The Devil Takes the Night Shift

Chapter 6: The Devil Gets Asked out on a (Non) Date

And so life went on as usual. Or more accurately, it gained a new level of normality for the demon lord and her retainer. Work was going well, and Mifuru had attended to her duties at home with little trouble. Their rent situation was all figured out, though their budget was tight between the living expenses, food, and building up their newfound castle.

"My lady." In fact, the two of them were in the middle of discussing finances at this very moment. "Do we really need to buy all these things?"

"Don't think of it as buying." Rame countered. "Think of it more as making an investment." She had been working at the convenience store for about a month now. At this point, she was feeling that they had finally been able to be secure in their living situation. But the path of moving up and controlling this world meant that resting on her laurels could not be the play to make. There had to be a few risks she could take here and there.

"But did we really need this heater?" Mifuru pointed to the new machine that was being installed, without her permission, which was their brand new heating and air conditioning unit. "Not only is it expensive, but I've read about the continuing cost to run such a thing. It'll will increase our bills, which we already have a hard time covering."

"Look, Winter's coming up soon." They had the unfortunately timing of arriving here during the middle of Autumn. So there were only mere weeks before snow would be covering the land. And with it, temperatures below freezing. Considering that the clothing they bought was barely enough to handle the winding blowing on them, she felt this was necessary for their survival. "Besides, at least thanks to you, we don't need a dishwasher or washing machine."

"Correct." Mifuru took that as a major compliment. "I suppose since you are the master. I shall accept your decisions."

"Great, does that mean I can get one of those bike?"

"Absolutely not."

***

"No bike..." Rame grumbled to herself all the way to work. With the Winter coming, the days were also lasting much shorter. What used to be a time when the sun would be setting, it was now dark on the path to the convenience store. Not to mention that the sun's warmth was no longer giving her anything. All she could feel was the wind chilling her skin.

If only she had a bike, then this commute wouldn't take as long. She'd also be able to enjoy the climate controlled joy of being inside a building much sooner.

"Hey boss, I'm finally... Huh?" She walked through the automated doors as she normally did, but this time she was greeted with a new sight. "What's all this for?"

"Hmm?" Juuto was standing atop a stepladder. "I know not everyone celebrates it, but I would've thought you'd know what Halloween was."

"Halloween?" The holidays that were celebrated on this world were a mystery to her.

"Yeah you know, trick-or-treat? Costumes? Candy?" He was wondering if this was just some trick she was playing on him as a joke or something. "I know it's not really celebrated in the country and all, but corporate really enjoy their promotions." Admittedly, he was quite fond of the holiday itself. It was a little bit of a joy to give away free candy to the kids, and encourage everyone around the neighborhood to dress up for a day.

"Oh right. Halloween..." She nervously laughed to try and fit it. This was going to have to be something heavily researched so that she couldn't draw any awkward looks at her.

"They'll even be a festi—vaaal!" He was going to tell her more about the town's traditions, but he got a little unlucky with the ladder he was on. Despite being a stepladder, it swiveled under his feet and caused him to fall off to it. That fall would've been plenty nasty if she wasn't there beneath him.