The World The Girls Also Knows: The Girls God Can Only Save
AU after Goddesses Arc. Keima has to keep the affection of the seven Goddess hosts and Chihiro at the same time. And he still has to exorcise loose souls from girls by making them fall in love with him. Miyako has a loose soul that needs to be exorcised, and the God of Conquests gets himself a new disciple in the game world named Aoba Fuse.
And I do not own The World God Only Knows.
And thanks to xellos540 for the beta job!
As for some characters:
Aoba Fuse, Ikumi Yoshino, and Asami Yoshino are light novel heroines. I took their characterizations both from the light novel and also from Wrathie Winsre's stories.
I also made summaries of the Miyako and the Mari plot, which I posted at the end of the chapter, after the review replies.
Summary of the Previous Chapter
Short Summary
Kanon attends a practice of Miyako and Keima. Miyako recalls the past. Keima and Tenri attend a magic show. Kanon demands to witness something. Keima and Kanon sing at a karaoke. Elsie asks Mari about the girls.
Long Summary
"Aoba Making Keima Respected" Plot
Aoba mentioned to Asami while they were watching Keima practice piano with Miyako that it would be useless to invite high-schoolers to the concert as their minds would not be changed. So only middle-schoolers should be invited.
She also stated that they should not let Kaori Yuuzaki know that they are concentrating on Middle-school. Instead, she must think that they are contesting High school.
ARC II - CONSPIRACIES
Flag XXIV
Countdown to the Duet
Part 259 – Walking to a Cliff
Keima Katsuragi looked at his mother with disinterest. "A sleepover, Mom?"
"Yes, yes," Mari said. "That's a good idea. It would be like a job interview. I can grill them, Keima, like how I grilled Tenri and Kanon."
There was a look of relief in the gamer's face. "Thanks, Mom. Just do it for me. I still have a lot of game backlog, and I don't have time for this."
"Hold it, mister! I'm not yet finished. After I interview them, and if I'm convinced that they really are in love with you, then I'll ask them to confess to you in front of me."
"What? Are you serious?"
"Of course! What's good enough for Kanon and Tenri should be good enough for them. I know that it's a private thing, but they would share you with six others, and I want to test them. If they can't do that, then that's one less girl to worry about for you and me. Then the girls that pass must meet and approve of each other. I don't like infighting."
"Wait. How about me approving them? Doesn't my opinion count too?"
"But Divine One, you already promised me that you'd give them a chance!" whined Elsie.
"Yes, son, you already promised your sister that you'd give them Kanon and Tenri's chance if they really do love you. So you already approved of them," Mari pointed out. "This is just a test to find out if they really like you!"
Mari figured out that not all of those five girls could survive that grilling. Yes, she would make all of them sweat. Probably only one or two would be left standing, so Keima could have a total of three or four girls. If they all survive it, and Keima accepts all of them, then Keima could have all seven at the same time, but she doubted that every single one of them could pass by the time she's done with them.
"And if someone can't make it to that sleepover?" Keima asked.
"Then, that girl is out of the running!" Mari proclaimed.
Yes. If those girls want to have a chance at Keima, then they must prove themselves to their future mother-in-law.
…
"By the way, son, I want to ask you a question. Why are you so sure that none of those five girls actually like you?" Mari asked when Elsie went upstairs and left the two of them alone.
"Are you kidding me? I am the Otamegane! I have an infamous reputation at school! No girl could like me! Besides, let me count the ways that they can't like me. Ayumi Takahara repeatedly kicked me and hit me—"
"What? She hit you?"
"Yes. Chihiro Kosaka's the same. She poured coffee on my head once and hit me too. Tsukiyo always treats me like a servant. Is that the way you treat someone you like? Yui Goido's weird. She is from the famous Goido family. They'll never marry their daughter to anyone except if the boy's rich. I'm immediately disqualified. And Shiori called me an idiot for pointing out that 2D books are better than 3D books. See? I know them well! They can't like me!"
"They blushed at you when you entered the café!"
"Probably shocked at the Kanon brother announcement," Keima dismissed. "Trust me, Mom. It's a sure thing. They'd rather die than fall in love with me. This is just a little favor to Elsie."
Mari wanted to slap her head. Her son was so sure of himself, but he was so naïve! She was convinced that at least some of them like him. Her job would be to weed that out and make sure that Keima only gave chances to those who really love him.
Oh, my darling innocent son, you really are setting yourself up to fail! I know you don't like to date more than two girls at the same time, but if you're wrong, then I won't fix this for you.
Mari decided to give her son one last chance to get out of walking off a cliff.
"Are you sure about this? If you are wrong, and some of the girls do like you, then you have to fulfill your promise to Elsie. I will make sure you give those girls the same chance as Kanon and Tenri. Meaning three hours per week for the next five years provided they agreed to it."
"I am sure. Don't worry, Mom. I know what I'm doing."
And the next five years would be very interesting. How can I explain this to your father?
Part 260 – Keima's Rudeness
The next morning, Thursday, the day of the duet…
There was no girl scheduled for that day's morning walk, so Keima was not surprised that Aoba Fuse was waiting for him outside his gate. What surprised him was that her mother suddenly ran out of the door.
"Miss Fuse!" Mari shouted.
Both gamers stopped and looked at the mother.
Aoba bowed. "Good morning, Mrs. Katsuragi."
"Elsie would like to invite you to a sleepover this Saturday night," Mari invited.
Keima just looked on in horror. What was happening? Why was his mother inviting her? She's not part of the schedule! Or of Elsie's five 'friends' that 'liked' him. This was not part of his plan.
"Thank you very much," the girl genius said, looking at her master. She was trying to read his face to see if he would approve or not. But the Divine One kept a poker face. "But I'm not sure I can go. I'll let you know if I can make it."
"I'll let you stay in Keima's game library all night if you like, and you can bring over your game consoles so you can play with my son," Mari added.
"I'm going," Aoba answered without thinking. Ever since she saw that game library, she dreamt of going back and looking at the games. She had the right to go there and borrow any game she liked, but she was busy the entire week and had no time. She had been trying to find time where she could go back to that place. And now Mrs. Katsuragi was offering it to her on a silver platter. She could not let go of this opportunity. "As long as I can sleep in that library."
Mari smiled. "Of course, you can."
…
And Keima wanted to slap his head. What was Aoba thinking in accepting the invitation? Well, he couldn't blame her. If he were in her shoes, he would do the same.
"Aoba, you should know that Elsie's going to invite Ayumi, Tsukiyo, Chihiro, Shiori, Yui, Tenri, and Kanon—the entire schedule—for a sleepover," he informed as he played his PFP while the two walked to school.
And the girl gamer, also playing her PFP, stopped in her tracks. She wanted to slap her head. "Oh, my God! I'm so sorry. I never thought… I would've rejected it if I'd known. It would be too much of a bother for me, and I can't just play games with all of them around. But I can't reject it now without offending your mother. I'm so sorry, Divine One."
And all his anger left him. He felt pity for his female counterpart. All those girls doing real things when all she wanted to do was to look at his game collection—he could feel her pain.
