To act swift, discrete and efficiently. This is her pride, in the name of the Gremory.

DISCLAIMER: Dxd doesn't belong to me~.

'So, Kaji is dead...'

'Yes.'

'Ichijou... Kaji is dead. Kaji... Your pet rock... Is dead.'

'Yes, Gou-nee. Kaji... Is dead.'

'ichijou... Your pet rock... Died. Your. Pet. Rock. Died.'

'Yes. Kaji died, Gou-nee.'

'H-How...?'

'Hm...?'

'I mean... How do you know Kaji died? He wasn't any different from yesterday, he even seemed... Very healthy. How do you know he's really dead? We might've buried him alive too!'

'No. Kaji is dead, he's... Really dead.'

'H-How do you know?'

'I... Just know. I just knew he would leave me anyway.'

'Ichijou...?'

'He left me... Just like Julia-chan and Nina-chan... He left me... He died... Because I did something wrong... Because I did something bad...'

'ichijou... You...'

'It's okay, Gou-nee... I just hope... He's happy wherever he is... That he's... At least free from me... And the horrible things I did...'

'Brother, you...'

'I just wanted to know... What I did... I just wanted to know... What I did wrong... And say that... That I'm sorry... And I didn't mean to... I didn't... A-Ah... Aaaaah... Waaaaaah~...'

'Oh, Ichijou...'

'Waaaaaah~. I'm sorry, Kaji~. Please, forgive me~. Hic-hic! I'm showwy~. Hic! Pweash shay wha I did wong~! Waaaaah~. I'm showwy~!'

...

During that time, I thought everyone would leave me, no matter how much I loved them, no matter how much they meant to me. I would do something wrong, and they would hate me, they would no longer want me around...

Julia-chan, Nina-chan, Kaji... Someday, my sisters would also leave, and my parents would die, and then I would be alone again. So I decided that, if people would always leave, I rather be alone, live alone and die alone. It would be a peaceful life, it would be a serene life. Even though... I hate being alone, I hate being left even more. I would be okay with a life like that back then...

But now...

Now...

"... -hijou... Hey, Ichijou!"

"Hm...?" And I wake up from my little nap on the couch at the living room of the Gremory manor, turning my head backwards to see Berolina and the rest of my peerage in summer getups, all of them carrying some flower arrangements or fruit baskets. Gotta say, a seasonal feeling might not be so bad, after all.

"We're going to see Annie and Nemesis back at the Beelzebub Hospital. Wanna come?" The redhead invites me with the bright smile, while Whiswain and Tasha plus Rei-chan lift their own bouquets and baskets. She signs at me with her right hand, showing that she was getting used to it now. Good for her. "Even Aria-nee and Nero-niisama are coming! Beelzebub-sama said she's not counscious as of yet, but we will make her room the most beautiful!"

"Huh, really?" I say, turning my attention to the back of the sofa, and yes, Aria-nee and her boyfriend are also in a summer mood and with matching flowers and fruits. They're gonna visit Annie too. I would love to mark a new one on that dumb vampire, but... I am kinda busy today. Suporting myself on the back of the couch and my chin on my crossed arms, and dismissed their invitation. "I'd love to, but I'll have to refuse today. I have errands to run around, so I can't come. Tell Annie and Nemesis-san I said 'hi'."

"Aww~. I was hoping we could have a date around Lilith district, too. It's strawberry season, and pies are the most fresh then." She whines with a pouty face, pinching her own cheek to keep it to herself and better grasp her movements on her flesh prosthesis. Ah man, I do want to go on a date with Rina and do those things people in love do, but first, I have to deal with some maids. "Bummer. Going to a hospital is so depressing, I need something to do later or else the gloom stays."

"Sorry Rina, but duty calls. Maybe next time." I say with a nonchalant shrug. I act like that, but I'm also a bit downed. Well, too late for regrets, plus, I feel I would only feel worse if I chicken out. I have no business making her sad, though. "I tell you what, Rina. When you come back, let's play some games together. Think that will make you feel better?"

"Hmmm~. Okay! It's a promise, then! Let's play Smash Bros. later!" She then snaps back to her usual smile. So naive, but so cute, I hate to say that her simple line of thoughts is pretty charming, although I don't want an idiot Berolina. She leans forward to me. "Okay, then! Off I go! See ya later, Ichijou, take care!"

"Yeah, you too." I also went forward and then we pecked each other on the lips. It's a bit embarrassing, but it feels good so I can't complain. Everyone else, however, just stood there, expressing different levels of surprise. I draw a interrogation point to that. "What?"

"Oh... Uh... Hahahahah. Nothing, nothing at all, bro." And Aria-nee chuckles to herself after a small set of coughs. She looks proud of us for some reason, coming closer to support herself on the back of the couch, patting us both on the head. "I'm just happy seeing my dear brother and Rina-chan growing up into such fine adults. Like I said, I can't wait to be an aunt and have someone to boss around."

"Now, Aria, that was unnecessary." Nero-san commented with a defeated face and a sigh, probably embarrassed by Aria-nee's crude words. But after that, he smiles and comes closer. "You want anything from our trip back? Beelzebub-sama won't allow us to overstay, but we will have some spare time between visits. Might as well bring you some presents, Ichijou."

"Hmm... How about the strawberry pies Rina was talking about?" I suggested to Nero-san. "We can eat them together when you come back. Sounds like a plan, doesn't it?"

"It sure does, eh? Huhuhuh." And Rina comes closer to fluff my hair a little in a show of affection. Everybody gasps once more for some reason, and another pat from Aria-nee. "Heheh, pie and Ichijou, I can't think of something better..."

"Hahaha..."

"Stop with such salacious display of touch, it's scandalous!" But then Rina flinched once Rei-chan appeared from the shadows and poke her dryly on the side. The Phenex was a bit red and purple on the face, carrying her own set of flowers and treats while pouting. She turns to me. "Honestly, pulling me into one of your misadventures and then having the guts to flirt with your master dearest, Nemesis will befall you before dawn, red dragon emperor!"

"Joykiller. Don't be. Come on." But then came Tasha pulling the noble phoenix away from us before the mood could be broken. As for us, she winks and waves a hand for us to continue. "Go on, go on. Flirt. Be lovey-dovey."

"...? ...!" And I saw Rina's face come from confused to embarrassed. She lifts her hand off my hair, wait a few seconds and then starts to ruffling it again. "This is not flirting, is it? I'm just taking care of and spoiling my dear servant. After all of his hard work, this is only a given!"

"Yeah, Rei-chan. Nothing wrong about that, right? She's just spoiling me." I follow suit with it, gripping Berolina's hand and giving it a small rub with m my thumb as we see Rei-chan's hair on the verge of catching fire. She says nothing, but storms away with a tight pout. Ah, I guess we made her mad. I turn to my redhead and sign her to come closer. "She's a bit crabby today, so pamper her to the brink. It's my fault, anyway..."

"Hm... Okay." My king responds with a confused look once again, adjusting her back to it's place and turning to the rest of her party, lifting her arm excitedly. "Alright, folks! Let's go to Beelzebub Hospital and then we can go walk around Lilith before the next visit hours!"

