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"Since we were mistaken, it means we still haven't found the origin of your ability. Let's continue searching."
Badr spoke calmly, but Mai Sakurajima remained silent.
After taking a few steps, Badr noticed that Mai hadn't responded. He paused, turning back to look at her.
Even though she wasn't speaking, her lowered head suggested she was feeling down.
"Mai?"
"...Let's call it a day. I'm heading back."
Her tone had returned to its usual calmness, devoid of the previous anxiety and hesitation.
Mai gently pushed Badr's hand away as she spoke and silently walked forward.
Watching her leave alone, Badr sighed inwardly. How could he leave her alone in a time like this?
He quickly caught up with Mai Sakurajima, easily reaching her.
Badr reached out, embracing the girl from behind, and whispered:
"Don't give up so soon. If this world didn't have your smile, it would be much duller..."
Mai's body trembled at that moment...
...
Although Mai appeared calm, Badr could feel her helplessness and despair.
If even Badr gave up, she would genuinely disappear from this world.
"It's useless, just leave me alone..."
The girl, held in Badr's arms, spoke slowly, her voice tinged with a hint of sobbing.
Her biological mother had forgotten her due to the influence, which was a massive blow to her.
Maintaining her composure without crying was already a sign of her immense strength.
"Maybe there's someone else who remembers you."
"It sounds like everyone except you has already forgotten me."
Mai forced a dry smile, but it looked pretty strained.
Admittedly, the current situation made it hard to think otherwise.
Even Mai herself thought so, which is why she said such things.
Badr was silent. He knew he could see Mai Sakurajima because he had become a demon.
He considered seeking help from Rias and the others, who were also demons, thinking they might have a solution.
But if it came to that, his desired contract might fall through.
Still, he wouldn't care about the contract if it reached that point. After all, he couldn't just stand by and watch Mai Sakurajima disappear.
Compared to that, the contract seemed trivial.
"Let's go confirm first," Badr said, unsure how to comfort Mai Sakurajima.
"What's the point of confirming? If everyone but you has forgotten me, what can I do..."
Mai seemed disheartened.
"It might seem pointless, but this way, I can stay with you," Badr smiled and said softly.
"...??"
"To be precise, I need this reason to stay by your side. Is that not allowed?"
Badr spoke calmly into the girl's ear.
"...It's allowed..."
"And wasn't this a date you invited me to?" Badr added, giving another reason.
"You're the one who thought it was a date, and aren't you doing this for a contract, Mr. Demon?"
Mai seemed to be convincing herself.
Badr chuckled: "While I want a contract, that's not the only reason."
"If it's just for that reason, I won't agree."
"It's because I want to stay with you, Mai."
Badr continued to smile:
"And right now, you only have me to rely on. If I try a bit harder, I can win your heart. I don't want to miss that chance."
His straightforward words caught Mai off guard.
She then retorted:
"I'm not that easy to win over."
"...I think I have a good chance?"
"You're taking advantage of the situation, typical of a demon."
"Thanks for the compliment," Badr laughed.
Holding Mai's trembling body, he felt her calming down.
"No choice..." the girl murmured.
"Hmm?"
"If you don't want me to go back, I don't mind continuing our date..."
She said with a hint of pride, her head lowered.
Badr smiled, nodding. He released the girl, stepped forward, and looked at her beautiful face, speaking gently, "It's still early. Let's go explore further."
...
It was now 7:30 PM.
The location was a city about sixty kilometres south of Shinto.
Badr had taken Mai on a long journey.
Along the way, he inquired with the surrounding pedestrians. While they couldn't see Mai before, they had completely forgotten her existence.
From start to finish, Mai observed these people with a blank expression;
It was as if she had suppressed all her emotions, sadness, fear, or hope. All that was left was a sense of calm.
After another disappointing attempt, Badr could only shake his head gently towards Mai.
"Don't get your hopes up," Mai said softly.
Badr was speechless: "Why are you the one comforting me?"
"Why haven't you given up yet, Badr..." Mai asked in a flat tone.
"...It's like spending a lot of money in a game and not getting the character you wanted. Would you easily give up if you missed out on that character forever?"
"I'm sorry for disappointing you."
"It's not just about sunk costs."
Badr shrugged: "After all when a cute girl like Mai needs help, I can't ignore it. Don't underestimate the aesthetic sense of a normal guy."
"...First time hearing someone justify their actions so elegantly," Mai couldn't help but retort.
Badr ignored her retort and naturally held her hand.
"I didn't permit you to hold my hand," Mai said calmly.
Badr was straightforward: "Please allow me to hold your hand, Queen Mai."
"Reason?"
"I like the feeling of holding your hand."
Mai Sakurajima: "..."
She turned her head, looking away.
"...Just this once."
She suddenly said.
"Eh?" Badr smiled: "I'll be sad about that. Can I find another reason next time?"
"Depends on what your reason is next time."
Mai responded with a hint of shyness in her tone and a bit of joy and happiness.
Holding Mai Sakurajima's hand, they strolled through this unfamiliar area. They could still see advertisements featuring Mai Sakurajima, but the people around them couldn't see her.
Badr was troubled. It wasn't just about his contract anymore; he genuinely wanted to help Mai Sakurajima out of this predicament.
"It's getting late. Let's find a place to stay," Mai suddenly reminded him, murmuring, "I want to take a bath..."
Badr checked the time and nodded. Looking around, he soon spotted a hotel ahead.
Holding the girl's hand, they entered. Luckily, Mai couldn't be seen by others. Otherwise, leading a celebrity into a hotel would have caused a scandal.
The receptionist glanced at Badr, noting his handsome features and that he looked like a high school student. Why would a high schooler come to a hotel alone at this time?
Despite her curiosity, nothing was suspicious, so Badr quickly got a room.
It was a single room...
He had wanted to ask if there was a double room, but the receptionist had already given him a single, and Mai hadn't objected, heading straight for the elevator. So, Badr didn't ask further.
Opening the door, he found the room relatively small, with just a bed, a table, chairs, and a dresser.
Mai didn't mind sitting on the bed, taking off her shoes, and lying down.
Today, we had indeed been tiring.
...
Seeing Mai occupy the bed, Badr sat on the single sofa.
Mai sat up, rubbing her ankle.
Badr stared at her legs in stockings.
"Why are you staring at me..."
"Looking at a beautiful girl and her legs."
Blunt honesty...
Mai was speechless: "You're quite the straightforward one."
"Please forgive a guy's first time being alone in a room with a beautiful girl," Badr shrugged.
"...Saying that makes it sound like I'm at fault for coming with you."
Mai stretched, slightly fatigued in her soft hum as she stood up.
"I'm going to take a bath."
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