"That's fine. We'll just have to make the best of it," he conceded.
"Divine One, can I ask you a question?"
"Ask away."
"Why are you so rude to people? Not that I'm judging you, I'm rude too. I just want to find out if we're rude for the same reason."
"Why do you think I'm rude?"
"Well, because you're part of the ideal. The world of 2D. And you don't care for the real, the 3D world. And 3D people keep trying to pull you into the real world. So you're rude to them to get them to stop trying."
"Aren't you the same?"
"I'm the Ice Princess. I'm rude by nature. I'm so cold no one even tries to be friendly," the girl answered. "They just look at my eyes, and they all run away. But you're not that cold nor as scary. You need to be rude to drive them away. Am I right?"
"Yes. I am part of the ideal. I am proud of it! I don't need the real!" he answered.
"So, you don't need to be rude if people aren't trying to pull you to the real?"
"Mostly. Then I don't have to interact much with real people."
"So that's why you're so rude to High School students! They are always around you, and they might pull you to the real if you're not too careful!"
"Maybe. And the fact that they're annoying and mock the ideal all the time. They deserve it."
"Then, Master, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Can you act polite to Middle School students?"
Keima stopped and looked at his disciple.
"Why?"
"I made a stupid promise to Minami Ikoma. I told her that you might be rude to High School students, but then I promised her that you would be nice and polite to Middle School students. I'm so sorry. I didn't think when I said that. I just want to present your best face to her when she had asked to be a member of our club."
Keima could see her dilemma. Minami was Aoba's responsibility. And if he acted rude to middle school students, then Aoba would lose face and undermine her authority as Secretary of the club. Usually, he would not care, but he didn't want his disciple to be embarrassed because of him. Especially after being tricked into a sleepover with seven other girls.
"Why should I do that?"
"Because, unlike High School Students, Middle School students won't try to be close to you or be friends with you. You are their senpai, and they will keep their respective distance. So it won't harm you if you try to act polite to them. They won't mistake the gesture as that of friendship. In short, they will not try to pull you into the 3D world."
Keima agreed. Middle school students were a bit in awe of high schoolers, and they wouldn't dare to presume that they could be friends with their much older upperclassmen. Especially someone like him. The Senpai Factor would ensure that there wouldn't be too much familiarity with him.
"Of course. Just for you, I promise that I'll be nice and polite to middle school students starting today, okay?"
"Thank you. And I assure you, middle school students won't try to pull you to the real. Only high school students would do that," the disciple tried to reassure him.
Keima nodded. He also knew that he need not worry too much. He rarely interacted with Middle School students. Most of the people he interacted with at school were his fellow High School students, to whom he would be rude to all the time. It was a win-win. It cost little for him to do so in practical terms, and it would save Aoba's face to Minami.
…
Part 261 – Tsukiyo's Time
Lunch break…
"You're late!"
Tsukiyo Kujo scowled at Keima when he opened the door to the Astronomy Club. It was her first hour for the week.
"I'm sorry, my lady," Keima apologized even if he was on time. It was best to humor the moon lover.
Tsukiyo haughtily accepted the apology. "Very well. You are forgiven. You may enter."
Tsukiyo was back to normal. Well, as normal as a doll-carrying, moon-loving, aristocratic girl could be.
"You haven't brought your lunch, I presume, Keima?"
"I have not."
"Typical. In all things, we must strive for perfection. And that includes perfection in our meals. Or in your case, eating meals on time. Still, you're not the perfect man. Even if you're perfect for me, you're still quite flawed. I suppose I could be perfect enough for both of us, but, even for such an imperfect boy, you're still quite beautiful."
Keima resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "I am honored you think of me that way."
"I anticipated your lack of concern for your needs, so I took the liberty of preparing your lunch." She pointed to the table in the middle of the club. On it was a tea set wrapped nicely on a box, a kettle filled with hot tea, and three bentos.
"Two are yours, and one is mine," she said, referring to the bentos. Vulcan informed her that she better prepare two for him because all the other girls were doing the same. "Now, my butler, you will take all of that, and carry it to your club."
"What?" answered Keima. He was not expecting that.
"Yes. The Books and Games Club. I want to see your club," Tsukiyo declared as she picked up Luna. "As we will be seen together, it's best to use our ruse. You are my butler outside, okay?"
"As you wish, Lady Tsukiyo," he acceded. Tsukiyo was a girl around which he acted the most, mostly due to her wish to be treated like a lady. As both of them knew he was acting, it was not a big deal. They were both 'playing' their roles, except for Tsukiyo, it was her natural mode. And at least she remembered her ruse.
Keima sent a quick message to Aoba and Elsie, who were having lunch in the club before he carried the bentos and tea set. Tsukiyo, befitting the lady that she was, only brought Luna as they walked downstairs to the Book and Games Club. Other students just stared at them in amusement.
"Be careful with that, Mr. Katsuragi," she instructed, playing her role as mistress to her butler to the hilt.
"As you wish, my lady," he said, in a submissive tone, conveying to the onlookers that he was really serving her as a butler. "How long would I have to do this, my lady Tsukiyo?"
"Until you repaired the damage to my telescope, you dirty man! To think that the brother of Kanon is such a clutz!" she spoke haughtily. "Since you are so poor, you have six months more until that expensive telescope can be paid!"
"But you already have one!" he whined.
"One that is very expensive. Do you know how much that cost me? Your servitude can hardly be commensurate to the value of such a beautiful instrument, but that is the only way you can pay," she said. "Now, my butler, say that again?"
"Do I have to?"
"Yes!"
"Fine. I will always be careful around Lady Tsukiyo, the most beautiful girl in Maijima Private High," he sarcastically said as they neared the door to his club.
"That's better, my butler," she proudly answered. "As further punishment, I will eat lunch at your club whenever I like!"
"But, my lady!"
"No buts! That's punishment for your impertinence!" she answered as they reached the door.
He put the tea set down and knocked.
And Elsie answered.
"Lady Kujo!" she answered. "Um, just wait!"
Then three girls emerged. Elsie, Aoba Fuse, and Asami Yoshino.
"Welcome, my lady," the three girls said in unison as Aoba took the tea set, Asami the teapot, and Elsie, the three bentos, and carried it inside.
"You have such diligent servants," Tsukiyo commented, eyeing the students that followed them.
Elsie closed the door when they were all in.
"Whew! I hoped that was enough. Did I do my part well for the crowd?" asked Tsukiyo as soon it was safe.
"You did well, my lady," said Keima. And he looked at the three club members. "Thank you for doing that on short notice."
"It was our pleasure, Divine One," said Aoba.
"Um, yes, President," Asami answered, blushing a bit, her eyes burning with confusion and curiosity.
"Anything for you, Divine Brother," said Elsie. "Well, we'll be going now."
The three girls left, carrying their own bentos. Elsie discreetly cast a spell so the three girls were invisible as they left. Elsie directed them to the Astronomy Club.
…
Part 262 – Tsukiyo's First Demand
"Why did they become invisible?" asked Tsukiyo when the two were alone.