"Yay~." They cheered to that, following Rina to the door exiting the living room, but not before turning to me and signing me goodbye.

"See ya later."

"H-Have a nice day, Ichijou-san..."

"Bye, bro. Don't do anything I wouldn't!"

"If you excuse me, Ichijou."

"Hm-hm. Take care." I wave them all a silly goodbye and Rina was already leading the way, ready to open the door and disappear from my sight. However...

"Berolina-sama."

"Hm? Ah, Noin-chan!" But when she opened the door, the one to greet her was none other than the maid who claims to hate me: Noin Abraxas, in a quiet stance in front of her group. Unlike me, Rina opened a bright smile and waved her hands up and down. "Long time no see! Are you still teaching those new maids? I thought you were too busy with them to greet me the last time I came back home!"

"Of course not. No task or activity is more important than to greet milady when she's back home after all those months." The maid sighs to herself, but I can see from here the slight sign of a ghost of a smile on her lips, adjusting some of the locks on her lavender hair. "However, if you really required my present back then, I am sorry for my absence. Although a warning before every visit would be deeply appreciated."

"Oh, right. Heheh... My bad. That one's on me!" Rina nervously chuckles, and from the maid nothing but a contained laugh under a hand. She is indeed worth the title of a headmaid, to be so professional all the time. Rina lightly taps said maid on the shoulder and circles around her to walk away. "Well, good to see you again, Noin-chan! I'm gonna go visit Nemesis at the hospital, but I'll be back in a jiffy! We can catch up with pie later!"

I flinch. I don't want to eat pie near the maid who has a hell of a grudge on me, even if Rina's involved.

"What a lovely idea, Berolina-sama. I will be eagerly waiting." The maid politely bows to her lady, but after that, she comes closer to her. I thought she would snuggle on he like Lucrezia-san did before, but it was actually to adjust the collar of her summer dress. "If you excuse me, Milady. I doubt you would like to look unpresentable in front of your dearest sister or the demon lords."

"Oh, right. Thanks, Noin-chan." Rina commented, trying not to move as the eldest devil adjusted the rest of the dress, even putting her ponytail straighter and pulling her sleeves up.

"There, perfect." Noin-san announced with a final touch on Rina's ribbon. After that, she starts to lecture my King to the point of nausea, and everyone was tapping their feet impatiently. as expected from the head maid. "Don't run or exert yourself too much either to preserve your dear modesty, milady. Did you remember to bring your umbrella as well? Convective rains are expected at this season, after all. Don't be late for dinner, and please don't eat hospital food, it will ruin your hunger once you're back. For precaution, avoid touching anything at Beelzebub Hospital, and avoid the most dangerous parts of Lilith, please. One more thing: I hope you remembered to bring money and never distance yourself too much from your dear servants."

"Okay, okay! Geez, Noin-chan! I'm not a kid anymore!" Rina exclaims with a cute pout, pushing Noin-san's away from herself and circling herself around to finally escape from her grasp. Seriously, that was too overbearing. The maid's reaction, however, was a small chuckle behind her hand.

"Hohoh, pardon me, then. But overwhelming nostalgia might be taking control over my body." She giggles. For that, I flinch with a cold tongue licking my neck. Holy shit, why does it look so wrong coming from her? "But regardless, take care, Berolina-sama. If Nemesis-sama is awake, tell her I am counting the seconds for her return as well."

"Yeah, yeah. See ya later, Noin-chan." The redhead simply waved her hand dismissively to the older servant, and before disappearing behind the door, she waved at me and blow a kiss at my direction. "Bye, Ichijou! Don't forget about our pie date! It's a promise, y'know!"

"Yeah, yeah. Have a safe trip or whatever." I wave at her back unenthusiastically until she was no longer in my line of sight, and then looked at the rest of my peerage who were staring back at the older maid. She smiles once again, and bows at them.

"Have a safe trip, dear evil pieces of Berolina-sama. Please, look out for milady during your endeavors, and Lucifer's bless." She blesses, and with a light nod from the witch and a nervous but strong twitch from the grim reaper, they left as well, also waving goodbye at me. Lastly, Noin-san turns to Aria-nee and Nero-san, and sighing, she frowns. "Stay safe and don't start brawls, Aria-sama. Also, avoid making love in the hospital, it's disrespectful and distasteful. I trust Nero-sama to be at least this honorable."

"It happened only once, and it was a healing session after a very stressful day! Geez..." Aria-nee grunts, adjusting her clothes and sticking a tongue out for the older servant, who massaged her temples in a clear sign of exhaustion. What the hell happens in the background of the Underworld, seriously! The blonde turns to me and signs to the maid while walking away. "Yo, Ichijou! Look out for this old maid, she can be a real pain!"

"C'mon, Aria. Dont be rude to Noin-san." The black knight laughs sheepishly while pushing his Queen away. Turning to the maid, he nods to her. "Well, if you excuse me, Noin-san. I promise to bring her back safe and sound."

"I expect nothing less from you, Nero-sama. Have a safe trip." The old maid smiles peacefully and the knight blushes a little, now helping a pouty Aria-nee away from our grasp. So Nero-san gets special treatment, good to know I'm the only one under her radar... But then again, he is Nemesis-san's boyfriend too, so it's a given.

Finally, once all of them were out, there was only I and Noin-san in the living room, quiet as one can be. She silently closes the door and takes a deep breath to herself, her back turned to me. Silent treatment, huh? I understand such.

"I see. So I'm the only one who's getting the cold shoulder here, huh? Good to know." I say, knees on the cushions and supporting my upper body on the back of the sofa. She didn't even acknowledged my presence during those conversations, while even Rina's other pieces got her blessing; The bias is real. Noin-san on the other hand sighs and slowly turns her head to my direction, those amber eyes shining a contemptious stare.

"What are you talking about, Ichijou-sama? I'm just treating my fellow servants like they should be treated, as always." I frown at her subtle jab as she flicks her hair a little, now walking to my direction. "Tasha-sama and Whiswain-sama might be lacking etiquette, but they're ultimately loyal to milady; Aria-sama is rebellious and wild, but knowing her since childhood, she is by far the closest servant to Nemesis-sama; as for Nero-sama... Gallant and gentlemanly, loyal and strong, deeply in love and practically a saint, he is the epitome of a suitor perfect for milady Nemesis... Unlike you for Berolina-sama."

"Thought so." I stick my tongue out. Yep, Nero-san does look like someone who would attract old ladies. When she was close enough, I thought she would slap me silly, but instead she offers me a plate with pastries on it. Banana tarts? They smell quite good too. "What is this? Having a change of hearts, perhaps? Just kidding."

"Your attempts of jest fall flat on me to the point of nausea. I politely ask you to never do it again, please." Sheesh, instead of a devil, I think this maid might be a Xenomorph for that sharp tongue of hers. I wouldn't be surprised, honestly. That aside, I look at her for a signal and seeing her nod obliges me to pick the saucer for myself, sitting properly on the sofa with it on my lap. "Barring such, this is a present from dear Haen, a plate of banana tarts. You can face it as an award for your triumph over her trial. She was trained by yours truly to be a lady, after all. Moreover, paraphrasing herself..."

