On top of a building — Night.
Two figures gazed down at Arata Hayashi's residence in the distance.
"Is that… the devil's home?"
The speaker was a tall girl with short, shoulder-length blue hair and a strikingly pretty face.
Behind her, a giant sword—wrapped in bandages—rested on her back. It was nearly as tall as she was, giving her an unusual appearance.
"Xenovia, trust the intel I've gathered," said the girl beside her casually.
Irina, looking like the girl-next-door type, nodded with a serious expression."This man is not ordinary. He's Rias's fiancé now. Freed… died at his hands."
Xenovia's brow furrowed."So… there's no way we can bypass him here?"
"That's right. That's why we need to observe first," Irina replied.
The two fell silent, eyes narrowing, their posture shifting to that of battle-ready warriors.
Then, a calm, teasing voice echoed through the air.
"Interesting. Care to tell me what you're doing here?"
Both Xenovia and Irina froze instantly. In a blur, they rolled into combat stances, weapons at the ready.
Arata Hayashi, standing casually on the rooftop railing, smiled warmly."Hello there. You're from the Church, right?"
"Seeing a devil is… dangerous."
Xenovia's eyes sharpened as she gripped her massive sword."When… did you get here?"
"I asked first, didn't I?" Arata jumped down gracefully, landing in front of them."But I always give preferential treatment to beautiful girls."
He gave them a once-over, casually adding,"I've been here the whole time."
Irina blushed."But… we mean no harm. Perhaps we should just leave?"
"Hey now—weren't you the ones spying on me first?" Arata teased.
"What do you mean 'spying'? We're only observing!" Xenovia snapped.
"Don't say misleading things," Irina added sharply.
Arata gave a small, knowing smile, saying nothing—he knew exactly who they were: Xenovia Quarta and Irina Shido.
As for why they came… that remains unclear.
He shrugged internally.
"Since you like to watch, I can give you an opportunity," he said, grinning.
The two blinked in confusion. "What… opportunity?"
"Simple," Arata replied, his grin widening."You can become my dependents. That way, I can always satisfy your curiosity."
Irina's eyes widened."So… no matter what, you win?"
Arata blinked innocently."Aren't you the ones taking advantage of me?"
Both girls were speechless.This devil… shameless.
Ignoring their expressions, Arata pressed on."So… what's your answer?"
Xenovia lifted her sword, stepping forward."I refuse! I will not allow you to blaspheme my faith!"
Irina's voice rose angrily."This request is outrageous!"
"Outrageous?" Arata tilted his head playfully."Don't forget… I'm a devil."
The girls froze, trying to reason with the absurd logic before them.
"If you don't agree, don't blame me," Arata said.
He stepped forward, exuding an oppressive aura that made both of them tense.
"I have no intention of becoming your enemy."
Xenovia drew a deep breath."But now… you leave me no choice."
In a flash, she lunged forward like a shooting star—fast, precise, terrifying.
Snap!
Her greatsword slammed into the ground behind her, sending her sliding backward. Irina could barely react, stunned at the incredible speed.
Arata withdrew his hand, smiling faintly."Do you understand the difference now?"
Irina quickly helped Xenovia to her feet."I'm fine!" Xenovia waved off her concern.
"Why show mercy?" Xenovia asked, giving Arata a complicated look.
"Because I want you both to be my dependents," he said plainly.
"That's impossible!" Irina said firmly."Even if we can't match you, we will never betray our faith!"
Xenovia agreed."Yes. Even if we die, we won't become devils."
Arata pretended to be troubled."Oh… that is troublesome. Fine. Let's change the terms. As long as you stay in this city, you can be my maids."
Irina frowned."…What's the difference from before?"
"Isn't it what you wanted? I haven't turned you into devils," Arata said."Besides, as Church members, how could I allow you to roam freely? This is my maximum concession."
Irina considered the situation. Given their strength, this was… feasible."…Fine. But this is only for ordinary housekeeping. Nothing else," she said firmly.
"Of course, I am a perfect gentleman," Arata said with a playful grin.
Irina's lips twitched. If I can outmaneuver this devil… I must make him behave.
Xenovia whispered curiously,"Irina… what exactly is a maid?"
She had grown up in the Church and had very little understanding of the outside world.
Irina sighed."Never mind. You don't need to know. Just follow my lead."
"Okay!" Xenovia nodded.As long as they weren't forced to become devils, a peaceful resolution was acceptable.
After all… the order from above is to avoid conflict with devils whenever possible.