Seasoning City

Reigen sat in his new executive chair, admiring how spacious his office had become after the restoration offered by one of the demons—or rather, a complete remodel. His once humble office, consisting of two small rooms—one with his desk, a couple of armchairs for guests, and a small TV to catch the news—had undergone a radical transformation.

First, he had been given the entire building, now with two extra floors. The first floor looked like something one would expect from the reception area of a major corporation or a law firm. Judging by the texture of the furniture, it was expensive. Reigen had briefly considered selling the furniture, but his common sense prevailed; offending demons that could easily endanger his life wasn't worth the risk, so he left everything as it had been delivered, including the enormous TV in the reception area. He had been tempted to take it, but quickly realized it wouldn't fit in the apartment he was renting.

There was even a small fountain, which, as he was told, was a personal touch from the designer. Reigen didn't question it, since it was free.

The second floor, where his old office used to be, could now be reached in two ways: a practical elevator for up to five people or a staircase beside it for emergencies. Reigen tried the elevator, just to bask in the feeling of importance it gave him.

Stepping out of the elevator, Reigen was amazed at how large his office had become. Everything had been replaced, not just with larger items and a variety of furniture, but his main desk was enormous. Instead of a notebook, he now had three giant computer screens connected to a powerful machine that Reigen could tell, just from its appearance, was expensive. Nearby was a 3D printer—an enormous one, no less.

If at that moment Reigen had been handed a contract to sell his soul, he would have signed it without even reading the fine print. He began to understand why people made deals with demons. Besides the vast space, his office now had three additional doors leading to separate rooms. One was a massage room, which had been completely transformed. To Reigen's surprise, the room was so impressive it made him reconsider whether he should just dedicate himself solely to giving massages—it seemed like he could live off it with a room like that.

But he quickly shook his head. He craved adrenaline, and comfort wasn't the reason he had left his old desk job—especially now that his psychic powers had grown even stronger. Not only could he see Dimple even when the spirit didn't want to manifest, but he had also gained the ability to use telekinesis. Unfortunately, his telekinetic power only extended to small objects, with the largest thing he could move being the size of a camera valued at 30,000 yen.

But Reigen didn't need anything more than that. He had no intention of fighting—that's why he paid Mob and Ingvild. Instead, with his new psychic powers, he could make his life easier, like not having to get up to fetch the remote control or charging his phone from a distance without leaving his bed—luxuries that ordinary, non-psychic Japanese people could never enjoy.

Now, he could also handle his psychic cover much more convincingly when dealing with gullible clients, and he wouldn't need to lie as much to Mob. In Reigen's mind, everything was a gain.

Continuing his small tour of the new office, the other two rooms offered intriguing possibilities. One was packed with processors, perfectly suited for his digital exorcisms, while the other was a room designated for exorcisms and related activities—a perfect space to store trinkets he could sell to customers. It had also become a place where Dimple (Hoyuelo) decided to settle, as the energy of the office made him feel comfortable. Reigen even left his old TV in that room, along with a cushion for his green, floating assistant's comfort.

That left only the third floor, which wasn't as impressive. The demons had left it empty for Reigen to decide what to do with it. It had five rooms, including a second bathroom, much larger than the one downstairs. Reigen had considered moving out of the apartment he was renting and living in the office instead, but an unexpected inconvenience hit him just a few days ago—a certain blue-haired girl with a sword, waiting outside his office.

Flashback

Reigen, Mob, Ingvild, and Dimple were walking together towards the office—an unusual sight, especially on a school day. But Reigen, excited about his new office, had arranged a meeting with Mob and Ingvild so that, after school, they could all gather there.

The reason was simple: Reigen wanted to share the excitement of seeing his newly remodeled office with his two students, and since he knew Dimple always followed Mob, the spirit would also be present for this new beginning for "Spirits and Such Consultation."

"So those demons gave you a completely restored office for free? Looks like supernatural beings are losing their edge," Dimple teased with a mocking tone, not quite believing the situation.

"They were probably impressed by the strength of Mob, Ingvild, and me. So today, we'll celebrate with food to mark the grand opening of the office—on me," Reigen said happily, remembering the envelope in his jacket containing the payment he had received from the exorcists.

"I want pizza," said Ingvild, drooling at the thought of melted cheese, while giving Mob a look, hoping he'd support her.

"M-me too. I haven't had pizza in a while," Mob replied nervously, feeling the pressure of Ingvild's gaze.

"Pizza it is, then! Get ready, because tonight we're eating pizza until we burst!" Reigen shouted, raising his fist triumphantly. But as he lowered it, he noticed someone standing near the entrance of his new office—a figure dressed in a white hood.

