"Today I've called everyone together for two things. No, one thing... Hold on."
After correcting himself twice, the wizard in the bat mask gestured for everyone to be patient, then turned to Black Cat. "Before I begin, I'd like to confirm something. How many outside organizations has our Sin Eater contacted?"
The other six pairs of eyes followed Lucifer's pointing finger and fixed on Black Cat.
Black Cat froze for a moment.
The last meeting of the Seven Deadly Sins had ended abruptly because he couldn't fulfill the members' requests. Afterward, he'd visited the Wandering Wizard at Wander Bar and been startled by the task list he was shown. He'd meant to discuss it with the other members, but before he could, someone had thrown a sack over his head in the little grove.
That sack had changed a great many things.
For instance, it wasn't until Lucifer spoke that he remembered the deal he'd made at Wander Bar that day.
"I've contacted a few. I should be able to fulfill your requests," Black Cat replied vaguely, his ears stiff. Then he shot back, "...Do I need to report exactly which societies they are to you?"
The wizard in the bat mask gave Black Cat a long look.
"Of course you don't need to report them."
He seemed to have guessed Black Cat's predicament. "You only need to act like a real Sin Eater: contact other societies, communicate with wizards outside the university, and give us guidance when we need it. Let everyone know there's still a point to sitting in this meeting room... rather than perching on the table like a statue, as you did last time, unable to offer any of the seven of us advice, opinions, or any other help."
Black Cat found his words infuriating.
They