Lancer had no idea that in her eyes, he had become a perverted gentleman who carried a young girl around. But he didn't interrupt her thoughts.
Indeed, the simplest method was to eliminate her completely. But wouldn't it be better if he could turn her into a "Shikigami"?
Her strange ability seemed like a "cheat" to Lancer. If she hadn't been overconfident and walked right up to him—even failing to dodge his attack—Lancer probably wouldn't have succeeded. But there are no "what ifs" in this world. The "Magatama" that had been a reward from the Onmyoryo to deal with the Oni was now being used by Lancer against the "mastermind" who caused the Oni anomaly; it wasn't a waste.
Lancer current behavior was essentially using force to pressure her, which was no different from what she had done earlier.
The biggest difference, however, was that he wasn't as "greedy" as she was. He never expected to control her 100% from the start. Thus, while she hesitated, he threw out another option.
It was a simple matter of the "carrot and the stick." It was like playing with a cat: you're rejected when you try to rub its belly, but after giving it some dried fish, you can continue petting it.
"If you don't like it, we can call it something else, like a 'Contract.' I don't need you to lose your freedom like a normal Shikigami. We can discuss your requirements."
In the silence, Lancer words made her pause, but then she showed a look of confusion.
"But the time..."
"I lied to you~"
Lancer smile was incredibly bright, but Yukari wished she could punch him in the face. Unfortunately, she wasn't good at close combat, and even if she punched him, she likely wouldn't hurt him. Moreover, the roaring flames before her meant she didn't dare take a single step across the line.
She had realized it: Lancer had set a trap for her from the beginning. If she had tried to do something during Lancer "one minute remaining"... she could almost imagine her body being consumed by those strange flames.
"Fine. But before that..."
As she spoke, Yukari gestured toward Lancer right fist. Lancer simply smiled and spat out two words: "No way."
Even if Lancer trusted her, it would be based on the "Contract." Since no contract had been signed yet, how could he possibly trust her?
"My requirements are simple: you are not allowed to actively harm humans, and you must help me unconditionally as long as it doesn't involve your personal interests. I agree to give you the power of autonomous action, but you must appear before me when I need you. I think the terms I've offered are very generous."
Though he was holding Yukari collar with one hand, the smiling Lancer looked like an insurance manager pitching to a client. The client, meanwhile, had a dark face.
"Impossible. Your requirements are too broad. What if you give me a command that is impossible to complete? What should I do then?"
Yukari words made Lancer pause. He mostly intended to use her ability; as for tricking her... he hadn't actually thought that much about it. Lancer had some quick wit during battle and beast-like intuition when his life was on the line, but in terms of tricking people, he was basically a novice.
So, what about Yukari?
Although she was captured due to overconfidence, the fact that she was caught meant she didn't have an overwhelming power advantage over Lancer. Yet, the reason she could remain elusive for a millennium was her caution and wisdom.
The moment she saw Lancer reaction, she realized one thing: she seemed to have overestimated this man.
He didn't actually have those thoughts, but her words gave him a hint. Her expression became incredibly unsightly.
"Fine. I'll add a restriction to the 'Contract': it must be something you are capable of completing."
"Then..."
"There is no 'then.' I feel I have been merciful enough. Since you call me the 'Red Oni,' you should know my style. Your ability is very useful to me, but that's all. Compared to the convenience of your ability, I care more about my safety. I am willing to give you some preferential treatment, but that doesn't mean I will allow you to keep haggling. Now, you have two choices: accept or refuse?"
As Lancer spoke, the flames on his right fist roared again. Yukari realized that his ability was likely reaching its limit. He was about to lose his bargaining chip. Normally, this should have made her happy, but only if he didn't let her vanish along with that chip.
She bit her lip and then she nodded.
"Very well. Then—pleasure doing business with you."
Lancer placed two sake dishes on the floor, and a piece of paper with Lancer "requirements" appeared before her.
A "Shikigami" is essentially an Onmyoji forming a connection with a youkai through a special ritual. Through this connection, the youkai can strengthen the Onmyoji, and naturally, the Onmyoji can strengthen the youkai. After learning the Onmyoryo's "Shikigami Spells," Lancer found he couldn't strengthen a Shikigami at all. In other words, the spell was useless to him. However, he had simply modified it into something like a "Contract." This was the true face of the strange "Red Vow" between Lancer and the youkai.
Previously, those didn't have extra functions; the only effect was a connection letting each side know the other was alive. Naturally, it didn't require a special ceremony. But the one between Lancer and Yukari was different. The list of requirements was like a corporate employment contract, filling an entire sheet of paper.
"Take a look. Is it exactly as we discussed? If you agree, sign your name and drink this bowl of sake. Then, this matter is concluded..."
Yukari didn't hesitate; she picked up the paper to check. It was indeed identical to what they had discussed. After confirming for the third time, she decisively signed her name, then picked up the bowl and drank it in one go.
Unlike her calm exterior, she was actually prepared for the worst. If this "Shikigami ritual" was different from what he said, she would endure the humiliation until she could completely deal with this man.
Compared to her rich internal monologue, Lancer felt a connection form between them and gave a direct sigh of relief. It seemed it worked.
But when he saw the name she signed, he was stunned.
Yukari Yakumo?
Why does this name look familiar?
Could it be a coincidence?
No way. If it's the person in his memory, there's no way he could have caught her...