The day of the Unveiling finally arrived. Lizel-senpai had come to pick me up with her car. Miyabi and Reina were already with her.

"Waa, I'm getting so nervous. My heart is going 'doki doki' in my chest."

"R-Reina isn't nervous at a-all d-desu."

Needless to say, Reina and Miyabi seemed pretty nervous about the whole thing.

To be honest, I was also pretty nervous, but I was feeling calmer now. Probably because of Miyabi and Reina.

"Ahaha, but I think there's nothing to be nervous about. Right, Lizel-senpai?"

"Right. We'll just mind our own business, only talk to someone if they come talk to us. After Yuuto gives his speech, we'll wait a little before excusing ourselves. If anyone should be feeling nervous, it's Yuuto."

Lizel-senpai might call it a speech, but it's really just a few words I've prepared in advance.

From what she told me, the Devil King would introduce all Candidates in the Unveiling tonight. Meaning basically everyone would be aware of us from now on.

After he introduces each Candidate, the Devil King will give them a minute so they can tell everyone a few words. Those words will give everyone an idea of what kind of person that Candidate is, and it may become a starting point to getting Cards or political allies in the future.

With that in mind, and under the guidance of Lizel-senpai, I prepared a few words to say when the time came. Of course, I'll also pay attention to the other Candidates in order to learn as much about them as I can.

"About that, how come Yuuto's not nervous? Are you that confident in your speech?"

"Not really, but Lizel-senpai helped me a lot, so I shouldn't make a fool of myself at least. If anything, Miyabi and Reina being so nervous is helping me keep my calm."

"Fufufu."

"Geez, that Yuuto. As long as it helps, I suppose I'll bear with it."

"R-R-Reina's glad to help d-desu!"

We still had a little while left before we arrived, so there was plenty of time to calm down.

Our destination was Ginsei Academy, but not the school grounds we normally went to. Apparently, there was this whole separate building that was used in special events, like on graduations or in the Devil King War, like now.

By the way, this Unveiling was some kind of gala event. The Devil King, along with the Candidates, some Cards and important people of the Devil World would be attending.

That's what made me nervous the most at first. I'd never been on any event like that, I thought I'd be like a fish out of water.

Obviously, I had to dress appropriately, so Lizel-senpai got me a tuxedo. Out of curiosity, I asked her the price and almost had a heart attack. I better not get a single particle of dust in this.

Of course, I wasn't the only one who was dressed up. I was really just wearing this expensive suit, but the girls went all out.

Lizel-senpai wore a beautiful red dress. The front didn't show much skin, but the back was entirely open, with only her butt being covered. It was really erotic looking from behind. Her hair would make sure no one saw anything though, except me, since she insisted on showing it to me.

By the way, I asked Lizel-senpai and it seems she's already taken part in a number of events such as this. That's why she was acting like this was another ordinary day.

Miyabi wore a pink dress. With her blond hair let down, she looked a lot like a princess. I was a bit worried if she'd be all right in this kind of event, but she reminded me her family is also noble, so this isn't her first party, though it had been a few years since the last one she attended.

Lastly, Reina wore a blue dress. She looked so cute I wanted to take a picture of her and frame it. She really did look like a doll. Apparently, this would be Reina's first high class event, just like me, even though her family is also noble.

We eventually arrived at the place where the Unveiling would take place. This time, I knew to wait for the driver to open the door for me.

Yeah, I didn't really like it and felt it was unnecessary, even more so because the man didn't even work for me, but Lizel-senpai told me there were a few things I'd have to put up with in formal events like this.

After we got out, Lizel-senpai wrapped her arm around mine. Miyabi did the same with my other arm.

"M-Miyabi, Lizel-senpai, this is a bit embarrassing…"

"Eeh, it's fine for Yuuto to just enjoy it~"

Miyabi was intentionally pressing her breast on my arm. It was far from a bad feeling, but the fact that anyone could happen to see us now made me uneasy.

