“Hm?” The boss responded as he looked at me as he wrinkled his forehead.

“I thought we are factionless, why are we here to meet one of the kings?” I calmly asked.

“Joseph does not work under me. Our relationship is as mere collaborators.” Sir Ron announced before he took a sip off his wine.

“I see. Sorry for suspecting you, boss.” I apologized as I put down my right hand from my chest.

Damn, that was embarrassing. Maybe I am getting a bit too paranoid nowadays. For a minute there, I really thought I was going to die. I was glad that my suspicions were wrong but I actually did not expect the Boss to be in equal terms with a king! I know that he is amazing, but not that amazing.

“Don’t mind it, can’t blame you for being cautious with our situation here,” the boss replied. “We are simply in an agreement where we exchange information with each other.”

“I see, that is how it is. Sorry again, boss.”

“You indeed found quite a competent subordinate here, Joseph.”

“He is. His suspecting nature helped us a lot on last time’s encounter.” 

“You flatter me too much, Boss.” I replied with a smile as I scratched my cheek with my pinky.

“By the way, I have wine prepared. Feel free to partake some if you would like.” Sir Ron offered before he took another sip off his glass.

“I’ll gladly take the offer!” I enthusiastically replied. “How about you, Boss?”

“Sure.”

I just could not help but smile as I grabbed the bottle of wine to pour some on our glasses. I just felt so excited to be able to taste what kind of booze a rich guy enjoys. I quickly drank some and the taste was… normal? It tasted very familiar.

I looked again at the bottle of wine intently and I really think I already saw it a couple of times already. I stared at it for a while before I was able to finally remember. It was just a regular wine you can buy in the grocery store, and one of the cheapest at that! Damn, that was a total disappointment.

“Is it not suitable to your tastes?” Sir Ron asked.

“No no no, it’s not that. I am just kind of surprised that a rich guy such as yourself drinks this kind of stuff.” I shamelessly reply.

“You are quite direct, aren’t you?” Sir Ron replied with a laugh.

“I am sorry, that was rude of me.” I apologized after I remembered that I was actually talking to one of the directional kings, better not to be in his bad side.

“It’s fine, no need to worry. Talking to someone with no manners is like a breath of fresh air.”

Is that a compliment or an insult? I would have asked at normal circumstances but I think I should stop now. I’d better be a bit more careful with my words.

“Anyway, shall we start?” Sir Ron asked.

The boss stated what happened last time: the bar, the possessed and their mode of operations. Sir Ron listened intently as the boss gave him all the details.

“This is problematic indeed…” Sir Ron replied after the boss was finished talking.

“What is?” I asked.

“A lesser demon that can put a major demon to sleep even in human form is unusually strong for a lesser demon.” The boss replied.

“Indeed, my men also reported similar cases.” Sir Ron uttered.

“This is quite alarming, huh.” I said.

“Although we are currently undergoing series of skirmishes against Gaap, we will also look into this matter and will let you know if we ever find something out.”

“You can expect that we’ll do the same.” The boss replied.

If I remember correctly, Gaap was also one of the kings. This thing they call a war sounded like a real a hassle.

“Cray, would you mind leaving us for a while? There is something I would like to talk about with Joseph privately.” Sir Ron said as he put down the empty glass of wine.

“Okay, do you mind if I take a tour around your house while waiting?” I asked as I stood up.

“Sure, feel at home.” Sir Ron replied.

“Thanks!” I went outside the room then went out of the house towards the garden area near the pool.

But damn, being kicked out of the room was kind of sad and worrying at the same time. It was just the same as saying “We have some sensitive matters to talk about which should not be heard by someone we do not fully trust yet”.

I just joined them a few days ago so I cannot blame them, but still! What if they were actually planning to sell me out or something? What if my suspicions earlier were actually correct and they decided to hold it off since they felt that I was aware of it?

Damn, maybe I am over thinking everything again. I guess I will explore the place for now to take my head off things. Since I was back out in the garden, I started to remember how big this place was. 

I took a walk around and the plants looked like they were properly taken care of. The bushes that were rectangularly shaped were proof to that. Its form would be ruined if it is not trimmed once in a while.

Although I was envious of how extravagant his home was, I kind of do not want a home this big. The cost for maintaining this place at top condition should be quite high. I would rather spend it on other things if it were me.

The security was quite lax here though. Although the place was full of security cameras at every corner, I was expecting for a place like this to have actual guards. Especially with the demon thing happening, I think they better boost up their defences.

