I wake up at 4:30 AM like always to finish up my daily workout routine before daybreak, so I can get back soon to prepare breakfast and enjoy the meals with Sona-chan.

While I'm jogging, I also deliver the summoning leaflet from house to house with the help of a portable machine in my hand that can detect human avarice.

It is so unlike what I imagined in my head. I thought a human would draw a pentagram on the ground and summon the Devil, but this is the 21st century. So, we're unaware of the supernatural existence and only consider it as mythology, and it's obvious. The devils also need to catch up with modern times or be even more advanced than humans.

As I'm running across the street in high spirit, there's one question still clinging to the back of my head. What exactly is Sacred Gear?

From what Sona-chan and Raynare said, it seems I was born with it.

Is it something like spiritual power? Chinese people define it's as Qi, the life force energy.

Even if I understand the fundamentals behind it, how can I pull it off in the first place without visualizing the form it took or perceiving its power? Fire, water, earth, shadow, light, etc. What category does my Sacred Gear fall into then?

No no. That's not quite right either. If magic was the basis of all that requires the power to use your imagination and create, then anyone can learn them, such as offense, defense, healing, and supporting.

Also, yesterday I did ask Sona-chan about my Sacred Gear. She frankly replied that it would be better for me not to learn how to use it at all.

Does its existence so dangerous? That anyone would eliminate me for good or want to obtain it for themselves?

If it so, then I would not have lived peacefully for twenty-eight years. How comes they did not chase after me for all those years?

"Excuse me, young lady. Do you have time for this old man?"

While I'm waiting for the light to turn green, a foreign man wearing a yukata approaches me leisurely.

Well, I was a gigolette, so I have always been running into many kinds of people in a way I can perceive them based on their attitude, body language, and instantly could tell who plain idiot, who street-smart is.

And this man in front of me gives the impression of being weak and a sly old fox at that, which makes him a real threat to me.

"Are you a Devil or a Fallen Angel?"

After Sona-chan warned some people to be after my Sacred Gear, I should be more cautious of anyone approaching me. If he turns out to be a foreigner who wants to take a stroll around the city early in the morning, then I'll laugh out loud say I'm just joking.

"Azazel, leader of the fallen angel."

LEADER...!? Isn't everything happening way too fast? Am I on boss fight already?

But, since he introduced himself, I should show my courtesy as well.

"Hazuki Mao. I'm a servant of lady Sona Sitri. How do you do?"

I bow to him and give him the leaflet, which had Sona's family symbol as a substitute for the business card. He broadens a smile as he strokes his goatee finding me very amusing.

"It's good to see you, Hazuki Mao." He greeted me back with a firm handshake. "Or should I say, Leonardo?"

"Uhmmm... L-Leo-nardo?"

Is he mistook me for someone else?

"Don't mind me. I'm just talking to myself."

I sense there's no evil intending behind his smile. I get straight to the point.

"What does the leader of fallen angels wants from me? You could just have sent your underling to finish me off."

I've never intended to provoke him, and it just happens came out as sarcastic and arrogant. I'm hoping he's not taken it as an insult.

"Because the circumstance has changed."

With that statements, I can confirm that he has kept an eye on me for ages. And it appears he is no enemy of mine.

"Moreover, that girl made the right choice not to make you her servant. If the other clans learn about your sacred gear, your life would have been endangering. No, it might be worse than death, which is also made it easier for me too. Mao-kun, can you tell me the contract you made with Sitri girl?"

After a short exchanging, I don't see there's any harm in telling him about it.

"...If I say, I will help you clear your debt in exchange for your freedom. What do you say?"

"You mean I can live my normal life."

"That's right." Azazel puts an arm around my shoulder, showing a mischievous smile, and says a few words. "You can sleep with any babes you want, and if you like to fuck the fallen angel chicks', I will introduce you some."

"It's quite a tempting proposal. Sorry, but no thanks."

There's no point for me to ponder long hard about it. Because I already have made my decision.

"I prefer to live the fullest life with my beloved Sona-chan and a high school girl at that, mind you. So that's one day, I can face my deceased grandpa and tell him I made him proud."

After I told him my reason, Azazel burst out in laughter and nodded in understanding.

I only just met him, but I feel relaxed and comfortable around him. He reminds me of my cheeky, silly grandpa. He was such a laugh riot, always said. "Hoo, boy. If I'd been fifty years younger, maybe I would've given them a spin myself!" And an endlessly kind man to boot.

I do feel my grandpa and Azazel both happen to share a similarity.

"Azazel, can you please teach me how to use Sacred Gear?"

He's extracting his hand back and scratching his head as he studies my expression.

"That's quite an invitation, Mao-kun. But, if you want to learn simply out of curiosity, then I can't help you."

He lowers his head to my eye level with his index finger placed on my chest.

"Tell me, what is your desire?"

"...My desire...?"

00oo00oo00

The last thing my grandpa said to me before he passed away was. "I love you, Mao. Be good, and remember to treat any girls that steal your heart with respect. But that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with them, too!"

I have always embodied every word my grandpa said to me, and my love for high school girls was all thanks to him. Well, as they said, the kid gets influenced by parents' bad habits.

I thought when I grew up. I would have at least a decent idea of what sort of future awaited me. I knew what I liked, and I knew what choices to make for myself.

Just the other day, I was a gigolette trying to survive through the day.

But then someone came along who I couldn't have foreseen my future.

My savior. My master. Sitri Sona.

She has a mature appearance, but she also has an adorable side of a sweet sixteen-year-old girl despite her being a lovely devil in human form. And she was a mystery to me.

Dear grandpa, are you there? The dream I once gave up, now it becomes true. However, it seems your granddaughter has a long way to go, grandpa.

While I was hoping for a lovely meal between Sona-chan and me, I didn't expect them to stop by so early in the morning.

"I don't know you can cook, Sensei." Himejima-san leans closer to me on my right as she strokes my inner thigh, running her hand up and down under the table. "Can you please teach me?"

It is straight-up sexual harassment. Still, isn't it supposed to be the other way around?

I suck in the air to calm my thudding heartbeat and reply to her with a tender smile.

"Maybe next time."

"Mao, say ah."

Rias had already showered me with kindness when we first met, and I'm delighted to accept it. Though, this is way too much.

"I can eat by myself."

"Aaah..."

"..."

"Aah...?"

"A...Aaah."

I timidly did as she said. Rias happily places her chopstick in my mouth, at which point I close my lips and trap the chopstick's contents.

I chew the soft, warm mush tofu, which doesn't really need chewing at all, and then swallow.

Rias enjoys playing the big sister's role, doting on her new sister to my left.

And if you were asking, did I arouse by it or not?

Yes, but under this circumstance, hardly not, when Tsubaki-san kept eyeing on me filled with murderous intent.

"Hazuki-san? That is my plate."

I was so nervous that I took the fish from Sona-chan's plate by mistake.

"Oh, s-sorry, Sona."

"Hmph!" Tsubaki-san silently cast a glance that makes me take aback.

"I mean... Sitri-sama."

Guh! Then I felt a sharp kicking at my right shin.

"Is that so?"

...So~na~chan~~! Is she mad because I'm not using her first name?

"What is your desire?"

My heart's feeling contented. I'm asking no more than this peaceful life. What sacred gear? What power and fame? I don't care.

As long as I can have three meals a day, a place I can call home, and spend time with Sona-chan and her friends. It is already enough.

That's why I decided not to tell Sona-chan about me and Azazel's sudden meeting we had this morning.

Every day was pleasant and joyful until my lousy father came back to find me.