Before long, Shuo returned home with Xenovia and Irina in tow. The moment they stepped inside, Rias and the others stared at the two newcomers, jaws practically on the floor.
Sona, still processing Rias's earlier explanation, peered curiously at the pair. "So these are the Church's Holy Sword wielders?"
Shuo beamed. "That's right. From now on, they're my personal maids."
Akeno's lips curled into a teasing smile. "Ara ara, Shuo-chan, you're something else! One minute you're fighting them, the next you've got the Church's finest working for you. Really racking up the harem points, aren't you?"
Shuo put on his best innocent face. "Hey, don't make it sound so scandalous. I took them in out of compassion! If anything, you should call me generous."
The girls all shot him identical looks of exasperation.
He grinned, feigning menace. "Keep that up and I'll sneak into your rooms tonight and devour every last one of you!"
Except for the ever-oblivious Asia and the unflappable Aika, the rest of the girls flushed crimson, some nearly sputtering.
Shuo basked in their embarrassment, then turned to his new recruits. "Xenovia, Irina—let me show you to your room. You two go freshen up, then we'll get you settled."
…
After a quick shower, the girls returned to their room, only to find Shuo waiting with a massive cardboard box.
Irina eyed it suspiciously. "What's that supposed to be?"
Shuo's smile turned sly. "Why don't you open it and see? I picked out something special just for you."
Irina scoffed, but popped the lid anyway—then froze, mortified.
Inside were dozens of maid outfits, each skimpier than the last. Black stockings, thigh-highs, cat ears, dog ears, fluffy tails, and skirts so short they barely qualified as clothing.
Irina turned the color of a boiled lobster. "You absolute pervert! What the hell is all this?!"
Shuo shrugged innocently. "Maid uniforms, obviously."
Irina jabbed a finger at him, voice trembling with outrage. "Don't play dumb! These are—these are—"
"Erotic maid outfits," Shuo supplied, deadpan. "What, you think they don't count as maids just because they're a little… daring? You should take notes from Xenovia."
He turned expectantly to Xenovia, who examined the frilly garments with detached curiosity. "I've never seen anything like these. They're… interesting."
Shuo shot Irina a look of mock disappointment. "See? Xenovia gets it. No need to make such a fuss."
Irina was so flustered she could barely speak. She hadn't expected Shuo to be so shameless—or Xenovia to be so unfazed.
"You pervert! I'm telling you, there's no way I'm wearing these tonight!"
Shuo cocked his head, feigning surprise. "So the Church's Holy Sword wielder breaks her word? I doubt your God would approve."
Irina glared daggers. "You're the worst. The absolute worst."
"Suit yourself. But if you don't pick one soon, I'll just choose for you."
After a tense silence and a lot of grumbling, Irina finally fished out the least revealing outfit she could find.
"Fine. But you're leaving while I change," she insisted.
Shuo smirked. "Isn't changing in front of your master part of the job? Xenovia didn't seem to mind."
Irina shot him a death glare. "I've never heard of such a rule!"
Still, with a resigned sigh, she turned her back and began changing, cheeks burning. Shuo sat up straight, eyes wide, doing his best not to look too obvious.
The blue maid dress fit Irina perfectly, accentuating her figure and leaving just enough to the imagination. The skirt was scandalously short, and the white stockings created that infamous "absolute territory" that threatened Shuo's self-control.
Irina's embarrassment reached new heights. Finally, she slumped, defeated. "Well? Happy now?"
Shuo's grin was all satisfaction. "Very."
He wasted no time. "Irina, I'm thirsty!"
She huffed, but went to pour him water.
"My shoulders are sore!"
Irina shot him a look, but dutifully moved to massage them.
…
Out in the living room, Rias, Sona, and the others watched the scene unfold, thunderstruck. The once proud Irina, now reduced to Shuo's personal maid—it was almost too much to process.
Akeno giggled. "Ara ara, Shuo-chan really knows how to enjoy life."
Koneko sniffed. "Hmph. He's just a shameless pervert, that's all."
Rias could only sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Honestly, Shuo…"
Akeno flashed a fox-like smile. "Rias-chan, you look troubled. Maybe you should just cede the main wife spot?"
Rias's eyes narrowed. "So you can steal it? Not a chance, Akeno. That position is mine."
Sona chimed in from the sidelines. "Oh, Rias, I couldn't help but overhear. The main wife spot isn't yours by default, you know."
Rias squared her shoulders. "Then let's compete for it."
Shuo glanced over, bewildered by the sudden escalation of rivalry.
He turned back to Irina, who looked ready to snap.
Trying to soften the mood, Shuo said quietly, "Honestly, the maid thing is just to fulfill a few silly wishes. Starting tomorrow, we'll live normally. You don't have to be so down."
Irina's expression grew complicated. "Do I even have a future after all this?"
Xenovia, beside her, lowered her head, silent.
Seeing their gloom, Shuo pulled the two into a gentle hug. "You're my maids now—no one will hurt you. I promise."
For a moment, the girls were quiet, surprised by his sincerity. Maybe he was a bit of a pervert, but he was fiercely protective of those close to him—and undeniably powerful.
Even if they completed their mission, the Church would surely cast them out for consorting with Devils. Their only real choice was to stick with Shuo.
"Alright, it's late. Get some rest. I'll help you with Kokabiel."
"Understood," they replied in unison, nodding.
As they disappeared into their room, Shuo began plotting his next moves.
The three-faction summit was coming up—he'd need to push himself even harder. Kokabiel, that high-ranking Fallen Angel, would be good for at least one black-grade reward. With Xenovia, Irina, and maybe even Balpa in the mix, his strength would soon surge again.
He grinned to himself. His dream was close—today had been a good day. Time to find Aika and the others and celebrate.
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