"Because if the crowd outside saw them leave, then they would know that we are alone together, and they might not believe the ruse. By leaving while invisible, and hiding in the Astronomy Club, they would think that those three are with us during our lunch, and they would suspect nothing."
"But Asami and Aoba—"
"Those two don't know they're invisible. Elsie took care of that," Keima said. "As far as they're concerned, they're just being sneaky."
Tsukiyo nodded. "You think of everything."
"I wouldn't be the God of Conquests if I didn't, my lady," he said. "So, what do you want to do?"
"I want to look around," the moon-lover announced as she walked around the clubroom, looking at all the smaller rooms inside. "This is beautiful. Not as beautiful as the Astronomy Club, but beautiful on its own."
"Thank Elsie for that," Keima laughed.
"I may donate some of the excess objects of my club to your club, to make it even better," Tsukiyo offered.
"No thanks. That would destroy the ruse that I'm paying with servitude the destruction of your telescope," Keima laughed.
"Well, let's eat," said Tsukiyo as she arranged the bentos, and the tea set on the table.
Tsukiyo ate her one bento, and Keima ate his two. Then they had tea, with Keima the one who served it.
"I must say, this lunch event was really successful," the moon lover commented. "Did this raise your affection points? Did this increase the chances of you choosing my route?"
And Keima was flabbergasted. Since when could Tsukiyo talk like a gamer? And with such casualness. Keima noted that she would not be casually talking about it if she said, 'Did this make you love me more? Would this make you choose me more?' because that was in effect what she was asking him. Did she have any idea how bold she was being?
"How did you—" he began.
"I decided to learn more about your hobby, to see if it was beautiful."
"And is it?"
"I haven't decided yet. I haven't finished my lessons," she remarked. "But from what I've seen, many aspects of your hobby are beautiful. The games I played so far raised my affection points to the concept of gaming. Though sometimes choosing a route could give me headaches, and sometimes, the flags are annoying. Tell me, have I raised a flag by having lunch here with you?"
"Yes, you did."
"What choices appeared in this flag?"
"I could say yes and eat lunch here, or say no and insist on having lunch in the Astronomy Club."
"I thought so. Tell me, have your choices increased my chances of the player winning the heroine? Would it lead to a good end?"
"At this point in your route, most choices would lead to a good end, provided I decide to go with you," he answered. "Your affection points are already so high for me, am I right?"
At that, Tsukiyo blushed deeply. "Perhaps I asked the wrong question. I am on your route. So are the other girls. Which route would you take in the end?"
"I am not yet sure," he answered. "But you'll only find out after five years even if I already have made a choice. But I haven't."
"But you already chose my route," Tsukiyo insisted. "You just do not know it yet. You already made choices on past flags, which unknown to you, could only lead to a good ending with me."
Keima laughed at that. "We'll see."
"You'll inevitably choose me," she declared. "Now, tell me. How did I do with my game talk?"
"It's passable," he answered. "You really know what you're talking about. Congratulations! You just increased my positive points for you!"
"Thank you. Talking in game talk about some topics is far less embarrassing than talking about it directly," Tsukiyo admitted. "Let's talk about something else. How is the progress of Terada's conquest?"
"It's happening tonight. We're playing a duet contest. After the contest, it will be over."
"I heard that four other girls would watch it."
"Five. Ayumi, Chihiro, Tenri, Yui, and Kanon."
"Then, I want to witness it."
Keima wanted to groan and slap his head. "Do you wish to see me kiss another girl?"
"I will be sharing you with six other girls for the next five years, and you would kiss each of us during our time. I may accidentally catch you doing so with the others, and it would not be in my interest to overreact when I do so. Provided you don't cheat on me by kissing girls not in the schedule or possessed by Weiss, then I must bear it with equanimity."
"But are you really sure?"
"Keima, you told me to love you. And this is just me loving you. I want to understand more about your mission. If I get hurt and cry looking at you kiss her, then so be it. But I will not be left alone. I demand a front-row seat to the conquest!"
"Fine. You can watch it happen. I'll send Haqua to you when it's time. Just watch the duet with the others to be sure," Keima conceded. Tsukiyo was the last person he expected to want to witness Miyako's conquest. It was against her personality. But he supposed that after learning that all the other girls would do it, she would not want to be left behind. He wondered how hurt Tsukiyo would be after that? It didn't matter. It would be her fault anyway, and he could repair any damage to her affection points that would happen.
…
Part 263 – Tsukiyo's Second Demand
"So how was the lunch?" asked Tsukiyo as they finished their meals and were now drinking tea, prepared and served by Keima.
They were still sitting opposite each other around the table.
"It's nice and delicious. Was this home cooked?"
"I made it especially for you, by my own hands," Tsukiyo said.
"I supposed you also put in your love and affection in making it?" he casually added.
"Yes, and I—you shouldn't just say it like that!" the moon-lover scolded, her face blushing red at the implication of her words.
"Like how?"
"Like how love and affection is just another ingredient like salt or pepper!"
He shrugged. "I guess I was a bit insensitive. Forgive me, my lady."
"Next time, watch your tongue. Yes, you are forgiven. Now you may kiss me."
"Huh?" Keima uttered as he looked at Tsukiyo—eyes closed and expecting, but still blushing hard.
"Isn't this the purpose of the schedule, so you can kiss girls?" she teased in a lecturing tone. "I heard from Goido that you kiss the others for every hour you spend with them. The first hour is nearly up."
He sighed. He walked to where Tsukiyo was, grabbed both her upper arms and gently pulled her from her chair so she was standing. She still had her eyes closed as Keima pulled her up as he bent his head down, forcing her to stand on tiptoe.
And his lips met hers. This was probably the least surprising kiss he had to do. He wondered if her affection would be raised as much as the other girls did. He knew that an unexpected kiss would be a good thing, so how about a kiss where it was predictable? How would an already conquered heroine react to such? He supposed it can't lower the affection points, so it was safe.
…
As Keima kissed her, Tsukiyo wanted to put her arms around his neck, in part to relieve the pressure on her poor tiptoeing feet. But the way he held her arms, and how tight he held her, meant that she couldn't do so. She wished she was taller as all she could do was to tiptoe ever further to kiss back. Luckily for her, he lowered his head even further, so the kiss was not broken off.
And the kiss was far longer than before, and it only ended when she was nearing the end of her breath. Keima was gasping too at the end, with a slight blush present as they looked each other in the eye.
He let go and retreated. He sat on the couch and played his PFP.
Tsukiyo was red in the face as she savored the feeling. It was as good as Yui said it would be. She walked to him and sat beside him on his left. And she leaned against the gamer, who was already playing his PFP, her head resting on his chest as he wrapped his left arm around her, and he continued playing.
…
They stayed in that position until the hour was up. At precisely the moment Tsukiyo's hour ended, he heard a knock on the door.
"Come in!" he shouted.
"Huh? Keima?" the moon-lover mouthed.
"The hour is over," he said as he stood up, leaving the moon-lover on the couch. She quickly stood up and packed the bentos.
The door opened, and the invisible Elsie, Asami, and Aoba entered, becoming visible as they came in.
