[Spirit of Lust] Chapter 208: William’s part of the deal. (Patreon)

Will sighed and gave himself one final look-over in front of a window, fixing his tie and the collar of his white shirt, even though they didn’t need it. He was wearing a suit again and for the same reason as last time. He had to meet Belphegor at the same fancy restaurant he liked, and that meant a dress code.

‘Admit it, you liked it here.’

‘I liked the food, yes. You’re still not forgiven for stealing my dessert.’

‘And I’ll do it again if you’re not careful. That thing was so good.’

Will walked into the restaurant and a woman in a black waistcoat, a white shirt and bowtie welcomed him with a polite bow. “Welcome, sir. Do you have a reservation?”

“I’m here to meet Bel…” Will coughed and stopped himself. “...Jack Evans. My name is William Sawyer.”

The woman checked the list on a tablet and nodded. “He’s already waiting for you. Please, follow me.”

She led him to the same table as before, one right next to the window with a view of the garden. Belphegor was there, drinking red wine from a large glass.

“Young William, welcome,” the old man said. “Please, have a seat.”

Will sat down across from Belphegor. The waitress took their orders and left them alone.

“Shall we get down to business or are you in the mood to entertain an old man?” the elder spirit asked.

“I’m sure I can manage both,” Will said. “Provided it’s safe here.”

Belphegor casually snapped his fingers, and Will felt a faint wave of aether pass through him. “A simple, but effective illusion. Any onlookers will only see us having a nice chat.”

Will nodded and brought out a small glass vial from the inside pocket of his jacket. He set it on the table, watching as Belphegor’s eyes fell on the clear, purple liquid inside… and on the paper labeling it ‘sample 3’.

“Three, huh?” he said with a soft chuckle. “Did the previous two not meet your alchemist’s standards.”

“Correct, but I brought them anyway.” Will took out three more vials. Samples 1, 2 and 4. “We tried different methods and combinations. We both trust sample four the most, but I figured that, if you could give us feedback on them all, it would help future… production.”

“And provide feedback I shall,” the old man said. It was easy for Will to tell he was holding back an excited grin. “But I can’t test them all at the same time, you understand.”

“Of course. I’d recommend starting with the fourth one, and then praying that your date goes well so you can test the others.”

Belphegor’s smile fell. “It’s not nice to tease your elders, boy. That spunky brat is rubbing off on you.”

“And I on her, I’m told, so it balances out.”

“I hope so. I remember when Inanna was young. She was a veritable agent of chaos, the girl. She cared for her lovers so much she would beat up any who insulted them to a pulp and declare wars when they were hurt. People said they were excuses to show her might and expand her territory, but any who met her would fully believe she was capable of destroying a city when those she cared for were crossed.”

‘...My mother? I don’t believe it. She was always so… cool and collected. Although… ‘We live for love. Through sex we demonstrate it, and through war we protect it.’ Huh. I guess that’s where that came from.’

“Here’s hoping you can make the daughter see some sense,” Belphegor said, raising his glass in a toast.

“I try. Every day,” Will said, drinking with him.

Their food arrived soon after that. Elegant and well presented dishes and yet very modest in quantity. Will wouldn’t complain about taste, though.

“Well, you kept your end of the bargain,” Belphegor said, wiping with a napkin some sort of red sauce off his mouth. “I will also keep my end. That said, finding a mirrorkin is no easy feat, you understand. However, introducing you to the black market auctions will be easy enough.”

“About that,” Will interjected. “There’s been a small change of plans, if you don’t mind.”

“Oh?”

“The girls and I will be opening an occult consultation office,” Will said.

“Ah. A front for a paranormal investigation business, I presume?”

Will flinched. “Is it that obvious?”

“There are so many businesses that are fronts for underground dealing, young William. I have to say appreciate how straightforward yours is. So? How does this change things?”

Will had a feeling the old man had already guessed, yet was giving him the opportunity to explain himself. It felt a little patronizing, but he couldn’t argue that Belphegor had… well, centuries of experience over him.

“Cynthia and Amelia will be the co-founders while Aoi, Nanami and I will manage the shop. We’d like you to introduce our… Lust Elixir as a product from our organization.”

“Aha. And so immediately garner attention and publicity. Any newcomers that can consistently procure a particularly rare product has to be taken seriously. Yes, very clever.”

“I wish I could take credit, but it wasn’t my idea,” Will admitted. It was Amelia’s. 

“That’s easily done. And the name your organization will be known as? ‘William’s Angels’ or the like?”

“That’s… still undecided.”

Truth was, they couldn’t come up with anything. Or rather, they had ideas, but nothing clicked.

“Well, that can wait. Your organization will have to be properly formed, first, and… Well, your ‘Lust Elixir’ needs to prove itself effective above all else. Introducing you as the makers of a faulty product would have the complete opposite effect you’re looking for, would it not?”

“I suppose. But we’re confident. It won’t be long before you come back to us looking for more.”

Belphegor smiled. “That’s it, young William. That’s the attitude. You’ll need it to survive in this dark, dammed world.”

Will took those words to heart.