as the head of the Sitri Household, she still received privileged information from her friends.
'Class B criminal, but with the highest-class danger rating and suspected to be an Etoulde. They're all scrambling to find him and his comrades, but no information matches them. A ticking time bomb that appeared out of nowhere.'
With the mystery surrounding this group and the volatile situation within and outside Draconic Deus, they triggered one of the largest searches in history. 'Many are looking for him to take advantage of him.'
Despite its name, The United Armies were not united. Many factions vied for supremacy, with the biggest contenders being Indra and Shiva. Only the damage caused by the Evies three decades ago and the balancing power of the Tri-Faction Alliance prevented a full-scale civil war. 'But everyone has more or less recovered by now, and the Etouldes have started taking sides. This guy might just become the spark.'
Sona stayed silent for a while, but Kisuke patiently waited. Eventually, she put down her water blade and said, "This isn't the right way to secure an appointment with me."
"You say that, but there isn't really a 'right' way since you turn everyone away," Kisuke shrugged. "But well, I'd say this is a success since I met you."
Sona sighed but grew curious. "Alright. Come in. I'll at least hear you out." She had nothing to lose at this point. Sometimes, she thought it would be easier to disappear entirely; only her burning desire for revenge—and for closure—kept her going.
Sona initiated a Teleportation Magic, bringing Kisuke along with her.
A few seconds later, they appeared in a room that looked like Sona's office, cluttered with stacks of papers.
Kisuke glanced around. "Do you hate electronics?"
"If people want to contact me, they'll use Magic. Electronics are just an entryway for those who want to monitor me," Sona replied, taking her seat. "You can sit anywhere. I apologize for the lack of hospitality; this place isn't equipped for that anymore."
Kisuke found a seat and sat down. "I don't mind. I'm not here for pleasantries."
After clearing her table a bit, Sona asked, "Are you not going to remove that stuffy helmet?"
"No. Despite how it looks, I made sure it's comfortable," Kisuke replied, glancing at a stack of white envelopes on her desk bearing a familiar insignia. 'Hold on… Is that Aurelius' insignia?'
Because the guy who tried assassinating Stralit in the underground maze and possessed Earth Manipulation ability came from this clan, he recognized the insignia. 'Why am I seeing it here?' In their original world, the Luxeux Clan's matriarch had annihilated this same clan, so he'd long forgotten about them.
Even though he wore a helmet, Sona noticed where his gaze went. She quickly swiped the envelopes off the table and placed them in a drawer. "So, who sent you here?"
"Sent me here?" Kisuke echoed her question. "You think someone else sent me?"
Sona leaned back. "Otherwise, I can't think of any reason for you to seek me out."
"I just want to strike a deal with you."
"I see. Then you can forget it. How could I possibly trust someone who can't even show his face?"
"Trust? Do we really need that if we're just exchanging results?"
Sona was about to retort but paused, realizing there was some truth to his words. She changed her approach. "And what can you do for me? I can spy on people without your help."
"Treating your father's sleeping disease," Kisuke said bluntly. But as soon as he finished, he felt a dense killing intent emanating from Sona.
With a huge sarcastic smile and her Demonic Power flaring up, she asked, "In exchange for what? Do you want me to marry you too?"
[Oh my~ Looks like this is easier than we thought. Just say yes.] Benihime teased.
'Shut up. Something's off here, but I can't pinpoint it,' Kisuke thought. Though unaffected by Sona's sudden hostility, he was still surprised. 'So they really proposed to her like that? Could it be that Aurelius?'
Remaining casual, Kisuke leaned back. "Sounds interesting, but I don't really need it."
Sona kept her hostility and sarcasm. "So what is it? Who do I need to betray for your gracious help?"
Kisuke didn't answer immediately, taking a moment to observe the bravado Sona was putting on. "Well, to be honest, I came here without a solid plan. I was just hoping to offer a better deal than others. How about you owe me a favor, and when the right time comes, I'll tell you what it is?"
Sona's eyes widened, her hostility vanishing as she tried to process his words. "Huh?"
"Hmmm… You know what? I'll also leave the decision to accept or reject that favor to you. With this, I should have the best bid, right?"