Since Sakurajima Mai had already made up her mind to confront her mother tomorrow, there was no point wasting more time digging into the matter.
"I'll walk you home."
"I can go back on my own."
"I'd rather make sure you're safe. Come on."
Ryuichi started down the street first, adding casually,"Once you sign a contract with me, you'll be able to summon me directly through a summoning circle."
"Then how did you get here before?"
"Another Devil senpai helped teleport me."
"I see…"
Mai tilted her head slightly, then asked, curiosity slipping into her tone,"So other Devils also make contracts with humans like you do?"
"Of course. Why? Something wrong with that?"
"No, not really."
Mai smiled faintly.
Truthfully, she was relieved that the Devil she'd summoned had been Ryuichi.If it had been someone else, the conversation probably wouldn't have gone nearly as smoothly—or as pleasantly.
Her expression had brightened considerably, and for the first time that night, she looked genuinely at ease.
"Feeling better now that you've made up your mind?" Ryuichi asked, noticing how easily her emotions showed on her face.
"My mood's been fine all along."
Mai would never admit it outright, of course.
Ryuichi grinned. "Then, since you're in such a great mood, can I ask you something?"
"As long as it's not too sensitive."
"Oh, then we might have a problem. You'll probably get mad."
"And yet you still want to ask?"
Her warning glance was sharp enough to make most people flinch.
Ryuichi sighed theatrically. "But I'm so curious. I guess I'll just have to investigate in secret later."
Mai frowned slightly. "It's about me, isn't it?"
"Obviously."
"Then go ahead. Even if I don't tell you, you'll probably snoop around anyway."
"Sure you won't get angry?"
"I won't."
"Alright then." Ryuichi cleared his throat, smiled, and asked lightly,
"Which magazine was that swimsuit photo shoot of yours for? And can you still buy it anywhere?"
Mai: "...??"
For two stunned seconds, she just stared at him—then reached out, grabbed a handful of his side, and twisted. Hard.
Ryuichi's expression didn't change, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly."Mai… you said you wouldn't get mad."
"I'm not mad."
Her tone was syrupy-sweet, her face all gentle smiles as her fingers twisted harder, rotating for emphasis.
"You said you wouldn't get mad…"
"I already told you, I'm not mad."
"You definitely said you wouldn't—"
"And I still said I'm not mad."
They went back and forth like that the whole way to her apartment, their playful bickering echoing down the quiet street.
After walking Mai home, Ryuichi turned to head back himself.But halfway there, his phone buzzed.
Rias.
He raised an eyebrow and answered. "President?"
"Ryuichi. Come to the clubroom. Can you make it right now?"
"Got it. On my way."
He didn't even ask why—just agreed.
His feelings toward Rias were… complicated.On one hand, she was his master.On the other, she treated him with such warmth and affection that the boundaries between the two often blurred.
Seriously, did any other High-Class Devils literally sleep beside their servants?As far as he knew, she hadn't done that with Akeno or Koneko…So why only him?
Ryuichi shook his head. Best not to overthink it.Whatever else she was, Rias Gremory was his master—someone who would never harm him. Someone he could trust.
When he arrived at the Occult Research Club, Rias, Akeno Himejima, and Koneko Toujou were already waiting.
"President. Akeno. Koneko," Ryuichi greeted each of them politely.
Rias gave a small nod."Sorry for calling everyone in on a Saturday."
None of them minded.
"Ryuichi," she continued, her tone softening, "how's your current contract prospect going?"
…Why did that sound so much like a parent asking about his girlfriend?
"I hit a few snags," he admitted with a wry smile. "But I think I can finalize it tomorrow."
Akeno chuckled, her gentle voice full of teasing warmth."Don't be discouraged, alright? Forming a contract isn't easy. Understanding your partner's heart is the key."
"Stay serious, and you'll succeed," Koneko added quietly, her golden eyes fixed on him from beneath her short silver hair.
Ryuichi smiled. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
Then he turned to Rias. "So, President—why did you call us here?"
At that, Rias's expression grew more serious, though her smile remained."I received a direct order from the Archduke."
She sat gracefully on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, flicking her crimson hair back with a confident tilt of her chin.Her voice carried that commanding presence unique to the House of Gremory.
"Tonight, we're going to hunt down a Rogue Devil."
"Rogue Devil?" Ryuichi repeated, unfamiliar with the term.
"It refers to a Devil who's betrayed—or even killed—the master that granted them their Evil Pieces," Akeno explained gently. "Without a master, they become unbound, dangerous beings. Those are what we call Rogue Devils."
"There are Devils who actually betray their masters?"
Rias smirked. "Why wouldn't there be? Not everyone is as loyal—or as lucky—as you."
Ryuichi chuckled. "Maybe that's just because you're too kind, Rias."
"Oh? You think so?" She laughed softly. "Then it seems my affection for you hasn't been wasted after all."
Akeno and Koneko both exchanged faint smiles.
Rias straightened, her tone turning firm once more."Anyway, Rogue Devils are a serious threat. They ignore the rules, abuse their powers, and cause chaos wherever they go. Such creatures don't deserve to live."
Ryuichi learned that there were also Rogue Angels, Rogue Fallen Angels, even Rogue Priests—outcasts from every faction, all equally dangerous.
No matter the side, any "Rogue" was considered a menace to the balance of the world—and had to be eliminated.
Tonight's mission, then, was not just a hunt, but also Rias's way of letting him gain some field experience.
Ryuichi exhaled softly.Ever since he'd been thrown into this world, every single day had been… well, eventful.
And tonight promised to be no different.