"Hello, do you need help?" Reigen asked, a bit nervous. He hadn't expected anyone to be outside his office, especially since the email he received said the person welcoming them would already be inside, not outside like this hooded figure.

"H-huh? What time is it…" murmured the figure, sounding half-asleep. Startled by Reigen's voice, the person jolted awake.

As the hood fell back, they saw that it was a blue-haired girl, though the tip of her hair was green. Reigen racked his brain, trying to recall her name. He knew he had seen her before—one of the exorcists who had hired him—but he couldn't quite place it. She was the Italian one who didn't speak Japanese.

"Why is the Italian exorcist here?" Reigen wondered. "Is she here to destroy my office because it was remodeled by demons? If that's the case, we won't let her destroy it without a fight."

He glanced at Mob and Ingvild, ready to signal them to prepare for battle, but the girl's voice caught him completely off guard.

"M-master Reigen, please accept this lost lamb as your disciple and guide her on the path of psychic power," the woman said, kneeling in the middle of the street in front of Reigen.

"E-eh?" Reigen stammered, unable to believe what was happening, while Mob, Ingvild, and Dimple stared in astonishment.

"I, Xenovia Quarta, have decided to walk the Lord's path in a new way. In His glory, He has placed me in your path and that of Shigeo-san, where I have seen, as if in a revelation, the untapped potential of humanity," Xenovia proclaimed quickly, still kneeling.

Reigen was certainly struck by Xenovia's words, but not by their meaning. No, what shocked him was that he understood everything she was saying. That should've been impossible, considering that two days ago, the girl only spoke Italian—and Reigen only knew Japanese. The two languages were as different as night and day.

Unless she had somehow learned Japanese in just two days, or something else entirely was happening. To confirm, he quickly looked toward Dimple.

"Hey, Dimple, do you only speak Japanese?" Reigen asked hurriedly.

"Yes, I've told you before. And if you're about to ask me to translate what that girl is saying, you'd better ask Ingvild and Mob instead. They both have a kind of xenoglossy," Dimple answered honestly.

Reigen quickly accepted the situation and looked at Mob and Ingvild.

"Hey, Mob-kun and Ingvild-chan, is that girl really saying she wants to be my disciple?" Reigen asked, directing the question to the two young people.

"That's right, Master. Could it be that the honesty of her feelings has reached your heart?" Mob said, amazed at what he was witnessing. 10% amazed.

"So, feelings can transcend language barriers... I'll write that down as a tip for my next English exam," Ingvild remarked, pulling out the phone Reigen had given her and making a note.

"Oh, send it to me later, I want to remember it too," Mob responded with concern, and Ingvild gave him a nod of approval, which eased his worries.

While they were preoccupied, Reigen turned his gaze back to Xenovia, who remained kneeling, waiting for his response. Reigen took a few moments to think about what to say or how to handle such a crazy request. With the words forming in his mind, he finally spoke.

"But weren't you a prestigious exorcist? Shouldn't you be back where the exorcists live with that energetic brunette girl?" Reigen asked, crouching down to her level.

"My companion Irina returned to the Holy See to report the success of our mission, but I couldn't join her due to my excommunication," Xenovia replied, still not lifting her head from the ground.

"Excommunication? What's that?" Reigen asked, clearly confused by the term.

"Excommunication is expulsion from the church…" Xenovia explained, her gaze still fixed on the ground.

"Expelled? But why? If you completed your mission, why were you the one expelled? Is your friend also expelled, and she's going to fight to get it reversed at the Holy See?" Reigen asked, his frustration growing at how these young girls were being treated.

"No, Irina wasn't expelled. I'm the only one who was. It's because I revealed that I knew about God's death," Xenovia said, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"But what does it matter if you know about God's death? I mean, isn't the whole point of religion to believe in the teachings and spread them to others? I don't see why knowing about God's death would be such a big deal," Reigen said, completely baffled by the significance of this revelation.

"Master's right. As long as you're a good person, there shouldn't be any other problems," Mob added in support of his master's opinion, while Ingvild and Dimple nodded in agreement.

"Your opinions are kind, but you're strong, and that's why you can see the world so simply. On the other hand, aside from the sword I wield, I'm nothing special," Xenovia said, her voice tinged with sadness.

Hearing this, Mob approached Xenovia and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, encouraging her to lift her head.

"There's nothing wrong with not being special because no one is, and that's okay. That way, we all have infinite potential, and no one is useless," said Mob with confidence, a confidence that his master had instilled in him through his teachings. Xenovia gazed at him in awe, deeply moved by his words.

Reigen smiled at Mob's statement, not just because of how much his student had grown since they had faced Claw and the mansion incident, but also because of the simplicity of those words. Words that had once helped him during a moment of his own despair.

