Nothing eventful happened that night. Just as Yoru had said, he lent his embrace to Grayfia and let her sleep peacefully in his arms, without making any inappropriate moves.
The next morning, when Yoru woke up, the girl who had been in his arms had already vanished.
A faint fragrance lingered on his body—Grayfia's scent. He inhaled it deeply with a sense of indulgence, then slowly got out of bed.
In the living room, Sirzechs was sitting and reading the newspaper, while Grayfia was busy in the kitchen, seemingly preparing breakfast.
The two of them looked exactly as they always had, like nothing had happened at all. This sense of unreality made Yoru briefly wonder if everything from the night before had just been an absurd dream.
But as soon as he sat down, Sirzechs spoke, and Yoru realized with certainty that what had happened last night was very real.
"So, how was it? Last night?"
Sirzechs's question almost made Yoru spit out his drink. What kind of man says something like that? He gives his wife to someone else and then eagerly asks the next morning how it went?
"Please don't joke like that, Lord Sirzechs. Do you really think I'm so charming that I could win over Grayfia-nee in just one night? She only left the room with me last night because she was angry with you."
"Oh? You're already calling her 'Grayfia-nee'? That close already, huh? Well, either way, I'd say that's a good start. Keep it up, Yoru."
Even though he was teasing, there wasn't a hint of resentment in Sirzechs's tone. He really did sound like he was blessing the two of them.
"To be honest, Lord Sirzechs, I don't think you still love Grayfia-nee, do you?"
Yoru sighed slightly as he asked, and Sirzechs nodded softly.
"You're absolutely right. If I still loved Grayfia as much as I once did, there's no way I could tolerate this situation. No man would willingly give the woman he loves to someone else."
"Neither of us love each other anymore. We once thought our love was strong enough to endure for centuries, but we were wrong. Spending hundreds of years like strangers eroded our feelings until only duty remained."
Sirzechs seemed lost in thought as he spoke. Even he didn't seem to fully understand what kind of feelings he had left for Grayfia. Maybe it wasn't just his body that changed when that immense power within him mutated—perhaps his emotions had shifted as well.
"Whatever the case, I'm entrusting Grayfia to you now, Yoru."
"I understand."
Yoru replied with solemn seriousness, and with Grayfia arriving with breakfast, their conversation came to an end.
It appeared that last night really had been a momentary lapse in judgment brought on by intense emotions. Grayfia didn't even make eye contact with Yoru during breakfast or afterward.
Soon after, she gave a simple excuse and returned to the Underworld, offering Yoru no further chance to speak with her.
As for Sirzechs, he claimed he wanted to explore the city but had no one to guide him. Rias generously lent him Kiba Yuuto, and the two of them went off on a sightseeing spree that lasted several days.
According to Kiba, it turned out that the Demon King Lucifer was surprisingly down-to-earth. For example, he challenged Kiba at the arcade (apparently considering opening one in the Underworld), dominated the full menu at a burger place (possibly planning a fast food chain), and even visited a shrine (Wait! Please don't tell me he wants to open shrines in the Underworld too!).
Meanwhile, Yoru had been busy with student council duties. With an upcoming school inspection, Kuoh Academy had a lot of prep work to do.
Today's task was to clean the swimming pool. With summer approaching, the pool was being reopened, so Yoru and Sona, representing the student council, had asked the Occult Research Club to assist.
Though truth be told, it seemed like this was Sona's idea all along—perhaps an excuse to show off in her swimsuit.
The sun was shining brightly, warm rays bathing everything in golden light.
Apparently, Kiba had been dragged off by Sirzechs again, so Yoru was the only male present on campus today.
Touching his nose, Yoru had a sudden premonition that what awaited him would be a… very stimulating scene.
"You sure took your time, Yoru."
A displeased voice called out.
Rias approached with her arms crossed, her fair skin gleaming in the sunlight. She wore a fiery red swimsuit that perfectly complemented her figure.
"So? What do you think of my swimsuit?"
She twirled around, clearly enjoying the admiring look in Yoru's eyes.
"Not bad at all. Suits you perfectly," he said with a gentle smile, not holding back his praise.
Then, another voice chimed in from behind Rias.
"Ara ara, Yoru-kun, won't you take a look at mine too?"
It was Akeno Himejima, clad in a pure white swimsuit that was the opposite of Rias's red. The minimal fabric barely covered her chest and lower region, and the thin straps stretching from her shoulders added a dangerously seductive allure to her perfect figure.
"Honestly, Akeno, I think black would suit you even better," Yoru said with a raised brow.
"Black, hmm…? What a shame, I didn't buy one." Akeno sighed and shook her head, but mentally filed away his comment.
"U-um, Yoru-kun, we changed too…"
A shy voice called out. Turning around, Yoru saw Asia fidgeting beside Xenovia and Irina, who stood more confidently.
The three girls wore more modest one-piece swimsuits—but even those held plenty of allure.
"Looks like everyone's here. In that case… let's party!"
Rias raised both hands in excitement. Since they were here to clean the pool, it only made sense to enjoy themselves afterward.
"Hey, Rias, ignoring me is a bit rude, you know."
Another disapproving voice rang out. Sona pushed up her glasses and walked over with a composed expression.
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