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🕑 Added 2024-09-08 04:41:30 +0000 UTCSaigou's words deeply stirred Natsuki Minamiya.
After a moment's hesitation, she composed herself and said, "This is my contract with the island management."
"Since the contract has been signed, I will see it through to completion. Moreover, becoming a component of the Prison Barrier was voluntary on my part."
"Seeing that I adhere to the contract, as a devil, shouldn't you be gratified? At least with me, even a devil's contract will not be breached."
Saigou sat beside Natsuki, inhaling the faintly youthful scent of milk mingled with a touch of mature fragrance from her. He shrugged and replied:
"Whether you breach the contract or not is of no concern to me. If you keep to it, then I shall abide by it as well."
"If you were to breach the contract, I would merely decapitate you and then consume this world."
"Honestly, I look forward to seeing the world wail in despair, watching all living beings cower in the face of aging. That is a scene I would anticipate."
"Thus, I actually hope you will breach the contract with the devil, Natsuki-chan."
Saigou's smile was full of mockery, as if he were truly encouraging Natsuki to break the contract.
Of course, his words were a pretense. For Saigou, maintaining the current state was ideal.
As long as Natsuki remained, and their contract persisted, he could continuously draw the world's vitality through her as an anchor, nourishing himself.
This was why Saigou had remained so quiet since arriving in this world, avoiding unnecessary trouble.
If doing nothing fulfilled his growth needs, why should he engage in conflict?
This was Saigou's version of financial freedom: achieving his goals while idly relaxing. Who would want to work if they could achieve their objectives with ease?
Hence, he needed to use words to deceive Natsuki into believing his statements, making her more cautious in upholding their agreement.
"Hmph, truly a devil. If it weren't for the fact that I can't, I'd want to eliminate such an unstable factor like you!"
Natsuki's words were laced with feigned malice, which to Saigou seemed more like a kitten's futile attempt at intimidation.
After a pause, Natsuki continued, "I will not forget the terms of the contract with you devil."
"Since the contract is my wish, it is for the peaceful coexistence of humans and demons."
"The signing of the Sanctuary Treaty has significantly eased the conflicts between humans and demons, yet outside, humans and demons still harbor mutual hostility."
"Only in the Demon Special Zone, though there is still enmity between the races, can humans at least accept demons."
"Fulfilling our contract is not easy. I've thought it through carefully, and only the Demon Special Zone is suitable as a pilot. I will attempt to realize my wish here first."
"This is also why I agreed to be a component of the Prison Barrier. Some demon extremists' actions threaten the peace between both sides in the Demon Special Zone."
"Only by confining them within the Prison Barrier can I feel somewhat reassured."
As Natsuki explained, Saigou nodded slowly, "Hmm, your reason is quite plausible. It seems, Natsuki-chan, you are not the simpleton I thought."
"Rather, you possess quite an astute mind."
Saying this, Saigou grinned as he ruffled Natsuki's straight black hair.
"Don't touch my hair recklessly, don't treat me like a child, and don't call me Natsuki-chan!"
Natsuki slapped Saigou's hand away and shot him an angry glare.
"I'm done eating!"
Natsuki, who had a small appetite, closed her bento box and stood up, brushing off the dust from her skirt.
Saigou rose alongside Natsuki Minamiya. Standing behind the petite girl, he smiled and asked, "Why not engage with your classmates? I know you're not truly a solitary person."
Natsuki, with a calm demeanor that belied her age, responded, "In the Demon Special Zone, although humans and demons can coexist peacefully, prejudices still exist."
"For example, if a parent sees their child playing with a young demon, they would certainly warn them to stay away."
"As a pure-blooded witch, my soul has been destined to be offered to a devil since birth. From the start, I've been different from humans and more akin to demons."
"Given that, rather than being more saddened later, it's better to distance myself from the beginning."
Saigou listened quietly to Natsuki's words, nodding gently, "Is this a saying among witches? That's precisely why one should distance themselves from the start if they care about something."
Natsuki's clear blue eyes glanced sideways, "I'm not sure who coined that phrase, but it does seem quite philosophical."
"It's just something another witch said… But Natsuki-chan, even though you've complied with the requirements of the artificial island's management and become a component of the Prison Barrier spell."
"I will have you voluntarily relinquish the Prison Barrier and rescue you from it."
Saigou suddenly declared.
"Why are you so confident, devil? My nature is quite stubborn; I won't easily compromise."
Natsuki scoffed, fully aware of her own temperament.
"After a few months of interaction, I understand your nature. At your core, you are kind-hearted. If one person and a hundred others were both facing death threats, you would strive to save both."
"Yet, you also possess sufficient coldness and rationality. When faced with a choice between saving one or a hundred people, you would undoubtedly choose to save the hundred."
"Human lives cannot be quantified; that's the sentiment of most people."
"But Natsuki-chan, you know that for those in power, human lives are indeed just numbers."
Having risen to the upper echelons in the cyberpunk world, Saigou was essentially a politician.
Thus, he understood human society and people deeply. The value and empathy for life were merely the thoughts of ordinary people.
For those truly in decision-making positions, such emotions would not arise, as they would only lead to greater crises.
"I must admit, your words have some merit, devil."
Natsuki did not completely dismiss Saigou's observations. She was not a naïve do-gooder but a witch who understood the balance of pros and cons and the times.
"Why are you so insistent on having me give up the Prison Barrier?"
Natsuki couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.
"I want to give you freedom because I've fallen in love with you, Natsuki-chan~~. I wish for you to be free, unharmed, and forever happy!"
Saigou said with a beaming smile.
"Pfft!"
Natsuki did not believe a word of Saigou's sentiments.
"By the way, your friend, Aya, seems to be planning something recently."
Saigou suddenly said with an air of mystery.
"Don't think you can use words to sow discord between me and Aya!"
Natsuki retorted.
"Sow discord? You know in your heart whether I'm doing that. All the information I've obtained is from what you've shared."
"I'm your observer and protector, nothing more."
Saigou's words made Natsuki bite her lip, knowing he was right. Ayaka was indeed planning something.
'I hope Aya doesn't make things difficult for me.'
She thought with concern.
...
The warm water cascaded from the showerhead as Natsuki stood naked, washing herself.
She struggled to suppress her embarrassment, trying to ignore Saigou, who was also in the bathroom and standing behind her.
