At the Shrine!
Seeing Haruno, Shizuka asked, "Haruno, why are you here?"
Although she said this, a look of "as expected" appeared on her face.
Well!
This friend of hers had still come to give herself away.
It was as if she saw a little cabbage falling into Master's clutches.
"I missed you."
Haruno smiled, but looked around.
When she saw Seiko and Momo on either side of Ayato...
She frowned slightly.
She said calmly, "So you're Mori Ayato?"
"Yes, that's me."
Ayato put the documents on the table. "Looking for me?"
"Naturally."
Haruno put away her smile. "I'll get straight to the point."
"I will never allow my sister to join such a harem."
"..."
Seiko and the others' gazes became complicated.
This woman...
Really spoke sharply.
But!
She didn't seem to understand the situation.
Instinctively.
Their gazes fell on Shizuka, silently asking.
Your friend... doesn't know anything?
To this, Shizuka could only smile bitterly.
Why did the atmosphere feel so strange?
What was going on with this shrine?
Why did it feel... somewhat ominous?
"You came here... does your sister know?"
"Of course I wouldn't tell her."
"That explains it."
Ayato smiled and said, "If she knew, she would stop you."
"She can't tell me what to do."
Haruno stepped forward and said, "State your terms. What will it take for you to stay away from Yukino?"
Ayato didn't speak, just looked at her calmly.
Haruno's smile froze on her face.
The atmosphere began to grow heavy.
An inexplicable fear rose in her heart.
This feeling was simply unprecedented.
Born into a wealthy and powerful family, she had met many important people.
But no one had ever, with just their gaze...
Exerted such pressure on her.
What was the situation with the man her sister had chosen?
He looked like just a handsome student.
But... why was it like this?
Unconsciously, her body began to tremble.
"Master, Haruno means no harm."
Shizuka patted Haruno's shoulder.
Whoosh!
Haruno only felt her body relax, the surrounding pressure suddenly dissipating.
Her legs went weak. If not for Shizuka's support, she would have fallen to the ground.
"Haruno, don't be disrespectful to Master again."
Shizuka helped her up and said earnestly.
"???"
Haruno was confused.
Master?
What kind of address was that?
Was Shizuka also part of this man's harem?
Ayato said calmly, "You should be glad you're Yukino's sister."
Haruno was silent for a moment, then said sensibly, "I'm sorry, I was presumptuous."
She took a deep breath and continued, "But on the matter of Yukino, I will never back down."
Ayato looked at her. "I have to say, Yukino has a good sister."
"Then..."
A look of joy appeared on Haruno's face, but before she could finish, Ayato interrupted her.
"But that's impossible."
Ayato's gaze was deep as he stared into Haruno's eyes.
"After all, I am a Devil."
"Your sister voluntarily became my servant."
"Hmm?"
Haruno was completely stunned.
D-Devils?
Was he joking?
Even with her extremely smooth social skills, she didn't know how to react.
Could it be!
What she had just felt was just an illusion.
The young man before her was just a Chunibyo?
But if she didn't respond, the conversation couldn't continue.
"I see. I never thought you were a Devil."
Haruno slapped her fist into her palm and said seriously, "Actually, I'm also a Hero of the dark world."
"Nice to meet you."
"..." xN
Good grief!
This was the first time they'd seen someone play along like this.
Trying to match Ayato's wavelength?
She really could do that.
"Um, don't misunderstand. I'm not a Chunibyo."
Ayato scratched his cheek. "And your acting... was pretty awkward."
Haruno: "..."
Who do you think I'm doing this for?
You started it.
She looked at Shizuka for help.
Seeing this, Shizuka said, "Haruno, you don't need to doubt. Everything Master said is true."
"I, like Yukino, is also Master's servant."
"Huh?"
Haruno's eyes widened. "Shizuka, why are you joking with me too?"
"I'm really not joking."
Shizuka's expression was serious.
"What?"
Haruno was stunned.
It was the first time she had seen Shizuka like this.
For the first time in her life, she was a bit confused.