Chapter 27. The Control Devil’s Curiosity — I Just Want a Peaceful Farming Life

Makima is the Control Devil. Devils are her obsession. And control itself? That's her obsession within her obsession.

She even made a secret pact with the Japanese government.

Any harm done to her is converted into misfortune for Japanese citizens—illness, natural disasters, accidents. In other words, she cancels out her injuries using the nation's luck.

Because of this, nations around the world are hostile to her.

After all, the more beings Makima controls, the stronger she becomes—and the harder she is to kill.

Which brings us to now—

Makima is incredibly curious about how Hayashi, through this supposed "Gourmet Devil" ability, managed to control Tohru.

Even if Tohru willingly serves him, in Makima's eyes, that's still control.

Hayashi was still thinking when Makima suddenly reached for his lemon tea, took a sip from his straw, savored it, swallowed, and looked him in the eyes.

"Just like this—so delicious it's impossible for normal food. But why is Tohru under your control… and not us?"

"I've come here twice now. Did I not eat the right food? Or do I have to visit a few more times?"

Clearly, Makima had already sensed the "power" in the food on her first visit.

That's why she came back again.

But her question remained unanswered: why did Tohru become "controlled," and not anyone else?

Faced with Makima's line of questioning…

Hayashi was a little troubled.

Mainly because… their ways of thinking were on completely different wavelengths.

He sighed. "Let's talk about Tohru first, Makima."

Makima nodded.

Hayashi took back his lemon tea from her hands.

Then he began.

"You think Tohru is under my control. That's only half-right. I didn't force her into anything—she just works for me. There's more of a mutual emotional connection."

Makima tilted her head slightly. "Emotional connection?"

"Put simply—it's mutual agreement. Like a contract between employees. Tohru benefits from being here. I benefit from having her here. That's the basis for our relationship."

Hayashi felt he'd explained it well.

But Makima shook her head. "You shouldn't let her benefit from you. That's not true control."

"...???" Hayashi was speechless.

Makima… you really are the ultimate capitalist.

No wonder she's the big bad.

"I'm not like you, Makima," Hayashi sighed deeply. "You're the Control Devil. I'm not. So this is my form of control, got it?"

Makima nodded slowly, showing she understood—then smiled faintly.

"So… you admit you're a devil too."

Hayashi: "..."

Woman… are you trying to break me down step by step?

Hayashi rubbed his forehead, sighed again, and instinctively took a sip of his lemon tea—only to remember she'd just drank from it.

Makima noticed but didn't react at all.

He exhaled.

"Alright, let's put it this way, Makima. If you want to call me a devil, fine. I won't argue. Maybe making food delicious is my ability."

"As for whether it's 'control' or not—however you want to interpret it is fine."

"But what I do want to say is this: the Midnight Diner, myself, and any future staff—we're all peaceful people. We enjoy life. We just want to farm and take it easy."

"Unless something gets in the way of that peaceful farming... in which case, I'll plant it into the field myself."

As he said that, Hayashi glanced toward the garden plot in the courtyard.

Not bad soil, honestly.

With some organic fertilizer, the plants would grow like crazy.

Hearing this, Makima finally gave a nod, signifying she understood.

But clearly, her thoughts didn't stop there.

She looked into Hayashi's eyes.

"One last question… What is your goal? Could it be a devil—like the Gun Devil, or another?"

"World peace," Hayashi answered instantly. "I have zero interest in devils. I don't care about them at all."

"Human, devil, ghoul—it doesn't matter. They can all come to my restaurant and order food. As long as they don't cause trouble. If they do, they'll be kicked out."

Makima finally stood up.

She extended her hand.

"Hayashi-kun, I really like that answer. So—how about working with me? From now on, Public Safety Devil Hunters will hold our gatherings and meals at your place."

"We can start by being friends, right?"

Be friends with the Control Devil?

Hayashi didn't answer directly. Instead, he reached out, shook her hand, and replied:

"If it's just for meals, Midnight Diner welcomes Public Safety anytime."

"Good." Makima nodded and pulled her hand back. "Then I'll be coming often. Your food really is… delicious."

With that, Makima turned and left, taking her subordinates with her.

From the look on Aki's face, he was clearly confused—the dragon from last night is right there, and we're just leaving?

But at the same time, he looked relieved.

Power happily waved and shouted, "I'll be back next time!" as they disappeared from view.

Not long after—

Kirishima Touka and her friend Kosaka Yoriko also finished their meal.

Touka didn't pack anything to go this time.

She simply said that her café's staff would hold a gathering here in a few days.

Yoriko had taken tons of pictures and was the happiest person there. She praised Touka's recommendation and said she'd definitely promote the Midnight Diner.

Before leaving, she stood by the door and snapped even more photos of the shop, insisting she'd advertise it for free.

Hayashi thanked her politely—this kind of thing couldn't really be stopped.

Lastly, Kamishiro Rize also left.

But before she did, the look she gave Hayashi was… complicated. A little resentful, and tinged with deeper meaning.

Tohru even asked about it after seeing her off.

"Hayashi-san, did you do something… inappropriate to her?"

"???" Hayashi raised a hand and smacked Tohru on the back—smack!

"Go wash the dishes!"

Tohru, despite being slapped, happily skipped off to the sink.

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