Lucien sat on the large sofa, completely trapped.
On his left was Venelana, on his right Claire, and behind him swayed three fluffy white tails that were currently being shamelessly petted.
"Stop… that's sensitive…" Lucien muttered, cheeks glowing red.
"Nonsense," Venelana said calmly, brushing one tail like it was a priceless artifact.
Claire nodded seriously. "If you have tails, they must be taken care of."
Lucien sighed.
And thus, without his consent, it was declared:
The tails will be brushed daily.
He surrendered instantly.
The Weight of Lionhardt
Later, once Lucien had recovered his dignity (and his tails), he requested the financial and asset reports of the Lionhardt family.
What he saw made even his past-life businessman instincts twitch.
Shares in hundreds of international companies Multiple mansions across Europe and Asia Shipyards, cargo fleets Mines: oil, diamond, gold, rare ores Billions in liquid assets Historic treasures Political allies and neutral partners
Lucien exhaled slowly.
"…This isn't a family. This is an empire."
Venelana nodded proudly. "Grandfather built it brick by brick."
Claire frowned slightly. "But it needs people we can trust."
Lucien smiled faintly. "Exactly."
A Dangerous (But Brilliant) Idea
Venelana was already in college at seventeen.
Claire, fifteen, wasn't far behind.
Lucien tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Then… I'll summon people who are absolutely loyal."
The girls blinked.
"…Summon?" Claire asked.
Lucien explained the character summon function of the system.
Venelana nodded immediately. "Do it."
Claire hesitated, then sighed. "Fine… I'll get the money."
They very reluctantly left the sofa.
One Hour Later
Two suitcases landed on the floor.
Each contained 50 million dollars.
Lucien recharged the system and opened the summon interface.
After careful selection, he confirmed:
Grayfia Lucifuge (DxD) Akeno Himejima (Age 7) (DxD) Yasaka (DxD) Gamma (Eminence in Shadow) Velgrynd (Tensura) Sylpha Langis (Tensei Dai Nana Ōji)
[System Notice: Creating summon identities…]
[Integration complete.]
Light filled the room.
The Pillars Appear
When the light faded, six figures stood before Lucien.
And then—
They froze.
"…He's small," Gamma whispered.
"…Cute," Velgrynd added automatically.
Akeno stared with sparkling eyes.
Yasaka narrowed her gaze—and felt it.
Something vast.
"Your bloodline…" Yasaka said carefully. "What is it?"
Lucien answered honestly.
"Apex Bloodline: Nine-Tailed Sovereign."
Yasaka's eyes widened—then she nodded respectfully, cheeks faintly pink.
Venelana and Claire watched in disbelief.
Lucien wasn't trying.
And yet…
everyone already adored him.
Assigning Roles
Lucien clapped lightly.
"I need help managing the Lionhardt empire."
Every summoned being straightened immediately.
Grayfia Lucifuge — Head Butler
Grayfia bowed. "I accept." Sylpha Langis — Head Maid
"Leave it to me," Sylpha smiled. Gamma — Finance Director
Gamma adjusted her glasses. "Perfect." Yasaka — Operations & Management
Yasaka nodded seriously. Velgrynd — Head of Security
"No threat will pass," she declared.
Lucien then turned to the smallest one.
"Akeno… you're my age. I want you to be my assistant in the future."
Akeno beamed. "Yes!"
Then she hesitated.
"…Can I touch your tails?"
Lucien paused… then nodded.
Akeno gently petted one tail, laughing softly.
Soon, everyone was looking at them.
"…You can," Lucien sighed.
And thus began the Second Tail Disaster.
Even Yasaka joined in.
"These tails are extraordinary," she said thoughtfully. "I will train you personally one day."
Lucien nodded. "I'd like that."
Yasaka smiled—warm, proud… and blushing.
Lucien leaned back against the sofa, surrounded by allies, fiancées, and fluffy betrayal.
Good, he thought calmly.
Now I can protect everyone.