"So how was your lunch, Divine One?" asked Aoba.
"Her food was delicious," he answered as he helped pack Tsukiyo's tea set. "Let's go."
They nodded, and Elsie opened the door and left first. Then Tsukiyo, holding her doll, then Keima, carrying the tea set and empty bentos, and finally, Aoba and Asami. That way, the people outside would think that Tsukiyo just joined the club membership for lunch.
"Butler, please be careful! That tea set is worth more than your entire life," Tsukiyo haughtily declared as soon as they were outside.
"As you wish, Lady Tsukiyo," Keima apologetically answered as they walked to the Astronomy Club, where they helped Tsukiyo store her tea set.
…
Part 264 – Shiori's Wish
Later, after school, about three hours before the start of the duet…
Keima wondered what Shiori had planned for the next two hours. She originally had only one hour for that day, and Ayumi had been the scheduled girl for the second hour. But apparently, Shiori and Ayumi switched their time, so Shiori would have two hours that day instead of one, and would have lunch with Keima on Friday for her third hour.
In exchange, Ayumi would get two hours on Friday afternoon, instead of three separate one hour times on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with Ayumi keeping her last hour on Saturday.
In short, they applied Rule Eight. Trading of time and schedules is allowed, provided both girls agree. Keima Katsuragi's approval for such is not needed.
…
Shiori was nervous. She was happy that Ayumi asked her to switch their hours, as that resulted in having two hours for that day. And she already had something in mind for the next two hours. But she was not sure how to phrase her request. What if Katsuragi didn't like it?
I want to ask Keima Katsuragi to go to that ramen place Miss Kujo mentioned. But how can I say that? Do we have the time to go to that place? Maybe if we catch a train, but would we make it in time? But I have got to try. Miss Kujo said that the ramen is to die for, and I love ramen! And I need to talk about other things too.
The library door opened, and there was Keima Katsuragi, the love of her life.
He walked towards her, and her face began blushing. Why am I still nervous! I shouldn't be nervous! This is not the first time. But this was the first time this week! What if I mess up? What did the other girls do? Minerva said that I should concentrate on trying to win him over with games, never hit him, always to know the rules, and preferably to memorize it. And to always be helpful! But how to do that?
He stood before her as she sat behind her library desk. "Um, Hello, Katsuragi. C-c-can I help you?" she asked. Lame, lame! Why did I say that! I made it sound that he's just another library patron, not my date! What to do? What to do? What to say? Someone, please tell me what to say?
"So, Shiori, what do you want to do today?"
Oh yes. Rule Nine. The girls get to decide. It's a good thing I memorized the rules as Minerva asked me to. So how do I say it?
"Um, Katsuragi, um, I want to e-e-e-eat, eat, food, like before, um—" and the words refuse to come out of her mouth. Say Ramen, Shiori, or he'll think you're weird. I want to eat ramen in Narusawa.
"Want to have Ramen?" he asked.
How did he know? Wait! Was he reading my mind?
"Y-y-y-yes. Ramen."
"Want to go to where we went to last week?" Keima inquired.
"N-n-n-no! I want to go to—" she stopped as she wracked her brain for the name of that store. Was it Omoto? Or Moto? Or Tsukimoto? Or Uemoro? "Um, the Umomoto Store. That's it. In Narusawa City."
Shiori looked expectantly at him to see signs of approval. "Umomoto Store? Narusawa City? Never heard of the place," he muttered.
And Shiori's mien became depressed.
"Maybe you mean Uemoto Store, right? Elsie has heard of the place. She is a ramen lover," he mentioned.
"Yes, yes!" Shiori squeaked. "Could we?"
"Why not? By the way, it's not the Uemoto Store. According to Elsie, it changed its name to Sumire Store."
Shiori looked at him with curiosity. So that's why he didn't remember the store name at first. Sumire or Uemoto, I don't care! I just want to have some tasty ramen!
"Let's go!" Shiori said, standing from her chair.
"Eager now, aren't we? Oh, don't forget to get your novel manuscript," he mentioned.
"Huh?"
"The ruse! You must never forget the ruse! You're going with me because I'm going to review and check your novel," Keima reminded her. "So to outsiders, we aren't going on a date."
And the librarian was so embarrassed at having forgotten about it. She nodded and searched her drawers, and finally handed it to Keima.
Part 265 – Shiori and Games
…
Keima looked over Shiori's novel as they walked out of the library. His eyes widened as he read it.
It was one of his favorite galges that did not have a novelization since it was not popular enough to warrant it.
Sweet Rei Dreams.
Well, she was trying at least. Shiori mostly copied the text and the dialogue from the actual game. What she added was additional descriptions and thoughts of characters that were absent in the game itself, making it more complicated.
"Shiori, this is, how did you—"
"Um, games are stories," Shiori mentioned. "I want to write the stories in games."
…
Miss Aoba Fuse was right. Katsuragi would go crazy if I novelize this game. I wish I could tell him that it was Fuse's idea, but Fuse told me not to say to him that it was her idea in the first place. I guess I need to thank her next time. Fuse was so nice to help me here.
Aoba Fuse was the one who advised Shiori to novelize Keima's favorite games that were not popular enough to get novelizations, like One Leaf. The female gamer herself told Shiori what those games were. Aoba even gave the librarian detailed printed walkthroughs of those games so Shiori did not need to learn how to play the game. Instead, she just followed the instructions and added additional information.
And when she asked Minerva if it was a good idea, the child-like Goddess was all for it when she found out that it was somehow related to games. The Goddess squealed and shouted in approval when she learned of it. Shiori should follow Aoba Fuse's idea if she wanted to win over Katsuragi.
She borrowed one PFP from Yui, and a copy of the game from Aoba. And as she played the game as instructed by the walkthrough, she copied the dialogue and descriptions to pen and paper and started novelizing it.
…
As Keima read the manuscript, his eyes were on the additions Shiori made. Most were logical and showed that Shiori had read many romance novels. It was not bad for a first try, though he would have written it differently.
And Shiori also wrote scenes not present in the route, sometimes getting scenes from other routes into the route that she chose to novelize, making the product a mish-mash that somehow made it even better.
…
Instead of walking towards the gate of the school, he led her to the roof of the High school building. Like always, it was deserted.
"Um, aren't we supposed to go to Narusawa?" asked Shiori as she put her manuscript back on her bag.
"Yes."
"Shouldn't we go to the train station?" she shyly asked as she stared at him, eyeing her manuscript.
"No need. Elsie!" he called.
"Divine Brother!" the devil appeared out of nowhere beside him.
"Shiori and I need to go to Narusawa City."
"Aw, so you want to have Shiori over on a magic carpet ride?"
"Magic Carpet? You mean, like in Aladdin of Arabian Nights?" Shiori squeaked, a bit displeased that her alone time with Keima wasn't so alone.
Elsie smiled as she used her raiment to conjure up a magic carpet floating in mid-air at the knee level.
Keima went first and offered his hand to Shiori.
"Isn't that thing dangerous?" she mouthed, still not believing her eyes.
