The bell rang, signaling it was time for lunch in Ginsei Academy.
"See ya later, Yuuto."
"See you."
Miyabi said to me. She was going to eat lunch in the cafeteria with everyone.
I wasn't part of that everyone. It's not like I had fought with anyone or that I didn't want to see the girls or they didn't want to see me. I just had a reason to not eat with everyone recently.
Taking my lunchbox with me, I moved to the usual place I've been eating lunch at for a while now. It's an open spot near Ginsei Academy's high school building, with a few benches and even a tree.
Apparently, it's always been a popular spot for students to kill time. I sat down under the tree and began eating.
It was quite a peaceful time. When I first started coming here, there were other people around, but now there's only me.
… Saying it like that makes it sound like I'm being avoided, but that might not be too wrong.
The reason I was sitting here is because it's where I'm recruiting new Cards. I've been doing this for a while now, so the reason people didn't come here anymore was probably to not get involved.
Having more Cards is obviously beneficial, and Stella keeps insisting I should have all 14 spots filled, so I had my current Cards spread the word that I was recruiting. That said, very few people have actually shown up, and none have been approved.
"And I thought I had become more popular recently."
If I am being honest, I thought it would have been easy to recruit Cards. Maybe not to complete all the open spots, but at least a few. But it seems I was wrong.
And here I was even expecting that Stella's recent publicity stunt would have made things better, but it doesn't seem to have had any effect.
Then again, I pulled out my phone and looked myself up on the internet. Of course, not through normal means, but using a search engine often used by devils.
Things were… interesting, to say the least. There were comments about me in Ginsei Academy's site, and even outside it. It seemed I had both a fan club and a haters club.
I had been told by Stella that her "pros" were going to kickstart both of those. Fan club aside, I wondered why the haters club was needed, and Stella told me that, since it's bound to happen anyway, they might as well start it and maintain some level of control over it. Basically, fighting two sides of the same war.
Still don't really get it, but I decided to trust her experience with this stuff. I was told which accounts were the fake ones, so that meant I could find the real ones, and it seems both the fan club and haters club have actually started to gather people. By that I mean people not on Stella's paycheck.
Just to be sure, I decided to check if there wasn't anyone badmouthing the girls. Real or fake, I can take basically anything people might say of me, but I can't promise the same thing if they're talking about the people I care about.
But it seems like there's nothing for me to worry about yet. After wasting a bit more time, I figured I'd get going.
No one showed up today either, and I'm getting tired of waiting here the whole time. At this rate, I'm probably going to quit.
"Oh my, Yuuto really is here."
Just as I was thinking that, I heard a voice. I couldn't say it was someone I knew well, but it was a voice I instantly recognized.
It belonged to a girl with long red hair. Empress' Candidate and one of the Triumph, Hime.
"I was worried I might have been bothering, but it seems Yuuto is alone. Is the Card recruitment not going well?"
"It's as you see. But, even though my schedule is so packed, I might be able to make a moment for you."
With a giggle, Hime sat down next to me. I don't know if she's wearing perfume, but I felt a really sweet smell.
For some reason, every time I'm near Hime or see her, I can feel my heart beating hard. Even though I'm Lovers' Candidate, I feel like a boy who just fell in love for the first time.
"So I take it you're here to apply?"
"Oh, that seems like fun."
For some reason, even that simple reply made me really flustered.
"T-that was a joke. B-but I'm not saying I don't want Hime as a Card. I mean, if you really are here to apply…"
"I was also joking. Maybe it would have been nice to try with Yuuto, but recently you've been getting some… unwanted attention, so I hope that you understand that I don't want to involve myself with something that's too risky."
Hime was probably talking about Rinne and Hisoka. Or rather, about their families. She was there when the Devil King "gave" them to me, so it makes sense that she knows.
I may be lacking in common sense when it comes to the matters of noble devil families, but it seems that some form of confrontation with their families is to be expected since I'm protecting them while they want to get rid of them.
Or rather, since we are in a Devil King War, it's likely that they'll use Hierophant.
Of course, I would also rather not involve Hime if possible. It'd be one thing if she was my Card, but as long as she's an unrelated party then I'd rather keep her safe.
"So what did you want to talk about?"
"For now, I want to get to know Yuuto better. People might not be taking you seriously because of your race and your Arcana, but I believe you have real chances of becoming Devil King. Not to mention… I think we're like-minded."
