Together
Everyone arrived at the seaside resort.
The sun was bright but not scorching, and the sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp scent, gently blew through the streets.
Today was the weekend, which made the seaside resort even livelier than usual.
As far as the eye could see, colorful beach umbrellas were everywhere on the sand;
Some children were playing and frolicking in the safe shallow water;
Couples, presumably, were strolling on the beach, leaving strings of footprints.
Near the houses, many guests lay on hammocks, eyes closed, enjoying the leisurely time.
"It's so lively... I've never seen anything like it before."
Aixi's interest grew, and she wanted to pull Bai Li-kun to start exploring together.
And in her sight, a small band was playing music next to the open-air bar;
Busy waiters weaved through the crowd, carrying colorful cocktails and fresh fruit platters, showing no signs of stopping.
"Aixi, we're not here to play, at least not until the problem is resolved."
"Oh, that's right!"
Aixi then came back to her senses.
Sakurajima Mai then noticed someone approaching.
It was an uncle in a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses.
"Oh, isn't this Lady Rias? The boss asked me to give you the keys."
He handed a key to Himejima Akeno.
Afterward, the uncle with sunglasses had no intention of lingering and ran directly towards a nearby bar.
Before leaving, he pointed north on the beach and left a message:
"The villa is over there! Everything you need is ready! I'm going to grab a drink first!"
"Slacker."
Toujou Koneko stared at the uncle's retreating figure, giving a sharp assessment.
Himejima Akeno, holding the key, didn't seem to mind.
"Let's go check out the villa first."
"Yes, that's right. Mr. Bai Li-kun, please come this way."
Hearing Himejima Akeno say this, Rias called Bai Li-kun and the others.
Passing through the crowd and the still lively beach house, Bai Li-kun, Mai, and Aixi quickly arrived at the seaside villa Rias had mentioned.
Unlike the bustling area, this place was relatively quiet, a detached building.
Normally, it's mostly reserved for the boss's VIPs.
Opening the door with a key, a scent of perfume wafted out.
"This is a really nice place."
Sakurajima Mai looked around.
The villa was entirely made of wood, but the waterproofing was excellent, so it hadn't been affected by the humid sea breeze, and everything was clean and tidy.
Toujou Koneko, meanwhile, ran to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.
"It has everything."
The refrigerator was packed with fruits, cakes, drinks, and alcohol, every space filled, leaving no room to spare.
Himejima Akeno, after closing the door, looked towards the second floor.
"Everyone can choose their own rooms, as there's enough space for eight people here."
Hearing this, Mai took Asia and headed upstairs, with Toujou Koneko following close behind.
After everyone had chosen their rooms and tidied up a bit.
"Should we have lunch first and then make plans, or investigate first? I personally lean towards the latter."
Rias started the meeting in the living room.
Bai Li-kun also nodded.
"Enjoying delicious food after work only makes it taste better. I also agree with Lady Rias's idea."
Himejima Akeno and Koneko naturally agreed with their master's plan.
Mai looked at the map.
"I have no objections, but how exactly should we proceed?"
"Should we all do a systematic search together?"
Asia also asked, confused.
Rias smiled softly.
"I hope everyone can team up, preferably in separate groups. For example… Miss Sakurajima and Koneko, Miss Asia and Akeno."
"Yes, that's a good idea."
Akeno also smiled, looking at Asia.
Knowing that this was a way to bring them closer, Sakurajima Mai looked at Bai Li-kun.
"Then Bai Li-kun…"
"A King doesn't run around; he needs to preside over headquarters."
"I think if it were Bai Li-kun, he could surely finish it in an instant."
"That wouldn't give you all a chance to train."
"That's true…"
Facing Bai Li-kun's answer, Sakurajima Mai clearly understood his meaning.
If Bai Li-kun instantly defeated all the enemies, they wouldn't have the opportunity to fight and grow stronger.
So, the entire team allocation was decided.
Sakurajima Mai X Toujou Koneko, responsible for investigating the western side of the undeveloped resort area;
Asia X Himejima Akeno, responsible for investigating the eastern side of the undeveloped area.
After hearing the arrangements, the young women immediately sprang into action, without any hesitation.
After reminding everyone to be careful and seeing the four off, Bai Li-kun returned to the living room with Rias for their discussion.
Only the King and the King remained.
Rias then brought up a question that had been bothering her.
"Bai Li-kun, your healer in your team… Asia, she was targeted by Fallen Angels and rogue priests before. There must be a special reason, right?"
"Indeed. Her power allows her to provide healing and rescue regardless of the recipient."
"Originally a nun, yet without distinction for recipients…"
"Yes, that's why she mentioned in the group that because of this ability, she was seen as a traitor by the church, a nun disloyal to God."
"And then Bai Li-kun lent her a helping hand, changing her life."
After saying this, Rias left her original facing position and moved to Bai Li-kun's side, sitting down with a swoosh.
"Lady Rias?"
"I feel we can communicate more clearly this way."
"It's no different from before, but I don't mind."
Even closer would be fine.
As Bai Li-kun thought this, Rias spoke again.
"I have some questions I'd like to discuss."
"Please speak."
"Marriages between Upper-Class Devils are very common, especially among nobles."
Rias sighed.
"And I… have a fiancé I detest the most."