"Do you trust me?" he asked.
"I do," the librarian answered as she took Keima's hand, and he helped her sit on the carpet as Elsie wrapped them in a protective bubble and turned them invisible.
"Hold on!" Keima said as the carpet suddenly rose and flew high in the sky.
"Eek!" Shiori shouted as the momentum made her slide to the edge, bumping the invisible bubble surrounding them. She immediately scrambled to the center and grabbed and held Keima from the front, burying her head on his chest, afraid of falling off, her eyes shut as she was scared.
"Don't be scared, Shiori," the gamer comforted. "Look around you. Isn't the sight something to behold?"
"I'm scared!" she squeaked as she held him tighter and refused to open her eyes.
She felt his hand go under her chin and lift her head, even as she refused to open her eyes. Then she felt his hand behind her head.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here. Trust me, okay?"
"I don't want to fall off!" she screeched.
"You won't."
"But what if I fall off and I got hur—"
Whatever she was saying got cut off when she felt his lips on hers.
Oh, she missed being kissed by Katsuragi. It was always the best part of the schedule for her. She felt bliss and pleasure as her fear melted away. With Katsuragi with her, why should she be afraid? After all, he gave her courage when he first conquered her. She loves Katsuragi, and therefore, she trusted him to keep her safe, as he kept her safe by expelling her Weiss and saving the world. It was heaven.
And they locked lips longer than before, Keima not breaking off until they absolutely had to, gasping when it was over.
And Shiori opened her eyes and looked at him, handsome even with glasses, firm, unafraid. Her grip around his torso loosened a bit as she positioned herself to sit beside him, her courage returning to her as she gaped at the sight around her.
The sight was beautiful. She read so many beautiful descriptions, looked at so many pictures of beautiful things, but it was nothing to the real thing. The lights on the ground as they raced through the skies, the small people who looked like ants on the ground, the busy highways. It was lovely. So lovely.
"You like the view?" asked Keima as she looked over the edge of the carpet.
"I love it," she replied. "Thank you."
…
Part 266 – An Old "Acquaintance"
They landed on an empty alley in Narusawa City. After turning visible, they walked a few meters before they saw the establishment that made Shiori giddy.
Sumire Store
"This is it! Though I have to warn you, the ramen's taste of this store is certainly unique. Have you ever tasted sweet ramen?"
Shiori looked at Keima incredulously. Sweet Ramen? What kind of abomination is that? Ramen isn't supposed to be sweet. Sweet things can be tasty, like ice cream, or chocolate, or soda. But not ramen. Sweet and ramen don't mix. If the ramen is sweet, then I don't think I want to taste it. But it would waste all of Katsuragi's effort to bring me here. Should I? What should I do? What to do? What to do? What to do? Please, someone, tell me what to do!
"You're not too fond of it, right?" Keima guessed.
She nodded. How did he know that? Can he really read minds?
"Don't worry. Tsukiyo recommended it, right? I'm sure she knew about it, so the sweet ramen might be tasty," Keima pointed out.
"You, you think so?"
"We're already here. Might as well try it. Don't worry, I'm sure it would be good, and you'll love it."
"If you say so," Shiori mouthed as the two entered the restaurant.
…
"Welcome to Sumire's Store! I'm Sumire Uetomo, the proud owner of this establishment!" a girl, about 17 years old, with black hair, and wearing a black cheongsam, cheerily greeted as the two entered. They were ushered to a round table. "Would you and your girlfriend want the Sumire special?"
Shiori got blushed hard. "Um, ah, well, he's not my—"
"And we're not boyfriend and girlfriend," Keima finished.
"Sure, you aren't," Sumire answered. "And you're just here for work."
"We are. I'm here to review her novel. She's an aspiring novelist and asked me to check her work. Miss Shiomiya, I want to see your manuscript."
"Um, yes. Novel," the blushing girl said as she took from her bag the said manuscript.
"That's the best excuse yet!" Sumire laughed. "So, you want the Sumire Special Sweet Ramen? It's—hey, I know you!"
Shiori looked on in horror. Why does it seem so scary? Because she remembered the first meeting at Katsuragi's café, and she remembered the list of names that Keima had conquered—Sumire Uemoto was one of them. She had thought that those who did not belong to their magic circle had forgotten—did Sumire remember?
"Not so loud, please," Keima snapped. "I don't want people to mob me."
"Kanon's boyfriend, I mean, brother!" she exclaimed in a soft voice. "So you really are her foster brother, not her boyfriend. Because, if you're her boyfriend, then you are cheating on her with this girl! But since you're just her 'brother', then I guess this is fine."
And Shiori breathed a sigh of relief. At least she didn't remember. She could not imagine what would happen if Katsuragi had another girl after him. She had nothing to fear. To have any chance, a girl must belong to the schedule. And Shiori could block that by voting against her.
"Yes, I am Kanon's brother," Keima admitted. "Now, I want a Sumire Special Sweet Ramen for Miss Shiomiya here and ordinary ramen for me."
"Wait? You don't want my special? I assure you that my Sweet Ramen is perfect! Just ask all my other customers!"
"I'm sure it's delicious," Keima answered. "But I don't have a sweet tooth. I don't like sweet things. Sorry. I'll have to pass."
"Aw! Please try it, Kanon's brother!" Sumire begged. "If not, I'll tell everyone here who you are!"
"Stop bothering the customers!" a middle-aged man interjected. "I'm sorry for my daughter's exuberance. She meant well. So I take it you like ordinary ramen, sir?"
"Yes."
"I'll take the sweet ramen," Shiori squeaked. She was unhappy with the girl's interference. She should have Katsuragi for herself! It was her time!
Sumire pouted but bowed before her father. The chastened owner took their order.
While they were waiting for their order, Keima scanned the novel while Shiori looked on.
Part 267 – Shiori's Request
Does he like it? Miss Fuse told me he would like it. But I can't read his face. Why must he have such a perfect poker face! And I need to ask something. Or I'll be left behind! But how can I tell him? I need help. How can I tell him? I want to watch it! I want to witness it for him! I need to show my love! I need to watch it. I want to watch. I want to watch.I want to watch.
"I want to watch!"
I want to watch. I want to watch. Wait! Did I just say that out loud! How embarrassing. I will never live this down! Never! He must think I'm weird or something. What to do? What to do?
"What do you want to watch?"
How could I tell him that? I can't tell him that! I can't ask! He would think I'm weird or something.
"Um, I, uh, I want to watch—"
And she lost her tongue. She could not cough it up.
"You want to watch the conquest of Miyako Terada."
Shiori nodded. How did he know about what I was going to ask? Did he read my mind? Did New Hell give him powers to read minds? Katsuragi's amazing!
"Are you really sure you want to watch it? I'm going to kiss Miyako."
"I know. Yes, please," she answered.
"Fine. But let me warn you. It's probably going to be very painful for you to see me kiss another girl," he said.
"I don't care! I want to be part of your life," she squeaked.
Keima nodded. "Fine. It'll happen tonight, after the duet. Watch the duet with the others, and Haqua will come to you when it's time."