'Dragonbrats like him need good food to grow strong and powerful, y'know! Best for him from yours truly!'

"... Or something."

"Okay then." I said turning back to the plate on my legs. The tarts look so delicious, as expected from a chef of the Gremory manor. I pick one by the borders, still freshly warm, and take a bite out of it. Munch, munch, then swallow... I start to salivate again, probably having an stupid expression on my face. "Delish~..."

"Expectedly, of course. I was the one who taught her that dish, anyway." Noin-san comments with another hairflip while I excuse myself in eating those delicious banana tarts not unlike a child would. This is probably staining my reputation, but their just so delish~! "Of course, a simple dish for the simple-minded, but I must say, she is improving in her culinary repertoire by herself and I couldn't be prouder. Sure, she burns and adds too much salt or sugar from time to time, but everyone commits mistakes and such. Myself am surprised of her evolution as a chef and a maid and... You're not even listening to me, are you?"

"Delish~." I let out another moan for that delicious treat, munching on banana tarts like is none's business and feeling a ting of disgust from the back of my head. I am hearing her by the way, just don't want to give her the attention just now. It didn't take long for me to eat all but one pie. I picked it and turned to her. Her stare was cold and disdainful, but it changed to something lighter once I offered her the last treat. "Want it?"

"How gentlemanly. Perhaps a hollow attempt to endear me? Regardless, I politely accept it." She picks the small tart from my hands with the tip of her fingers and I swear I saw a ghost of a smile on her pretty lips. However, it all came crumbling down as she snapped said tart in half with a *CRACK* sound and offered one of its halves. "I refuse to eat the section where you touched, though. Please mind that is more polite to offer the treat on the plate, untouched, next time."

"..." I am probably making a face now.

"Did I offend you? Apologies, but accept such instead as a lesson in etiquette." She says now putting the tart into her mouth and munching on it with a hand hiding her mouth. I pick the other half and eat it not minding much. That's her problem, more banana tart for me. "You're, although begrudgingly, still a servant of Gremory, so behave as such."

"You mean act like an insufferable uptight pain in the ass for no reason at all?"

"I mean act like anything else but yourself, you miscreant." She counters my snide remark, and the tension around was so heavy I think the core of the earth would be lighter. I'm really, really starting to dislike this literal old maid, and I know the feeling is mutual. But then she sighs to herself, massaging her temples and picking the plate to give it a small rub. "Do not make me hate you as a fellow devil, Ichijou-sama. I have nothing against you as an individual, and I deeply respect the legacy left by Issei Hyoudou and the red dragon emperor; however, as a servant, you have much to be desired. Do not force me to dislike you more than I already do."

"Hm..." I blink a few times, digesting what she just said. Well, that puts things in perspective a bit, but if she's going to bitch at me like that, I should get on her better mood to at least avoid getting slapped all the time. I shrug. "I try. I might not be a good person, but I try to not be a bad person."

"Is that so? How... Adorable. You're a strangely adorable young man, Ichijou-sama." She singsongs, and looking her from the corner of my eyes, I can see a soft yet still disdainful stare, like I'm some sort of animal or child. What the hell that means, I have no idea, but it's pissing me off. Noin-san then claps her hands and turns away. "Very well, please follow me for your next trial. This time, I promise it'll be less chaotic than your encounter with dear Haen. Of course, not meaning it'll be less of a challenge for you."

"Sweet." I lick my lips to get rid of the sweet gloss on them and smiled challengingly while standing from the sofa, now this is a genuinely daring stare from me, and Noin-san frowns again. I guess my trial against Haen-san hasn't lowered my good mood, that's nice. Speaking of which... "But, uh, Noin-san, can we first go to kitchen for me to thank Haen-san for the treat? They were very good."

"Haen is making dinner at the moment with the other chefs, so I don't recommend such as for now. The thought is appreciated, though." She snaps her fingers and her stare went from disdain to pride, sliding a ghost of a smile on her lips. Compliments, compliments, everyone likes those, even stuck-up maids like her. I start to follow her suit, adjusting my clothes a little, the white shirt and black pants I changed to after my match against the dragon lady, as she opens the door leading elsewhere. However, she bumps into new figure once opened. "Oh, Vivanie. You're here."

"Hello, Master Noin. Ufuu~, I'm here to clean the living room, so if you excuse me... Oh." I tilt my head to a side so I would stop staring at Noin-san's derriere and land my eyes on someone else: this other maid who was no taller than I am, wearing a victorian maid uniform which was way different from the standard french uniform other maids wear around here(how I know this? Minatsu had a cosplay phase), gloved hands in black and wearing a white facial mask and a black choker with a golden ring in it. Her brown hair wrapped in a bun on top of her head and fair skin and pink eyes. We made eye contact, and soon she turned her stare elsewhere. Shy? "A man's here..."

"Hello." I waved at her, but she is not looking here. Rude? Why am I not surprised? Noin-san instead bonks her on the head with her knuckles.

"Vivanie, greet him back. You're a servant of Gremory, behave as such." The older maid demands, and I blink confuyssly at her. Defending me? No, wait, maybe she just wants her little apprentices to behave; that's the only option for that. The younger maid let out a cute whimper, and turns to me with tearful eyes.

"P-Pleased to meet you, ufuu~." She sighs, picking the brims of her skirt and bowing to properly greet me. From here, I also see she's wearing high kneesocks and boots. I bow back. "My name is Vivanie Kaz, and I'm a maid in training under master Noin."

"Likewise." I say. "I'm Tsukino Ichijou, and I'm also a servant of Gremory. Nice to meet you."

"Oh. I recognize that name." She turns to me, blinking once, twice. "The infamous Oppai eater, correct? I know your fame. Ufuu~."

"..." I will never live that one down, am I? I sigh and shrug to myself. My pride won't ever allow myself to fully embrace this fame of mine, but doesn't mean I can't take advantage of such and strike fear onto others or joke around it. "Yes, unfortunately. Do you want an autograph or something? On the left or the right?"

[PARTNER, DO NOT.]

[Fully embracing the degeneracy? Can't say I'm not proud.]

It was a joke, c'mon.

"Ufuu~..." She hums, and unlike the typical fear or disgust, Vivanie-san seems curious about me, and I see a small shine on her pink eyes. I don't get it. Before more words could be uttered, Noin-san stepped aside so I could face the new maid fully.

"Ichijou-sama, this is your new trial." She presented the new maid, and give her a glance in surprise. So suddenly? I don't know if this was planned or something, but I have the feeling that she's just playing it around! "Vivanie here is one of the newbies, and I'm sure she'll be more of your liking considering herself."

"Wait, wait, wait, Noin-san. Time out, time out." I sign to her to stop for a second. This is moving too fast, and she's really breaking some boundaries here! I said I'm okay with bringing the next trial, but I think Vivanie-san is too busy at the moment, even to play with me! "I think Vivanie-san has better things to do than play in your game! You said maids really take their jobs seriously, right? I feel kinda wrong in pulling her from her duties just to mess around!"