"... What do you mean?"
Usually people just regard me as a pervert that only thinks with the lower head. But I don't think Hime is about to tell me she comes to school without underwear or something like that.
"In the Labyrinth Battle Royale, you saved us, who were supposed to be your enemies, and I also saw you fight to save your friend until you literally couldn't fight anymore. And recently, I noticed you gave several bloggers some interviews."
"A-ah, those."
That was part of Stella's package. After the persona-making session with the pros, she had me give interviews to some bloggers she had contact with.
"Oh, to be honest I expected some or all of them to be fake. I know the ones that claim to have interviewed me are fake. But if yours are true, I'll have to reread them more attentively. In any case, if I remember right, you said that one of the things you'd do if you became Devil King was to make sure that devils, especially the nobles, would treat humans and mixed-blood devils, as well as lower class devils, more fairly."
"Yeah, I said that."
Hime, just like basically all the students in Ginsei Academy, is a noble devil. She might have some strong opinions about what I said.
"I think that's wonderful. Ever since I've become Empress' Candidate, I've been thinking what I would do if I were to become Devil King. I might not have too clear of an image, but I know that I want to try and make the world a better place. End racism, poverty, and make sure everyone is truly happy."
That was… unexpected. Usually, you have characters like perfect-looking ladies that are actually rotten on the inside, but that doesn't seem to be Hime's case.
Either that, or she's a really good actress. But I checked with Cutting Connect and… it doesn't seem like she's lying or trying to deceive me. So it really is true.
"I don't think I'm some chosen hero or something. I don't think I can do something as big as ending racism, but, with a power like the Devil King's, I could at least make sure the people close to me were safe, and I could also use force to make the more hard-headed people learn."
"Yes, that's why I said we're like-minded, not that we think the same way. Yuuto is more realistic, while I feel like a miraculous power like the Devil King's could surely bring a miraculous reality. In any case, we have common goals, so I think we ought to team up."
The best scenario for me would be to get the female Triumph Candidates, meaning Hime and Fleminar, as Cards. But teaming up is a close second.
But, just before I was about to reply to Hime, more people showed up. Unfortunately, it was not cute girls wanting to become my Cards.
It was a bald-headed boy and a dark-haired girl. Hierophant's Candidate, Hirono, and his sister and my classmate, Hinata.
"Oh, if it isn't Lovers' Candidate, Yuuto, and Empress' Hime as well. Good afternoon."
"A-ah, good afternoon."
"Good afternoon."
How much of a coincidence can it be that he showed up when I thought about him not long ago?
I wonder what they want. By now, it's fairly known that I come here, so could it have something to do with me?
"B-brother, I think we might be bothering them."
"Oh, could Lovers and Empress be talking of teaming up? That would be scary, I wonder if history will repeat itself? Well, you both seem like good people, so I'll be rooting for you."
Hirono patted my shoulder and then continued walking. That was a bit weird, but alright.
"S-sorry about this, we didn't mean anything. I'll see you in class later, Yuuto."
"A-ah, see you."
Hinata dashed off after her brother.
Weird as it was, I guess that's all it was. A weird encounter.
"Still, I wonder what he meant about history repeating itself."
"Yuuto doesn't know? Well, it is a secret that only my family should know, but I guess it's not strange that a Hiraizumi also knows. Let's just say that there's a special meaning between Lovers and Empress allying themselves. Now that I think about it, maybe it is fate that we get together."
Huh, now I'm getting curious. Maybe I'll ask Sein later.
"But let's leave anything official for after you've dealt with your situation. Who knows, maybe you just dodged a bullet without knowing it. Until then, let's just be friends. Can I meet you here again?"
"Y-yeah, I'll still be coming here for a while."
"Great. Then, let's leave it here for today. I'll come by again if you don't seem too busy… hum, but I suppose we should do something to mark the unofficial start of our partnership."
Hime pushed me down and got on top of me. Her long red hair fell down near my head. It smells as good as her.
Her lips then approached me. And it wasn't long before she kissed me.
But she kissed me on the cheek, not on the lips. Still, the kiss felt really good, to the point that I even thought it felt too good.
After a while, Hime ended the kiss, but she still kept her face, and lips, close to mine.
