Chapter 77 - A Short Trip
It didn't take long for Ravel to return via teleportation, bringing three large suitcases and three maids.
"Please follow me," Raynare said, guiding Ravel and her entourage to a prepared room.
With girls frequently staying at Roy's villa, Raynare and Mittelt were accustomed to new arrivals.
They harbored no resentment; the more remarkable women Roy attracted, the more it validated their loyalty to him.
Soon, the maids unpacked Ravel's belongings, arranging them neatly in her room.
"Lord Roy, Lady Rias, and others," said the lead maid, her ornate attire marking her status, addressing Roy and Rias respectfully.
"This is my lady's first time living away from home. She may be unfamiliar with many things. Please be patient with her."
"I'm not a child! I can manage," Ravel puffed her cheeks.
"The rules here are surely fewer than at Phenex. I'll be fine."
The maid smiled, her composure refined.
"I'm merely fulfilling Lady Phenex's requests."
"Mother worries too much," Ravel grumbled.
This maid, who had served Ravel's mother and watched Ravel grow, was like an elder to her.
"Lord Roy, I have a matter to discuss," the maid continued, turning to Roy.
"Please, speak," Roy replied.
"Lady Ravel is your fiancée in name," the maid said.
"Regardless of your eventual outcome, while she resides in the human world, I ask that you assume some fiancé responsibilities, protecting her from undesirable suitors."
"What kind of suitors?" Roy asked, his expression curious.
"Lady Ravel is charming," the maid explained.
"Without guards here, she may attract unsavory individuals seeking to exploit her."
"I understand. Rest assured," Roy said, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
He silently wished the boys of Kuoh Town luck—they'd been branded as pests.
"Lady Ravel is in your care," the maid said, bowing slightly.
After giving Ravel a few instructions, she and the other maids stepped onto a Phenex teleportation circle and returned to the Underworld.
"I'm Ravel Phenex," Ravel nervously introduced herself to the group.
"I'll be living here. Please look after me."
"Ravel, you're in your first year of high school in the Underworld, right?" Rias suddenly asked.
"Yes," Ravel nodded.
Many Underworld facilities mirrored the human world, with noble devils attending schools for education.
At her age, Ravel was a first-year.
"We attend school here. Want to try a human world school?" Rias offered.
"A human school… is that okay?" Ravel asked, her unease mixed with anticipation.
"Of course," Rias giggled.
"I'll arrange for you to join Koneko and Asia's first-year class. They can guide you through the school and human world."
"Thank you, Lady Rias," Ravel said gratefully.
"I'm Koneko Toujou. Nice to meet you," Koneko said.
"Hello, Miss Ravel. I'm Asia Argento," Asia added.
"Just call me Ravel," Ravel replied warmly.
"Koneko, I'm counting on you again," Rias said.
"No worries, President," Koneko said, clenching her fists with determination.
"I'll look after Ravel like I did Asia. No bullies or shady boys will get near her."
"I'll help Koneko take care of Ravel, too," Asia chimed in.
Ravel then met the other girls in the villa, formally settling in as a new resident.
The following weeks passed peacefully, with no notable incidents.
However, Roy felt a growing urgency.
The impending tripartite talks between devils, angels, and fallen angels loomed, promising to draw in various factions, from war-hungry extremists to gods of other mythologies.
Hidden powerhouses would emerge.
Roy hadn't mastered Boosted Gear's Balance Breaker.
Against veteran powerhouses, he'd be outmatched.
Even with Balance Breaker, he might struggle against divine beings.
"For now, things are quiet here," Roy mused.
With Rias and Riser's engagement resolved, Kuoh Town seemed stable until the tripartite talks made it a focal point.
No news from the devils suggested the talks were still in planning.
"I've got some time," Roy decided, contemplating a trip to another world to train.
In a quiet corner of Kuoh Academy's third-year building, Roy met with Rias and Akeno.
"Training? Where to?" Rias asked, frowning.
"I'm not sure yet, but Ddraig suggested it," Roy said, shifting blame to his dragon.
"My strength's too weak to fully wield the Boosted Gear. Ddraig wants me to train and master it," he explained casually.
"The red dragon emperor's advice?" Rias nodded.
Ddraig's soul residing in the Boosted Gear was no secret.
With experience rivaling old satans, his guidance was invaluable, especially since Roy's success was tied to his.
"Since awakening the Boosted Gear, I've felt I'll face a strong enemy soon."
"I want to boost my strength quickly."
Akeno said, intrigued. "Sounds like turbulent times ahead."
Such words, especially for someone like Roy, were rarely baseless, particularly as the red dragon emperor—a magnet for powerful adversaries.
"How long will you be gone?" Rias asked.
"Not fixed," Roy replied.
"A week at the earliest, a month at most."
A month would allow him to adjust time flows between worlds.
"Got it," Rias said, smiling.
"Train without worry. I'll handle school matters."
"I'm off then," Roy said, waving.
"So soon?" Akeno gasped, surprised by his haste.
"Early out, early back," Roy grinned.
"Have you told Asia and Koneko?" Akeno asked.
"No," Roy said, shaking his head. "Please explain for me."
Having many girls around was great but could complicate things.
Roy chose to inform Rias at school, avoiding a group discussion that might spiral into unnecessary tangents.
"We'll tell Koneko and Asia."
Roy left Kuoh Academy but didn't depart for another world immediately.
Returning to his villa, he grabbed the lightsaber and pistol taken from Freed.
These weapons were discreet, resembling ornate toys to outsiders, avoiding attention even in modern settings.
After informing Raynare and Mittelt of his training plans, Roy left the villa, found an empty corner, and opened the System.
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