Later that day, I was back at my home—my once quiet, peaceful home.
Except it wasn't quiet anymore.
Fifteen brand-new "maids" in matching uniforms were bustling around like a cleaning brigade from hell.
Dusting, sweeping, scrubbing floors, polishing furniture—one of them was even arguing with another over the "proper angle" to fold my blankets.
The sound of brooms, cloths, and occasional sighs of despair filled every corner.
I leaned back on the sofa, arms crossed, trying to look like a dignified master overseeing his loyal household staff.
In reality, it was chaos, and I was barely holding in my laughter at their miserable expressions.
Ah… life is good. Who knew free labor could look this stylish?
Eventually, I got up and made my way down the hall.
I stopped in front of Asia's room and opened the door gently.
Inside, Asia was still kneeling by her small altar, hands clasped, whispering prayers with a worried expression on her face.
The faint glow of her faith lingered in the air, so pure and innocent it felt almost wrong to disturb her.
But, of course, I still did.
"Yo, Asia," I said softly, poking my head in.
"Guess what? We've got fifteen maids now. House is never gonna be dusty again."
She turned her head slowly, blinking at me in confusion, as if I had just spoken another language.
Behind me, the faint sound of someone yelling "Don't touch that vase, you idiot!" echoed through the house.
"Zevion! You're alright!"
Before I could say another word, Asia suddenly sprang up from her prayer mat and threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around me with surprising strength for someone so delicate.
Her small frame pressed against mine, trembling just a little, like she had been holding her breath this whole time.
I blinked, caught off guard for a second, before a smile tugged at my lips.
So she really was praying for me the entire time, huh?
Considering Sona had escorted her back home for safety, Asia must have been stuck here worrying nonstop.
And now, seeing me safe and sound, all of that relief came pouring out at once.
It was… touching, really.
"Of course I'm alright," I said, patting her head gently.
"And your cross really helped. Thanks for everything, Asia."
Her emerald eyes lit up, shimmering with sincerity as she looked up at me.
"R-Really? I knew it would protect you!"
I chuckled softly, averting my gaze.
Yeah, no way am I telling her the actual way I used it. That's staying locked in the vault forever.
"By the way, Asia," I said casually, stretching a little.
"I just got us some sla— I mean, maids for the house. So if you've got any problems, just leave it to them, alright?"
Her head tilted slightly, her golden hair swaying as her eyes blinked in confusion.
"M-Maids…?"
"Yup. Fifteen of them. Don't worry, they're… very reliable."
I waved it off like it was no big deal.
"So if something comes up, don't hesitate."
Before she could press me for details, I let out a yawn big enough to shake my shoulders.
"Anyway, I'm tired, so I'm going to bed early tonight. You should also sleep soon, Asia."
She smiled softly, still looking a little puzzled but too pure to question further.
"Okay. Good night, Zevion."
I left Asia in her room and made my way down the hall.
When I reached my door, I noticed Ravel standing there, carefully polishing the frame with a cloth in her hand.
She looked so focused, as if cleaning the entrance to my room was some sacred duty.
Or maybe scared of me impaling her limbs again?
That's when I suddenly remembered something I had been putting off.
"Ravel," I called out.
She turned quickly, startled, and stood straight like a maid awaiting her master's command.
"I have some work for you. Come with me to my room."
The words seemed to hit her harder than I expected.
Her face instantly turned crimson, and she stiffened before following me inside.
I threw myself onto the bed, stretching comfortably, and then gestured.
"Come closer, Ravel."
Her steps were stiff and awkward, her cheeks burning redder with every move.
Finally, she sat down beside the bed, eyes downcast, lips pressed together like she was resigning herself to her fate.
Her breathing was nervous, almost shaky.
She probably thought this was going somewhere far more dangerous than it was.
I leaned toward her and said seriously, "Ravel…"
She froze.
"Complete all my homework before tomorrow morning, okay?"
Her jaw dropped, her blush intensifying so much I thought she might actually burst into flames.
Well, I could tell from her expression exactly what she was thinking.
She probably assumed I was calling her in here for some… nightly duties.
Heh.
The way her face burned, the way her hands trembled, the way she avoided eye contact—it was too obvious.
And honestly?
Betraying her expectations like that is way more satisfying.
Watching her realize that I wasn't the pervert here, but that she was the one with the dirty mind?
That's priceless.
Plus, let's be honest—I'm not a virgin anymore.
I'm not some pent-up, horny teenager constantly letting my brain spiral into gutter fantasies.
I've got control now.
Dignity.
Class.
...Okay, maybe not class, but at least I'm not that desperate anymore.
Besides, I really haven't done my homework for a few days now.
If Ravel finishes it all before morning, that'll be the real blessing.
Now that's the kind of service I can get behind.
Anyway… that's enough work for me today.
My body aches, my mind feels like it's been through a battlefield, and honestly, I'm exhausted.
Sigh.
Now that I've cemented myself as a supervillain-level presence in the minds of everyone around me, maybe—just maybe—no one will dare disturb me again.
Finally… I can focus on what really matters: grinding for Arceus.
No interruptions, no distractions, just more money.
I shift on the bed, pulling the blanket around me, letting the softness cradle my tired body.
My eyelids grow heavy, the warmth of the room lulling me into peace.
Good night.
…Right!!
I could have just asked for money!!
A facepalm practically slammed itself onto my forehead as I realized how absurd I'd been.
All that effort, all that chaos, all those terrifying displays of power… and for what?
A few coins are all I needed!
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!—"
A despair-filled voice rang through the whole house.
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