"Thank you, Katsuragi."
He nodded. And he wanted to shake his head. What had gotten into the girls' heads that they decided that they wanted to watch it? He gets the reason why Ayumi and Chihiro wanted to. After all, Miyako's their best friend. But what excuse did Tsukiyo have? Or Tenri? Or Shiori? He guessed it was the bandwagon effect. Other girls wanted it, so the rest decided to want it too.
A few minutes later, Sumire delivered the ramen. "Here's Sumire's special for you!" the store owner said, giving it to Shiori. "And here's my ordinary special ramen! Just for you, Kanon's brother!"
And gave it to Keima.
Shiori had to admit that the sweet ramen was delicious even as it was contrary to all her expectations as to what ramen should ideally taste. She was going back in the future to have another sample of that sweet sweet ramen.
As for Keima, his ramen was not sweet. Therefore, he didn't mind eating it. He had to admit, even if he was never a connoisseur of food, that it was good, especially in comparison to Sumire's earlier efforts.
"So, can I take a picture of both of you?" Sumire asked as they finished their meal.
"Why?"
"Because people knowing that Kanon's brother was here would be a great boon for my store!"
"No."
"Please! Please, I need this!"
"People will get the wrong idea if they saw a picture of me and her eating together," Keima pointed out.
"Then how about a picture of you alone? Or even better, let's pose together for a picture! Then people will come here when they learn it's the place that Kanon's brother ate!"
"People will think we're a couple if that happened," the gamer riposted.
"Since you have no girlfriend, would it be so bad to have me? Or are you secretly dating any other girl?"
"Right now? No. But I don't want more trouble. So no," Keima firmly said. "No pictures or advertisements involving me or my name."
"But Kanon's brother, please, I need this to make this restaurant really famous and—"
"Sumire, that's enough!" the father of Sumire scolded in a soft voice. "Don't bother them. Sir, I am sorry for my daughter's behavior."
"It's fine, Mr. Uemoto. We'll be going now."
"Come visit another time! Even by yourself, I won't mind!" Sumire said, winking at him. Keima pretended not to notice.
…
They flew back to Maijima Private High, landing on the roof of the school library, using the magic carpet.
"Thank you, Katsuragi," Shiori said as Elsie disappeared with the carpet. "I felt like Princess Jasmine."
"Did you like that Ramen Place? I thought you'd like one where you can order without talking to anyone."
"I like that, but you can talk for me in Sumire's store," Shiori argued. "I want to go there next time too." If only that Sumire Umoroto girl weren't there to annoy us. She spoiled a perfect date with Katsuragi! Does she have an eye for him? But why should I worry? Sumire is not in the schedule. She has no chance.
"In an hour, the duet will start," Katsuragi said. "And in a few minutes, your time will be up."
"Those were two happy hours," Shiori whispered, her face blushing red, looking at the concrete. "Katsuragi, I love you very much."
"Yes, I know," he said as he took her hand and gently pulled her to him. He put his right hand under her chin and gently raised her head, so she was looking up at him.
Wrapping his left arm around her waist, he pulled her up as he bent down. His lips met hers in a kiss as he closed his eyes.
Shiori was expecting it, so she was ready. She closed her eyes as she wrapped her hands around his neck, and tiptoed as she pushed her lips against his, pulling the two closer.
Like before, it was passionate, and long, as both refused to end the kiss until they had to, Shiori feeling every positive emotion there was, hoping that the moment would never end.
But it had to, but only when they were physically unable to sustain it. They broke lip contact, both breathing hard, but still holding each other.
"Oh, Katsuragi, I wish we could be like this forever," she cried as she locked her arms around his neck, refusing to go, and buried her face on his chest. "I am so happy."
"Shiori, it's time," he said, gently prying her off. "I had fun reading your novelization. See you at the duet."
With that, he walked off, Shiori looking with longing, but hopeful. Two hours were gone, but she still had one more hour for the next day at lunch.
The duet would start in one hour.
End of Flag XXIV
Stats for the Week
Official Time
Monday
Tenri – Morning Walk – 15 minutes
Yui – Lunch – 1 hour
Kanon – Night Event – 1 hour
Tuesday
Tenri - Morning Walk - 15 minutes
Chihiro – Lunch – 1 hour
Tenri – After School Visit – 1 hour
Wednesday
Tenri - Morning Walk - 15 minutes
Kanon – Lunch – 1 hour
Tenri - Visit to Neighbor – 1 hour
Kanon – Night Event – 1 hour
Thursday
Tsukiyo – Lunch – 1 hour
Shiori – After School Event – 2 hours
Total:
Tenri – 2 hour, 45 minutes
Yui – 3 hours
Kanon – 3 hours
Chihiro – 1 hour
Tsukiyo – 1 hour
Shiori – 2 hours
Note: I got the idea of Keima and Shiori having a date at Sumire's store from ZelgadisGW! Thank you!
Review Replies
To xellos540,
Once again, this was originally sent by PM. I'm sharing it for the enlightenment of the readers.
At this point, I think virtually everyone in the school, background characters included, were affected much by Keima, especially after the events with Kanon. Even if the effect of Keima was negative, like in Mobuko's case.
Keima meant his own club. He just visited his club and approved Minami's membership.
True about Miyako being led by her nose. To be fair, most of Keima's conquests were led by their noses by Keima up to their conquest.
Miyako looked like a typical fan, and Kanon picked up on it, so it's just an inference that Miyako wanted Kanon's autograph. After all, Kanon had to deal with countless fans everyday who wants her autograph.
You're right about Miyako's problem. Yes, she shouldn't care about what others think, but the first duet happened when she was just a twelve-year-old kid, and she doesn't have the emotional maturity yet to deal with it, and it dogged her as a result. And that mentality affected her other efforts and colored her perspective, so getting second out of 30 is something that she abhors.
Yeah, poor Miyako. There's a reason why Elsie only detected the Weiss after the announcement of the exam results. Yes, Keima got first even when he left halfway through. He finished it early and got perfect.
The problem that Kaori will have is that Keima isn't running, and every action that Keima will do will tell Kaori that he isn't running, so until the very last moment when he does change his mind, Kaori won't worry about him.
Yep! Kanon is an actress, and have starred in many shows where she plays a character who rejected a suitor. And as an idol, she needs to reject suitors in such a way that it won't detract from her image and reputation. Thus, rejecting boys is something she's used to.
As for Tenri in a dress, that's something that Yuuko was responsible for. She's "helping" her daughter win Keima. As for lipstick and Diana, maybe we'll find out in the future. Diana probably approves of it if it helps win Katsuragi.
At least Keima gets to see the dress before she wore them, right? That's probably the aim of Yuuko. And maybe she removed her coat during the event with Gendo.
Tenri said "real proper date before" so maybe Denezi Date wasn't a proper date before (because Keima doesn't think of it as a date and only did so in order to elicit information and Tenri knew it?)
Yeah, but it wasn't the first time Keima did this. Remember when he "got" a ticket to the Wrestling Event, and "coincidentally" had the same seat as Jun Nagase?
