Editing Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 9 Chapter 1 (section)

===Part 2===

At the question Shuuya asked quietly

“…Yes”

Naruse Mio thought, as she bowed down her head lightly, as she responded.

…This person is Yuki’s and Kurumi-chan’s dad.

He seemed like a kind man, that was Mio’s first impression of Shuuya. From earlier on, he had given a kind and calming smile towards his daughters, and he interacted with Basara who was banished from the Village gently. He has this air about him which made it hard to believe that he was one of the Hero Clan, fighting against the demons. —However, Shuuya’s position within the village was not by any means low. In fact, it was the opposite. Not counting the elders who governed the Japanese heroes, Shuuya was supposedly one of the most influential voices within the Village. Mio had received an explanation before coming by from Yuki, about her parents whom she was to meet, as well as the elders of the Village and other things such as that. She had heard about Shuuya’s standing during that explanation too, and after that she had this thought that Shuuya must’ve been a strict person. Of course, it was not that the opposite, in which he seemed to hold a kind aura meant that he was lacking in abilities. There were a number of people who had hidden abilities despite how they looked at first glance.

…Really.

Mio took a glance behind her. With that

“…”

Maria and Zest, who had been silent all this time — had taken a step back as if to not disturb the reunion, but were vaguely tense. Looking at it from their perspective as demons, it was natural for them to be cautious when meeting a member of the Hero Clan for the first time. However, on the other side, a member of the Hero Clan like Shuuya should have some tension building in front of the daughter of the previous Demon Lord Mio, and demons like Zest and Maria, but yet there was no such mood from Shuuya. —It was not to say that Shuuya had no awareness. He noticed the tension from Zest and Maria and even as he stood like this so naturally, there was no opening to him whatsoever. In his thirties like Jin, it was not yet suitable for him to be a figure of authority yet, but even so in this Village right now where Jin had left, Shuuya was a strong candidate for the position of the next elder. Having that Shuuya come all the way here to pick them up, was perhaps in a way treating them somewhat like a guest of honor.

“…”

Shuuya noticed the grim expression that came with Mio’s silence, and he smiled sadly.

“It’s hard to say not to worry as you’re heading to the Hero Clan’s Village, you may end up with some unpleasant memories of our home…that is a possibility I cannot deny, as unfortunate as it may be.”

At those words.

“…Yes, I understand.”

She was resolved for that much before coming here. During the incident at the Demon Realm, knowing their own bad standing, Yuki and Kurumi had come along. Of course, that was in large part for Basara’s sake, but at the same time it was for Mio’s sake too. Up to this point, Mio had been helped by Yuki and Kurumi of the Hero Clan multiple times.

…That’s why.

This time it’s my turn, thought Naruse Mio. She wasn’t sure what she could do. Perhaps, it was even better for her to not be around and she might do something bad for this. But, if Mio’s and Basara’s actions had worsened Yuki and Kurumi’s standings, she cannot run from it. If she was to take such a cowardly action, she would be ashamed to be by their side from there on. She wanted to avoid that very much. At such Mio, who clenched her fist as she vowed that in her heart.

“—The place you are to visit now is an area of the Hero Clan.”

Shuuya spoke once more.

“But, it does not mean that you are without ally. You have my daughters and Basara. My family and I too, plan to support you as much as we can. Of course, this isn’t something I can absolutely guarantee. But, I would be happy if you could believe that you can at least breathe.”

Those words contained the weight of the truth in them. Hence

“Yes…please take care of me.”

Mio finally made eye contact with Shuuya as she said that. With that, Shuuya gave a nod to affirm and went towards Maria and Zest who stood behind Basara and Mio.

“It is unfortunate but the two of you can’t come to the village this time… I have previously heard about how you two had taken care of my daughters in all sort of ways, so it pains me.”

It was the most concern that Shuuya could express for demons like Maria and Zest due to his position as a member of the Hero Clan.

“…Understood”

“Well, it really can’t be helped”

To that Shuuya, Zest and Maria said words of understanding. —But, it wasn’t simply because Shuuya had told them that. The two of them accepted their role to be on standby as Mio and the others requested it of them. Like Mio, they did not wish to make things harder for Basara, Yuki and Kurumi. And like Mio who had chosen to go, the two of them had chosen to be left behind. And then, as Shuuya finished greeting the group that gathered there,

“—Sorry, but can we have one more person come along with you?” With a cheerful tone, the voice came from behind them.

“That’s a pretty big car, surely you still have plenty of space.”

There, a young man stood clad in black coat.

“Takigawa…why are you here!?”

