I ended up only leaving the headmaster's office when the chime for lunch break sounded. Hey, at least I got off without problems and with a new friend to boot.

I headed back to the classroom. I'd brought my own lunch, but I still had to look for a place to eat it.

"Yuuto."

"How did it go? You're not getting expelled, are you?"

Lizel-senpai and Miyabi had been waiting for me in front of the classroom entrance. I couldn't tell if Miyabi was joking or serious, but I chose to believe she was joking. At least, I'd rather not think I got that close to being kicked out.

Lizel-senpai told me to come with her and Miyabi to the cafeteria so we could talk about things, so I got my lunch from my things. Lunch with two beauties like them? Of course I'm going.

That said, the cafeteria of Ginsei Academy was just as I had expected. It might as well be a first-class restaurant. It had a menu and waiters and everything!

Lizel-senpai ordered for her and Miyabi and they ate like the young noble ladies they were. Meanwhile, I was there with my boxed lunch.

Yeah… I really felt out of place…

"Yuuto, was everything fine with the headmaster?"

"O-oh, yeah. He and Amon just talked with me about a few things related to the Devil King War and Lovers Arcana."

"Hmm? Who's Amon?" It seemed Miyabi at least didn't know who he was.

"So Amon was also there. Did he ask you about the Arcana's voice?"

"Y-yeah."

From Lizel-senpai's expression, I could already tell she knew Amon was Fool's Devil King Candidate. She was probably worried that I'd let something slip.

Unfortunately, I can't ease her worries. I might not have answered about the Arcana's voice, but I had talked about Lizel-senpai, Miyabi and Reina wanting to become my Cards.

Which reminds me, it's probably best to talk about this as soon as possible.

"Lizel-senpai, Miyabi, about you becoming my Cards, I've decided…"

"Ooh, my heart is going 'dodon' super fast!"

Miyabi seemed strangely excited, but Lizel-senpai stopped me before I could say another word.

"Wait, Yuuto, let's wait for when Reina is also around."

"Aah, right."

"Eeh, can't Yuuto say it now and we'll just pretend we didn't know when he tells Reina?"

"Miyabi."

Lizel-senpai chided Miyabi, who pouted like a child. It took a little, but Miyabi eventually settled down and decided to wait for Reina.

So we continued focusing on our lunches. Lizel-senpai and Miyabi were both eating steaks while all I had was a normal boxed lunch. The only thing noteworthy were the sausages mom had prepared for me this morning.

Much like an animal trying to avoid its predator, I tried to make myself small so I wouldn't be noticed, since blending with the ambiance would be impossible.

But I felt someone's gaze. It was coming from the table I was sitting at, or rather, it was from Linzel-senpai and Miyabi.

"Yuuto, gimme your sausage."

"D-don't say it like that…"

"Doesn't matter. I'll trade you a piece of steak for a sausage. I won't be able to resist if you show me such a delicious looking thing."

Miyabi's choice of words aside, she cut a piece of her steak and gave it to me in place of one of my sausages. And…

Yup, as expected, the way she ate it was erotic-looking, to say the least. I don't know if she was doing it on purpose, but my dirty mind sure didn't help me deal with it.

"T-then, me too. Here, Yuuto."

Lizel-senpai also cut out a piece of her steak, presumably to trade with me, but rather than just putting it on my bento, she was going to feed it to me.

"L-Lizel-senpai, t-that's…"

"Say 'aaah' Yuuto."

It didn't look like she was going to back down, so I just ate the piece of steak like she wanted. Lizel-senpai then took the fork into her own mouth… wasn't it empty though?

"Ah! Senpai was smarter than me!"

"Fufufu~"

Lizel-senpai's cheeks were a little red and Miyabi seemed defeated for some reason. Without really understanding what was happening, I just continued eating.

Eventually, we all finished our lunches. Lizel-senpai called the staff to clear the table while I discreetly put away my boxed lunch.

"We still have some time, let's show Yuuto around a bit."

"Ooh, sounds like a good plan."

And so Lizel-senpai decided we'd take a small tour around Ginsei Academy while lunch time hadn't ended.

/

"Even that forest, way over there, is part of the academy's grounds."