Gendo being at Narusawa was a coincidence, as Keima had to check his phone for nearby events. Basically, what Keima did was to check on Stage Magic events nearby for their date. And yes, Tenri never managed to attend his shows because of the cost.
It's not a coincidence that Diana mentioned sneaking into the Music Hall. That's probably why Tenri didn't object when they sneaked in for the Magic Show.
Tenri saying sorry was simply her being polite. She did the same when she kissed him before back in Flag IV. As of whether it's a sign of a trend? We'll see. xD
As for the bridal carry, I don't think Keima has much of a choice once Tenri fainted with her arms around his neck xD. Yuuko would feel very happy for her daughter! :D
They (girls of the schedule) would think Keima is cheating on them if they heard about Keima dating another girl. But I'm sure they'll be calm and rational and ask Keima first before reaching to conclusions xD (right!) As long as Keima explains carefully, I think they'll understand.
Kanon knew he was just acting when he acted as a fan. And she knew that he's not a big of her music. So to say sincerely that she 'would do' was very gratifying to Kanon.
Elsie supposedly blabbed to the five girls. Yep! Elsie wants to introduce Mari to the remaining five girls of the schedule!
And that's why I enjoy writing about Mari's perspective. It really give an insight to how much outsiders really know about Keima's situation!
Yep! Mission accomplished for Keima and Elsie! Provided they pull it off, they don't have to worry about Mari's reaction to Keima dating the girls of the schedule!
I imagine they could use the café and bring in sleeping bags and tents. We'll see.
The duet will happen on Thursday, and the sleepover on Saturday.
And once more, thank you for your review, xellos!
To Rebelling Death, Thank you very much for your review.
As for Miyako and her memories, just read the next chapter and see what happens! Thanks!
Appendix
Summary of the Miyako Plot
First Week
On Monday, Mr. Kodama announced the results of the English exams. It was the exam where Keima left after forty-five minutes because of Kanon's confession. Everyone expected that Miyako would top it as a result. However, despite everything, it turned out that Keima had just finished the exam when Kanon confessed and got 100, and Miyako got 84.
That afternoon, when Miyako entered the classroom, Elsie's alarm went off, and Miyako was officially the next conquest target.
Elsie begged Keima to save her "best friend immediately", but Keima said he would start next week. Because the situation with the seven girls was still volatile, he needed to fix his relationship with the seven girls first before he could begin to conquer Miyako. Especially with Chihiro and Ayumi's situation still unstable.
So during the first week, as part of his operations to make the girls fully accept the schedule, he, among other things, reminded them of his need to conquer girls to save them from the Weiss. He told them that he would kiss Miyako to do so. The girls were generally supportive of him as a result.
Keima asked Haqua to follow Miyako around. The valedictorian should find out as much as possible about her. She should record everything in her raiment if possible.
In the meantime, Elsie, wanting to save Miyako, made the first move. During Wednesday's lunch, Elsie suggested that Miyako and Keima be girlfriend and boyfriend. When Miyako politely declined, they shifted topics. Elsie asked Miyako to tutor her because she failed in the recent exam. Miyako agreed, and Elsie suggested that she visit Miyako at her home for the tutoring.
Later, after spending time with Chihiro and Ayumi at Dezeni Sea, Keima received a message from his mother to pick up Elsie at Miyako's place.
Keima went to Miyako's place. There, he and Miyako talked about tutoring Elsie. He asked Miyako to teach him how to teach Elsie. In exchange, he will tell her how he got Ayumi and Chihiro perfect marks in the exam where he tutored them.
Miyako agreed.
On Saturday morning, Elsie and Miyako mentioned to Ayumi and Chihiro that, on Sunday morning, she would tutor Keima to teach Elsie. Chihiro and Ayumi immediately deduced that it was part of Keima saving Miyako.
Second Week
On Sunday morning, Keima visited Miyako at her home for the tutoring. They went to Miyako's basement, which was her study room. There, Keima showed Miyako how he studies, and how he can get 100 in exams without fail. As an example, they pretended that there would be a surprise quiz for History on Monday. Keima deduced the questions that Nikaido would ask in that hypothetical quiz.
Next, Miyako taught Keima how she got tutored during her cram school, and how she applied that in Elsie's case.
Later, Miyako prepared a delicious lunch. Keima complimented her, saying that there isn't anything she couldn't do. Miyako protested, saying that she's just an average girl. Keima move in for the kill, intending to conquer her, but the doorbell rang. Ayumi and Chihiro arrived.
They told Keima that they wanted to help and that they want to witness him kiss Miyako at the end. Keima agreed.
Later, they continued the tutoring. They noticed that there was a long-unused piano in the study room. They goaded Keima to play the instrument. He was terrible. He requested Miyako to teach him how to play the piano. Chihiro, Elsie, and Ayumi all goaded Miyako to accept, and she did.
Unknown to Miyako, despite not having played piano before, Keima had already played various difficult piano-based galges, that, as Keima described, was more of a piano tutorial than a galge game. But he finished all of it, and in the process, gained knowledge of piano notes and tones. All that was missing was to apply that knowledge to an actual keyboard. He practiced at home, using a keyboard created by Elsie's magic.
On Monday, Chihiro and Ayumi asked Miyako what was really going on between her and Keima. They told her to stay away from him, as Keima was the Otamegane. They told her he was no good. They were just nice to him because of Elsie, but it was just an act. Miyako got incensed and defended Keima from her friends. She told them not to badmouth Keima in front of her if they want to remain her friends.
Ayumi and Chihiro then teased Miyako about liking Keima.
Then Nikaido gave a pop quiz. Keima predicted 95% of all the questions she asked. Miyako began to think of Keima not only as a genius but godly too.
Later, the tutoring started. Keima "learned" from Miyako. And he was careful only to reveal skills and knowledge that could be traced to what Miyako had taught him. And Miyako was amazed at how fast he learned and how he never forgot anything she taught him. They started from the basics, but Keima learned so quickly that by the end of the night, he was playing more complicated pieces.
As the tutorial ended, Keima spotted an invitation to a piano duet contest on the garbage bin. He saw the ending.
He invited Miyako to participate in the duet contest. She initially wanted to refuse, but because her parents were there too, and they wanted her to participate, she decided to play for time and said that she would think about it and give an answer the next day.
The next day, Tuesday, in the 2B Pencils clubroom, Miyako decided that she would not participate in the duet. However, Chihiro and Ayumi insinuated that that was because she had no faith in Keima's abilities, which Miyako denied. Keima entered the room and asked Miyako if she was willing to participate in the duet contest. She still refused.
Elsie asked Keima to play on Miyako's keyboard. When he did, he showed how good he was. Ayumi and Chihiro basically told Miyako that her refusal to duet with him shows how little she thinks of Keima's abilities. Finally, Miyako gave in because she did not want the world to believe that she feels that Keima was worthless.
The two registered to participate in the Thursday night duet contest. And Keima selected the piece that they would play—a classical piece that was also used as background music to several of his favorite games.
And they started to practice that afternoon. They have two days.