Basara asked, surprised. Basara and Takigawa had all sort of things done at the back — they had the kind of relationship where they had done important things together. But, seeing Basara’s surprised reaction.

…Basara didn’t know about this?

If so, then for what was Takigawa’s reason and aim to be here? Mio and the others had their guard up as they were unable to read the situation.

“Is it that unexpected? I’m put in charge of watching over you guys remember?”

Saying that, Takigawa became the center of attention right there, and he simply said good grief at them,

“Besides, this isn’t some sort of travel. For Naruse to be called in by the Hero Clan, whether you want to or not, that holds a potential for political problems among the demons. There’s no way they can approve of you guys going without them getting involved.”

Have some self-awareness.

“You guys are now in a pretty high political position and situation. Of course, we can allow you guys some level of freedom, but it has to be within the scope of the higher ups. If not, it would cause trouble for me on this position.”

Said Takigawa with a sigh. And at him.

“I see…so, you’re Takigawa Yahiro-kun, the demon in charge of watching over Naruse Mio-san.”

Shuuya said, narrowing his eyes. Information regarding Takigawa, was something already ascertained to the latest with reports from Yuki and Kurumi after the incident with Zolgear — before the sports festival, ahead of the time Takigawa was returning to the Demon Realm. In short, how he was a spy from the Moderate Faction towards the Current Demon Lord Faction, and how he was dispatched by the Current Demon Lord faction to watch over Mio. As such, the details of the condition and position from the Demon Realm was yet to be reported. Even so, the Hero Clan’s precaution was plentiful.

“Considering the responsibility you have, I must say I understand that you cannot stay quiet and just let Naruse Mio come to the village without you.”

However, he said, taking a glance at Maria and Zest before returning to Takigawa.

“Those two girls who served as her protectors have to hold themselves back. So I would be grateful if you would do the same. We simply cannot just have any uninvited guest come to the Village. Especially if that person is a demon.”

“Well, I thought you would say as much, considering your position.”

Takigawa said with a shrug, as he reached inside his coat pocket.

“—”

At once, Yuki and Kurumi had a sharp expression on their faces.

“—Takigawa.”

Basara said in a low tone, with the intention of controlling the situation. With that, “Don’t worry. I’m not going to do anything rash.”

Takigawa took out a white document with a sad smile, Then, he showed the back of the envelope which was sealed with a red seal — Naruse Mio knew the two emblems that were put side by side on it. Because not too long ago, she had seen it time and time again while in the Demon Realm.

“Truth is, this time, other than as someone who watches over them, I also hold the role of an envoy. From the current demon lord faction and the moderate faction — I came here as a representative for the two sides of the Demon Realm, to deliver this confidential document… As such, can’t you understand me wanting to go with you guys?”

“—I see. If what you say is true, then it is without a doubt that the letter is of utmost importance.”

After listening to Takigawa, Shuuya muttered in understanding. However

“Unfortunately, this isn’t something I can determine by myself personally… As a messenger who represents the demons, I would think that you can use the same route as the time of the last armistice?”

At how Shuuya was unwilling to budge, Takigawa shrugged.

“It’s not like we didn’t consider that you know? However, unfortunately, this has all sorts of situations. We can’t just use a window like last time. The reason being this secret document is addressed for the Japanese Village of the hero clan. If it’s not something you can determine, it’s too rash to turn me down right here. I’m sorry that it’s so much trouble but can you get me an elder who can determine it. Surely you can just call them to ask?”

The words had logic in them. Watching the banter between Takigawa and Shuuya, Mio tensed and gulped down.

“…I understand, let’s do that.”

Perhaps thinking that a demon like Takigawa won’t abide so easily, Shuuya said words of agreement. And then he took out a phone from his pocket, and began to use the screen to navigate the options.

“I’m sorry, but please wait a bit…”

He said with a serious face, he then walked towards Yuki and Kurumi.

“…You two, what should I do with this?”

“Dad…do you still not remember?”

Kurumi said like she was tired of it, as she was asked on how to use the phone

“No, I’m just really bad with technology…”

“Let me do it”

At Shuuya who spoke while tilting his head, Yuki took the phone and began going through it, Looking at this sight, Takigawa said quietly.

“Hey Basacchi…are we really going to go on this mountain road with this old man who can’t even use a phone while driving? It seems pretty dangerous.”

“…No, that’s, well…”

As Basara found it hard to say much, Shuuya received his phone back from Yuki and began talking to someone on it. Then — Getting permission for Takigawa to go with them, was yet another twenty minutes.