Let's Make a Deal ch7: Mahara

p1
>>Yesterday's enemy is today's friend?

>My name is Adele.

>Our neighbor turned out to be an exorcist.

>Well, to be precise,
>If you drink this, you'll become a powerful exorcist.
>>Melon Soda
>I'll drink it!
>she's a fake who got conned into being a demon's toy...

>...

>Why is she hanging around our place after all the commotion the other day?
>I'm watching over her since Mahara started working part-time.

p2
>And why is Kotaka here too?

>I don't know how to deal with kids.
>Get it together.

>I couldn't turn her down...
>It's important to have the courage to turn down friends.
>You have a schedule, don't you?

>I can't help it! Ryouko-chan's counting on me!
>She takes top priority!!
>I-It's okay to come over if you want to...

>Honestly... What are your parents doing?

>...
>Himawari... Get along with Papa, okay...
>Mama! No! Where are you going!?
>And right after that, my father also...

>...Your dad's an exorcist...
>so I need to go on a quest to exorcise demons.
>I leave the rest to you, my daughter...

>By the time he gets back, I'll become a great exorcist and get lots of praise!
>What clear eyes...

p3
>She's still a kid.
>She must've made a contract with Mahara so she wouldn't be lonely.

>Even if it was her own responsibility, it's still sad.
>Cabbage.
>Chives.
>Pork...

>Hmm
>If Mahara's with her, then this girl's aunt is...?

>You should study up on the differences between vampires and demons.

>Go home once you've finished your gyoza.
>Eh~!?
>Looks good.
>It's fine, isn't it?

>You're way too unphased, Ryouko.
>Did you shower in low-grade souls or something?
>Is that so!?
>Wawawa

>I figured Kotaka-chan could come over and exorcise me...

>Quit oversupplying your stalker.

p4
>How troublesome. I wanted to go shopping after this.

>Why don't you just go?
>I'm too worried.

>For one thing, is Mahara really working part-time?
>>I'm curious about the human you like so much~
>It'd be dangerous if she came over, even with Kotaka around.

>Sorry, but could you come with me so I can protect you?
>Yes, gladly!

>There's somewhere I wanna stop by while we're at it.

>I pass by it on the way to work.
>>Care for a delicious cake?
>>Campaign in Progress
>>1. Get a free eclair if you bring this flyer!
>>2. Give us a good review and get 10% off!!
>>We're not the same store we were before~
>>Do come.
>You've never gone in?

>Akane
>It tastes good, but...
>The employee with the beard is so creepy!
>Miki
>High risk, high return
>The cake is wonderful, but interacting with the bearded employee was hard.

>I can see why you'd hesitate.
>It apparently tastes good, so I haven't given up completely...

p5
>You said you'd protect me, after all.
>I meant from Mahara, but whatever.

>We're going shopping for a bit. Wait here.
>Eh? Don't tell me...

>>So that Papa can praise me,
>>For Ryouko-chan's sake,
>I've been given a chance to search for Adele-san's weakness...!?

>I can't! I was entrusted with watching the house!
>I need to behave when in someone else's home.
>These two were raised well.

>Here it is.
>Welcome~

>Wait.
>Mahara!?
>Wah~ It's Senpai.
>And Ryouko too.

>So this was your part-time job, huh?
>That's right.

>Watching those foolish humans is so fun.
>Ufufu
>I'll start dieting tomorrow...!

p6
>Is that employee with the beard off today?
>You mean the manager?
>He recently went missing apparently.
>Eh!?

>Is the store gonna be okay?
>I'm working as proxy manager.

>I might even become the real manager at this rate.
>Mufufu
>Amazing...
>You're pretty amazing yourself for believing her.

>Not to be rude, but this makes entering the store easier.
>It's more dangerous with a demon in charge, though.

>...Now that I know Mahara's here, you don't need to tag along anymore.
>Go on home and eat some cake.

>I'll wait for you, so let's eat together.
>It'll be fine~ Senpai doesn't really like sweet things.
>Right, Senpai?

>Hurry up and choose one.
>Senpai?

p7
>Bit overprotective, aren't you?
>Okay, I'll be
>heading home first.
>Ehehe
>Not really.

>Come again~
>More importantly, about this "missing" manager.

>He was delicious.
>You really act fast, huh?

>Humans sure are cute.
>"I'll grant your wish in exchange for your soul"...

>Even though it was up to him how much I took,

>I'm sure he'll be happy until he dies.

>There's no mistaking it, though.

p8
>The moment his wish was granted, his soul became mine.
>When will you get Ryouko-san's, Senpai?

>...I still haven't granted her wish yet.
>Is that so? That's rare for a model demon like you, Senpai.

>When "that time" comes, give me a call.
>...
>I'm sure the look on Ryouko-san's face will be priceless.

>Welcome back, Adele-san.
>I've been waiting for you. Let's eat cake together.
>...Sure. Thanks.

>The next day
>Mahara-san's board is changing signs...

>Don't tell me manager really was...!?

>That looks really demonic...

>Oh? It's doing pretty well.
>I guess some things are demonically possible.