The Valvas estate was alive with energy—flames, laughter, and the hum of magic weaving through the grand halls.
Roy stood at the top of the central balcony, crimson-gold eyes scanning the lands he now protected. His swords—Ryūjin Jakka and Kyōka Suigetsu—floated around him, glowing faintly as if anticipating his will.
At seven years old, he had become a peak High-Class Devil, his mastery of swordsmanship complete, his Zanpakutō abilities, Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, and chakra methods perfectly integrated. Every strike, every movement, flowed with absolute precision.
The Circle of Bonds
Below him in the gardens, the girls laughed as they practiced together, occasionally glancing at him:
Sona Sitri, always composed, yet her gaze softened whenever Roy approached.
Serafall Leviathan, playful and teasing, whose ice magic now danced around the young group in harmless pranks.
Seekvaira Agares, Latia Astaroth, and Iryuka Glasya-Labolas, full of energy and affection, yet respectful of Roy's presence.
Kuroka and Shirone, the Nekomata sisters, had grown stronger under Roy's guidance, their admiration now deepening into the quiet, shy feelings only children could show for someone they trusted and loved.
Grayfia Lucifuge, ever loyal, watched silently from the veranda, her protective aura mingling with warmth and unspoken affection.
Roy smiled softly, feeling the collective bond. He knew all the girls had feelings for him, yet he had decided to take things slowly, nurturing trust and friendship before letting affection grow into romance.
"We'll have plenty of time," he whispered to himself, watching them laugh and spar in the late afternoon sun.
The Valvas Enterprises
Not all of Roy's attention was devoted to combat and magic. He also turned to the Valvas family businesses, once managed by his late father, Alex Valvas.
"Some subsidiaries won't grow. They'll be a burden in a few years," he said, reviewing reports with System-enhanced Finance Mastery.
With ease, he sold off stagnant companies, reinvested into promising ventures, and optimized supply chains using Business Mastery purchased from the system.
"The Valvas legacy won't just be swords and magic," Roy murmured. "It will stand in commerce, influence, and innovation too."
The system displayed projected profits, cash flows, and growth trajectories. Roy nodded, satisfied. Within months, the family's enterprises were stronger, leaner, and more prosperous than ever.
Quiet Moments
That evening, as the sun set over the estate, Roy found himself walking among the gardens.
Sona and Serafall were teasing each other with minor ice and wind magic, while Kuroka and Shirone practiced chakra strikes on floating targets. Latia, Seekvaira, and Iryuka watched, laughing quietly, and Grayfia stood at the side, her hands folded elegantly, yet her gaze soft and affectionate.
Roy approached, kneeling to watch Kuroka and Shirone.
"You're improving fast. Soon you'll be able to fight beside me in the real missions," he said.
Shirone blinked, tail swishing nervously.
"Y-Yes, Roy-sama... I'll protect you too."
Kuroka nodded, slightly blushing.
"We both will. You're... important to us."
Roy smiled, gently resting a hand on Shirone's head and Kuroka's shoulder.
"And I care about both of you. But we'll take it slow, alright?"
Shirone and Kuroka's eyes widened slightly, their small hearts racing.
"Y-Yes, Roy-sama..."
A Family of Bonds
Later, Roy returned to the main hall, finding Grayfia alone. He knelt beside her.
"Thank you, Grayfia. For always watching over me... for everyone."
Grayfia's eyes softened, and she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Roy-sama... you've grown into the protector of the Valvas family. I am proud of you... and, in truth, more than a little fond of you."
Roy smiled faintly, heart steady.
"I know. And I care for you too. But just like the others... we'll take it slow."
Outside, the young friends—Sona, Serafall, Seekvaira, Latia, Iryuka, Shirone, and Kuroka—laughed and played under the twilight sky, the bonds between them and Roy growing deeper every day.
The Yaksha of Valvas, a boy of seven, had mastered swords, magic, and finance—but more importantly, he had mastered the hearts of those around him, quietly building the foundation of a future empire of strength, love, and trust.
And though the world watched in awe at his deeds, Roy knew the most important victories were the ones he shared with those he cared about.