"Miyabi, don't do anything unnecessary. Save it for the afterparty."

"Yees, senpai."

Eh? What afterparty? This is the first I'm hearing of this. Is it a different event we have to attend?

"It's fine Yuuto. We'll just be relaxing. Everyone's tension is pretty high, so I thought it would be a good idea."

Aah, so that's it. I was starting to get nervous for a second. Also, is it just me or did Lizel-senpai basically read my mind just then?

I was escorted in by Lizel-senpai and Miyabi. Reina was walking behind us. I only had 2 arms, so unfortunately there was no way to hold all 3 of my Cards.

Although we had decided Reina would be the one left out in the car, I still felt bad about this. I'll make it up to her someday.

We entered the salon. There were already a number of people there. All of them were dressed at their finest. If it wasn't for Miyabi and Lizel-senpai leading the way, I would have stopped dead in my tracks.

"Woah."

"Try to not show too much surprise, Yuuto."

"R-right. Sorry."

It might have looked like I was the one bringing Lizel-senpai and Miyabi along, but it was actually them directing me. This was just so outside my usual life I didn't even know what to do.

From the direction we were going… oh right, we first have to greet the host, right? So in this case, the Devil King.

I could see the Devil King a little distance away. He was already talking with someone, so we patiently waited for our turn.

"Yuuto. Going to greet the Devil King?"

"Oh, Amon. It's been a while since I last saw you."

While we waited, the Devil King Candidate of Fool, and the current Devil King's son, Amon came to greet us. Needless to say, he was finely dressed and seemed to be enjoying the party, though his eyes still looked tired.

Amon extended his hand to me, I took it and gave it a little shake. He also greeted the girls by kissing their hands. He really knew his way around formal greetings.

Maybe he had been talking with someone, since I noticed a few gazes gathered around us when Amon came over.

"You helped me and Lizel-sen- I mean, my Cards when Aspite showed up the other day. I would like to thank you for that."

I really didn't like speaking like this, it made me feel like I wasn't being sincere. But Lizel-senpai had told me it was important to keep appearances in events like this, so it couldn't be helped.

"There's no need for thanks, it was just a whim. I heard you've been training recently, Yuuto. How's that been going?"

"I apologize, but Yuuto can't speak about such matters with a fellow Candidate."

Lizel-senpai promptly cut me off. Which was a good thing, since I was about to answer by reflex.

Amon didn't seem offended by it though, he just nodded. He asked if he could follow us to greet the Devil King, and, having no reason to refuse, we let him stay with us.

It wasn't long until our turn came. The Devil King wore his usual clothes. I still couldn't quite believe he was who he was, considering he really didn't look the part, but there was no doubt at that point.

"Hooh, Yuuto's here."

"G-good night, oh great Dev-"

"Too stiff! Just act normally, I allow you as a friend and the Devil King. Come on, try again."

"O-oh, well… hey, thanks for having us?"

Although they said nothing, I could feel Lizel-senpai and Miyabi stiffen up. Even Reina seemed like she was frozen in time and Amon looked like he'd been punched in the gut.

Maybe I had been too overly familiar? But Barbatos, the Devil King, didn't seem to mind and even laughed about it.

"Gahaha! That's much better. I hate all these stiff formalities, so feel free to just let loose. Of course, that goes for everyone else as well."

"Right… we'll just do as the Devil King says."

"Y-yup, just let loose."

"R-Reina will do her b-best desu!"

The girls may have said they would take it easier, but they still seemed pretty stiff. But the Devil King didn't mind it.

"By the way, Lizel, I haven't had the chance to ask you yet. Did you find what you were looking for all those years ago?"

"… Yes."

"Mm. Good. Anyway, enjoy the party. If you need anything, look for Amon and he'll help you."

"At least do your job as host!"

While Amon rebutted his father's comment, we left the place the Devil King was at. After we were a little bit away, I asked a question to Lizel-senpai.

"Lizel-senpai, have you met the Devil King before?"