"I don't mind." But to my surprise the younger maid spoke with no hesitation with a shrug. I almost gag when shutting myself up. "Ufuu~... If within my boundaries, I don't mind playing games during my duties as a maid. Besides, be cleaning this room or being challenged by the red dragon... I'm confident enough to say I can do either without sliping on my schedule."

"Whoa, such confidence. It kinda pisses me off." I said back to her words. Now that was a bit unnecessary, and I'm mad now, so whatever, let's kick some maid's ass. Vivanie-san laughs behind her clean mask, and Noin-san clears her throat to announce her presence to both of us again. "Fine, then. I'll show you how to slip on your schedule..."

"Ufuu~..."

"Very well. Hope you both are ready." The older maid announces, flipping her hair and giving me an aside glance. I guess she will explain the rules again. "Same rules as last time, Ichijou-sama: the match ends with either you stealing Vivanie's commitment ring or clearly withdrawing. Also, physical contact is allowed, but mind and avoid using lethal force."

"Right, didn't stop Haen-san from almost turning me into a meat dumpling back then." I stated sarcastically. In response, she just gives me a side-glance.

"If that is what you consider 'lethal force', then you better withdraw now before you embarrass yourself even further." A vein pops on my head, and I take a deep breath to contain my rage for that other comment. Oh, just you wait for your turn, Noin-san. "Another condition for this match: Ichijou-sama, you will have to touch Vivanie to clear this trial, at least part of it."

"Come again?" I snap to her. Again, are people trying to get me arrested or something?! None of them seem all that affected by this new rule, even though the implications are all there!

"Yes, you heard me right." Noin-san's deadpan tone didn't falter as she came closer to poke my cheek with a surprising amount of care, as if just joking around. "The other condition to win this round is that you have to touch Vivanie's skin. No further, but you need to touch her skin, clothes don't count. You should be able to do it, no?"

"I mean... I have no problem with that... But Vivanie-san might not approve that." I pushed her assaulting hand off my face and turned my eyes to the younger maid, a light warm feeling on my cheeks. Touching jer? Rawly? Sounds dirty, and if there's something I dislike is touching girls without their consent!

'Atchoo!'

'Rina, Noin-sama was right! You will catch a cold!'

'Nah. I just think... Someone is bullshitting around.'

'What, now?'

"I don't mind."

"Hm?" I interject to Vivanie-san's nonchalant announcement, shrugging to herself and looking at me with a certain confidence.

"One of the conditions is to touch me? Good luck with that, Ichijou-sama." She bends herself backwards a bit, as if trying to make herself look taller than I am. Again, my lips twitch a little. I already have Noin-san, I don't need a second beautiful maid picking on me! "Ufuu~... I shall make you behave before you can lay a single finger in yours truly."

"You..." I growl, but slap myself awake so that I could stay in the game. She's just trying to get into my head, and I have to keep it clean or else she'll get the best out of me. Instead, I shrug. "Vivanie-san is so confident, its a bit nerving. Ah, but don't mind lil"ol'fashioned me, confidant women are attractive, too."

"...?"

"...?"

"Attractive? You think... I'm attractive?"

"Sure. A classical maid is quite a fresh sight here. Face masks are also very moe, and the hair bun and choker; it's nice." I counter with compliments. I am not lying, she is a bit hard to see with all the clothes and half of her face covered, but for what I can see, she's a very beautiful woman. Also, a tactic to put her off-balance. "All of those plus a very confidant aura... Makes Vivanie-san a sight for the sore eyes."

"Ufuuu~." She sighs, shielding her eyes with a hand while turning away. Like I said, compliments are always nice, and makes her brain go all over the place. "Thank you... Very much."

"Hahahah..."

*SLAP!*

*SLAP!*

"Quit with thy flirting, there are places and hours for those. I thought I lessioned you two on that." And coming like a thunder, Noin-san slapped both of us to wake us up! I held my burning cheek for a while, and then shook my head to get rid of the dizziness. Vivanie-san did the same, but her blush remains. I guess I'm getting better at flirting. Of course, it was just to put her off balance, I refuse to be a scumbag either. In the end, we stared at each other and nodded. "Are you done with youthful displays? Very well then, whenever you're ready."

"Alright!" I did a pose to better position myself in the whole situation. A hand lifted by the other side catches my attention, and I lower my stance.

"Before we start, we should show no hard feelings regarding this match." She states. Her slender gloved fingers reaches for a hand to another, sliding off the silk until she showed her fair-skinned palm, which reached for me. A handshake? Suspicious, if you ask me. I look at her eyes, and they had that same pink shine. "Let's shake hands, Ichijou-sama. Ufuu~. Regardless of the outcome, I promise to not harbour any ill feelings towards you. Even if you starts crying and soiling yourself for your defeat, I promise I will still see you as a fellow servant."

"..." Ah, so that's why. Such haughty aura, even more so than the half-dragon from the last trial, but jokes on her: When we touch, I will be sure to use [DRESS BREAK] and then reach for my bountiful victory. So I muster my best neutral expression and nodded to her, also reaching a hand for her. "Thank you, I guess. This doesn't count as for the trial, right Noin-san?"

"I shall allow it. Sportsmanship is important as well." She observes, flipping her hair. "The trial shall start when the handshake is over, then."

"Fine by me." I nod.

"Ufuu~. Likewise." Vivanie-san replies. We turn to each other, reach for one another and then shake hands. Her hand is smooth and warm, but her fingertips are so cold and frail-looking. If I could only reach a finger on her sleeve, maybe I can place my magical rune and activate [DRESS BREAK]. "Well then, let's start it."

"Yeah. Good luck, Viv-..."

*TING!*

"...?!" Out of the suddenly, I feel like my arm was electrocuted, and for some reason I saw a pink glimpse coming from her eyes. I feel weak on my legs, and my conscious lags a little. Wait... What...?

'ichijou-sama, can you hear me? Aren't you feeling sleepy now? Ain't it better to give up and take a nap again? I bet it'll feel nice to...'

[Hey!]

'...?'

[I know here is very spacious, but this place is already rented. Piss off, little lady.]

'Wha...?!'

*SLASH!*

"What...?" And before my eyes I see Vivanie-san's entire sleeve from her greeting arm rip itself naked. The scare was so sudden I let go off her and she jumped away from where, holding her now naked arm surprised. I blink once, twice in total confusion. Also, Yagura?

[I see, I see. Ichijou, she entered your mind to dig some of your kinks and make you fall asleep. There's only one species of supernatural creatures who do that: a succubus.]

Succubus, you say? Like, those female demons who drain men of their essence through erotic dreams? Rina taught me about those a while ago and how despite being horny beings, devils are not even close to match succubi in lewdness...

[Bingo. Getting sharp there, eh? She should be grateful; if It were Ddraig instead of me, she would be a stain on the floor by now.]

[CERTAINLY.]

Hm, thank you I guess. But to think Vivanie-san is one of those supernatural creatures... I mean, she is too pretty to be a succubus.