"It was a gift for Yuuto, and also to tease any possible onlookers, but I didn't expect to feel this good. This might become a habit, so I'd better go before I really apply to become Yuuto's Card."
Finally, Hime lifted her face. With how red her cheeks were and how flushed her face looked, anyone would have thought something amazing must have gone down while her hair was covering us.
Honestly, that made me feel really horny. To the point that, if we were on Lovers Mansion, I might have pushed her down right then.
A while after Hime left, I decided to go for a walk. Maybe that would help me cool down the heat in my chest and pants.
It's obvious how my body would react to such a pretty girl, but this is a little exaggerated, isn't it? I feel like I can barely think straight. Honestly, I'd even have thought it could have been some magic or something.
But I know it's not an attack or anything like that. Hime didn't have those kinds of feelings, and even if it was something she didn't mean to do, Regenerate would have dealt with it.
So this is just natural? How am I supposed to respond when people think I'm just a horny monkey if I get like this just from a little teasing?!
"Hm? Yuuto-kun?"
As I was thinking about that, I heard Ruki's voice. It seems I happened to wander into her while walking aimlessly.
"Ah, Ruki… good timing, can you come with me for a bit?"
Under whatever influence I was in currently, I decided to take this chance to invite Ruki to be my Card. Might as well, right?
Ruki is a good friend and I know she doesn't have any real interest in becoming Devil King and she's only fighting because she happened to be selected by an Arcana. She's not part of the Triumph, but she's still a female Candidate, so also a harem candidate. I'm pretty sure she likes me, so if I ask her, I think she'll accept joining my Cards.
And after that, I'll taste her pretty body. I haven't done it in Ginsei Academy yet except for the Palace, so I'm sure it'll be good.
She agreed to come along with me. I kinda just invited her without thinking, but for now I think we should go to the roof. There's probably no one there, so we can talk and do other things privately.
It didn't take us long to reach our destination. I have to admit my mind was filled with dirty thoughts, thinking of the near future.
Once Ruki becomes my Card, we'll do Healing Lovers right away. Might as well get on the job as soon as you're hired. Right now, these clothes look like eyesores on such a pretty girl.
"Oh wow, I remember when we were attacked here. Do you remember, Yuuto-kun?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, I do."
There was another time we came to the roof like this. It was when we decided to team up. We were attacked by Tower's Candidate then, since he was trying to recruit Ruki for his team.
But none of that matters. It's time for me to get my new Card and paint her in my color.
I looked at Ruki. Her pretty face, plump lips, lightly swelling chest, thin waist, wide hips. She might not have a voluptuous body, but she's undeniably beautiful.
Soon, she's going to be my woman. That body will be mine to do as I please. In my mind, we're already sweating from fucking so hard.
"Ruki, I want you. I want you so bad I can't help myself."
I wasn't lying, I really couldn't help myself anymore.
"!"
Without giving Ruki any chance to reply, I kissed her. It wasn't a light kiss either, since I pushed my tongue inside Ruki's mouth.
She seems to be resisting a bit, but it's probably just the surprise. She'll begin to enjoy it soon.
I embraced her to not give her any chance to escape. While I did that, I also figured I'd touch Ruki's body a bit.
Almost breaking the zipper, I managed to unzip and push down Ruki's skirt. Like that, I could directly touch her ass and panties. My other hand slipped inside her shirt and bra and was now groping her breast.
"Mm~ nn~"
"Mmh! Nnn, mmhh!"
Unlike any random person, you can't force a Candidate to become a Card. The fact that Ruki hadn't become my Card yet meant she still hadn't consented.
Is it still the shock? Fine, we can take care of the bothersome parts later.
My pants feel tight. I can't hold back anymore. First comes pleasure, the rest can come after.
Just as I was lowering Ruki's panties and unzipping my pants, I felt something hot in my chest. Not figuratively like before, this was actually hot.
Before I noticed, I was pushed away from Ruki by some strong force. Did she fire off one of her light beams at me? Regenerate would have me back to normal in no time, but it still hurts.
"Gah!"
"W-what's wrong with Yuuto-kun? I'm really mad, you know!"
What are you saying? Like you don't want me to fill your womb with my cum!
Actually seeming mad, Ruki fixed her clothes and went off. Is she in one of those days or something?
Fine then, go off. See if I care. There's a bunch of other women around.
