EPHS-Chapter 395 Contracting with Magic Users (Part 1)

"Everyone, starting from today, we are entering the period of contracting with Magic Users," Rias announced in the evening, gathering everyone in the hall and clapping her hands.

"Contracting with Magic Users?"

"So, it's finally time for this..."

"Ah, I'm looking forward to it..."

The girls exchanged words, showing that they weren't particularly surprised by the news of contracting with Magic Users. However, there was one exception...

"Rias, why are you suddenly bringing up this matter?" Tenraku, snacking on some treats while cuddling his small pet, asked.

"Tenraku, it seems like you really don't care about these things."

Rias sighed and looked a bit helpless, then explained, "Every time a new generation Devil reaches our age, they are about ready to contract with Magic Users. Combined with our previous battles against the Khaos Brigade and our performance in the Rating Game, we now have a high reputation in the Magic world. The Magic User Association has already contacted us several times, hoping to have their Magic Users contract with us."

Tenraku felt a bit awkward when he heard this. He generally didn't pay much attention to these matters. However, after hearing Rias's explanation, he understood.

Magic Users were essentially humans who dedicated their entire lives to exploring and researching Magic. This included Black Magic, White Magic, Summoning Magic, Elf Magic, and many other types. They chose a theme that suited them and devoted their entire lives to it.

The contract between Devils and Magic Users was different from regular Devil transactions. It was a more formal and long-term agreement.

"While most of you should already have some understanding, I'll explain a bit more. There are generally three main reasons why Magic Users enter into contracts with us Devils."

"First, for protection. They can summon powerful Devils as combat forces in critical situations, standing their ground against opponents during conflicts."

"Second, to gain access to the Devil's techniques and knowledge. Magic Users pay a price and trade various Underworld magical items and technological products with Devils, all of which can be useful in their research."

"Third, for status and reputation. Just being able to contract with powerful Devils is a significant wealth in itself."

Rias explained, gesturing with her fingers, and Tenraku and the girls nodded in agreement.

The first reason was easy to understand. Magic Users saw Devils as a means of summoning powerful forces, especially those specializing in Summoning Magic. They themselves didn't have much combat strength, so they relied on summoning powerful Demonic Beings or Devils during battles.

The second reason was more broad-ranging, but for Magic Users, it was the most practical. Obtaining things from the Underworld wasn't an easy task for ordinary people. 

Except for Devils and other local residents like Fallen Angels, getting into the Underworld was a daunting challenge. So, if they could contract with a Devil and then directly trade with their contracted Devil, it would become much simpler.

For example, take the Phoenix Tears unique to the Phenex family. It was extremely rare and precious, so even within the entire Underworld, it wasn't widely circulated. It was considered a strategic resource. 

Even if occasionally a couple were sold outside, they would fetch exorbitant prices. However, if a Magic-User could contract with a Devil from the Phenex family, the chances of obtaining Phoenix Tears would increase significantly. 

Due to this, every year, there were countless Magic Users and other humans wanting to contract with a Devil from the Phenex family, making them as sought after as gold in a river.

As for the third reason, it depended on individual perspectives.

"Generally speaking, after contracting, we basically become the summoned party. So, everyone must be very cautious. Once you make a choice, it's not easy to reverse it, and afterward, you must work well together."

"If you choose a low-tier contractor, our tastes will be questioned. So, everyone should try to select the best contracting partners."

"For Magic Users, this is an extension of their Magic research. For us Devils, it's a business. To be a qualified Devil, you must balance the interests of ordinary humans and Magic Users in your contracts."

Listening to Rias's explanation, the girls began discussing in hushed tones. However, Tenraku glanced over at Le Fay, who was sitting beside him, and said: "Le Fay, you're also a Magic User, right? How about being my contracting partner?"

As Tenraku's words fell, the entire room fell silent. After a brief moment of astonishment, Le Fay couldn't help but let out a huge exclamation:

"Eh?!!"

"Let... let me be Lord Tenraku's contracting partner?!"

"Why, is it not allowed?" Tenraku smiled and asked while watching the girl's adorable expression.

"N-no, it's not..."

"I... I..."

It seemed like she was too excited, and the girl was having a bit of trouble speaking clearly.

"Tenraku, did you make this decision a bit too hastily?" Rias spoke with a hint of helplessness on her face.

"I really dislike troublesome matters. I don't want to be summoned back and forth by those Magic Users all the time. So, why not contract with Le Fay instead?"

"We're already very familiar with Le Fay, and she wouldn't misuse my powers as her contracting partner. So, having Le Fay as my contracting partner isn't a fantastic choice?" Tenraku smiled and said while rubbing Ophis's little head.

Indeed, as Tenraku said, everyone was already very familiar with Le Fay, and they knew her character well. They got along well with her at home.

Moreover, from the perspective of a Magic User, even though she was still young, Le Fay was undoubtedly an excellent Magic User. She was on par, if not superior, to the orthodox Magic Users of the Magic User Association.

"Since you've already decided, Tenraku, then let it be." After careful consideration, Rias also felt that Le Fay was quite suitable to be Tenraku's contracting partner, so she didn't say much more.

"Well then, Le Fay, would you be willing to be my contracting partner?"

"Let me make it clear first, I'm completely clueless about Magic and such. If you contract with me, I won't be of any help in that regard. But if anyone dares to bully Le Fay one day, just summon me. I'll make sure to give them a sound beating!"

Looking at Tenraku's clenched fist and fierce expression, the girls couldn't help but hold back their laughter. At this moment, Le Fay's face turned completely red.

"I-I'm willing, Lord Tenraku!"

To be continued...