[...?]

If those beings are forced to restrain men at their most vulnerable instead of just asking, I assumed they would be ugly as sin.

[...]

What?

[I... I mean, it does make sense. A stupid sense, but sense nonetheless. Gosh.]

"W-What...?" I snap to reality back, turning to the maid who was clenching her naked arm and looking it quite surprised, her pink eyes shining a horrified look. She shakes her and turn a serious face to me, adjusting her facial mask. "Ufuu~. I don't know if I should be surprised or not, to have more than one conscious inside you... That's frightening..."

"Vivanie..."

*SNAP!*

"Ugh...!"

"You tried to use your powers to rig this match? How unpleasant, how rude and dishonorable." And in another blink of an eye, I saw a blur right behind Vivanie-san and then she had her arm forcibly pulled behind her back and then the sleeve sewed to it! Cleaning my eyes a little, I saw it was Noin-san who sewed the younger maid's intact sleeve to her back! "You're a servant of the Gremory. It would be a different story if you used it during the trial, but to cheat on it... Disgraceful. Apologize to the red dragon and think what you did."

"S-Sorry, master Noin..." Whined the succubus(?) maid, in clear discomfort for her pose; so tightly twisted it was just one wrong move from snapping off. I flinched when the older maid now turns to me, but then she instead sighs and bows apologetically, a hand still holding Vivanie-san by the collar.

"Ichijou-sama, I am so sorry for this misbehaving maid's actions. How disgraceful of her to try to cheat her way into this trial, I thought I taught her better." The maid apologizes, and I can feel she really means it. What the hell? She was throwing insults at me not long ago, and now she's excusing one of her pupils for cheating? How come?! Why are women so confusing?! "Please, I shall close this trial in your victory for that dishonorable gaffe and discipline this little naughty girl so this unfortunate even won't ever happen again!"

"N-No, that's okay. I don't mind." I lift a hand and wave it negatively to dismiss that silver-plattered victory! Noin-san wide her eyes in surprise, loosing her grip onto Vivanie-san and coming closer to me. "I mean... The point of those trials is to make you see how I am worth the title of a Gremory servant, no? There is no point in a victory if I can't show my full dedication. So I'm okay in redoing the trial."

"Ichijou-sama..." She maid blinks, perplexed. Did I score some nice cookies from here? Her stare went from surprised... To disdainful yet again as she coughs to herself and recomposes her stance. "It seems that you have not learnt from my little lecture to you. Your pride blinds you once again, and now, you shall taste defeat for it. Perhaps I overestimated a dragon's ability to learn from his mistakes..."

"..." And now I could only feel the rage rising inside my head, as a smile draws in my face, contorting my skin so much I thought I was going to rip it apart! I'm not happy because of that, by the way! "Then... Okay, I accept this W. Give me her commitment ring and we can finish this mess."

"I knew it, you're a coward of the highest caliber." She sighs, disappointed, the disdain not leaving her glare at me. "At the first opportunity, you jump any form of honour to grab an easy win, extremely unbecoming of a servant of Gremory. With that attitude, you really think you can make me accept you as worthy as Berolina-sama's queen? It's truly almost laughable."

"Oh, piss off, you hag! Nothing ever pleases you?!" I snapped at her, and her response was a shug and a nonchalant pout. Whatever; I stand up, clean up my mouth and turn to Vivanie-san. "I shall retake this stupid trial and show how much of a coward or a loser I am!"

"Very well. Good luck, Ichijou-sama." The older maid says, swinging one finger in a crescent moon and in another instant, *SNAP*, the younger maid was freed from her shackles. However, she slowly turned to her master and almost whimpered seeing the cold stare of Noin-san. "As for you, Vivanie, if I see another shameful example of cheating, the punishment shall be severe."

"U-Understood, master Noin." The maid nods, taking a deep breath before turning to me and adopt also an engagement stance. First Haen-san, now her too? Noin-san must be a tiger regarding education. However, the younger maid sharpens her stare. "Ufuu~. I apologize for my little slip. Let's do this again, shall we? My name is Vivanie Kaz, and to be swift, efficient and discrete is my pride as a servant of Gremory. Nice to meet you."

"Yeah. Tsukino Ichijou, Queen of Berolina. Same here." I greet back.

"Are you two ready?" Noin-san asks, and seeing both of us nodding, she lifts both her hands in a clapping motion. "Very well. In the name of Gremory... Begin!"

And with a clap, the trial began. In a blink of an eye, Vivanie-san practically vanished from my sight, and I couldn't even react, something hit me from the back of the neck! Wait, what? I turn to behind me, only to see nothing and feel another hit behind me! I turn again, and nothing, this time flash passing right next to one of my legs and almost making me lose balance! Is that Vivanie-san?! Fast, she is fast!

[Huh, she is now attacking from a distance since her little mind trick didn't work. As expected, she learnt from her mistake.] Yagura mused inside my head. So it's not just me, that's the younger maid alright! [The other condition is to touch her, right? That makes sense, Noin is trying not to just test you, but also trial her dear student. For a succubus to avoid getting touched... That's one hell of a joke.]

Wait, since she's a succubus, that means she can get turn on quite easily, right? So, if I touch her.

[She'll get the hornies, yes. Her body might be quite sensitive against a male's touch, so...]

...?

...!

"I WILL HAVE TO TOUCH HER LEWDLY IN ORDER TO WIN AGAINST HER SALACIOUS BODY!"

"What?!" And my sudden outburst was enough to make the younger maid stop on her tracks and look at me dangerously, her sudden break even leaving track marks on the carpet! Ah... Did I say that out loud?

[SERIOUSLY, PARTNER, I AM AFRAID YOU'RE SLOWLY LOSING A MENTAL FILTER FOR THOSE LASCIVIOUS THOUGHTS.] The dragon inside my Boosted Gear sighs to himself, probably remembering some bad past events with senpai. Oops.

"Ichijou-sama, come again?" I turn to Vivanie-san, still stationary in one point, eyes wide like saucers in pure shock and confusion. I drop the mood with my sudden outburst, and sigh to myself.

"Vivanie-san, you're... You're a succubus, right?" I declare, and her jumping reaction was enough to get myself an answer. For that, Noin-san just sighs. "That means the touching condition is not just to test me, but you as well? Sounds like a plan."

"Ufuu~. I have no idea you would figure it out so quickly, Ichijou-sama. But then again, you're the red dragon emperor, I am sure your misadventures regarding the opposite gender must put any succubus to shame, no?" She declares, blushing a little behind her mask. I... Won't deny or confirm that sorta stuff. She blinks a few times, and redirects her body to me. "But, of course, that won't make a difference. This cursed and lascivious body of mine shall never be touched by any man and succumb to it's sinful nature. I might be succubus, but I... Reject their culture."

"Hm..." I cross my arms to her little speech, not understanding much but getting a small in-depth of what she's trying to say. Reject her nature... A prude succubus? Huhuhuh, seriously, what figures they are. But then again, they're my peers. "Vivanie-san... Not only you're cute, but that personality of yours is really nice too. No wonder Noin-san trusts you so much."

