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Standing before August, Natsuki Minamiya's mind churned with thoughts. After a brief pause, she reached a decision.

Helping him wasn't just a favor—it was a calculated move. When faced with an unknown, powerful figure, befriending them was far better than making them an enemy. Moreover, keeping him close would make it easier to monitor him.

"Alright." She finally said. "I'll help you obtain identification, but on one condition."

"Name it, Miss Natsuki." August replied with a polite smile.

"You must remain within my line of sight at all times. Your mysterious origins make it difficult for me to trust you completely."

"That's fair." August said, nodding. "If I were in your position, I'd take similar precautions. I'll cooperate."

Natsuki exhaled, relieved at his compliance. This arrangement gave her a sliver of reassurance, though she remained wary. She couldn't dismiss the possibility that August was deliberately trying to lower her guard.

Beside them, Kanon Kanase's face lit up with a radiant smile. To her, this meant August was no longer a dangerous figure.

"What are you so happy about?" Natsuki's sharp tone cut through Kanon's joy. "Even if he's not a threat, you still need to keep your distance. Otherwise, you'll end up falling for his charm and helping him count his spoils after he's drained you dry."

"Miss Natsuki, I—"

"Don't even try to argue. Girls like you are always easy targets. I've seen it too many times: naïve, wide-eyed little girls swept off their feet by sweet words, only to end up abandoned and heartbroken."

Natsuki's lecture was relentless, her protective instincts fully activated. Kanon, being only a teenager, was far too impressionable. Meanwhile, August couldn't help but interject.

"Excuse me, could you refrain from maligning me? I'm standing right here."

"I'm saying it for you to hear." Natsuki snapped. "She's barely fourteen. Are you some kind of predator?"

"I can assure you, I have no inappropriate intentions." August said, exasperated. "You're making me out to be some villainous con artist."

"Where's the lie?" Natsuki shot back.

"You're impossible!" August muttered, his patience thinning. Yet, mindful of Kanon's presence, he restrained himself from further argument. Maintaining his image was paramount. Kanon, however, avoided his gaze, her cheeks flushed, clearly paying little attention to Natsuki's admonitions.

"Alright, it's late. Time to head home." Natsuki said firmly.

"But, Miss Natsuki, I—"

"No buts."

"I understand."

Reluctantly, Kanon complied, casting longing glances back at August as she left the shop, her steps hesitant and slow. Watching her retreat, August felt an irritation rising within him.

"Upset, are we? Is it because your target left?" Natsuki teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Miss Natsuki, your meddling is... deeply frustrating." August admitted, his tone sharp.

"Hmph! Men like you are all the same. She's a child. Are you seriously trying to justify your actions?"

"You clearly lack any understanding of romance."

"Excuse me?" Natsuki's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Nothing at all. Let's head back, shall we?" August deflected with a dismissive wave.

"Wait. Back where?" Natsuki's voice carried a hint of suspicion.

"To your place, of course. Isn't that what you meant by keeping me within your line of sight?"

"That's—" She faltered, realizing she had indeed implied that.

"And since you'll need to find me tomorrow anyway, staying together saves time. Don't worry, I don't mind the inconvenience."

"The nerve!" Natsuki exclaimed, folding her arms. "You're acting as if you're doing me a favor!"

"It's fine. I'm used to shouldering burdens. It's part of being a man."

"Get out!" She shouted, swinging her fan at him. But as soon as she moved, regret flashed across her face.

Challenging a strong individual was reckless, especially someone she barely knew. Her strike, however, was intercepted. A shadowy blade materialized mid-air, halting her fan effortlessly.

August's eyes glinted as he gazed at her, his presence suddenly oppressive. An overwhelming aura of dominance surged from him, and for a brief second, Natsuki felt like she had been plunged into an abyss. The oppressive weight of his existence bore down on her, as if she were an ant before a towering god.

The sensation vanished almost as quickly as it came, but Natsuki was left breathless, her forehead damp with sweat. She stared at August with newfound fear and respect.

This man wasn't just powerful; he was a monster, possibly on par with the legendary Vampire Progenitors.

"Shall we go, Miss Natsuki?" August asked, his tone light, as if nothing had happened.

"...Yes." She replied cautiously.

Without further discussion, they stepped into a glowing spatial circle that appeared beneath their feet, vanishing in an instant.

When Natsuki blinked, they were already standing in an opulent residence. The luxurious décor exuded elegance, from the ornate furniture to the plush carpets, everything radiated refinement.

"This is my home." Natsuki explained. "You can stay here for now. By tomorrow morning, I'll have your identification and exchange these gold bars for local currency."

"No need to convert them. They're a token of my gratitude." August replied.

"I don't need your charity." Natsuki retorted curtly, though her tone was softer now.

August didn't argue. He believed her words. As the instructor of anti-demon operations and the guardian of the prison barrier, Natsuki Minamiya undoubtedly had substantial resources.

For now, a tenuous balance of mutual respect and wariness hung between them. Both understood that this arrangement was as much about trust as it was about control.

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