The Devil Takes the Night Shift

Prologue: The Devil Takes the Night Shift

"Congratulations, you got the promotion!" Those were the words that echoed in Juuto Sakai's head as he headed up for his first shift as manager.

As per usual, he was going to be working the night shift. The only difference being that he actually had a position of power. After spending a few years here, he had done a good job of rising in the ranks. Now he intended to keep it, as he made sure there was not a speck out of place. Things just had to be perfect today.

"Looks like you've got everything here handled." His old manager, who was moving out of town for personal reason. For as long as he had this job, that man was always his boss. It was thanks to him, that he had made it as far as he did.

"Right, I hope things go well at your new job." Juuto wished him well for the future, see as it was unlikely they'd see each other again. "And... Do your best with your nephew."

"Thanks, I will." The older man gave him a small smile in gratitude. For the two of them, life was about to change. Hopefully in the positive. "If you want, I could give you a referral when you get a little more experience." As nice as the offer was, he just had to reject it.

"Nah, this place is just too good. I doubt I'll ever want to leave this." When it came to work, this was the only thing he knew. But it was also one of the best things in his life, which might've sounded unfortunate for most, but not him. Sure, this place could attract some questionable people, and it paid a lot less than other jobs in the area. But, as weird as it might seem, Juuto really couldn't envision not having this job. To him, this was just the life for him.

"Then, this is goodbye." The two embraced in a long hug. It was a little sad, but they both knew that this was just how life was. "The rookie should be here soon. You know, she's about your age." He teased, which Juuto just normally pushed him off.

"Come on, I'm the manager now. That's far from appropriate." Workplace romance sounded like it would cause more drama than pleasure for him.

"Ah, always so serious." They laughed, and that was when the man left the store.

Juuto checked the clock, it was almost time for the arrival of the employee he was to train. With the extra time that he had, thanks to his care on preparations. The man wondered what this girl supposedly looked like.

Maybe she'd be really cute. He certainly wouldn't complain about that situation. Though, as he said before, it really wasn't what some would call professional, so maybe if he wasn't attracted to her. That might be better?

Let's see, she's apparently his age. Since he was 22, that must've meant she recently graduated college. He'd have a hard time believing she was still in classes considering this is the night shift at an 8-Twelve. Then again, if money was tight, some sacrifices must be made.

While thinking it over, the ringing of the automated doors brought him back to earth. It was then where a girl walked right in.

There were two things that stood out to him about her. That would be her dark skin, with what seemed to be crimson red hair. Or at least close to it. Juuto sighed, it looked like a gyaru was going to be his first customer. Now to be fair, it's not that he has anything against those types. It was more closer that he had some poor experiences with many in his time of working at this store.

Another interesting things to note from him was that he had never seen her before. After working here as long as he did, he recognized most of the patrons that came around. If this was a stranger to him, then either they were a tourist, or had recently moved here. Maybe he original assumption was incorrect, and she wasn't even Japanese.

It seemed that this girl knew exactly where she wanted to go, which was straight to him. He felt that was odd, since he had never seen this girl before, yet she seemed ready to talk to him like it was nothing.

"Hello?" She said to him. "Are you the manager?" Sheesh, she just stepped foot in her and already she wants the manager? What a strange girl, he thought.

"Yes. That's me." He put on the usual smile for her. "How may I help you?"

"Oh great, I'm Rame Maou." She put on a smile of her own, and held out her hand. Another odd things for him to see.

"Um, hello?" He looked at her like she was insane. Actually was this girl supposed to be put into a mental hospital, should he call the cops? Well, once she clarified it, everything made a lot more sense.

"I'm the new employee that's supposed to come in?" She wondered why he didn't seem to know who she was. In fact, she realized that this wasn't the man she spoke to about getting the job. The man was someone in his thirties, while Juuto clearly looked her age.

Of course, the little teasing done before his old boss left wasn't just simple talk. Truthfully, the older man was hoping that Juuto would stop being so content with his regular life. So he was banking on getting him an attractive girl to finally spice up his life, whether he wanted to or not.

Though, even that old man didn't expect the girl he picked for the job to be so... Special. Nor did he foresee just how much she was going to change his life.

"Oh right, sorry." Juuto bowed down to apologize. "I'm the new manager, so I haven't gotten the chance to hear of you." His old boss wanted to surprise him with who it was going to be. "Here, I'll let you in." He opened up the register guard to let her into the staff room.

There he explained to her that she needed to be wearing this outfit at all times when working. Of course, he'll let her change on her own, but there were more important things to explain first.

He pointed over to computer that had the views of the security cameras. Those were for tracking customers to make sure nothing was stolen. Along with allowing them to not have to stand at the register all the time, and rest their feet. There was also the check in pages and card reader. Where they needed to sign in with their cards to make sure they were on time. Lockers were there for them to store personal items. Finally, there was one last thing to take note of.

"This here is the coffee machine." He pointed over to a simple coffee maker whose jug was about half full. "If you need some energy, feel free to grab a cup."

"Energy?" She asked him. For some reason, that word seemed to pique her curiosity. There was something about her tone that felt off about him. As if they weren't talking about the same thing. "I guess I'll have some later than." She smiled with glee. Juuto thought she was acting much to joyful over the idea of having a cup of joe. This type of stuff was very much at the bottom of the tier list when it came to ranking all types of coffee.

"Okay, well go ahead and put on the uniform." He told her before stepping out to allow her some privacy. Of course, now without keeping an eye on her, Rame let out a sly chuckle. While she might look like an ordinary girl, that was far from the truth.

"Heh, what a fool. He doesn't suspect a thing." She muttered to herself, as she put on the work clothes. Once she was ready, she eyes the coffee pot. Soon, she'll take the opportunity to replenish her energy, she thought. But for now, it was time to keep up with the act. The girl stepped out of the employee room to rejoin her boss.

Juuto couldn't help but notice how cute this girl was in the uniform. Too bad that he couldn't sense the monster that was within.

"Great." He said. "I'll show you how the register works..." Then he realized something important. "Oh right. I never gave you my name." Though, with his name tag, it wasn't really all that necessary. "I'm Juuto Sakai."

"It's nice to meet you." She responded, her happy face was unchanging. "Do you mind if I just call you boss?"

"Sure, I guess." Admittedly, he did like the sound of that. "Either that, or Mr. Sakai is fine with me."

"Sure thing boss." Then she took her spot right at the register. The world better watch out. For the Demon lord of another world has taken to the night shift.

...Too bad that's a lot less ominous than it actually sounds.

Author's Note: Whoops, forgot to post the prologue before posting the first volume. So here it is now.