Chapter 17

When Koneko asked the question, both Irina and Xenovia blushed a little. While Irina was about to say something, Xenovia quickly jumped in with a question,

"Why does it look like we are begging? We are obviously trying to spread our religion in this country as part of our duties."

At this, all three looked at her in confusion. Issei and Koneko were puzzled because they couldn't see how this was linked to their mission, while Irina was confused because they had come here to make some money.

Seeing that her attempt to shift their awareness from the problem had worked, Xenovia continued,

"Since I can sense the faith people have in God, I can tell that the faith here is very weak. By increasing that faith, we can identify the people with the strongest belief. Learning about Excalibur automatically strengthens your faith."

She mumbled under her breath, "Even though I hate coming to a country where the smell of faith is almost non-existent."

Though Issei found this somewhat believable, he couldn't help but think it was total nonsense. But then he thought, *"Well, it's not like they'd lie to us in a situation like this."*

If Roxanne were here to see his thought process, she would say, *"Well, his instincts are sharp, he just needs to let go of common sense. If he does that, he could survive anything that isn't instant death, just by following his instincts."*

While Xenovia continued with her excuses, they suddenly heard a stomach growling. All of them turned to Irina, who had turned beet-red with embarrassment. She quietly said, "Sorry, I haven't eaten anything since yesterday."

Seeing an opportunity to arrange a meeting with them, Issei suggested,

"Why don't we head to the diner on the next street and grab a bite?"

Both of them looked at each other and said, "Then we shall gratefully accept your offer."

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Issei had always thought he would never be able to invite a lady to dinner due to his nature. But now, for the first time, he regretted ever dreaming about such a thing. Why, you ask? Well, the two ladies he invited to dinner were currently emptying his wallet to the extreme. The table was filled with empty plates, most of them thanks to Xenovia and Irina being absolute gluttons. But what nearly made him bleed was how Koneko kept ordering one dessert after another.

He had only ordered a burger himself but was now reconsidering even that. Just as he was trying to figure out how he was going to pay the bill, the waitress came over and handed him the bill along with a letter.

Puzzled, he asked about it, and what the waitress said surprised him.

"The bill has been settled, sir. The one who paid asked me to give you this letter."

Curious, Issei opened the letter and read it. As he read, his eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

....

Hey Issei,

It's me, Roxanne. While I was eating here, I saw you come in with a girl from our school and two nuns, and judging by their appetites, I figured you wouldn't have enough money to pay for all of them. So, as your sweet childhood friend, I paid for you. Don't worry about the debt — you can repay me by doing a favor when I need it.

Also, I think it's time you get yourself a job. If you don't, you're eventually going to go broke if you want to support your future harem.

With love,

Your lovely childhood friend,

Roxanne 😋

....

Issei didn't know whether to laugh or cry. On one hand, he didn't have to go bankrupt paying for the bill. On the other hand, his dignity as a harem protagonist was completely ruined by his childhood friend.

While Issei was stuck in his dilemma, the others had already finished their meals. Seeing that he was still distracted, Koneko started the conversation.

"So, have you found any leads on Excalibur or Kokabiel?"

Xenovia replied, "We haven't found any clues regarding Excalibur, as we haven't felt any holy energy lately. As for Kokabiel, we only found a small base for his minions, who are just low-class fallen angels."

Issei cut in, "So, in short, the investigation hasn't been very fruitful."

Xenovia didn't reply, but her silence was confirmation enough for Issei.

Irina then asked, "So, Issei-kun, why did you want to meet us? Don't tell me you've realized being a devil is wrong and came to be purified?" She smiled.

To anyone else, that smile might've looked angelic, but for Issei, it was the smile of a devil. 'Woman, what the hell is wrong with your head? Didn't we already have this conversation earlier?' he thought.

It wasn't just Issei who was questioning her behavior; even Xenovia was facepalming at how much of an airhead Irina could be.

Seeing the conversation wasn't going where he wanted, Issei quickly changed the subject. "Let me ask you a question. What will you do when you find the swords?"

Xenovia turned serious and replied, "Our orders are to either retrieve them or destroy them before the enemy can use them."

Issei smirked, thinking this made things easier for him. "Then why don't we help you find the swords, and in return, you let us destroy them?"

Xenovia narrowed her eyes. "What's in it for you to help us?"

Seeing that his suggestion might cause trouble, Issei hurriedly explained, "Well, you see, Kiba is hell-bent on destroying those swords, so as his friend, I have to help him. What do you say? You're getting a great deal out of this. Not only do you get our help, but we're only asking for the right to destroy the swords, which are already supposed to be destroyed anyway."

He paused for a moment and continued, "I also have a map that shows where you can find the swords."

Both Xenovia and Irina widened their eyes in shock, with Irina muttering, "How?"

Issei casually replied, "I got it from this Shaltier person."

At this, not only the duo but even Koneko looked at Issei in horror.

"Y..y..you don't mean Shaltier as in... Shadow Garden... do you... Issei-kun?" Irina asked, trembling and almost in tears.

Issei, not understanding their reactions, just nodded.

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