[ That's true. But numbers also tend to sway power, if he knows anything. The more of the citizenry that look to them with respect, the easier it'll be to use that pressure later.

And it's true, once the rat is backed into a corner, Garm lunges into the can, jaws snapping wildly as the animal squeaks in terror. ]

I'd like to know who holds this contract of mine. The only way for a demon to be free of such a thing is death of the contract holder. Freedom from that is the end goal, of course.

[ He hums, thoughtfully. ]

I've already told you that demons are bound to serve the one who holds the contract. And even if I didn't mean to, and don't know how it happened, the fact remains that I signed one, and am bound to serve a master.

[ He looks at Akechi out of the corner of his eye as his demon violently tries to shake the garbage can off of itself once the rat's cries go silent. ]

It's why I'm trusting you to find a way to kill me. You have a strong drive, and you're quite intelligent. There might come a time when we actually have to fight and I'll have a proper leash and collar. I expect you to be smart enough to have fogured out how to put me down efficiently by then. Whether temporary or permanently.

[ He doesn't want to be the slave of some unknown master. ]