I stopped for a while to closely look at a bug I saw on the ground which has red spots, then I felt a presence. I focused and I heard the sound of footsteps, getting nearer and nearer.

I looked to my right and I saw a girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes running towards me. She was wearing plain jeans, high cut brown boots and a top down button shirt with a striped t-shirt beneath.

“Woah!” I shouted as I landed on my butt after my attempt to dodge the girl’s flying kick.

I was still sitting on the ground when she tried to kick me in the head. I was able to dodge it by rolling on the ground then I quickly got up.

“Get out of here now before I crush your feet making you unable to get out of here, ever” The girl stated with a sharp look.

“Sorry but can I stay a bit longer? I am still waiting-“ I tried to explain when she interrupted me by attacking with a right low kick.

I jumped back to avoid the attack but then she spun and threw a left axe kick at me. I blocked the kick by raising both my arms in a cross.

“Would you let me finish talking at least!?” I asked.

“I do not have time to listen to what an intruder has to say.” She replied. 

The blonde girl rushed at me again to give me a punch to the face. I ducked to avoid it then I gave her a punch to the stomach. 

“Ngghhh!” She groaned in pain yet she was still able to quickly smash my jaw with her right knee.

“Arrgh!” I let out a voice filled with pain as I step backwards to find my balance.

Dammit, that was painful. It felt like my brain was kind of rigorously shaken inside my head. She was strong, if only she would lend her ear to me for a second.

“Can you please just listen to me?” I tried talking to her once again.

“Fine.”

“You see, I-“

I was talking when she aimed a high kick at my face that I barely avoided by moving my head sideways. I got quite annoyed by her dirty tactic that I punched her in the face with all my force, knocking her to the ground.

I did not care if she was a girl or not any longer. A lady who uses dirty methods does not deserve any respect from a gentleman.

“Y-you!” The girl shouted as she got up while holding her cheek with her right hand.

A dark reddish light started to glow on her left shoulder. It must be her demon’s mark, she must be Sir Ron’s subordinate. Since she would not listen to me, I guess I have no choice but to do what must be done.

“Okay! I’ll get out of here now.” I said as I turned my back on her to walk away.

“You are not going anywhere!” The girl shouted as tattoo like markings started to emerge on her skin.

“Cristine! Stop it this instant!” I heard an angry man’s voice, it was Sir Ron and behind him was the boss.

“Why?! I’m going to punish this intruder!” The girl, Cristine shouted.

“I told you to stop, didn’t I?” Sir Ron replied.

I then felt a very strong aura that made me nauseous. The air suddenly felt cold and fear creeped in into my body. I had to focus by a lot just to prevent myself from shivering. I looked at the girl and from her face, even she was stricken with fear. His presence was that strong and he was not even in demon form yet!

Now I know why they did not have any guards around, they do not need one. Sir Ron alone can take care of an army all by himself. They are not called kings for nothing, but I did not expect something like this!

“I’m sorry for scaring you.” His aura dissipated as he walked towards us. “Are you alright?”

“Y-yes, I am alright.” I replied.

“Cristine, what you did today was despicable. He is with Joseph, a guest.”

“What? Then Keen is not with him today?” Cristine asked in a shocked look.

“Keen is taking care of something else.” The boss replied.

“I was actually looking forward seeing him tonight.” Cristine whispered as the look in her eyes became more like of a girl’s.

“Hey hey, do you like Keen per chance?” I asked.

Cristine did not reply but her face became bright red, an undeniable yes. With that, I found another thing that I can use to tease Keen. I saw the boss let out a smirk, he must know what was going through my mind at the moment.

“Anyways, you owe our guest an apology.” Sir Ron uttered.

“I’m sorry. I really thought you are an enemy. I am Cristine. I serve under Ron, bearer of Corson.”

“It’s alright. My name is Cray, I am sorry as well for punching you in the face.”

“You punched a girl in the face?” The boss asked in surprise.

They then looked at Cristine to see a bruise on her cheek. Joseph tried to contain his laughter while Sir Ron was very shocked.

“Your new member is rather unique indeed, Joseph. I cannot imagine myself doing the same act.” Sir Ron said with a blank face.

“I was attacked! I had to!” I looked at Cristine and she just averted her gaze.

Some kind of loud alarming sound suddenly echoed and the small light near the security cameras flashed in red.

“An enemy attack!” Cristine shouted.