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Tenra and the girls made their way into the school, leaving Motohama and Matsuda standing outside with a mix of disappointment and complicated emotions.
They'd wanted to beg Tenra to help rescue Issei, but he'd shot them down without a second thought.
It wasn't just that Tenra had no idea where Issei Hyoudou was being held—even if he did know, he wouldn't risk it. Rizevim and the Khaos Brigade were enemies you didn't mess with lightly. If it were one of Rias's girls who'd been taken, Tenra wouldn't hesitate—he'd tear down heaven and hell to bring her back. But for Issei Hyoudou? Tenra wasn't about to gamble his life for someone he barely knew.
Still, he'd promised Motohama and Matsuda that if the chance ever came, he'd try to save Issei—if it was convenient. After all, whether it was for the Holy Grail or Lilith, he and Rizevim were destined to clash eventually. If Issei's luck held out and Rizevim hadn't sliced him up by then, maybe Tenra could do something.
Motohama and Matsuda were let down, but they understood. Tenra didn't owe them or Issei anything; just getting a "maybe" was more than they'd expected.
Hang in there, Issei. All we can do now is pray you make it through…
Inside, Tenra and the girls greeted a few familiar faces as they passed through the halls.
It was always something—truth be told, they'd spent nearly half the semester skipping classes.
Yubelluna, Rossweisse, and Karlamine headed off to the faculty office to prep for their lessons. Sona, Tsubaki, and the rest made for the student council room. After asking Ravel and Koneko to look after Elmenhilde, Tenra, Rias, and their group brought Valerie to their classroom.
Valerie's transfer caused a stir. With her vampire heritage, she was a certified beauty—especially standing at the front, fumbling through her introduction, cheeks burning with embarrassment. The boys in class couldn't help themselves; hearts pounded and more than a few fell instantly in love.
Sure, the school had plenty of pretty girls, but one this innocent was a rare treasure.
Of course, the boys' joy turned to despair when they realized Valerie was somehow connected to Tenra Kamiyo—the infamous harem king—and the two seemed awfully close.
Crushing the hopes of these unlucky souls didn't bring Tenra much satisfaction, but watching their mix of envy and heartbreak always put a little spring in his step.
The day slipped by in the rhythm of ordinary school life.
After classes, students scattered—some heading home, others off to club activities.
Rias and the girls agreed on a time to meet up, then filtered out one by one. Soon, only Tenra, Renare, Valerie, and Ophis—still perched on Tenra's lap, munching snacks—remained.
"Valerie, how was your first day?"
Tenra glanced over.
Valerie hesitated, cheeks flushed. "It was fun being with everyone, but… but… I couldn't understand anything the teacher said."
She looked ready to cry. "Tenra-sama, am I… am I really stupid?"
History, math, literature—it was all a blur. Valerie had sat frozen, terrified of being called on, every question making her heart race.
Tenra stifled a laugh, softening his voice. "Don't worry about it. You're not dumb, just inexperienced. That's on me—I should've prepared you better."
Valerie had spent most of her life locked away, cut off from the world. Even the simplest things were foreign. She'd need to start from scratch.
"Come on," Tenra said, scooping Ophis into his arms. "Let's drop by Yubelluna's office."
Valerie and Renare followed, uncertain but trusting.
They arrived at Yubelluna's office without incident.
"Tenra-sama," Yubelluna greeted them, a little surprised but quick to welcome them in.
At school, Yubelluna swapped her usual magical robes for Kuoh Academy's teacher uniform. Her curves strained the fabric—especially around her chest and hips—giving the impression the seams might pop at any moment.
Beautiful and brilliant, Yubelluna was the subject of countless crushes. Male teachers vied for her attention, students sent her shy confession letters. But she was already spoken for, and no one else stood a chance.
"Yubelluna, I'm putting you in charge of Valerie's education. Start with the basics—everything she's missed out on. Make sure she catches up."
"Yes, Tenra-sama." Yubelluna nodded, her gaze sharpening with purpose.
Tenra tapped Valerie gently on the forehead. "From now on, after school, you come straight here. Study hard—no slacking off. I'll be checking up on you."
Valerie's face turned scarlet. "I—I won't slack off, Tenra-sama!" she stammered, hands waving in protest.
Tenra managed not to laugh aloud at her flustered sincerity. After a few more instructions, he left Yubelluna's office with Ophis and Renare.
"Yubelluna-san, we—" Valerie began.
"From now on, call me Sensei," Yubelluna interrupted sternly.
"Ah—yes, Yubelluna-sensei!" Valerie straightened up, startled by the sudden shift.
Yubelluna circled her new student, lips curling in a faint smile. If Tenra-sama was trusting her with Valerie, she'd make sure this girl became a model vampire maiden.
Out in the hallway, Renare kept pace with Tenra, grumbling. "Master, why'd you give Valerie to Yubelluna? I could train her way better."
Renare, ever the twisted fallen angel, had always taken an interest in Valerie—teasing her, scaring her, and now sulking over being passed over as her mentor.
Tenra shot her a look. "If I left her with you, she'd end up just as dark and twisted as you are."
"She's a vampire. What's wrong with a little darkness? Besides, isn't that your type?"
"I've got plenty of types. One crazy woman like you is enough. I'd rather not double up."
Renare pouted. "So heartless, Master…"
"Enough. We're still in public. Behave yourself."
"I'm heading to the kendo club. Take Ophis and go play somewhere."
"As you command, my beloved Master," Renare replied with a theatrical bow.
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