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Edgar's Villa.
In the living room.
"Master, I'm not hiding anything. All of the organization's funds are now in my hands."
Vermouth was typing away on her laptop as she reported, "Besides that, there are a few fixed assets. Should we liquidate those too?"
Edgar asked, "Would keeping them cause any problems?"
He preferred solving things once and for all.
Sticky, lingering issues were not his style—way too troublesome.
"They're all legally acquired. No risk at all."
"In that case, we'll keep them."
Edgar nodded and moved on to the next agenda.
"Now that we're loaded with funds—"
"I've decided to open an exorcism agency. You'll all be working there."
Akem Miyano blinked in surprise. "Didn't expect you to be so kind-hearted, Master. Wanting to help normal people deal with curses and spirits."
Edgar: "…"
"Don't overthink it. I just want to give you guys more combat experience."
"Hehe~"
Akemi stuck out her tongue.
Looks like… she completely misunderstood.
Maybe this master of hers wasn't a bad guy.
But calling him a good guy? That definitely didn't fit either.
Shiho Miyano nodded in agreement. "Master's right. As demons, we really do need to sharpen our fighting skills."
Although Gyomei Himejima had been training with them lately, it lacked the real urgency of actual combat.
That wouldn't cut it.
While the others talked, Vermouth had already pulled out her laptop and started browsing locations online.
Backed by a generous budget, it didn't take long for her to secure a good storefront.
Renovations? With money, nothing's a problem.
Next up—
It was time to do what they "loved."
Akemi once again found herself fleeing in a flustered panic.
And yet, she somehow ended up outside the room again, eavesdropping through the wall.
…
The next day.
Morning sunlight streamed in through the gap in the curtains.
Edgar opened his eyes, seeing Vermouth and Shiho Miyano on either side of him.
After a few rounds of… "training," they'd all gotten used to sleeping together.
In fact—
Because of their rivalry, he ended up being the one who benefitted the most.
"Master, ignore that witch."
"Hmph. Mine's bigger than yours."
As if sensing Edgar's gaze, Shiho and Vermouth murmured at each other under their breath.
Edgar chuckled and shook his head.
He picked up his phone and started typing a message.
Now that he had two new subordinates, he figured he'd ask his childhood friend for a bit of special training.
[Rias: That didn't take long. You already have three subordinates?]
[Edgar: Yep. Lucky, huh?]
[Rias: Don't tell me… all girls again?]
[Edgar: Ding ding ding! You guessed right.]
Reading the messages, Rias felt a tightness in her chest.
Edgar hadn't even been in the human world for a full week.
He hadn't started school yet, but already had multiple girls under his command.
"Huuuh…"
She took a deep breath before replying.
[Rias: When are you coming over?]
Edgar sent a quick reply, then went to take a shower.
Staring at the chat, Rias muttered to herself:
"How did I not see it before… That guy's such a playboy."
"'Special training,' huh? What does he take me for…"
Occult Research Club.
"So that's the situation. I've prepared some magic spells for them."
"Got it, President Rias."
Gyomei Himejima accepted the task without question.
However…
She gave Rias a curious glance. "President, something seems… off with you today."
Rias huffed, cheeks puffed. "What do you mean 'off'?"
"I mean… you kinda sound jealous."
"Hah—no way..."
Rias instinctively tried to deny it, then froze, her whole body stiffening.
Wait.
Was she… actually jealous?
She sat on the couch, dazed, and without meaning to, Edgar's face popped into her head.
When did it start?
Maybe… a long time ago.
"Ohhh~ Seems I hit the nail on the head~"
Himejima covered her mouth and gave a teasing "auntie smile."
Snapping out of it, Rias flicked her crimson hair and smiled. "So what if I admit it?"
"It's nothing to be ashamed of."
Himejima grinned. "If that's how it is, then you've got a lot of rivals, President."
Rias: "…"
Ugh.
She had a point—and it stung.
Rias had never been the jealous type.
But seriously, that guy was moving fast.
Oh, right.
She still had to count in Fia too.
Suddenly—
It felt like the whole sky was darkening.
Back at the villa.
"Well, well. You've already made breakfast?"
Edgar came slowly down the stairs with a can of iced cola in hand.
Akemi was setting the table. When she saw him, her body stiffened.
Her ears turned beet red, and she stammered, "M-M-Master, your c-clothes…"
Edgar blinked, looked down at himself, and smiled. "So what? It's not like you haven't seen it before."
Akemi's eye twitched.
She had no comeback for that one.
Edgar sat down across from her, grinning. "Honestly, I wouldn't mind if you joined in too."
Akemi murmured, "Master, aren't you afraid you'll wear yourself out?"
Edgar confidently slapped his chest. "You've seen it for yourself—I'm more than fine."
Akemi's mouth twitched. Her face was burning.
How could her master be so… shameless?
Vermouth was one thing.
But Shiho…!
Just thinking about it, Akemi froze again and shook her head furiously.
Wait a sec.
What kind of nonsense am I even thinking about?
Edgar looked at her and was about to tease her some more when—
His expression suddenly turned serious.
A shimmering message appeared in his virtual interface.
The [Demon Summon] skill was glowing brightly.
"Looks like someone took the bait."
A small smile crept onto Edgar's lips.
Now then…
What kind of world would be waiting for him this time?
"..."
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