Chapter 47 - Collecting Artifacts

"They sent two of you? That's surprising," the middle-aged man said after opening the door to his mansion and seeing Akeno and me. "Doesn't that girl, Gremory, think that's a bit much?"

The man in front of us was a strange figure from Kuoh Town. His name was Mr. Tanaka. Despite his advanced age, he had an erect, dignified posture that reminded me of Batman's Alfred. His face, lined with wrinkles, showed an expression of almost annoyance. He wore a dark silk robe that looked like it belonged to a bygone era, but was still in excellent condition, and gave off a faint scent of tobacco.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tanaka. We'll be at your disposal this evening."

Mr. Tanaka sighed and stepped back to allow us to enter the mansion. "Since you really came, come in, come in. Let's have a little chat in the living room."

Akeno and I exchanged a quick glance before following the old collector. The mansion was as impressive on the inside as it was on the outside. The main hall was filled with beautiful paintings on the walls, and the floor was pure polished marble.

The room was silent except for the sound of our footsteps.

When we reached the living room, I noticed that some objects were displayed in glass cases, protected and carefully organized. Among these objects were metal bowls, daggers, and even the small bones of strange creatures.

"Please have a seat," Mr. Tanaka said, pointing to an old leather sofa.

Akeno sat gracefully beside me, her hands elegantly resting in her lap. She managed to maintain an enviable poise and was always calm.

I tried to be as well-behaved as she was, but it was impossible. My hands rested on my knees to keep her calm. This kind of chic atmosphere was much more than I was used to.

"Ms. Gremory told me there was a suspicion of theft from my collection, but I repeat, that is impossible. So what exactly brings you here?" asked Mr. Tanaka, squinting to assess us. "Is she doing this because she wants to acquire an item of mine? If so, I only sell at an organized auction and through a trusted auctioneer. If she wants something that belongs to me, she must show her determination publicly."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, slightly irritated by his manner.

"We are only here to ensure that your collection does not become the target of... undesirable forces," Akeno replied.

Mr. Tanaka frowned and let out a dry laugh. "My collection? I don't know who's spreading these rumors in the underworld, but they seem rather exaggerated. This is Japan. There's no theft here."

"Mr. Tanaka, with all due respect, some of your relics have immeasurable value for certain people. Not only monetary value but also supernatural value," Akeno replied.

Mr. Tanaka sighed and leaned back in his chair, crossing his hands over his stomach.

"You differ from the other boy who came here. That blond guy was much more... understanding," he murmured, almost to himself.

Akeno and I exchanged a quick look. Mr. Tanaka was a very stubborn kind of customer.

"We're here to help, not to cause trouble. Your collection is fascinating and deserves to be protected." I replied, looking him in the eye to give him the confidence he needed.

Before the man could answer, a figure appeared in the doorway. A woman of Tanaka's age, with a kind face and gray hair. She was wearing a simple but elegant dress and seemed surprisingly confused as she looked at us.

"Ah, you must be Mrs. Tanaka," Akeno said, standing up to greet the woman. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Are they...?" She looked at her husband and asked.

"Yes." Mr. Tanaka nodded.

"Welcome to our home. I hope you're comfortable." This time, she approached with a smile. "My husband didn't tell me you were coming. I must admit, I'm surprised to see you so... normal."

"Thanks?" I replied. This is probably her first time seeing devils.

"Honey, what about the party? The guests are about to arrive."

Party? There was no mention of a party.

"Party?" Akeno asked.

"Oh, it's not really a party," Mr. Tanaka clarified, laughing nervously. "Just a book club meeting. My wife and I get some friends together every Saturday to discuss literature and artifacts. Nothing big."

"Yes, it's something we've been doing for years," Mrs. Tanaka added with a faint smile. "But don't worry, you don't have to attend. I have a room for you to rest in. You can stay there while we go about our business."

Akeno and I thought it was a sick joke by the Tanakas, but they led us to a solid wooden door. When Mrs. Tanaka opened the door, there was indeed a room on the other side.

The room was large and even had doors leading to a balcony. The walls were a soft cream color, decorated with two paintings of serene rural landscapes. In the middle of the room was a large double bed, covered with a red silk bedspread and golden pillows.

"I beg your pardon," Mrs. Tanaka said, her eyes almost closed. "This is the only guest room available at the moment. The others are being renovated."

"Collections like mine need a lot of care and space," said Mr. Tanaka.

"I hope you don't mind sharing a bed."

Akeno and I looked at each other again, this time with a little embarrassment. I could feel my cheeks heating up slightly, but I forced a smile.

"Fufu~ No problem," Akeno said with a closed smile. "We're here to help, and a minor discomfort is part of the job."

Suddenly, the doorbell of the mansion rang.

Tindom!

"Oh, you must be our guests."

"Thank you for your understanding, children. Please make yourselves at home," said Mr. Tanaka.

With these words, they left the room, closing the door behind them.

The silence that followed was disconcerting for a moment. I looked around, but there was nothing to start a conversation with.

"Well..." Akeno said, breaking the silence. "I've never shared a room with a man before..."

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NEXT CHAPTERS:

Chapter 48 - New System Challenge!

Chapter 49 - Heating Akeno (R-18)

Chapter 50 - Tight Walls (R-18)

Chapter 51 - Arara~ (R-18)

Chapter 52 - Smell of S*x (R-18)

Chapter 53 - Dawn

Chapter 54 - Artifacts

Chapter 55 - Disguise

Chapter 56 - Kuroka

Chapter 57 - Jealousy

Chapter 58 - Legs Relaxed (R-18)

Chapter 59 - Abandoned Factory

Chapter 60 - The Two Female Exorcists

Chapter 61 - Project Excalibur

Chapter 62 - Surprise from Asia (R-18)

Chapter 63 - A nun with no regrets (R-18)

Chapter 64 - The Servant and the Master (R-18)

Chapter 65 - Rias Gremory's Bottom Lips

Chapter 66 - Search Plan