"..."

"Vivanie, thank him for the compliment." Whistle the older maid, seeing our match near a wall.

"T-Thank you, Ichijou-sama." She whispers back, her pink eyes turning elsewhere while her red ears were almost burning away. I see, so I'm not the only one who likes to be praised. One snap later, she adopts a more serious stance and vanishes from my sight yet again! I feel a bump now on the back of my head, and turning there, her shadow vanishes!

Geez, quick, aren't we!" I said, trying to keep up with her but all I can see throughout the living room was a shadowy blur going everywhere, leaving a clean trace on all the places! She said her pride is to be swift, efficient and discrete, right? "Fast, too fast!"

"Physical strength is not everything, Ichijou-sama. I think you already know that." From her small space on the wall, Noin-san claims, hands up to strengthen her voice louder. Another bump next to my legs, almost making me lose balance! Now what?! "Brusque movements won't work. Focus more, or else you'll lose ungraciously."

"Like hell I will los-...!" I tried to take a step away from the barrage of bumps everhwrte, but then I noticed I couldn't even lift a leg to walk! Wait, what?! I look at my left leg and tried to lift it, to no avail. My foot was stuck on the ground! No, under closer inspection, my shoe was actually sewed to the carpet! "W-What...?!"

*POKE!*

"Oops. Watch out, Ichijou-sama." And I feel another bump from the back, but the attack combined with the surprise and confusion of my current discovery made me lose balance and fall forward. Instinctively I kneeled on and lift my hands to cush my fall, but only had time to only stop it with my arms. Another blur on then... And now my sleeves and pants were sewed to the red carpet! Elbows and knees kissing the floor, it looked I was doing a supplication pose. Suddenly, I feel some weight on top of me, and turning upwards, I saw it was Vivanie-san! "Ufuu~. How about a break? Sorry for my lack of manners, but my pressure has lowered too much."

"That's okay, Vivanie. I feel like sitting as well." The older maid said, coming closer and also sitting on me, the weight of two (relatively light) maids being a hell on my knees! When I thought it couldn't get any worse, Noin-san lightly slapped my ass. "What a comfortable chair. It lacks balance, but oh well, it's more useful than as a servant, at least."

"Hey...!" I try to stand up but the knots gluing me to the ground were too much, yanking me back to the floor. If I want to get rid of those, I have to ruin my clothes. "Damn it..."

"Like I said, strength is not everything, red dragon. Not everyone is as strong as a dragon, so we need to adapt and turn our weakness into strength, per se." Noin-san started. Oh crap, another boring lecture, no wonder the other maids dread her, what an education madam! "Y'know, Ichijou-sama... I personally think strength is overrated."

"...?" Now, that caught my attention. Come again?

"Sure, strength is a devilish virtue, strength can move mountains and change the tides of wars... But still. Its not everything. Nowadays, anyone can kill anyone, anyone can carry a weapon and destroy anyone. I guess human evolution is also proportional of how easy is to kill a fellow human, no? I don't condemn strength as you might think. But I do consider overrated." The maid continued. "Now... Finesse, that's a virtue that should be valued more. Vivanie lacks the strength of a dragon, yet here we are, sitting on the mighty red dragon emperor at the mercy of her professional sewing skills. To paint a beautiful portrait, to cook the best dishes, to craft the most melodious symphonies, to be useful in more ways than others... Tell me, it's more impressive to kill or not kill an ant when you step on it?"

"..." Nothing from me.

"That's what I teach those girls: crafts and skills that strength alone are not able to accomplish. Force and finesse, if you lack one, dedicate to the other and by mastering both then true enlightenment will be reached. On the other hand..." Her tone was now somber, and from behind her bangs I saw an ominous amber glint. She slaps my derriere one more time and confirms: "... You, who lacks both, maybe is better fit to be just that: furniture, which neither talks or acts and only exists to be sit on."

"..."

...

"Ichijou-sama...?"

"Oh sorry, you were talking to me? I was basking in the sensation of two soft butts on me to pay attention to anything..."

"..."

"By the way, you're heavier than I thought, Noin-san..."

"You... Rascal...!"

"[DRESS BREAK]!" And I snap my fingers and make clothes rip apart! Not theirs, by the way, but my own! My own shirt and pants burst apart, freeing me from the sewn shackles and making both women jump off me with surprised gasps! They're distracted, now it's my chance! I reach for Vivanie-san and touch her stomach, fast enough so she wouldn't flee! A magical rune appeared right there, so I lift my hand and snap again! "[DRESS BREAK]!"

*RIP!*

"Ufuu~!" And I did it! With one snap, I ripped Vivanie-san's uniform apart, showing her naked glory and her bounciness the tight clothes were hiding so well! Great, now i have to touch her anywhere and end this stupid trial!

*VUPT VUPT VUPT!*

"Huh...?" But in a blink of an eye... She jumps away and brands a new maid uniform, completely unharmed by my dress Break. Wait what? Not just that, somehow, I don't... Feel cold anymore? When I look down, I wasnt naked anymore, but wearing my clothes from before. Wait, what?! "Huuuuuuh~...?"

"Ufuu~. Sorry, Ichijou-sama, but I don't like being so promiscuously exposed, nor see someone in the same state." I snap from my clothes to where Vivanie-san was, and between her fingers there was a needle and string, stitching her sleeves back. Wait, could it be... I look down on my clothes, and while superficially they look fine, close I can see they were only very thinly stitched cloth scraps. She sewed our clothes back in place. That's... So freaking cool. "I'm sorry if the sewing is a bit lacking, my hands are a bit shaky, so the result might not be as expected..."

"Are you kidding me? That's really awesome, Vivanie-san." I comment, and once again, she wide her eyes in complete surprise, light beaming from her head. I'm not kidding of course, I have been sewing for the longest time and I haven't seen a technique this clean! Gremory servants... Really are something else. "Everything is in place, and nothin sticks out at allz it doesn't even look like I ripped my clothes apart. That's really, really awesome!"

"I see... Thank you... Very much..." She moans to herself, her blushing taking over her entire face as she prepares another stance against me. She is... Special, indeed. "Ufuu~, but our match is not over yet, Red Dragon. I have yet to feel your touch..."

"Hohoh." I let out a small chuckle. This is getting fun. "Not for long, Vivanie-san. No for long..."

"Hm." And she vanishes from my sight once again, a black blur coming my direction, misdirecting me with a curve and coming everywhere! Focus... Focus... "Catch'ya."

"From behind!" But then I turned around and slapped her away! I did it, I figure her pattern! Coming from behind, the weakest spot! In midair, she makes a surprised face, but once I tried to reach a hand for her, she snaps and escapes! Another blur, I can see it. "From below!"

"Ufuu~." And I jump in the air, dodging her assault on my legs, seeing her look up, shocked. She lands and regains her composure, attacking me yet again. "Hohoh... Getting fast... Arent we?"

"You have... No idea!" Her attack tried to reach for my body again, but once she was close enough, I wrapped her wrist on my own with Lady Akeno's ribbon, practically cuffing us together! Close! "There! No more running away!"

