A Rider Doesn't Need a Youth Romantic Comedy [20]

“Well then, I’ll be going first.”

Once they reached the Research Institute’s base, Rōma said goodbye to the squad members.

Next, they had to securely contain AO-6264 according to regulations. Though it was currently under control, an anomalous object was still an anomalous object.

“Oh, isn’t that Rōma-kun?”

A playful voice rang out from behind him.

Turning around, Rōma saw Joseph leaning casually against a wall, dressed in what was clearly a modified version of the standard Chaldea uniform.

Judging by his outfit, Joseph had officially joined the organization. The originally loose-fitting uniform had been manually tailored by Joseph himself, emphasizing his sturdy physique.

His impressive muscles were now almost visually overpowering.

“It’s been a while, Joseph.”

Chatting casually, Rōma quietly observed Joseph from head to toe.

Something still felt off. He couldn't quite shake the feeling that this Joseph was less like the fiery, youthful man from his memories, and more like the older Joseph—seasoned, yet with a mischievous streak intact.

It felt distinctly different, like the difference between maturity cloaked in mischief, and mischief masking maturity.

Something was definitely odd here.

But Rōma didn’t dwell on it.

Since Joseph was already wearing the Chaldea uniform, that meant he had likely signed the Contract.

“By the way, your organization’s methods really are...hard to understand.”

Joseph recalled the strange contract placed before him earlier.

It looked like just an ordinary document—something he’d signed countless times before.

He could probably sign his name on documents like that with his eyes closed.

But when he'd signed this one, Joseph suddenly felt a bizarre sensation.

It felt as if an invisible chain quietly wrapped itself around him, binding his movements.

A faint voice echoed softly in his ears:

‘Contract Established.’

He could distinctly feel that if he did anything violating the contract’s terms, something terrible would happen.

The sensation came and went swiftly, disappearing without a trace moments later.

As if it had all been just his imagination.

But Joseph knew better.

It wasn’t his imagination. The contract had become real the moment he'd signed.

And now it truly restricted him.

“Oh, you mean the [Devil’s Contract],” Rōma replied after thinking for a moment, dredging up information from memory.

It was one of Chaldea’s special containment items—a whole series of them, really.

Once signed, it had a very real binding effect, not just symbolic. Special members like Joseph always had to sign such contracts before officially joining.

“Hey hey, that sounds really bad, doesn't it?”

Resting his chin on his hand, Joseph couldn't help but complain.

A “[Devil’s Contract]”? Just the name alone sounded ominous.

Damn, has my soul already been claimed?

Nooooo! Joseph Joestar hasn’t even gotten to fully enjoy this new world yet!

Farewell, Caesar, Lisa Lisa-sensei.

Oh right, and my future wife, Suzi Q…

“That contract just sounds scary,” Rōma smiled, seeing Joseph’s obviously dispirited expression. “As long as you don’t violate its terms, nothing will happen.”

So far, none of the organization’s members had actually triggered punishment from the contract. At least, not officially.

Though perhaps they’d simply been quietly dealt with.
Chaldea was hardly a charity. They wouldn't show mercy toward traitors.

“Oh, I see,” Joseph sighed in exaggerated relief, clutching dramatically at his chest.

As long as it wasn't the kind of contract where the Devil snatched his soul afterwards, it was fine.

Still, wasn't there a Stand user in Egypt who had an ability related to souls?

Though several days had already passed, Joseph still hadn't fully digested the lifetime’s worth of memories from his older self. Many details remained vague, half-remembered.

“You sure take things easy,” Rōma remarked wryly, watching Joseph clearly spacing out again.

One moment he looked devastated, the next he was lost in thought.

Those nerves of his really were something else.

“Hahaha, well, what can I do? I've already signed it.”

Joseph laughed cheerfully.

From what he had observed and learned, Chaldea was exactly as they'd introduced themselves.

Protect humanity, whether humanity liked it or not.

Although such behavior might draw human rights complaints, who was Joseph Joestar?

A real-estate magnate from the land of the bald eagle!

Or less politely—a true capitalist from the States.

Human rights? With him? Please.

“By the way, why exactly is it called the [Devil’s Contract]? Don’t tell me it was actually made with a devil?”

Joseph suddenly became genuinely curious about the contract’s origins.

If he'd still been back in his original world, he'd just write it off as a Stand ability. But given this world's circumstances, he couldn't help but wonder.

“No clue. I never asked about it myself.”

This touched upon one of Rōma’s blind spots in knowledge. He genuinely didn’t know where the contract originated.

As far as he knew, it was probably just another anomaly Chaldea had contained during one of their missions.

“Oh well.”

Joseph scratched his head, not particularly disappointed.

After all, he’d joined the organization. He’d probably see plenty of anomalous things like this in the future.

“Since you’re officially one of us, I suppose we're colleagues now.”

Rōma thought for a moment, straightening his clothes and turning formally toward Joseph.

“Let’s introduce ourselves again. My name is Rōma Makoto.”

“I’m currently a B-class Investigator affiliated with the Anomalous Research Institute under the Human Order Security Organization.”

Since Joseph wasn't Japanese, Rōma didn’t add the customary polite phrase at the end of his introduction.

“Oh, I’m Joseph—Joseph Joestar. Just call me JOJO.”

“I’m currently an E-class Investigator at the Institute.”

Joseph pushed himself off the wall, straightening up to match Rōma’s formal stance as he introduced himself.

When he said “Joestar,” Rōma could clearly sense Joseph’s pride in his voice.

Joseph had always been proud of the name he inherited from his grandfather.

“Oh right, where’s the cafeteria here? Is the food any good?”

The serious atmosphere lasted no more than a few seconds before Joseph shattered it.

He was already extremely eager to sample the delicious cuisine this world had to offer.

“Relax, the cooks here are world-class.”

“Oh! Now that’s something worth looking forward to!”

---

T/N: Heh he said Roma first because JOJO isnt JAPANESE!!

also uhhh hmm plz tell me should i highlight Hamon and Ripple and Stand and all that

by highlight I mean [...]

This is a fan translation of 骑士不需要青春恋爱物语 by 青琮 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!