I purchased tea, cola, and water from the vending machine and went back to the sofa where the two were waiting. "Here you go." I said that and placed the cola and water in front of them. "Thanks!" "Thank you very much." The two of them opened their sealed drinks and proceeded to drink, so I began sipping my tea as well. "Don't mention it." I'm not sure about their financial situation, but it's only a small expense. "Um, can we drop the formalities, please?" "I agree. It feels really awkward." The two young people might end up hesistant, if i keep this up. "Then, let's drop the formal speech, shall we?" "That would be great." "Yeah. It makes me feel kind of pathetic being addressed so formally when I'm not using it myself." I almost said "then use it but our relationship isn't that deep. "I get it. So, you two are in the same class, right? Are you close? Kirigaya-san told me to form a team, but I haven't really heard any more beyond that." "Ah... It's not so much that we're close, but we've known each other since we were kids." "It's a small world in our industry..." Both of them chuckled awkwardly. Doesn't seem like there's much of a youth vibe here. "So, you're acquainted with Kirigaya-san as well?" "Um..." "I am acquainted with him, yes..." It's complicated. Better not to delve into this topic. "I see. Sorry about that. I've only just joined the association today, so I don't really know anyone." "Just today, huh... Kirigaya-san told me that since Yamada-san is the leader, I should listen to you." "Oh, I was told the same thing." Eh... Being made leader on the first day is kind of harsh. "A leader, huh..." I was tasked with keeping two people in line, but... "Yamada-san, are you really cut out for this? You're new, right?" Ichinose-kun is looking at me skeptically. "Have you all been involved in this sort of thing since you were kids?" "Somewhat, yeah." "With every family short on help, anyone with a bit of talent gets pulled into the fray." That must be rough... "You've probably got more practical experience than me. But maybe that's exactly why they wanted to avoid making either of you the leader?"

If we make one of the two the leader, it may lead to the other becoming dissatisfied. "I'm fine with Yusei..." "Kyouka would work for me too." Are they just being considerate? I shouldn't talk, but lately, people seem to lack ambition. "Well then, it looks like you're stuck with me. It's only for a month, so just think of it as some basic training. You might as well get some tips from me while you're at it." "If you put it that way ..." "Yamada-san is fine by me. Actually, I would rather refrain from having authority over an adult man." I'd prefer to avoid it as well, to be honest. "Well then, I hope we'll have a good month together." "Yeah..." "I look forward to working with you." Ichinose-kun gave a reluctant nod, while Kichi smiled and nodded agreeably. "So, how will we handle work? You both have school, don't you?" "That’s correct. So, I’d like to request we do this after school or on weekends." "I can't do Wednesdays and Fridays. I have a part-time job." Ichinose-kun has a part-time job, huh... Could it be that these two aren't getting any salary or even a stipend? "Then, let's exclude Wednesdays and Fridays." It's really no big deal, I can manage on my own. "Sorry, but how about we actually get some work done instead of just talking about it?" That might indeed be a good idea. "Anything happening?" As I say this I take out my smartphon, and the other two follow suit. It seems you can check for devil-related information and updates from the Timekeepers' Association via a specialized app. We live in a convenient world. "Hmm..." Unidentified assailants, suspicious deaths, violent incidents... There's mention of potential devilish interference, but the degree of that influence is elusive. "As it's our first time, how about this one?" Ichinose-kun, sitting across from us, shows us his smartphone screen. Displayed was a group of thugs hanging around in a park. "Are these guys actually devils? Or just plain delinquents?" Don't old guys and punks usually not mix well? Ever heard of old man hunting? "It appears an investigator has looked into it... There seems to be a reaction to magic." Hearing that, I check the information on my own smartphone, and sure enough, it's there. It looks like there's a 60 percent chance of devil involvement. "There are two types of demons: one that attaches to people's hearts and remains invisible to the naked eye, and another with a physical body that can be seen. This seems to be the possessing type."

Kichi-san informs us. "I see ..." Now that I think about it, Miriam mentioned something similar before. "Are Ichinose-kun and Kichi-san okey with delinquents?" I'm not good with that sort of thing. "It's not a problem. They're only rated danger level E, probably just low-grade demons." "If we keep our cool, we'll be fine. Not that I'm one to talk..." Kichi-san looked a bit downcast. Probably because she drew her sword on an unrelated old man during her first mission. Or because she walked into the men's bathroom. "So, shall we head out? The place is... a bit far, so should we use the train?" "Yamada-san, don't you have a car?" Ichinose-kun asks. "I don't have one. I do have a license though." "I think the association might lend us one. They should have a company car." Kichi-san says, glancing at the female receptionist. "Is that so..." Well, a car might be better. And I'd rather not walk around with high school students in uniform. "Then, let's borrow the car." "Looking forward to your driving." "Please." The two of them pleaded. "Well, I can't let either of you two do it, right? By the way, how old are you both?" "17. I'm a high school sophomore." "I was born in January, so I'm still 16 years old." I am twice as old as them ... They're too young... "Okay, sure. Yeah, let's go." "What about you, Yamada-san?" "How old are you?" The two of them inquired. "35" "Wow..." "You sure are an adult." I'm curious about how old these kids' parents are. I definitely won't ask, though. "Yeah yeah i'm the old fart. Shall we?" Saying that, I stood up and, seeing that they did too, we headed for the reception desk.