Shizuka smelled the air and looked around suspiciously. But she could not sense the demon anywhere. And the girl?

“I’m sorry.” Slowly, Shizuka returned to her chair. “It’s just that I didn’t expect that.”

The Queen of Hell took a deep breath and tried to smile. “After all, the music is so gentle.”

“W-why wouldn’t it be?” Katrina asked, still recovering from shock.

Now Shizuka was even more confused. Hell was Hell. To win your soul back meant killing. If anyone should know, it would be her.

“If I understand the premise, you’re in Hell?”

Her student shrugged. “Most people play the non-killing route. You make friends and save the souls you meet. That’s how you get the best ending.”

What? Non-killing what? She would never have conceived of such a thing! How does one even do this? How can one escape Hell without having to kill?

But no. This was just a game.

A game.

Shizuka did not have time for games. In front of her was a student who needed her support and guidance.

“So you make a video, and you get paid?”

“You have to post it and need a minimum number of views, but basically yes.”

“This video has over fourteen hundred views.”

“Yes. I got about six dollars for that one.”

Shizuka nodded. Technology changes, but profit margins remain the same.

“Of course, pornography pays more,” she observed.

Terrified, Katrina waited for what would come next.

But instead of someone shouting or hitting, Miss Astrid brought over a bowl of fruit.

“Here, dear, have some strawberries.”

“Don’t we have pie?” Miss Satomi asked.

“But you’ve not yet had dinner.”

“I think it’s time for pie.”

“Yes, Miss Satomi. I’ll bring some out now.”

“With whipped cream, please.”

“Of course, Miss Satomi.” Miss Astrid disappeared into the kitchen.

“Miss Satomi—aren’t you angry?” Katrina asked.

“Of course not. You have no idea what has been done in the service of music. However, Katrina, with your talent, you have choices. There are a lot of different ways to fuck on camera. Or onstage. Find a way that goes beyond a one-night stand, one that makes you larger than life. At least find one that pays better.”

“Is that what you did, Miss Satomi?”

“Katrina, I drive a Jaguar.”

“Wow…”

“So, let’s go over some rules. As my student, don’t bring anyone here, and when you go out, tell either me or Astrid. Whatever you do online, you are not to be stupid. As for money, Astrid will provide an allowance. If you need more, let me know. No drugs, ever. And be careful. No picking up diseases that a trip to the doctor cannot cure.

“Oh, and Astrid will have your hormone prescriptions filled. Just let her know what you have been ordering. If you need a doctor, we will get you one—we should get you one, anyway. And, Katrina?”

“Yes, Miss Satomi?”