"Well, well, it seems little Mob is growing up. Hoyuelo, I think it's time we prepare for when he introduces us to his first girlfriend," Reigen teased, placing a hand on Mob's shoulder, causing the boy to blush nervously.

40% embarrassed.

"I-I didn't mean—" Mob stammered nervously, but Reigen cut him off.

"New lesson: know when to stay quiet when you're winning. Trust me, it'll serve you well in life," Reigen advised, turning his attention to their guest. "As for our guest, well, if they've abandoned you, it wouldn't sit right with me as an adult to leave you alone. So, welcome to the team, young lady," he added, emphasizing the last part with a slight Italian flair while motioning for Mob to help Xenovia to her feet.

"Thank you so much! I swear I won't disappoint you and will diligently learn every lesson you teach me," Xenovia said, tears of joy in her eyes.

"Calm down, girl. My teachings might be a bit advanced for a beginner, but lucky for you, I have my best student and future successor here, Shigeo Kageyama. But you can call him Mob. He'll be your senpai on this new path," Reigen declared, placing a hand on the shoulders of both young students.

Everyone watched the scene unfold in surprise, except for Hoyuelo, who immediately recognized what Reigen was planning. He was cleverly shifting the entire responsibility of teaching onto Mob, disguising it as a noble responsibility of being a senpai.

It worked, too. The moment Mob heard the word senpai, his eyes lit up with pride.

10% proud.

"(A good-hearted conman is still a conman, but I'll let it slide this time. A Catholic girl might be useful for studying how the biggest faith in the world works… and incorporating it into the Helmet Cult)," thought Hoyuelo, catching Reigen's glance that begged him not to make any sarcastic remarks.

"Nice to meet you. I-I'm Shigeo Takeyama, and I'll be your senpai, but you can call me Mob senpai," Mob said nervously, realizing how attractive Xenovia was now that they were standing so close.

"The pleasure is mine. I will be a great student, and I swear I won't let you down, in the name of my lord, Mob senpai," Xenovia said with a smile, thrilled that the young man before her could understand everything she was saying. The wonders of psychic power were the only thoughts running through her mind at that moment.

30% proud.

Hoyuelo was watching the whole scene, laughing along with Ingvild.

"Senpai, I want to be a senpai too!" Ingvild pouted, confused as to why it hurt her chest to see Mob-kun and Xenovia standing so close together.

[End of flashback]

That memory, which had taken place just the day before, brought a smile to Reigen's face. Not only had he gained a powerful employee in exchange for a room on the third floor, but he also saved money by convincing Ingvild to live in the office as well. He proposed that she and Xenovia could support each other as roommates. Ingvild quickly agreed to the idea when she approached Xenovia and declared she would be her senpai in life in Japan. Instead of opposing the new hierarchy, Xenovia eagerly accepted it.

After that, they had explored the new office, with the demon left by the Sitris explaining its setup, followed by a celebratory party. At the party, Reigen and Mob witnessed a girl with Mob's weight eat the equivalent of twenty Mobs, as Xenovia devoured pizza like candy under the astonished gazes of the partygoers.

With that memory fresh in his mind, Reigen glanced to his side, where Xenovia stood like a bodyguard. Her vigilance reassured him that the price of her meals was worth the extra security she provided to the agency, especially with the two visitors they were expecting today.

Reigen felt a wave of nervousness wash over him. He couldn't help but wonder why these two women, who at first glance would appear to be normal teenage girls, were anything but ordinary. With his newly sharpened understanding of the supernatural, he could sense that these women were far from human. Their aura, dark and mysterious, sent shivers down his spine. However, rather than fearing them, Reigen merely felt unease, having become accustomed to the strange and spectral.

The two demon women had very distinct presences. One had short hair, an attractive but stern demeanor that would intimidate anyone who dared flirt with her. The other had long hair and wore glasses, equally attractive but with an air of seriousness that, if not for her hairstyle and certain features an adult shouldn't comment on, might lead people to mistake them for sisters.

(If all humanoid supernatural beings are this attractive, I can understand those crazy rural stories better), Reigen thought, unable to help himself.

With his newly acquired psychic abilities, he floated three cups into the air, placing two in front of the girls and one in front of himself. Each cup was already filled with a high-quality tea that Reigen had splurged on to celebrate the new office and maintain the sophisticated atmosphere of the space.

"Mmm, it smells good. I didn't know even cheap tea could have such a nice aroma. You learn something new every day in this city," Sona remarked as she savored the tea.

(It cost me 50,000 yen! What kind of tea does she normally drink? Come on, Reigen, mentally prepare yourself to say no if they ask for your soul. A life of luxury isn't worth giving up your humanity... or maybe it is... no, be strong, Reigen!)