"Yes, but that was years ago."

I have to admit I was curious over what they could have talked about. But I felt like I shouldn't ask. If Lizel-senpai wanted me to know, she would have told me.

"Eeh, now I'm curious. What did senpai talk about with the Devil King?"

"Reina is also curious desu."

Seems like Miyabi and Reina couldn't quite contain their curiosities. I won't interfere, because they asked something I want to know as well.

Lizel-senpai let out a sigh. Maybe she figured she might as well come out and say it.

"It wasn't anything much. I just asked him how to make proper use of Lovers Arcana."

"So it was back when everyone thought senpai would be a Devil King Candidate. Was senpai disappointed when you weren't chosen?"

"Not really, I never wanted to be a Candidate. I actually wanted nothing to do with the Devil King War, but that changed when I met Yuuto."

"I guess I should feel honored."

"Fufufu, you should."

After walking a bit, we ended up passing by the sweets table. I noticed how it caught the attention of the girls.

Reina was the first one to give in, probably because she wasn't holding my arm. She approached the sweets table and took one.

"R-Reina wants to taste one desu."

With that, all stops were pulled. We had to make a bit of a stop.

"Mmh~ this one's so good."

"… I suppose I should try some as well."

The girls were happily sampling the sweets being offered. Maybe I should try some as well.

I went to grab a sweet, but I ended up touching someone else's hand.

"Oh, sorry."

"No, no. I'm the one who should apologize."

The girl whose hand I almost grabbed had shoulder length light blue hair and wore a white dress. She looked really pretty, but there was a little something that bothered me about her.

How do I say it? It's like she has an air of masculinity on her that I've never noticed on any other girl. Come to think of it, even the hand I almost grabbed just now didn't feel like a girl's, at least when compared to Lizel-senpai, Miyabi and Reina's.

"Then, I'll be taking this one. Until some other time."

"A-ah, see you."

With the conversation ending suddenly like that, I even forgot to act formal. The girl was gone before I even had a chance to correct myself.

Before I noticed, Lizel-senpai was standing beside me, looking in the direction of the girl that just left.

"Was that… Ruki Kouma?"

"Does Lizel-senpai know who this girl is?"

"I have a suspicion, and seeing as he's here, I'm most likely correct. But Yuuto, he is not a girl."

"Eh?"

Was that a so-called trap? He really did look as cute as a girl though, that Ruki guy. But I guess this explains the stuff that was bothering me.

I'm not the most informed person on the subject, nor do I plan to criticize anyone's sexual orientation or whatever, and I don't really care for anyone's choice of clothing… but damn I really was tricked.

Lizel-senpai was looking at me as if she was evaluating something.

"Mmh, good. Seems like Yuuto isn't into that sort of thing."

"That's what you're thinking about?!"

After that little event, we tried to avoid standing out, as per our original plan. The girls suggested we take a corner of the room or something.

I personally didn't think it would work since, in my eyes at least, they were shining like the sun. But it was worth a try I guess, so we started looking for a place to take.

While we were looking for a place, I felt Miyabi let go of my arm. By the time I noticed, she'd begun walking to somewhere.

Did she find a place? But why would she let go then? Reina, Lizel-senpai and I followed her.

"You!"

What we found was a guy pinning a girl to the wall. There were other girls around the guy, and they seemed to be accompanying him. It seemed that Miyabi had interfered and gotten the girl away from the guy.

The girl Miyabi had saved looked to be about as old as Reina, maybe a year or so older. Her hair was white, but also had some pink highlights. Her skin seemed so pale it looked like she hadn't stepped out into the sun in a good while, it was even a little hard to make out against her dress.

As for the guy, he was clearly handsome. Had blond hair and I could tell he had a nice build even over his suit, not to mention he was tall. As soon as Miyabi took the girl from him, he retreated back to the ones who were following him and… started groping them.

"Ooh, if it isn't Miyabi. What business do you have with me? Maybe you've come to accept my offer?"

