The Player is a Part-Timer

Chapter 12: Deserved Rest/Disturbing Guests

"Hmm, I see. That's really unfortunate. My advice is to let this friend be alone for a while. Sometimes, it is best to give time to others to come to terms with themselves. But don't lose sight of them, or you may be not able to pull them back when needed."

"I see, thanks..." Issei's phone started to ring at the next moment. "May I?"

"Go ahead..."

"Hello? I see. I see." Isse hummed, speaking with the one on the other side, lowering his phone as he gained the necessary information. "I am sorry. I need to go. May we continue this another time?" The boy turned to his customer of the night, asking regretfully.

"Ah, yes, don't worry about it. Go ahead."

"Thanks."

With that, Issei left, leaving this stranger alone.

"Haah! Good kid..."

"Had fun with the boy, Lord Azazel?"

"Ah! Yes! Really charming boy! Youth like him makes it all worth fighting for peace." Azazel turned to the figure who appeared from the shadows, offering a bright smile. "Don't you think, Rorschach?"

"Hmm, indeed... interesting boy. His desires are plain, but he has the spirit to make them true."

From the shadows, a man with tall stature appeared. His crimson gaze piercing. His hair white, giving a strange contrast with his dark skin. Two dogs walked in a neat place on his two sides: a Black Great Dane mix and a Siberian husky pup with blue eyes.

"But sometimes, desires and will are just not enough..."

"Ah! That's, unfortunately, true. But one can't underestimate the power of dreams, for they are a source of great power. Nonetheless, what can I thank for your late visit?"

"Just walking with the dogs. They become restless easily. Especially when someone invades their territory."

One of the dogs glanced up at the servant, and Rorschach patted her.

"Oh! You are speaking about me, dear friend?" Azazel chuckled, seemingly not afraid the slightest as one of the dogs walked behind his back, releasing a growl, a growl that belonged more to an eldritch beast than of a normal dog. "I assure you. I mean no harm, just fishing. Want to join?"

"Hmm, sure, why not?" Though Rorschach did not exactly think about Azazel himself, he let it slip now. Whistling and nodding, the "dog" behind Azazel retreated to his sister's side, starting to play with each other on the bank.

"So, anything interesting happened?"

"Not really, aside from the usual. Master's café operates splendidly, as expected, it shows steady signs of a growing customer base. Even supernatural beings who live in Kuoh started to become our regulars."

"Well, that's good to hear..."

"Hmm..."

"I always wondered... Why is she doing it?"

"Doing what, exactly?" The servant gave Azazel a passive look.

"Living her life as she lives. As I see it, she probably rivals the Maou and even a few gods if it comes to power. Then why did she choose to retreat and live this peaceful life? Far from any trouble... I wonder... Is she planning something? Or is she just escaping? Most would abuse this kind of power. Seeking to gain more and more influence." Azazel muttered, almost like he was just thinking loudly, confused but also more and more interested as time passed.

"Hmm... unfortunately, Lord Azazel, this is what I can't give you an answer for. Not only because I don't have permission, but because even I don't know. Even I, her own creation, don't have an answer for this. Master was always mysterious that way. She never really spoke about her past."