Chapter 12: Over the First Hurdle

Kiba stared at Akuma for a while, then stood up.

"You're right. I'll get the breads on the display racks, then."

He turned around and went to collect the breads that were baked. Angelie and Mimi were still trying to console Sanaka, even though she hasn't said anything.

---

Once Sanaka calmed down, they went back to the room where they were supposed to change their clothes. As part of Akuma's plan, the girls were going to wear barely-appropriate skimpy clothes. This outfit includes a shirt with no sleeves, the skirt with a dangerously above-knee length. They will then hand out the fliers Sanaka made, advertising the promotion the shop was now running. There were several discounts available depending on the pieces of bread a customer would buy. Akuma knew that people, men or women, were attracted to girls wearing cute outfits. He just had to tap into the desires, or insecurities, of humans and he can get them to flock to the shop.

He wasn't wrong in his assumptions. In fact, it worked too well that people gathered around the three girls, some even taking pictures with them. Angelie was the loudest and most excited while doing their promotion. Mimi was the shy and reserved one, but still entertained anyone interested. Sanaka, still distraught from earlier, was quieter and more uninterested. People thought there was contrast with their 'characters'. They were able to gather a rather mixed crowd.

The girls' work outside resulted in a line inside the bakery. Akuma handled the cashier area, while Kiba continued to bake and replenish the breads on display. One could say that the plan was a success.

When Angelie had a chance, she peeked inside the shop. She was worried about the two guys, especially Akuma. Customer service would suffer if he ever faced the people, so she was hoping he was inside the kitchen. Her eyes almost jumped out of their sockets once she saw Akuma enthusiastically greeting and smiling at the customers.

"I must be really sleepy. I'm seeing something unthinkable."

She went back to distributing the fliers.

---

The morning rush started to subside and the amount of people buying started to dwindle. The girls decided to take a break. Before they went back inside the shop, Angelie tried to talk to Sanaka first.

"Sanaka-san, can you tell us what happened earlier? We want to help you, if we can."

"You wouldn't understand even if I told you two..."

Sanaka went ahead inside the shop without looking at Angelie and Mimi. The two of them looked at each other. Mimi shook her head, then they both followed Sanaka inside.

---

While the girls were resting and there were no customers, Akuma entered the kitchen where everyone else was. He said that the plan was to do another push in the afternoon, then they will do one in the morning and afternoon the next day, as well. While everyone, in their own way, acknowledged what he said, Sanaka was unresponsive.

The afternoon passed and it was also a success, sales wise. They achieved and surpassed their goal for the day. While Sunday might present a bit more challenge, the shop is located in a somewhat populated area of the town, so foot traffic was expected to still be good. Akuma thought that Sanaka would not show up the next day when she left as soon as they were done for the day.

The four remained to clean and prepare for tomorrow. Kiba and Mimi were in the kitchen while Angelie and Akuma were left in the store to clean. Akuma was sweeping the floor when he spoke up.

"You and the elf have to pick up the slack for tomorrow. I don't think Sanaka will be showing up."

Angelie stopped wiping the display racks and looked at Akuma.

"Out with it. What happened with her earlier?"

"I told you, she complained about something after he heard me and that guy talking. By the way, he's the Vampire King."

Angelie dropped the cloth she was using for wiping the racks, then clenched her fists.

"What? Another one? And this time he's your general, which means he's on your side—"

"I wouldn't say that for sure."

"Huh? I don't understand—"

Kiba and Mimi came out of the kitchen.

"I already told Furui-san who I was. It's good that he also told you, Fukushuu-san."

Mimi looked at Angelie directly.

"I honestly don't mind who he is. All that happened before in Altro Mondo is in the past for me, except my promise that I will always be there for you to support you."

Angelie unclenched her fists as she exhaled slowly. She stared at Kiba for a while before speaking.

"You're a nice person, Ketsueki-kun. I truly believe that. You care for your father, more than other children would for their parents. I don't think you're faking being a good person, unlike that stupid Demon Lord."

Kiba put his hand behind his head and laughed lightly.

"Thanks. Truth be told, I never planned to tell you guys this. But earlier, I just had the urge to ask him about something. But in the end, I don't think it matters anymore…"

He then looked at Akuma seriously.

"I won't call you My Lord in this world."

But then he smiled.

"But you will have my loyalty as a friend."

Akuma averted his gaze from Kiba and continued to sweep the floor.

"Do want you want. As long as I have minions to do my bidding, then it doesn't matter what labels you want to call yourselves."

Angelie knelt down and picked up the cloth she dropped earlier. When she stood up, she threw the cloth at Akuma's face.

"I told you! We're not your minions!"

Kiba and Mimi laughed aloud. After they were done cleaning, they closed the shop and went home.

---

The following day, they were in the shop before dawn again. To Akuma's surprise, Sanaka was there. She wasn't as down as she was yesterday, and acted as if nothing happened. Angelie was sort of relieved, but she was still worried about Sanaka.

The day proceeded pretty much the same as yesterday. The girls were a hit with the people and they attracted customers. There were lines inside the shop during the morning and afternoon.

They were all gathered inside the shop as they were preparing to close down. Sanaka was quiet again and stood in the corner, staring at the floor. Akuma was counting the money they got for the day. Angelie and Mimi were cleaning the rack and sweeping the floor, respectively. Kiba got off the phone after talking with his father.

"My father said he will be able to open the shop by himself tomorrow. He also got a part timer to help him so that he wouldn't be overworked again."

"That's good to hear. We don't have to wear this outfit again. It's really short for my tastes."

Mimi was playing with her skirt.

"That's actually one of the better ideas Akuma thought of, to be honest."

Kiba grinned and snickered while looking at Mimi from top to bottom.

"It seems Angelie-san needs to re-evaluate her assessment of you, being a good person and all."

Mimi squinted her eyes at him as she tried to pull down her skirt.

"What can I say, I appreciate beauty to its fullest!"

He laughed wholeheartedly.

"Well, you can officially put my name in the Help club member list!"

Angelie chuckled to herself after seeing Mimi and Kiba's conversation.

"Hopefully we won't regret it."

She finally notices Sanaka being quiet, tears welling in her eyes. She approached her slowly.

"Sanaka-san, what's wrong? Can you tell us? We're worried about you."

The tears finally fell down from Sanaka's eyes.

"Angelie-san, I'm sorry… I wasn't able to help you guys… get to five members needed for the club…"

She was sobbing intensely that Angelie grabbed Sanaka so she can cry on her shoulders.

"I… finally made some friends… but I couldn't help you… The deadline is tomorrow… I'm sorry…"

As Akuma heard this, he went to where Angelie and Sanaka were standing.

"What the heck are you talking about, Sanaka?"

"You… want guys that like to… role-play characters… But I can't do that!! Even if… I want to join you—"

Angelie pulled Sanaka away from her so she can look directly at Sanaka's eyes.

"I think you've got it all wrong, Sanaka-san."

Angelie looked at Akuma who was now standing beside her.

"You're more troublesome than I thought, Sanaka. You've already been a member from the start! You're the first minion I got in this world. You should be proud of that!"

Sanaka stared blankly at Akuma. Then, she looked at Angelie, who slightly teared up as well. Angelie nodded her head. Sanaka jumped towards Angelie and hugged her tightly.

"I will do my best in the Help club! Even if you're all weird!"

Everyone laughed, while Akuma just smiled subtly.