"Like hell! I saw you approaching this girl and knew I had to save her from you, Ibiza!"

So the guy's name was Ibiza. Certainly, the scene looked like something bad was going to happen, but I'm not sure if this was the right move. If nothing else, Miyabi's shouts made everyone turn to look at us.

"Now now, don't say that. I know you want to come with me. Come on, let's go over there."

[Warning, threat level 5 approaching Princess.]

I couldn't see anything suspicious about Ibiza, but I wasn't about to doubt the Arcana.

I didn't know what the threat was, so all I could do was pull her away and hope that would be enough.

I didn't notice Miyabi was still holding onto the girl though and ended up pulling her along as well. But Reina helped so no one was hurt.

"Yuuto, what-?"

Miyabi was asking me, but I didn't have time to answer her right now. I'll apologize for pulling her arm like that later, but now I have something else to do.

I put myself between Miyabi and Ibiza. I looked at him so sternly you wouldn't even believe Lovers was considered the weakest Arcana.

"Did you just try to attack Miyabi?"

"… You… noticed?"

Ibiza seemed confused. Well I didn't notice anything, it was the Arcana who told me, but he didn't need to know about that.

There was a rule on the Unveiling. Since every Candidate had to participate, some might try to pull a fast one and attack everyone at once. That's why there was a rule in place that no attack, direct or indirect, can be done during the event.

Of course, just as Lizel-senpai told me that rule, she also told me it would hardly matter if we were actually attacked. This isn't kindergarten where we could tell the teacher if someone broke the rules. We had to be ready to defend ourselves in case of an attack.

"I don't know who you are, but I feel like you'll become a nuisance later, so maybe I should just off you now?"

Ibiza didn't seem like he'd back down, so neither could I. I could only hope the consequences-

"What do we have here? Seems like something I don't want to miss."

Another guy showed up. He was wearing a hoodie, for a second I thought it would be Haida, but it wasn't.

I could see this guy's face. For some reason… it seemed familiar. His hair was a flashy red color and his smile seemed friendly.

In any case, for some reason, I felt like this guy had my back. That, if a fight broke out, he'd help me.

We both faced Ibiza, but it didn't seem like he was planning to back down. It didn't look like we'd be able to avoid a fight.

"What's going on here?"

"Looks like Yuuto's at it again, ahaha! You really are a troublesome student."

The next people to appear were Amon and the Devil King. They stood between me + the guy with a hoodie and Ibiza, as if trying to verify the situation.

"It's this guy's fault. He accused me of trying to attack someone and then got all defensive about it."

"H-he's lying, I know he tried to attack Miyabi. That's why I pulled her out of the way and stood between them."

With the Devil King here, I don't think a fight will break out anymore. But still, what would happen now rested on his judgment.

Yet, rather than the Devil King, the one who spoke was Amon. I felt relieved. At least it would be a serious decision.

"Given what I know of you, Ibiza, I'm inclined to believe Yuuto. I'll let it slide for now, but I'll be keeping a close eye on you for a while."

"Tsk. Fine then, watch me. I'll show what a woman is good for, maybe that'll convince you to get some Cards."

Ibiza retreated with his girls. Amon didn't move a step, but I could tell he was keeping watch like he said he would.

Meanwhile, the Devil King was just laughing away. You know, if it's like this, I wonder if the Devil King War really is necessary, seems like the Devil King already basically gave his post to his son.

"Welp, bit anticlimactic, but that's the end of that. Been a while since I last saw you, Yuuto."

"Y-yeah… Lost."

For some reason, that name popped up in my head and I said it. … Maybe I guessed right? This guy, Lost, didn't seem to mind it, so it's probably right.

"And I thought you had forgotten me for a while there. Come here man."

Rather than a formal greeting, Lost gave me a hug like a friend who hadn't seen me in years.

It felt strange, but also a little nice. Maybe I really knew him from somewhere? I really couldn't remember though.