"Wow, this… is even bigger than I expected!"

Lizel-senpai, Miyabi and I were taking a small stroll around the academy grounds, mostly so they could show me around the various facilities.

I'd read about them in the manual I was given before enrolling, but seeing it for myself is still a different matter. We won't be able to explore a lot before lunch time ends, but I've already seen a number of places.

"Ooh, look, Yuuto, that's the middle school building over there."

"So that's where Reina is."

"Hmm. We should be able to meet her every day in the Palace, but I did message her to come if possible."

We were just waiting on Reina for me to tell the girls my decision about making them my Cards. Well, I think they've already guessed what I'm going to say though.

We've been taking an alternative route to go back to the high school building in order for Lizel-senpai and Miyabi to show me lots of places. That said, we're almost back already, so the next one is probably the last stop.

"Let's check the gym on the way. It'll be an important place for Yuuto's training soon."

"Yes!" "Yup, let's go!"

We walked towards the gym and opened the doors, and what we saw inside was a murder scene.

Actually, not quite. The guy lying on the floor was completely blood-soaked, he was clearly being beaten up, but he could also pass for someone who had been run over by a truck or something.

I almost wasn't able to identify who it was. It was the guy from yesterday.

"Geld! Hey, what happened?"

"Mm? Oh, you're the guy who took care of Geld yesterday?"

There was someone I hadn't noticed before. A very tall and muscular man. Seriously, I'm pretty sure his arms were twice as thick as mine, if not more. He also had a sword with him.

If I had to guess, this was probably related to the Devil King War. This big guy must be a Candidate or a Card and decided to attack Geld while he was still recovering from yesterday. What a low blow!

"Name's Kilga, World's Knight."

"Knight… wait World?!"

What's going on? Wasn't Geld also one of World's Cards? Wouldn't that make them allies? If anything, shouldn't Kilga have teamed up with Geld to attack me as revenge?

While my head was swimming in questions, Miyabi and Lizel-senpai took position in front of me in order to protect me against any possible attack.

But Kilga didn't attack, rather, he just lifted Geld's face and made him look at us.

"Oi, Geld, that's the guy who beat you, right? So he's Lovers?"

"G-ga,bleh."

It seemed like Geld tried to say something, but only managed to puke out blood. Kilga seemed annoyed by this and slammed his head against the floor.

"Stop that! Aren't you supposed to be allies?!"

"Huh? Don't be mistaken, human. This guy was barely accepted as a Card, and the first thing he does is throw dirt at Aspite-sama's name by losing to a human. He deserves to be punished!"

Kilga stepped on the back of Geld's head. It was probably just my imagination, but I thought I heard something close to breaking.

I could barely contain my anger, and Kilga seemed to notice that. So he took his feet off from Geld's head and provoked me.

"If you want to save this guy, the only way is to kill me."

I was about to move forward, but Miyabi and Lizel-senpai stood in the way. They tried to calm me down.

"Don't, Yuuto."

"It's a trap."

R-right, I can't lose my cool. At the end of the day, they're teammates, Kilga probably won't do more-

Kilga clicked his tongue and suddenly raised his sword. H-he's going to kill Geld right here!

"Yuuto!"

"Wait!"

"Barricade!"

I forced my way through Lizel-senpai and Miyabi, and got close enough that I could protect Geld with a Barricade. With this, it should be-

"Got you."

By the time I noticed, Kilga's aim had switched from Geld to me. My Barricade was on Geld, so I had nothing to protect myself.

It was too fast for me to dodge, and from the aim, I'd be lucky to live long enough to leave some last words.

Damn it! What do I do? What do I-

"Haaah!"

Before I noticed, a small girl was in front of me. She was wielding a sword bigger than her and was stopping Kilga.

It was Reina! I have no idea where she came from, but she arrived just in the nick of time to save me from Kilga.

"Yuuto-san, are you alright?"

"Tsk! Stay out of this!"

Kilga tried to put more strength into his swing, but Reina easily parried. The difference in their skill was about the same as their difference in size, only Reina was in the advantage when it came to the sword.

Eventually, Kilga stopped attacking. He was breathing hard, as if he'd just run a full marathon. Reina was sweating a little, but overall she seemed fine.

