In front of a quiet restaurant.
Two figures waited at the door like receptionists.
One girl wore black-rimmed glasses and sharp, capable clothing.
Although she looked young, she had the crisp efficiency of a workplace elite.
The other was a girl in a standard Miko outfit, with waist-length hair.
The two stood waiting.
Suddenly, the sharp girl's expression lit up. She immediately stepped forward a few paces, gave a slight bow, and handed over a business card:
"Esteemed King, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to see us. We are truly honored."
"Sayanomiya Kaoru, Chief of the History Compilation Committee's Tokyo branch?"
Ayato looked at the business card and said strangely: "This area shouldn't be under Tokyo's jurisdiction, right?"
"Knowing that the King dislikes men, we naturally wouldn't dare to anger you over such a matter."
"You certainly know how to do things."
Looking at Kaoru, Ayato smiled slightly, his gaze falling on the Miko.
Kaoru immediately said: "My King, this is Mariya Yuri, a Hime-Miko of Nanahoshi Shrine."
"Kin... King, hello."
Yuri bowed somewhat timidly.
"Yes."
Ayato nodded.
He was quite familiar with Yuri.
'But had she joined the History Compilation Committee?'
Beside him, Rias was also sizing up the two women.
Although they had been in contact before...
She hadn't expected the people receiving them to be such young girls.
'It seemed the History Compilation Committee had indeed come prepared.'
Thinking this, she gave her fiancé a strange look.
'His reputation for lechery was indeed widely known.'
"Sigh."
She let out an almost imperceptible sigh.
'What was I even doing?'
'The legal wife helping the king take mistresses?'
'This was too hard to stomach.'
Sensing Rias's gaze, Kaoru's expression remained normal, still standing straight, her figure on display.
She smiled and said: "You must be Rias-sama. Nice to meet you. Please take care of me."
"Please take care of me."
Rias responded gracefully, a standardized smile on her face.
Then, Kaoru invited the two to sit at the very center of the restaurant.
Looking at Ayato, Kaoru said: "Not knowing the King's tastes, I took the liberty of preparing some dishes. I hope the King won't mind."
"No problem."
Ayato waved his hand, looked around, and said: "It seems this place has been renovated. And there are no other guests."
Kaoru smiled as usual and said: "From now on, the King will be the only guest at this restaurant. This is the proper etiquette."
Ayato gave her a deep look.
At least for now...
Nothing could be faulted.
"Alright, my time is valuable. Let's get to the point."
The food came quickly.
Ayato ate as he spoke.
It had to be said, the taste was very good, the culinary skill surpassing even Erina's.
Clearly, the chef had been specially hired.
"Since the King says so…"
Kaoru said respectfully: "Actually, because of the King's emergence, some of the founders of our History Compilation Committee would like to meet you."
"Founders?"
Rias raised an eyebrow: "You don't mean those in the Netherworld, do you?"
"Exactly."
Kaoru said helplessly: "I know this is presumptuous, but those old men often jump out to interfere in everything. It's quite troublesome."
Rias said quietly: "From what I understand, there are Heretic Gods in the Netherworld. Don't be careless."
Although the country they were in had no Campione guarding it...
The hidden forces there were certainly not to be underestimated.
Giving Rias a reassuring look, Ayato then said indifferently:
"Since you know it's presumptuous, don't say it."
"Whoever they are, if they want to see me, they can come themselves. What's with this detour, having someone pass a message? Have they lost their minds?"
Kaoru: "..."
Yuri: "..."
'Indeed, a king is a king.'
'No matter how easygoing he seemed on the surface, this fact would never change.'
"That was my presumption."
Kaoru said humbly: "Please forgive me, my King."
"Since you're a beautiful girl, I won't hold it against you."
Ayato shrugged and said: "Do you have any other business?"
"We do."
Kaoru stood up solemnly, performed an ancient bow, and said: "We hope the King will accept the allegiance of our History Compilation Committee, establishing a relationship of king and subject."
Hearing this, neither Rias nor Ayato was surprised.
A local, standard supernatural organization swearing allegiance to a king was basically standard procedure.
"Fine."
Ayato nodded.
Having a local organization help him with errands would save a lot of trouble.
"But who will be my liaison? I don't want to have to contact you myself."
Hearing this, Kaoru understood and said: "What requirements does the King have for an attendant?"
"I think she'll do."
Ayato pointed at Yuri, revealing his true intentions: "She will be the liaison. I will make any requests through her."
"As you command, my King."
Kaoru nodded, then said seriously to Yuri: "Mariya-san, from now on, you will follow this King."
"Ah?"
Yuri was stunned, somewhat uncomprehending.
'What was happening? How had the conversation suddenly gotten to this point?'
'I was to follow this King?'
'But no one had told me about this.'
Yuri pinched her Miko outfit, starting to feel at a loss.
A king and such...
Was an earthly king, a destroyer of all things. Could she really do it?
Not to mention, he was also a Devil.
If she wasn't careful, the country might be destroyed.
Seeing the Hime-Miko look like she had seen a ghost, Rias's expression was somewhat strange.
'Hadn't this Hime-Miko prepared herself before coming?'
"What, is serving me, a Devil, so distasteful to you, Miss Hime-Miko?"
Ayato said calmly: "If so, there's no need to force yourself."
"..."
Yuri's expression stiffened, and she finally lowered her head.
"Of course not. Being able to serve the King is my honor."
At this point, there was no room for refusal.