But there's no way I could ask him "where do I know you from?" after he was so happy that I remembered. I'll just play it by ear for now.

"Oh, let me introduce you to a friend I made a few months ago. Hey, Rinne, this is Yuuto who I told you about before."

By the time I noticed, it seemed the group of Lizel-senpai, Miyabi, Reina and the girl Miyabi had helped grew. There were at least 3 other girls there, and one of them separated from the group and came towards me and Lost.

She was wearing a simple pink dress, it clearly wasn't as luxurious as most other dresses here, but honestly the simplicity was quite calming to me. And, if nothing else, she was better dressed than Lost, who was just in casual clothes.

"I'm Rinne Shimokadzuma. Lost has told me a great deal about you, Yuuto. I hope we can also be friends in the future. Oh, and I should also thank you for helping my friend, Hisoka-chan."

Rinne gave me a curtsy and everything. She seemed more like a girl from a noble house than Miyabi!

Also, Rinne had a slime on her face, but it made me uneasy. I could somehow tell that was a fake smile, but I suppose it would be rude of me to point it out.

"A-ah. I'm Yuuto Morioka, pleased to meet you. But it wasn't me who saved your friend, it was Miyabi."

"I see. Then, I'll also thank her as well."

Rinne walked back to the group. Lost and I followed her. I'm curious about the other 2 newcomers.

One was a blond girl with brown skin. Her hair was short, but it was covering one of her eyes. She wore a dark blue dress and, while this might not be an appropriate comment for someone I'd just met, I could see her figure didn't lose to Lizel-senpai or Miyabi's.

As for the other one, she wore a really shiny yellow dress, like she was trying to gather everyone's attention. Her platinum blond hair was long and free on her back and her green eyes almost seemed to have stars on them… wait a second, could it be…?

"She really looks like-"

"I don't look like anyone, I am exactly who you think I am. The one and only Stella Hoshigaoka."

No way, basically the top idol at the moment? That Stella? She was so famous even I, who didn't know head from tails about idols and stuff, can recognize her at a glance.

What's she doing here? No way she's a Candidate, right? Maybe she's a guest.

"You seem like an interesting guy. Yuuto, was it? I can see why Lizel took an interest in you. What do you think, Neith?"

"He did a really nice thing by protecting Miyabi… but Yuuto-kun should take care of himself more… your life is precious."

The brown skinned girl, Neith, said in a voice that was almost fainting out. Maybe she was a little timid.

I felt a tug on my jacket. I turned to look in that direction only to find Hisoka, Rinne's friend and the girl Miyabi saved from Ibiza, there.

"Thanks…"

She thanked me and then Miyabi in turn, and then went away as if embarrassed by something. Rinne bowed her head to us and then went after her, and Lost followed.

Now we were left with just me, Lizel-senpai, Miyabi, Reina, Stella and Neith. Lizel-senpai looked somewhat uncomfortable.

"Lizel-senpai, what's wrong?"

She let out a sigh and then answered "Stella and Neith are old friends of mine, and 2 out of 3 people I really didn't want to meet tonight."

"Ehehe~ sorry."

Miyabi apologized. If she hadn't stirred up that commotion, maybe Lizel-senpai would have gone the night while avoiding Stella and Neith, but I think Miyabi did the right thing. If nothing else, at least at first, I really didn't like that Ibiza guy.

"Don't say that, Lizel. But if you really don't want us here, I suppose we could just take Yuuto and tell him a few stories from when we were kids."

"Stella… I want to talk with everyone."

"I know, I know. It was just a joke. We'll be sharing embarrassing stories from Lizel's past right here with everyone."

"P-please don't!"

It seemed this meeting with old friends was getting Lizel-senpai a bit worked up. But I have to admit it was cute seeing a different side of her from the usual.

We had a lot of time to kill, so Stella and Neith stayed with us. It was mostly Stella doing the talking though.

And, after a while passed, the Devil King summoned all Candidates to the stage. The actual Unveiling would begin now.