Reigen's thoughts raced, but outwardly he maintained a calm, serious expression. His poker face—hiding a greedy beast inside—was successfully fooling Sona.

(His aura is more visible now, but still weak. He must be warning me that he won't be intimidated and is only showing a small fraction of his power to be polite, just like high-ranking demons do in negotiations. This man is far too dangerous to make an enemy of.)

Sona dismissed any fleeting thoughts of acquiring Reigen for her family as a loyal servant. She resorted to the standard demon fallback—money.

Without hesitation, Sona summoned a briefcase with a magic circle, and Reigen couldn't help but marvel at how demons made objects appear out of thin air. If given the chance, he wouldn't mind learning that trick himself.

"This is a briefcase containing 100 million yen," Sona declared calmly, while Reigen nearly choked on his drink.

"100 m-million yen?" Reigen stammered, eyes wide as he opened the briefcase and pulled out a stack of bills. After counting, he confirmed that it was indeed a million yen—absolutely real.

"We would like to offer you this amount as an initial payment, and a monthly fee of 10 million yen for life, on the condition that you, Mr. Reigen, never oppose the demon race as an enemy and occasionally lend assistance as a friend. Demons enjoy making friends with money. Each year, you will also receive a 100 million yen bonus."

Sona spoke, masking her nerves. The sum she proposed was hefty, not the maximum she feared negotiating, but equivalent to what a free mid-class demon might receive to ally with a family. In her eyes, however, it was a small price to pay for someone like Reigen.

Sona had witnessed Reigen's confrontation with Kokabiel and heard Rias's report about how Reigen had received a boost from Issei's Boosted Gear, greatly increasing his strength. This led her to estimate that Reigen's power likely hovered around the ultimate-class, or perhaps even Maou-class.

On top of that, she had seen the raw power of the boy named Mob, and the woman who descended from Leviathan, Ingvild. Together, the trio's strength far exceeded what she could buy with 10 billion yen. However, Sona believed it was worth a gamble. Through her observations, she noted that Mob and Ingvild followed Reigen's orders without question. If she could secure Reigen's loyalty, she would secure all three of them.

(I've always considered myself equal to Rias, and if she managed to get a Longinus user for free, maybe my luck is elsewhere. This could be the greatest deal of my life.) Sona thought, trying to calm her nerves. If Reigen felt insulted by her offer, things could take a disastrous turn, potentially making him an enemy of the demons. And now, with the Durandal wielder seemingly on his side, the stakes were even higher.

Prepared for the worst, Sona readied herself to retract the offer as a joke if Reigen showed any sign of offense. She had a fallback plan: revealing that the initial offer was less than 1% of what her family could truly afford to pay.

While Sona was busy maintaining a composed facade, Reigen's mind was racing in a different direction.

(100 million yen and a fixed 10 million yen monthly? Damn, to hell with morality, not accepting this would be pure foolishness... but take it slow, Reigen. Make her feel she wasn't wrong to trust you.) Reigen thought to himself, smiling at Sona—a smile that immediately put her on high alert.

"That's a generous offer of friendship, and as a pacifist, I'll always seek the path of peace. The demons have been very good to me, so I'll accept the offer. Do you have a contract for me to sign?"

Reigen congratulated himself for staying calm. Meanwhile, across from him, the girl with glasses and long hair, Tsubaki, pulled out the contract. Sona, who had been trembling nervously, now shook with barely-contained joy. She had just unknowingly secured the greatest deal in the history of young demons—allying with someone of god-level power and two Maou-class allies for just 1% of the market rate. An opportunity like this was one in a billion, and she had pulled it off.

(This is enough to get me promoted to Ultimate-class, but I'll hold off since I'm not ready for the rank. I'll definitely tell Rias, though, so I can brag in return for her flaunting her Longinus user.) Sona thought with a smile as Tsubaki handed Reigen the contract.

Reigen read through the contract carefully, wary of any strange clauses. To his surprise, everything seemed straightforward. The only oddity was that the contract wasn't with the demon race at large but specifically with the Sitri Clan, and the contract made it clear that his main obligations were to avoid conflict with the Sitri family—not demons in general. The contract was also confidential.

(The Sitri clan? Aren't they the ones who renovated my office? It's always good to keep solid friendships, especially when they pay you this much, hehehehe.) Reigen chuckled internally, completely unaware that he could have earned a hundred times more.

This secret—that Reigen could have demanded far more—would remain between Sona and Tsubaki, who were determined to take it to their graves. They ignored Xenovia's presence, but fortunately for them, Xenovia was more captivated by how easily money could prevent conflicts. It was then that Xenovia began to understand why members of the church held such high regard for money—not for wealth but for maintaining peace.

Unwittingly, Xenovia had learned her first flawed lesson from Reigen: that money could buy peace.