Maybe I'll have a go at the Lizel homunculus at the mansion, I bet it would feel great to fuck them in order than then compare to the real one. Maybe I'll also have Rebecca and Maki, or maybe all my maids.
Actually, you know what? Screw that. I'll go back to the mansion and fuck everyone there. Then, once my Cards come back, I'll fuck them all as well. I won't stop until all their holes are dripping with my cum!
[Yuuto, what is wrong with you?]
What do you mean what's wrong with me?! I'm just being honest! I'm just saying what everyone knows is true!
… No, there's something wrong. This is clearly not me anymore. Let's calm down. Breathe, Yuuto, breathe. Try to clear your mind.
I did something strange, just kissed Ruki out of the blue. She has all the right to be mad. I am in the wrong.
Really, what came over me? Could it have something to do with Regenerate?
While it's mainly a spell to heal an injured body, the mental state has some influence on it. It always brings the body back to its ideal state, but what that ideal state is differs from person to person.
So, let's say I wanted to be taller. Regenerate would slowly make me taller and taller until I reached the height I wanted. The same would be true if I wanted to be shorter, and it also applies to basically everything else that's not an impossible change.
Is that what happened? Did Hime's kiss put me in horny mode, then Regenerate kept strengthening it until it burst with Ruki just now? No, that doesn't seem right. It just felt too strong.
It has to be something else, but what?
"I'll have to apologize to Ruki… but I can't now."
I still felt like my pants were about to burst. I have to do something about this before I do something I can't undo.
Almost like I was meditating, I tried to concentrate. I steadied my breathing and emptied my mind.
It took a bit, but I felt myself calming down. It'll probably be a while before I'm fully back to normal, but I can at least control myself now.
That time also allowed me to think. I think I have a better theory as to what happened now.
"Yuuto-kun, are you fine now?"
Apparently, Ruki came back. She seemed to still be on guard against me, which is understandable, but she was still approaching me.
"Yeah. Sorry about before, I really don't know what came over me."
"I thought Yuuto-kun was strange, that's why I came back. Did someone use some magic on you? Maybe another Candidate?"
"That's what I thought as well, but I can't really tell. I was in my usual spot until a while ago, then I talked with Hime, then Hirono passed through, and it was after that that I started feeling weird."
"I don't know Empress' Candidate personally, but from what little I know, she doesn't seem to be the type of person who would do this to someone."
"I also think so."
Besides, if Hime had any intention of doing something to me, Cutting Connect would have shown me those feelings of hers. Those feelings weren't present, and she talked about teaming up, so it just didn't make sense for her to attack me.
So that leaves Hierophant as the only suspect.
Hierophant is a bit of a strange Arcana. It always chooses a Candidate from the Hiraizumi family, never once in history it broke that trend. And the Hiraizumis are a family that work on the dark side of the world.
Assassinations, poisoning, that's right up their alley. Maybe they prepared some gas or something and sprayed it on me when they passed me by. It would explain them just happening to go by there. There was also his comment about me teaming up with Hime.
Maybe their plan was to have me attack Hime and then make me fight 2 Triumph Candidates at the same time. I mean, just now, the situation could have easily led to a fight with Ruki. Or maybe it was something else and Hime just happened to be there at the time.
"It doesn't feel quite right. It feels like I'm looking for ways to blame them. But it's the best I can come up with."
A fight against Hierophant seems unavoidable. While it's usually only Candidates that fight another Candidate, there's nothing really stopping someone, say a family that I pissed off, from hiring Hierophant to fight m.
Rinne warned me that it was likely her and Hisoka's family would hire Hierophant, but I didn't expect it to be so soon. I should tell everyone and we should begin working on countermeasures.
"Again, sorry about before, Ruki. I really don't know how to apologize for it."
"No, if it was anyone else I would have been mad. But since it was Yuuto-kun and it seems there was some trouble, I'll forgive you. I also have to apologize for your shirt."
My shirt is burned up. I'll just use Transite to teleport to the Palace and grab a spare one.
I apologized to Ruki once again and then teleported to grab a spare shirt. I considered sending a message to the girls or something, but I don't know if we're maybe being spied on.
I decided to wait until we're in Lovers' Mansion. There, we can talk without any worries.
Seems like the Devil King War is going to restart soon. Well, I guess it means I can also be a bit more bold in my Party.