"Ufuu~!" She gasps, seeing a hand of mine reaching for her yet again! She tried to escape, but the ribbon cuff held us together like a priest and a marine biologist daughter! I yank her back and tried to reach her again! "Dangerous...!"

"I catch'ya!" I exclaim, no close enough! Her hands are gloved, and if I use dress break, the ribbon will be ripped apart and facilitate her escape! I can't use a lewd technique, so I just need to reach for her mask and touch her cheeks! "You're... Mine!"

*SWING!*

"Whoa...!" But I couldn't reach he in time, a long and slender appendage appeared out of nowhere and almost stabbed my hand, making me retreat! What the... I look down and see now a black, slender tail with a heart-shaped tip coming from her derriere! Those girls really are filled with surprises! "That's no fair, Vivanie-san. I don't have a tail to fight with!"

"Too bad, Ichijou-sama." She sighs, now using said extremity to try to stab me! Left, right, right, left! I dodge all of her offenses as she tries to keep as distant as possible. "Struggling with a man... So much adrenaline... I feel like... I feel like~...!"

"There!" And in one moment of distraction, as she was in a daze for some reason, I was able to wrap her tail around my leg with a kick and pull her even closer! That's my chance: I use my free hand to snap her mask off to show her mouth and reached for it. "Now, I won...!"

"Haw~... Haw~...!"

"What...?" I stop on my tracks by the sheer surprise now: Vivanie-san wasn't... Calm anymore, and her expression wasn't neutral like before, instead she had drool flooding her mouth and a very lewd expression! Without a warning, she jumped on me, tongue sticking out and ready to kiss me!

"How... Handsome... You are... Ichijou-sama~...!" She screams, coming so close I could almost smell her breath. From that scent alone, my I feel paralysed once again, and I can't move! Another succubus spell?! But if she's down to try to attack me, then I will counter her back! "Now, gimme your essence...!"

"You...!"

*ZOOM!*

*WHACK!*

"hidebu~...!" But all ended in a second. Another fast flash appeared out of nowhere and, without missing a beat, bonked Vivanie-san so much she lost her sexual frenzy and passed out. With nothing else there, I picked her in my arms as she drools on me.

"Now, that was dangerous." I snap to the figure from where the assault came, and I saw a tall, imposing, grizzly old butler laughing to himself silly, a hand oozing steam. Ah, it's Faust-san! He turns to me and chuckles. "Getting attacked by a succubus, even a sexually frustrated one such as dear Vivanie. Fortunately I was around on duty to stop here from becoming a mess. Hate me as you want, but I think I saved your life there, dragon."

"Hahaha... Hahahah... Thanks. I guess, Faust-san." I laugh back, not for fun but sheer disbelief for the current situation. The butler turns to the older maid now.

"Noin-kun, seriously? Throwing one of your girls against the red dragon? I know he is a charming young man and it's easier to just throw gals at him, but still..." He jokes, and Noin-san and I groaned at the same time. We looked at each other, blinked a few times in surprise and turned back to the butler. Huh.

"You misguide your better judgement, Faust-dono. I was testing Ichijou-sama's strength as a servant of Gremory, and for that to be a worthwhile activity, I decided to also test the newbies against him. If he'd turned violent, I would swiftly intervene." She sighs, now looking down on us. "But I think this was too much for Vivanie, and I pushed her too much. For that, I am deeply ashamed. Ichijou-sama, I don't ask you to forgive me, I accept any scorn you have against me for that gaffe once again."

"..." There she goes again, apologizing. If it were anyone else, I would have my doubts if she was being 100% genuine, but seeing her so polite and the weight on her words... I can't help but to swallow it. I nod back, handing Vivanie-san to her. "No problem, Noin-san. It happens. But... Uh... I guess I won this time."

"Indeed. This victory is yours, red dragon." She sighs once again, picking the succubus maid from my eyes and carry her bridal style, but not before snapping the small ring on the latter's choker and give it to me. "Now, if you excuse me, I shall take care of Vivanie and wake her up. She deserves a rest after this whole ordeal... And my deepest apologies, of course."

"Hm. See ya later, then." I wave her back, and in another blink, she leaves the room with no sound, only a heavy sigh. One, two seconds of silence, and I look down on the golden piercing in my hands, to then smile to myself and lift it in pride. "Huhuh... Commitment ring, get!"

"Having fun with the maids, red dragon? It sure looks like it." I hear a faint laugh from behind me, and I turn to see Faust-san giving me a perverted thumb up. Maids, huh? They're very pretty and nice, and I do have my fun... Kicking their asses. Maybe I am developing a thing for those little maids. "Ah-ah, how is nice to be young. If I were 300 younger, I would love to frolic with those lovely ladies myself... But again, that old hag would ruin my fun, as she always did and always does."

"Ah, so Faust-san has a history with Noin-san." I laugh a little while he grimaces a funny face, probably remembering a bad memory he had with the former headmaid. He is the headbutler after all, so it's expected. If they are the same as... 300 years ago, then that makes sense. Also, holy shit, she is an old maid!

"I shall spare both of us from a scarring tale and a scarring memory, if you don't mind." He practically groans that, probably too late for that as bad memories flood his head and he whimpers. Sheesh, I can't even joke about that, Noin-san must've been a pain ever since that time. "That aside, I should be back on my duties as a servant and loyal butler, dear Red Dragon. It was a close call that I was around. If you need anything, just call for me... Specially if gorgeous and bountiful women are about. After all, we're fellow servants, no."

"Yeah." I said, thinking about kicking back and give myself a walk around the manor to clean my head. Rina is away with most of our group, so I have so much to do, I guess...

But then realization reaches me... Noin-san hates me... Because I was unfaithful to the name of Gremory... She, who knows Berolina for some reason, has all the reasons to hate me, I can understand that, but... Is she the only one? I turn to the fleeing presence of the head butler and...

"Hm... Faust-san..."

"Yes,my dear Red Dragon emperor? Do you need something from me? Perhaps a glass of water or something els-...?"

"Do you... Do you hate me?"

There was a beat. No words.

"Do you... Do you hate me, for what happened back in the Rating Game? Of me... Forfeiting my match? Of me giving up and making Rina lose almost everything?"

"..."

"I..." I gulped. "I... I..."

"I have been... A butler for many years, many decades, to the Gremory, Red Dragon." He interrupts me. "I know every member of my dear masters, and I have taught many, many butlers and servants. The one who carries the name of Lucifer nowadays was one of my pupils, although he would rather frolic and play with milady Alice instead of listening."

"I... I see."

"Dragon... Like many servants of Gremory, I had nothing before being taken under their protection." He continues. "Name? Perhaps, but not prestige, just a wandering soul cursed to die in anonimity. It were the Gremory who took me in and made me one of their own, the ones who treated me with some decency. Ever since that day, I swore to serve and protect the Gremory name with teeth and fangs, even if it costed my life. I trained and trained, became familiar with several forms of martial arts, turned into the headbutler, a title I carry to this day, and when little Nemesis invited me to become her Rook... I, as a grown man, cried tears of joy. To be worthy of a piece of my dear masters, biggest honour there is no like. Suffice to say... I love Gremory and all it's members, from the bottom of my heart."