"Dammit you! Why did you have to get in the way?!"

"I won't let you harm Yuuto-san."

I was happy Reina was protecting me, and even Lizel-senpai and Miyabi tried to stop me from getting in harm's way. But…

As I thought, I can't just hide behind them like this.

"Wait, Reina, I picked this fight. I can't just hide behind everyone."

"B-but, Yuuto-san…"

"I can't be a Devil King Candidate if I can't even overcome this much. I'll defeat him myself!"

Kilga showed a big smile. He thought he was going to get the prey that had almost escaped him. He's in for a surprise though.

At least, I hope so. My mana is a bit…

"… Alright. We won't get in the way anymore, Yuuto. But, before you go."

Lizel-senpai grabbed my hand and put it over her breast. I tried pulling out reflexively, but she kept my hand in place.

After a second, when I finally realized what was going on, I stopped trying to go against Lizel-senpai. As a response, I felt her pulling my hand deeper, and I let it sink into her chest.

Of course, I also felt Lizel-senpai's mana flowing into my body. It was Healing Lovers again.

… Wait, shouldn't it work only with Cards? I haven't yet-

"Yuuto, go win. But don't forget, mercy is a privilege of the strong. As you are now, if you worry about your opponent, you will lose."

"Yes, Lizel-senpai!"

I left Lizel-senpai and the others and stood in front of Kilga. Well, I still kept some distance, just to be safe, but the only one between Kilga and I was Geld.

"Fool. You would have lived if you just hid behind them."

"I can't just pick a fight and hide behind someone. And you should be more considerate of your teammate. Yeah he lost, and yeah we didn't get off to the best start, but you're even worse than him!"

"Just shut up! Fizard!"

A magic circle formed on the hilt of Kilga's sword, and the next second a strong fire enveloped the blade.

If I had to guess, Fizard is probably a stronger version of Figa. I could ask the Arcana and learn it… no, in the middle of battle, it's best to stick to what I know.

"Figa!"

The magic circle formed in front of my palm. I aimed at Kilga while he prepared to dash my way.

"Gahahaha! Beginner's magic? Let's see what you're made of, Lovers!"

Kilga dashed towards me. There was no point in thinking of a lot of strategies. Right now, I have two spells to my name, or three if you count World Fall, and not a lot of mana to use them.

I might as well just put it all into this one attack!

I fired off my Figa. Kilga tried to slash it with his sword, but couldn't. My Figa soon swallowed his Fizard-imbued sword. My flame won over his!

"W-what's this?! Gaaah!"

And for the third time in two days, my Figa left someone toasted on the ground. I'm well on my way to become an arsonist at this rate.

My feet were a little unsteady, but Lizel-senpai came to my side and helped me keep my balance.

"Fufufu. That's a full score, Yuuto."

"Woow! You 'bam' blew him away!"

"Amazing! Amazing, Yuuto-san."

I have to admit, it felt a little good, hearing everyone cheering for me like this.

But then, we all felt it. The air got heavy and there was this indescribable presence. Before we noticed, a boy passed by our side.

"What is this?"

That's all he said as he walked towards Geld, then Kilga.

I've seen this guy before. Gray hair and a heavy atmosphere. It was the World Devil King Candidate, Aspite. Geld and Kilga's master.

"A-Aspite-sama. I'm sorry. I'll deal with Lovers now."

"I came because you told me you'd given Geld a lesson, but what I find is that you were also defeated by Lovers…"

"N-not yet, as long as I have this sword I can still-"

"What good is a sword that can't even kill a human?! This is just trash!"

Aspite shouted. I thought I saw some kind of sphere around him, but Kilga's sword shattering stole my attention. Kilga looked like the world was breaking down in front of him.

"M-my sword! My family's heirloom! Y-you! I've put up with your though act long enou-"

Before Kilga could finish saying, Aspite lightly pushed him, or so it looked. But what actually happened was that Kilga went flying out, probably to the edges of Ginsei Academy's grounds.

After that, Aspite turned his attention to us. Or rather, on Lizel-senpai.

