Afternoon.
As usual, Rokou headed to the school cafeteria for lunch.
"Tasteless."
That was his verdict on the cafeteria food.
For ordinary students, the meals might be perfectly fine—edible, even enjoyable. But Rokou's palate had long been refined by years of discipline and training. To him, the food was merely adequate, nothing more.
Cooking and waiting until noon to eat didn't appeal to him either.
Est usually slept during the day, so there was no need to summon her for meals.
While Rokou quietly filled his stomach, two figures entered the cafeteria one after the other.
After finishing their meals, they glanced around briefly before making their way toward Rokou.
Wherever they passed, the few male students nearby tensed up, and some girls cast admiring glances.
The first girl had silky golden hair, flowing like sunlight through leaves, paired with emerald-green eyes that shone with a natural brilliance. Her flawless fair skin, delicate features, and balanced, petite frame created the image of perfection. Beneath her skirt, her legs were sheathed in black stockings, slim and straight.
The second girl was the opposite: silver hair like moonlight, amber eyes sharp and alert, her expression neutral to the point of being unreadable. Her skin was equally fair, and she was even smaller in stature than the golden-haired girl, giving off a doll-like impression.
The two different fragrances approached from either side, subtly sandwiching Rokou in the middle.
It's worth noting that despite Rokou's popularity, no other girls were sitting near him. Not even the boldest, most outgoing types dared approach when he sat there. And if anyone tried, they would immediately face the other girls' lethal glares.
Yet whispers erupted when these two approached.
Everyone knew that Inori had been Rokou's classmate since middle school, and that Kotone had interacted with him upon entering the school.
Their first meeting had been during gym class. Kotone, despite excelling in all athletic disciplines, had been bested by Rokou in every event. Over time, their relationship had naturally grown closer.
"?!"
The two girls only realized each other's positions as they neared Rokou.
Inori froze for a moment, glancing at Kotone with a mix of surprise and annoyance. Why now, of all times?
Kotone, however, barely acknowledged her, setting down her tray across from Rokou with a neutral expression.
Inori felt like she'd been struck by lightning. She bared a subtle fang in protest, then quickly moved to a nearby seat, pretending it was casual.
Rokou couldn't help but chuckle at the scene. He didn't need to guess—he knew exactly how frustrated Inori must feel.
Adjusting his gaze, he turned to the girl in front of him.
"Kotone, here to return the game I lent you?" he asked with a small smile.
"Yes."
Kotone nodded slightly and handed over a game disc: Cyberpunk 2077.
That explained her recent late nights playing games instead of studying. No wonder she had performed poorly on today's exam.
Suppressing a small sigh, Kotone picked at her food for a few bites. Silence settled over the table for a few seconds.
Rokou didn't press further, simply waiting patiently.
"After school, the club president would like to invite you to the Supernatural Research Club," Kotone said.
"Rias Gremory, huh."
Rokou looked at the beautiful girl in front of him.
Kotone's superior was a pure-blood demon noble from the Underworld. Rias Gremory, heiress of the Gremory family and younger sister of the current Demon Lord Lucifer, oversaw all affairs in Ku Wang City.
Shortly after entering high school, Rokou had received Rias's invitation, which he had politely declined. Since then, she had not mentioned it again—but Rokou knew her well enough to understand that a stubborn heiress like her would never give up easily.
However, he had no intention of becoming her subordinate. No matter how kind Rias was, Rokou disliked the feeling of being bound by someone else.
"Do you agree?"
Kotone asked. She was merely delivering the message—Rias had explicitly instructed her not to pressure him.
"Sure," Rokou replied with a nod.
He considered it briefly. Though he hadn't interacted much with Rias, her reaching out now clearly meant something significant. That worked out perfectly—he had matters of his own to discuss with her anyway.
Kotone gave a faint nod, then quietly resumed eating, taking small, careful bites like a cat.
Inori, observing this, could hardly contain her frustration.