After agreeing to Rias’s request, Koneko used teleportation magic to return to her residence, packed daily necessities and a change of clothes, and brought them to the Occult Research Club.

The trio—Roy, Asia, and Koneko—bid farewell to Rias and the others, then left Kuoh Academy.

“Actually…” Roy glanced at Koneko, who trailed behind him.

She carried a schoolbag over her shoulder and dragged a suitcase, walking with the quiet focus of a schoolchild, her eyes fixed ahead.

“You could’ve waited until Asia and I got home, then used a summoning circle to teleport to my place,” Roy said softly.

“That way, you wouldn’t have to lug your things around.”

Koneko’s calm expression flickered briefly, but her voice remained steady. “The luggage isn’t heavy. I also wanted to see the route.”

“Koneko, want some help?” Asia asked, eyeing the schoolbag and suitcase.

Koneko’s petite frame made the load seem daunting, and Asia resolved to assist.

“No need,” Koneko replied, shaking her head. “I’m strong.”

To prove it, she lifted the suitcase with one hand, swinging it effortlessly a couple of times, demonstrating her ease.

Asia’s eyes widened slightly, and a few passersby cast curious glances.

Koneko lowered the suitcase quietly. “I’m Rias’s Rook. Strength is my specialty. This is nothing.”

She turned to Asia. “If you need to move anything heavy in the future, just ask me.”

“Thank you, Koneko!” Asia beamed, her smile radiant.

Along the way, Asia chatted more freely, though Koneko mostly nodded in response, her words sparse.

While reserved by nature, Koneko grew slightly more animated under Asia’s warm influence.

Soon, they reached the gate of Roy’s villa.

“Wait!” Koneko halted abruptly, her expression hardening as she stared at the entrance.

A faint hostility crept onto her delicate, doll-like face. “I smell fallen angels.”

“I know,” Roy said, nodding.

“They’re with me.”

Koneko blinked, confused. “What?”

Asia chimed in. “They’re Raynare and Mittelt, Koneko”

Koneko froze, startled by Asia’s familiarity.

Since when were they close enough to call eachother by first names.

At that moment, Raynare and Mittelt, sensing the presence outside, opened the villa’s door and stepped out.

“Fallen angels!” Koneko’s eyes narrowed, still wary despite Asia’s explanation.

She released her suitcase, ready to act if needed.

“Lord Roy, welcome back,” Raynare and Mittelt said in unison.

Their outfits had changed to frilly, pleated maid dresses—far more revealing than standard ones, with glimpses of fair skin teasingly visible.

Roy’s eyes lit up briefly.

The fallen angels’ choice of attire was strikingly bold and perfectly to his taste.

Koneko shot Roy a look of disdain, her vigilance unbroken by the pair’s nonthreatening demeanor.

“What’s going on here?” she asked, her low tone laced with suspicion and displeasure.

Roy hadn’t mentioned fallen angels to Rias, and Koneko was caught off guard.

“Let’s talk inside,” Roy said, waving them in.

“It’s okay, Koneko,” Asia reassured. “Raynare and Mittelt are Roy’s followers now. That’s why they’re here.”

Koneko nodded silently, grabbed her suitcase, and followed them into the living room.

Once seated, Koneko pressed, “Can you explain why there are two fallen angels here? Or are you betraying us to join them?”

Her gaze fixed on Roy, sharp with scrutiny.

“Devil, watch your tone!” Raynare snapped, her voice dripping with scorn.

“How dare you disrespect Lord Roy? Who do you think you are?”

Koneko’s eyes flashed coldly, meeting Raynare’s challenge.

“You know I’m the Red Dragon Emperor,” Roy said, spreading his hands. “These two are my followers now.”

“As for betrayal,” he continued with a faint smirk, “you’re mistaken, Koneko. I’ve never aligned with any faction—neither devils nor fallen angels.”

He smiled lightly.

“If anything, I’m on humanity’s side, carving my own path. So, betrayal? Doesn’t apply.”

Koneko’s stoic face twitched, Roy’s words clearly stirring her.

“Right now, I’m just closer to you all because we’ve spent more time together,” Roy added.

“But that doesn’t mean I’m on the devils’ side. I’ve never planned to become one.”

“That said, we’re friends, and I won’t deny that. If you need help, I’ll give it my all.”

“If you’re wronged, I’ll fight for justice on your behalf. But don’t talk about betrayal.”

Koneko fell silent, processing his words.

“Got that, devil?” Raynare said smugly.

“Don’t assume Lord Roy belongs to any side. He’s not someone you can sway so easily.”

“Enough, Raynare,” Roy interjected, halting her.

“I’m at fault here too. I didn’t fully explain my situation to Rias at noon, which led to this misunderstanding with Koneko.”

“I understand. I’m sorry,” Koneko said after a pause.

She stood and bowed to Roy, her apology sincere.

“No harm done. It’s a simple mix-up,” Roy said, shaking his head with a smile. “I messed up too. Sorry.”

He turned to Raynare and Mittelt. “Prepare a room for Koneko. She’ll be living here from now on.”

The two nodded without protest and headed upstairs to set up the room.

“Roy, those fallen angels are trouble,” Koneko warned, her tone grave.

“If word gets out that you’ve tamed two of them, the fallen angels won’t let it slide. High-class ones might come looking for you.”

Fallen angels were few in number, with a perilously low birth rate.

Compared to devils, their position was precarious.

Roy might struggle against their retaliation.

Some might overlook Roy’s actions due to his status, but there was no guarantee they’d stay passive.

“Thanks for the heads-up, Koneko,” Roy said with a grin.

“Devil, don’t try to drive a wedge between us,” Raynare shot back, pausing on her way upstairs.

“Mittelt and I chose to follow Roy willingly.”

She puffed up with pride.

“Even if my superiors find out, I have ways to justify it. You don’t need to worry.”

“Mittelt and I are Lord Roy’s followers now. We won’t bring him unnecessary trouble,” she added with a huff, then sashayed upstairs.

“Can I punch her?” Koneko asked, clenching her fists.

Raynare’s arrogance sparked an urge to knock her down.

“Better not. With your strength, one hit might shatter her,” Roy said, shaking his head with a wry smile.

“She’s that weak?” Koneko nodded, her mood lifting instantly.

—

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