"So, Lizel, are you convinced now? I will win this Devil King War, so you might as well join me. Luckily, two spots have also just opened up, so you can even bring your friends if you want."

"Unfortunately, I've already chosen who I'll serve, and it's not you."

"I see. And is he the one?"

Aspite looked at me, he was clearly unimpressed, but fact was I had defeated 2 of his Cards. He wasn't about to just overlook me.

Aspite was getting ready to attack. Shit! I can barely stand, but I can't just let the girls face this alone.

But, as if to save us, another person, another Devil King Candidate Appeared. Amon.

"I would recommend you leave for today, Aspite."

"… Tsk."

He didn't reply, but I could tell Aspite was annoyed. He left, but I could tell this wouldn't be my last run-in with him.

Lizel-senpai turned to look at Amon, as if to ask why he'd helped us. Amon didn't even wait for her to voice it out.

"It's just an investment. I'll take this guy to the infirmary and I'll pick up the other one later, you 3 help Yuuto. I'm guessing you'll stick with him."

"Yes, we'll be his Cards during the Devil King War."

"Good. Well then, I'll see you all around."

I barely saw Amon take Geld away before I lost consciousness.

/

When I came to, I was in an unfamiliar place on an unfamiliar be- oh, wait, it's the Palace, I remember from yesterday.

I saw Reina in the corner of my vision. I don't know if I couldn't hear or just didn't process it, but Reina must have told Miyabi and Lizel-senpai that I had woken up, because they came to see me.

I straighten my back to sit. Now that I look, everyone was in their underwear, which was… troublesome, to say the least, but I'll try to not stare… too much…

But I couldn't help but notice Lizel-senpai's black underwear, Miyabi's pink and Reina's purple. And also, strangely enough, the most erotic looking of them.

"I'm sorry, for making everyone worry like that."

"It's fine. You showed kindness by trying to help Geld, and even won with your own strength. That's how the Devil King Candidate of Lovers should be."

Right. While we're on that topic, now that everyone's here, it's time to go back to the topic of Cards.

"Everyone, I know it was just yesterday when I asked for some time to think about everyone becoming my Cards, so it looks like I didn't put much thought into it. But if… if you're still fine with me, I'd like to make the contract now."

Lizel-senpai, Miyabi and Reina looked at each other, then they nodded. Yeah… I guess it was no secret really, b-but it took a lot of resolve okay! Especially with them in their underwear like this.

"But I don't actually know how to make the contract for a Card…"

"There is the usual way that's likely employed by the other Candidates, but we've already prepared a different way I think will suit us best."

Lizel-senpai grabbed my face and then got hers close. Before I noticed it, her lips were on top of mine. My first kiss!

Such softness, and the taste… was it lipstick or did all girls taste sweet?

I felt… something, clearly magical. No, that's not just me in love. If I had to guess…

[Lizel Himekami has become a Queen Card.]

So it really was the contract, huh. The kiss ended before I could properly savor it, and then Miyabi grabbed my face next. I got the impression her cheeks were a little red, so maybe she was embarrassed?

"Now it's my turn~"

She also kissed me, but her kiss was a lot more daring than Lizel-senpai's, she even tried to get some of her tongue in.

Her lips didn't lose in softness, and her tongue timidly tried to enter my mouth. I felt the same as before, so the contract was made.

[Miyabi Yuugaoze has become a Princess Card.]

Last one was Reina. She seemed a bit nervous, but eventually kissed me as well.

Her kiss was a simple touch of the lips. Nothing much, but it could tell it took a lot of courage for her. I felt the same thing as with Lizel-senpai and Miyabi, the contract was made.

[Reina Koiwai has become a Knight Card.]

"R-Reina swears she'll do her best to serve Yuuto-san, desu!"

With us being so close, I couldn't not look at Reina's underwear. W-why does it cover so little?

"Ooh, Yuuto's looking at Reina's lower body. Are you already having dirty thoughts?"

"T-that's not…"

"We're here already, we might as well get everyone used with Healing Lovers."

"R-Reina will do her best, d-desu!"

And with this, I got my first Cards, and finally started working towards becoming the Devil King.

There was a little incident regarding our practice with Healing Lovers, b-but I won't tell. No way!