On Wednesday afternoon, Keima and Miyako continued their practice, this time with—in addition to Chihiro, Ayumi, and Elsie—Kanon, Asami, Minami, and Aoba as part of the audience. Miyako then recalled her first piano student, and what caused her to think about why coming in second sucks and winning was all that mattered.
Later, Ayumi and Chihiro told Yui that they would get to witness Miyako's conquest. Because of that, Yui wanted to watch Keima kiss Miyako too. Yui asked him during her time on Tuesday evening. Keima agreed to let her watch. Tenri, during her time on Tuesday evening, also asked Keima about it when Keima mentioned about Ayumi and Chihiro wanting to watch him conquer Miyako. Keima agreed to let Tenri watch too. Kanon also asked Keima that she too wanted to watch, and Keima said yes during her time on Wednesday night. Yui mentioned to Tsukiyo and Shiori that they too should watch, and they agreed to ask Keima about it.
Summary of Mari and the Parents Plot
First Week
It started on Tuesday evening. Kanon heard that Keima was beaten up by bullies (in reality, Ayumi). She appeared to him, even if it were not her schedule yet, and had Apollo heal him. Then Kanon accompanied Keima, in her usual disguise, to Café Grandpa, where she had a sample of Keima's coffee. Kanon met Mari during that time. Kanon and Keima came in separately so that Mari would believe that her coming was just a "coincidence".
On Friday evening, during Keima's time with Tenri, Tenri kissed Keima. But this time, she was caught doing so by her parents.
On Saturday, Keima brought Yui Goido and Aoba Fuse home. Yui boldly declared that she would marry Keima, and Aoba called Keima God. Mari talked to Keima, and Keima was able to tell his mother that Yui was just teasing him since no girl could fall in love with him. And Aoba Fuse just had the same interests as him.
Mari was disappointed that Keima did not bring a girlfriend home, even as she was happy that Aoba Fuse was her son's new friend. However, she disapproved of Aoba as a potential girlfriend of Keima as she wanted someone who would offset Keima's bad habits, not encourage it.
And when she interrogated Keima after the two girls left, he told her that they were not in love with him. With Yui, he said to her that because his games said that Yui could not be in love with him, then Yui's not in love with him. Keima also explained away the time he spent with Tenri as something innocent. When Mari questioned Elsie, she corroborated everything that Keima told her, while telling Mari that Keima was just oblivious.
So she concluded that because of his lack of experience in the real world, Keima was hopelessly naïve about girls liking him. He was oblivious.
Second Week
On Sunday afternoon, Kanon made a TV announcement that she was not in love with Keima. Instead, Keima was like her "brother". And that her earlier confession was a "mistake".
That night, Mari saw many girls gathered in Café Grandpa. They all stated that they wanted to sample Keima's coffee. When Keima entered, they all followed him with their eyes and blushed, which Mari noticed. She wondered if all the girls were in love with her son.
Before she could ask more, she heard a knock on the door. It was Kanon and Okada.
Kanon joined the girls in the café, while Okada "explained" to Mari what had been happening. Okada told Mari that they struck a bargain with Keima. In exchange for Kanon's TV announcement, Keima will give Kanon three hours of his time per week while allowing Keima to have other girls to keep up the ruse of Kanon only treating Keima as her "brother".
Mari was bewildered and answered that it was up to Keima to decide. And when Keima returned, he said yes to the entire thing. When they left, Mari said that the whole thing was a plot by Okada to use Keima to benefit only Kanon and herself, but gave her consent and blessing to the arrangement as they had no choice.
Keima can have "other" girls.
On Monday morning, Keima and Tenri walked to school. There, Tenri mentioned that her parents caught Tenri kissing Keima and that her parents think that the two of them were boyfriend and girlfriend. Keima promised to fix it.
On Monday evening, as Mari reflected on Kanon's situation with her son, Elsie told her that Tenri was in love with Keima. Elsie proposed that Tenri be given the same chance as Kanon. Mari was encouraged, as she was not too fond of Kanon, and hoped that Tenri would, at the least, give Kanon a much-needed jolt and end her complacency. However, Mari noted that Keima does not even believe that Tenri is in love with him.
However, Mari declared herself as 'Mari the Master Conspirator'. She would try to get Tenri to confess to Keima, make Keima believe that Tenri is in love with him, and give Tenri the same terms and conditions as he did Kanon. They can only give Tenri as much as he gave Kanon because Okada might get angry if they gave more to Tenri.
When Keima arrived, he asked Mari's help because Tenri's parents think that they are boyfriend and girlfriend. Mari says she'll help him with the condition that he gives Tenri the same rights as Kanon if it turned out that Tenri really is in love with him. Keima, declaring that Tenri is not in love with him, agrees. Then mother and son began to plot how to rope Tenri's parents in, assuming that Tenri is in love with him and would accept being on the same plane as Kanon.
On Tuesday morning, as Keima walked with Tenri to school, Keima gave vague advice on what she should do. He asked her if she loves him. She said yes. Keima approved of her answer and told her to go with the flow.
That evening, as Tenri was going home, she was intercepted by Elsie and led to the Katsuragi home. There, she was interrogated by Mari. Tenri had no choice but to "confess" her love, and declare that she was willing to share him with Kanon.
When Tenri left, it turned out that Keima was secretly listening, and Keima had to "admit" that Tenri does indeed love him. So per their previous agreement, he agreed to give Tenri the same rights as Kanon.
Mari and Keima then visited the Ayukawas. Keima was immediately ushered up to Tenri's room, while Mari talked to the Ayukawas. Mari told them about the situation between Kanon and Tenri, and because of that, Tenri and Keima could not be girlfriend and boyfriend. At most, Tenri could only be at the same footing with Kanon, which was unacceptable for such a nice girl as Tenri.
Her parents agreed until Tenri "accidentally" listened in to their conversation and insisted that she was willing to share Keima with Kanon for the next five years at only three hours per week. Then they asked Keima, and he stated that he could not make Tenri share him. Then Tenri suddenly kissed him and declared that she wanted Keima and she's willing to share him with Kanon. Then the parents and Mari agreed.
Later on, it was revealed that it was not Tenri who was downstairs speaking with Keima and her parents, but Haqua, since Tenri was too timid and shy to do what Haqua did. Diana attacked Haqua for kissing Keima, but Keima warded the goddess off.
Keima then spent one hour with Tenri. Keima told Tenri all of his plans for the parents and revealed that he planned for Mari to accept all seven girls at the same time and that there would be a sleepover planned in the near future.
On Wednesday evening, Elsie told Mari that she blabbed to Ayumi, Chihiro, Shiori, Yui and Tsukiyo the deal between Kanon, Tenri, and Keima. As all five girls were in love with Keima, they also demanded to have the same deal. Mari was conflicted, ultimately agreeing with Elsie as long as Keima agreed, thinking that Keima would reject it.
Keima, however, accepted it, only on the condition that Mari accepts it. Mari had no choice but to allow it as she had given her word to Elsie that she would approve it if Keima agreed. But Keima assured Mari that the girls would surely reject it, as they would not willingly share him. And besides, the girls are not in love with him anyway.