Mai understood clearly that Ryuya's first plan—no matter how absurd it sounded—probably could change her current situation.
But if they really went through with it, Ryuya would be the only one still able to see her and cooperate with her. In that case, he would inevitably be dragged into the mess.
Those media vultures and entertainment reporters were everywhere, prying into people's lives for a scrap of gossip. Once Ryuya got caught in that storm, there would be no easy way out.
Even though she was in trouble herself, Mai couldn't bear to let someone else get hurt because of her.
Since the person involved had vetoed the first plan, Ryuya could only respect her choice and proceed with the second option.
"Alright then," he said, his tone thoughtful. "The first issue is figuring out where this condition of yours actually began."
After a short pause, he guessed, "Could it be at your talent agency?"
Since her condition seemed to have stemmed from her own wish, the most likely place for that desire to manifest would be somewhere connected to her work—like her agency.
But Mai shook her head lightly. "It's not the agency."
Her tone was quiet but firm, so much so that even Ryuya couldn't figure out where that confidence came from.
"Why?" he asked.
"No particular reason. I just… don't think it is."
She went silent after that, clearly unwilling to elaborate.
Ryuya gave her a curious glance. His sharp instincts told him there was something she wasn't saying—something buried underneath.
So there was a hidden story here.
But instead of pressing her, Ryuya simply smiled and nodded. "Alright, then we'll rule the agency out."
He didn't pry, choosing instead to trust her words.
Mai felt a faint warmth in her chest. His restraint—his choice not to push her—was his way of showing respect.
"Then where were you the first time you realized something was wrong?" he asked.
Mai answered without hesitation. "The first time I noticed no one could see me was when I went to the aquarium on a whim."
"…You mean that aquarium? The one that's known as one of the top three date spots in Japan?"
"That's right."
Ryuya tilted his head slightly. "…You went there alone?"
He didn't say it outright, but the teasing tone and look in his eyes made his meaning clear. Mai immediately caught on.
Her foot came down sharply on his instep, though her voice stayed perfectly calm.
"Yes. Alone. Is there a problem with going to the aquarium by myself?"
"…No problem at all. But, uh—Mai, your foot."
Ryuya looked down at the sleek leg wrapped in black stockings pressing into his foot.
Mai's sharp gaze swept toward him.
"Add the word 'senpai.'"
"…Mai-senpai, your foot."
The girl didn't move her foot away. Instead, she pressed down harder, her face utterly serene as she asked,
"What about my foot?"
Ryuya took a deep breath, looked down, and deadpanned,
"I hope you'll trample me more mercilessly, my Queen."
Mai: "...???"
What kind of devil plays like this?!
"So?" she said evenly, pretending nothing had happened. "Do you think that aquarium is the place we're looking for?"
"Judging from what you've said so far, the odds are slim," Ryuya replied calmly.
"So we're going on guesses now?" she asked.
Ryuya nodded. "You're right. Which is why—even if the chances are low—we should still check it out, one by one, and rule things out."
Mai could only agree with a quiet nod. Glancing at the time, she noticed it was already late. There was no way they could go today.
So she looked at him and asked softly, "Tomorrow's Saturday. Are you free?"
The boy who'd been calm a moment ago suddenly wore an eager, itching-to-try look.
"Am I dreaming? This is the first time a girl has invited me out on a date!"
Mai Sakurajima: "…"
To a pro like Mai, his little bit of acting was painfully crude.
"Not convincing at all," she remarked.
"…I was showing off in front of a master."
Ryuya hastily reined in his delight, conceding that his acting was lacking.
Compared to Mai, he was worlds apart. There was no helping it—his meager tricks couldn't be stacked against the craft that put food on her table.
"Just so we're clear, you'll be going in alone. I'll wait outside," Mai said with a mischievous smile.
Ryuya tilted his head, dragging out his voice. "…Eh?"
Seeing his speechless reaction, Mai finally flashed a satisfied smile. "Kidding."
Ryuya rolled his eyes. "Is this revenge for me teasing you earlier? That's cruel, Mai-senpai."
"Right back at you."
With Mai's smile lingering, Ryuya set a time and place with her and rose to take his leave.
"I'll be there on the dot tomorrow."
"Mhm." Mai eyed him with interest. "Are you going to use that piece of paper to teleport back again?"
"Curious? Then watch closely."
Under Mai's curious gaze, Ryuya stood in the living room, took a breath, bent his knees as if to jump—
Just when she thought he'd leap and vanish into thin air, he gave a little hop on the spot, then strode straight to the door, opened it, and left.
Mai Sakurajima: "…??"
Staring after his disappearing back in the stairwell, Mai stood there blankly for a moment before closing the door with a wooden expression.
Is this guy… not right in the head?
…
On his way home, Ryuya's mood was a knot of frustration.
He'd finally been summoned, only for the difficulty spike to hit hard right from the start.
Sigh. They say eight or nine things out of ten in life don't go your way, but even after becoming a devil, why is it still such a scam…?
Forget it. Running into trouble is normal. Keep a good mindset.
Think through the details carefully—maybe something will click.
As he walked toward home, he replayed Mai Sakurajima's words in his head.
Just as he was deep in thought, a figure hurried out from the corner ahead, and the two of them collided.
"Yah—"
The figure stumbled back two steps and plopped onto the ground with a soft gasp.
It was a girl's voice.
Ryuya came to his senses and quickly reached out a hand.
"Sorry."
"Ah—no, I should be the one apologizing," the girl replied at once, taking his hand and standing up.
Only then did Ryuya notice the peculiar outfit she was wearing.
This is… a nun's habit?
---
T/N:
➤ End of Mass Initial Uploads!
➤ Want More? Get Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ [email protected]/RedX43
➤ +300 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
➤ Please support the new book, Thank you! 🙌