Occult Research Club.
The magic circle for receiving commissions glowed, drawing Rias and the others' attention.
"Roy, you're back."
Rias greeted him, then glanced at the pink-haired girl behind him. "Who's this…?"
"The client for this commission."
"Hi, everyone. I'm Aine Chihaya."
Nervously introducing herself, Aine stepped out of the magic circle with Roy.
Unable to pay for a wish, and with her poor English, Aine decided to return home.
Since Roy was heading back to Kuoh Town after negotiating with Le Fay, he brought her along.
For a fee, of course.
"Mr. Roy, I sent the money."
"Got it."
Roy tossed her a business card. "Next time you summon me, have the cash ready. I'll give you a 98% discount for being a repeat client."
With your prices, who'd dare summon you again?
Glancing at her drained savings, Aine pocketed the card, grumbling inwardly.
But the cost was worth it.
With Roy's help, she saved tons of travel time.
Bidding Roy farewell, Aine left the Occult Research Club under everyone's gaze.
Rias turned to Roy. "Any surprises with this commission?"
"Yup."
Roy recounted the events briefly.
"The local overseer was killed?"
Rias nodded, understanding why they got a London commission. "I've heard the Khaos Brigade's been attacking devils. Didn't expect it to hit us. We'll need to be careful with commissions."
Roy grinned. "If you're unsure about one, pass it to me. I don't mind trouble."
"I noticed. Most people don't sign contracts with terrorists," Rias said, exasperated, recalling Roy's story.
"When are you meeting that Meredith magician?"
"Three days from now," Roy replied. "Le Fay wants to mediate a meeting between us before she leaves."
…
Meanwhile, London, Pendragon Estate.
"Le Fay, you're back."
Arthur paused his sword practice, looking at the arriving girl. "You're late today. Run into trouble?"
"Yeah, sensed a devil's presence and took a detour to check."
Arthur: "A devil? The Underworld sent someone already?"
Le Fay shook her head. "Not from the Underworld. He came from out of town after a commission, since the local overseer died."
"I dealt with him. No traces left."
"Got it."
Arthur trusted his sister without question.
But…
"With devils vanishing in London, the Underworld will notice soon."
"To avoid issues, we might need to join Cao Cao's group early."
Early?
Le Fay froze, recalling her deal with Roy.
"What's wrong?" Arthur asked, noticing her reaction. "Got unfinished business in London?"
Le Fay nodded. "I promised… Meredith we'd eat together in three days."
"Then we'll leave in three days."
"Huh? That's okay?"
"Yup, no problem," Arthur replied, looking away.
Though Le Fay was hiding something, it didn't matter.
Her feelings outweighed the risk of Cao Cao's group being exposed.
…
Three days later, London.
Roy arrived at a restaurant for the meeting.
"Mr. Roy, over here."
Le Fay waved from a corner.
Unlike her magician attire from their first meeting, she wore a white dress today.
Golden hair cascaded down her back, her fair skin radiant, exuding a princess-like charm.
Beside her, Meredith was equally dressed up.
A moon-white blouse paired with a deep teal skirt, topped with a wide-brimmed felt hat, she radiated gentle elegance.
"Long time no see, Le Fay."
Reciting scripted lines, Roy sat across from them. "Heard you found me a promising contractor. This young lady?"
"First meeting, Mr. Roy."
Meredith, pre-briefed with 'insider info,' introduced herself. "I'm Meredith Ardington, a Golden Dawn magician like Le Fay."
"Yup, I heard."
Roy sipped the coffee on the table. "Meredith, I hear you're skilled in sealing magic. True?"
"It's true, but I only excel at sealing magic. My other magic is average."
"That's enough. I'm building a faction and need sealing magic experts to manage things. Interested?"
"Can you tell me about compensation first?"
"Of course."
Roy pulled out a prepared contract and handed it to Meredith. "Two benefits."
"First, power growth. I can unlock your potential for rapid strength gains."
"Second, renewal rights. When this contract ends, you can sign again with me."
"…That's it?"
Meredith frowned.
Roy's pitch sounded like empty promises, unreliable.
"Mr. Roy, I think the compensation could be sweeter," Le Fay said, signaling him to up the ante.
Roy nodded, understanding, and opened his entry inventory, selecting a Green entry. "I get why you think my offer's light."
"How about this? I'll unlock Le Fay's potential first to show you the results."
Le Fay: "?"
Wait, this isn't in the script!
Wasn't it supposed to take three lines to win Meredith over?
"Le Fay, cool with that?"
Roy winked.
"…Fine."
Le Fay forced a smile.
No turning back now.
Setting an isolation barrier around them, Le Fay took a deep breath. "Let's do it, Mr. Roy."
"I'm ready."
"Relax, it'll be quick."
Roy placed a hand on Le Fay's head, muttering cryptic chants he barely understood, then shouted, "Super-Tier Magic: [Potential Unleash]!"
Buzz!
A palm-sized magic circle appeared, stirring a breeze.
At the same moment, Roy, having set the mood, slotted in the entry.
[Entry granted successfully. Click to view target's panel.]
Boom!
A deafening roar erupted.
Under Roy's gaze, a massive, terrifying surge of mana burst from Le Fay.
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If you want to read more than 20 chapters early feel free to visit pa tre on . com /Archus