The Supreme Overlord (Multicross)

"Well, how about it? Are you interested in the Cleansing now... The Cleansing can also fulfill your and Natsuki's desires."

"...By simply distorting the natural order, humans could live in peace with demons. Distort the natural order, and witches will cease to exist!"

Saigou laid bare his intentions with words Aya Tokoyogi could hardly refuse.

Aya Tokoyogi was indeed tempted, but she remained cautious. "…Are you not afraid that distorting the natural order with the Cleansing might make my wish cause your own disappearance?"

Saigou chuckled softly. "…I told you before, I am not like the devils you imagine."

Aya Tokoyogi clenched her hands tightly, taking a deep breath before asking, "…One last question, what does this have to do with rescuing me from this Prison Barrier?"

"Good question!"

Saigou clapped his hands and smiled. "…It's actually quite simple. Due to the contract, I am also bound to Natsuki Minamiya and cannot act freely."

"…Thus, I need to align with Natsuki's actions to ensure our goals are the same."

"Whether she seeks the Cleansing or grapples with her unattainable wishes, there will inevitably be external obstacles."

"…She alone cannot face these challenges, so she needs allies, and you are the most suitable one for her!"

"For the ultimate goal and the mutual understanding you both deserve, these two closely related witches should stand on the same front!"

"…Releasing you is simply to bolster Natsuki Minamiya's support."

These were, of course, Saigou's manipulative words.

He was not bound to Natsuki Minamiya and had absolute freedom.

However, more than the Cleansing itself, Saigou was concerned about Natsuki Minamiya's safety.

He needed both contracts to remain in place; only then could he continuously draw sustenance from the world.

His personal growth was far more important than acquiring the Cleansing.

Thus, the best approach was for Saigou to stay close to Natsuki Minamiya, ensuring she remained safe.

But if he could also incite Natsuki Minamiya's pursuit of the Cleansing while meeting his own needs, it would be even better.

If he could protect Natsuki Minamiya's safety while she actively pursued the Cleansing and the Fourth Primogenitor, Saigou would achieve two goals with one move.

Saigou spoke truthfully to Aya Tokoyogi, yet he concealed the full reality.

Such rhetoric was second nature to Saigou, who had climbed to power using political maneuvering.

Aya Tokoyogi's eyes sparkled. She covered her exquisite face with the wide sleeves of her robe and whispered, "…If fulfilling my wish is possible, I would indeed agree."

"…But this is merely a contract between you and me, and has nothing to do with Natsuki."

Saigou waved his hand, activating a spatial manipulation spell.

He transported Aya Tokoyogi directly to the grand hall at the center of the castle.

The witch of the library looked around in amazement at the vast hall, then cast a complicated glance at the small girl sitting on the throne in the center of the room, who was sleeping quietly like a doll.

That girl was the true form of Natsuki Minamiya.

"Don't worry, because of my presence, she will not sense our arrival or awaken from her slumber."

"…As for your question, I can answer it easily. I will persuade Natsuki to align with us. After all, manipulating hearts is a devil's specialty."

Make Natsuki Minamiya obey? Saigou has many methods to 'coerce' her.

"If you can accomplish that, I would indeed agree."

"...Gaining freedom from the Prison Barrier and fulfilling my wish—there is no better promise than this."

"Then, demon, state your conditions. I do not believe you would ask for nothing in return."

Aya Tokoyogi remained composed, well aware that there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

"My conditions."

Saigou rubbed his chin, contemplating his demands.

In truth, he had no specific conditions; he was merely going with the flow.

His goals were self-serving, and assisting Aya Tokoyogi was simply part of his broader scheme.

Saigou's gaze lingered on Aya Tokoyogi, taking in the beauty of the fiery-eyed, black-haired girl, her entire form enveloped in the elaborate twelve-layer kimono.

He had an idea, knowing that if he did not propose some demands, Aya Tokoyogi might doubt his sincerity.

"Your power is too weak, Witch of the Notaria… Abandon the devil you've made a contract with and form a pact with me. I will grant you unimaginable power."

Hearing the devil's whisper, Aya Tokoyogi was somewhat tempted, but she remained calm and responded, "…My soul has long been sold to a devil."

"…There is no way for a witch to reclaim her soul from a devil; otherwise, why would I have such a wish?"

Saigou laughed heartily. "…Others may not be able to achieve that, but I can. It's simply a matter of changing the contract's target, selling your soul to me instead."

"…However, your soul is indeed not in your possession but in the hands of that devil. I need to use your body to pinpoint the devil's location in the alternate dimension and retrieve your soul."

"Body?"

Aya Tokoyogi paused, then her pale cheeks flushed red as she understood Saigou's implication.

The Library Witch quickly regained her composure, a seductive smile appearing on her lips as she laughed lightly. "…I suddenly find you more reassuring than the devils I've encountered."

"Why is that?"

Saigou was curious.

"Because those devils are mere programs, devoid of emotion and thus without room for negotiation. But you are different; you have humanity and can communicate, which is oddly comforting."

"…Do you wish to take my purity? Certainly, if my human form intrigues a devil like you, I wonder if it is considered an honor."

"In the records of the Lost Bible, devils are embodiments of desire. You truly resemble a real devil."

"…If I can use my body to make you succumb to desire, does it mean I have triumphed over the devil?"

Saigou was taken aback, then couldn't help but burst into laughter. "…Haha, Aya Tokoyogi, you can use your body to see if you can ensnare me!"

"…Since you've made up your mind, let us begin!"

Aya Tokoyogi glanced at Natsuki Minamiya, who was sleeping on the throne. She hesitated for a moment, then shyly asked, "…Do you intend to do this here, or can we return to my quarters?"

"No!"

Saigou rejected without hesitation, showing no sign of shame.

He was a demon, a being whose moral values were at negative infinity; how could he possess any surplus human emotions?

Aya Tokoyogi knew she couldn't change Saigou's mind. Gritting her teeth, she closed her eyes and pondered for a moment. Her slender fingers brushed her waist, causing the heavy twelve-layer kimono to drift away.

Before Saigou stood Aya Tokoyogi, clad only in white and alluring garments, with her feet covered in tabi socks.

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