Dusk. Private Kuou Academy.
"Damn it… why do you make me wear such embarrassing clothes?"
Irina blushed furiously, tugging at the hem of her maid outfit. "There are so many people here… it's humiliating!"
Arata Hayashi grinned. "This is about you fulfilling your promise. Isn't it natural for a maid to wear a maid outfit?"
Irina hesitated, then finally whispered, "…Under these clothes…"
Halfway through, she shivered, legs tightening instinctively.
"Don't blame me—these are my family's property," Arata added casually.
He secretly gave a thumbs-up to Kasumigaoka Utaha. As expected, the battle armor really is incredible.
Xenovia, however, seemed unfazed."The outfit's fine, actually. Much more comfortable than what I usually wear."
Arata chuckled."I'll ask Shiyu to give you a few sets when the time comes."
Irina's eyes twitched. No way… I can't let this perverted demon have free rein.
Outside, near the old school building, Tacheng Kitten had appeared after classes ended.
Her eyes lit up when she saw Arata, but when she noticed Xenovia and Irina, her expression stiffened.
Stare.
Their auras were overwhelming—intimidating even.
Arata smiled and patted her head. "Don't worry, kitten. You'll grow too."
Tacheng Kitten blushed furiously, quickly squirming away."You H devil! Stay out of it!"
"This is my most sincere blessing," Arata said innocently.
The kitten didn't know whether to cry or laugh.
Meanwhile, Arata had already entered the Supernatural Research Society's activity room.
"These… are the two Church warriors you mentioned?"
Rias, still on the phone, noticed Irina and Xenovia and gestured to them."Please, take a seat."
Himejima Akeno served tea gracefully."Everyone, please enjoy."
"Thank you!" Irina and Xenovia responded politely.
Irina adjusted her skirt and began speaking seriously."Although we have entered your territory without permission, the Church has no intention of provoking a conflict with the demons."
Rias nodded, encouraging them to continue.
"First… I must be honest. We have no choice," Irina said."The Holy Sword of our Church was stolen by Kirkbol, a member of the Fallen Angels."
Rias frowned."Even if it was stolen… what does it have to do with my territory?"
Irina's expression grew serious."We suspect he is in this town."
Rias's composure faltered.
Tacheng Kitten and Himejima Akeno exchanged glances. Fallen Angels' cadres were legendary warriors—survivors of ancient wars between gods and devils.
And now, one of them was apparently in Juwang Town…
Arata thought for a moment, a small smile forming. I know a bit… but not the full story. In this world, details always differ.
"So, you've come to retrieve the Holy Sword," Rias mused."And you've informed me… hoping we demons won't intervene?"
"That's right," Irina confirmed."We have no wish to provoke a war between the Church and demons."
"Is this why you were observing me?" Arata asked.
Irina's face flushed."As Rias Gremory's fiancé, you have considerable influence. We had to investigate who you are."
Arata smirked."And what did you conclude?"
"You're… just a perverted demon," Irina said.
Arata blinked innocently."Thanks for the compliment, I guess."
Irina glared but quickly composed herself and turned to Rias."What is your response, Rias-sama?"
"I have no intention of interfering in the dispute between the Church and the Fallen Angels," Rias replied calmly."But please be careful not to let this affect my territory."
"Of course," Irina and Xenovia nodded respectfully.
With that, the two Church warriors excused themselves, leaving Himejima Akeno and Tacheng Kitten to see them off.
Rias eyed Arata suspiciously."What's with those maid outfits? You're not planning something perverted, are you?"
Arata smiled."Isn't it possible? They're skilled warriors—perfect as followers."
Rias' eyelids twitched."True… but their faith is strong."
Arata leaned close to Rias, brushing her bright red hair back."Even if we don't want trouble… it doesn't mean others won't cause it."
Rias tilted her head."What do you mean?"
"The Fallen Angels know this is the Gremory family's territory… yet they still appear here," Arata said with a smirk."Tell me—what are they planning?"
"Could it be… a three-way conflict?"
"Very likely. You should warn Sona as well."
Rias smiled faintly, her eyes locking on his."And how will you make me thank you for such an important reminder?"
Arata grinned mischievously."…What evil scheme are you planning now?"