"I see." I said. This is getting hard to hear. I hear something tighten, and I notice it was his fist, veins bulging and turning red.

"This is why... I won't ever tolerate others tarnishing the name of this clan... And if I see someone betraying it... There is no answer from me, only death." He huffs, his voice altered and heavy. I gulp once again , ready to face whatever he might say.

"Faust-san..."

"Of course... I don't hate you, Ichijou Tsukino."

"Huh...?" I interject, and he turns around to smile at me. Again, no hard feelings, no loose or lewd thoughts, it was a warm, calm smile. His hands stop shaking, and he let out a chuckle. "How... How come."

"I am loyal to the Gremory... But I'm not blind to it, unlike dear Noin-kun." He explains. "I know my masters aren't perfect as many believe. Milady Alice and her hedonistic lifestyle, milady Nemesis and her temper, milady Berolina and her misguided attempts of greatness. I am not blind to their faults, despite they still being good devils on their own. I also know your story, red dragon, and I know what happened back at Mt. Issei."

"..." This is getting a little dangerous.

"But still, even after throwing away your Match milady Nemesis... I saw kindness and warmth for milady Berolina." He continues, and I blushed for that. "I shall tell you a little secret, Red dragon: the Gremories love their servants a lot, so they appreciate loyalty and love in return... But not blindly."

"..." I see.

"Blind loyalty is what Gremory despise above all else. Serving them for so long, I noticed that they don't appreciate simple drones as servants. To allow free will, even if it hurts them, is what they strive for." He continues. "To find a better way, to pursue their dreams, to have their own opinions, to form their own thoughts... Gremory hate losing servants, but they hate even more limiting or overbearing them. After all, devils value freedom. Hence, they don't hate you, so neither do I, nor Aria-dono, or Nero-dono, nor anyone else."

"..." So this is why neither Nemesis-san or aunt Alice had any problems regarding me. They... Value what I think and how I feel. I understand what Noin-san feels, and I'm surprised the other Gremories were okay about the whole fiasco. Now I get it why. I smile back. "Thanks, Faust-san."

"Likewise, dear red dragon. Just a question, though." He lifts a finger and points at me. "Do you love Berolina? Do you love your master?"

"Of course I do." I answered. This is getting easier to say now. His response? A smile.

"I see. Then we're equals as servants." He says, but before disappearing behind the door, he gives me a thumb up. "If ever come down to it, kick Noin-kun's saggy ass for me. Tell her that is for the last oktoberfest, that joykiller..."

"Excuse me?"

"She'll know. She'll know." And he leaves, leaving me alone.

So... I am a servant of Gremory as well, and even after all I did... They still see me as such. I understand from where Noin-san is coming from, I'm surprised others didn't think the same, but... In that case, I just need to keep it up and show to her what I'm made of.

But for now, until next trial... I should see what Ryuubi-sensei and Kan'u are doing...

There was a lot of things happening this chapter huh? And all being a oner, In universe everything happened in a few minutes. Weird...

Not a fan of flashbacks, Its kinda weird to write them down. The match and then the little talks, overall was a nice chapter which I had fun with, even getting used to this new computer. So, another ring got, another maid defeated, the cute succubus. What the future holds for our hero? At least he knows he has his friends and peers by his side.

Thank you for reading until this little author note, I hope you all have a wonderful day and I hope you enjoyed the chapter as well. Stay safe, greetings from Houki Minami.

Ikkun's friends and bad habits

[Ichijou] - Ichijou tends to not cover his mouth/nose when he sneezes or coughs. He is caught by surprise most of the time, so he is too slow to react properly. That... would become a problem IRL as for now, hehe.

[Shiori] - Her tone of voice in interchangeble, and she tends to sound sarcastic most of the times which is a major problem when trying to socialize... not that she bothers much.

[Berolina] - She drools and snores sleeping. It's kinda gross, really.

[Kurama] - Kurama speaks like an old lady, and most of the time she tends to speak such even with people she knows barely understand her. Thank goodness the tsukinos are old fashioned enough to understand her.

[Annabelle] - Narcissitic and wanting attention, she tends to be nosy just to be the center of the stage. It's a bit tragic all things considered.

[Tasha] - No filter for dirty jokes, as inconvenient as they are.

[Liu Bei] - Lacks theory of mind. As a genius, but she doesn't understand most of the time that people are not mountains of will and muscles to keep up with her! Sensei, I think someone almost died of fatigue!

[Whiswain] - Saying sorry for everything won't solve problems in the long run, you silly reaper.

[Guan Yu] - No filter for opinions, she comes out as rude most of the time, and her rage point is trigger happy.

[Serena] - She loves her job as a president and heiress... When it does not bother her schedule to laze around and watch anime or read manga. Unless its within her time, she won't bother much.

[Yagura] - She can be cruel sometimes, and little she knows her faint praises and sarcastic remarks do more harm than good to Ichijou and everyone who tried to interact with her.

[Lucrezia] - She tends to daydream a lot. No one knows what is about. It doesn't harm her efficiency as a maid, though.

[Irene] - Sense of personal space is alien to her.

[Raven] - She's always right and her tastes are superior. If you disagree, you're either dumb or a contrarian. JQ is better than WSJ!

MAID FILES: Vivanie Kaz

- Another newbie maid; she's 17-y/o and trained by Noin to become a general maid.

- A succubus, but she hates her heritage and how other races see her kin. Her mother is a hedonistic succubus who thinks of nothing but bedding others. One day, she escaped and almost died being found by Cohen, who thought she wanted to feed off the essence of all the other servants. With all cleared up, she become a maid in training to both be useful and avoid turning into someone like her mother.

- She's a general maid and a jack of all traits among her peers: she knows how to cook, clean, organize decorations and furniture, prepare schedules and take care of the house, but not as much as other maids. A good candidate for the next headmaid.

- Because of her succubus body, a lot of precautions are taken: her uniform covers more skin, she gloves her hands, she uses a mask so other males wouldn't get enchanted by her voice and she has her own times to act since she has to avoid bumping into men on her way. She also bandages her nipples and crotch so they wont rub against her clothes and make her... excited. Her tail and also prehensile and she can make people drop asleep to enter their dreams, at least in an attack surprise, although the magic used is simple and easy to break free from.

- Her commitment ring is on the choker on her neck. It calms her body when in distress.

- Vivanie is calm and nonchalant, and has great pride in her efforts to avoid turning into a lewd monster. However, if too close to a male for a long period of time,her true nature tends to come ashore. She fears both Lucrezia and Noin.

- Her 'Ufuu~' thing is due to her low blood pressure. Since her body doesnt take, uh, the 'nutrients' it needs, she has low bloodflow as a result. She doesn't mind that.

- Because Ichijou was still on sage time thanks to his activities with Rina, Vivanie wasn't able to detect that much ero-energy from him. She still thought he looked nice to have a chat with. He smells a lot like a girl, too, and his compliments made her feel things.