The morning after, the city streets buzzed with life. Shuo and Kanon strolled hand in hand, shoulders pressed close, utterly absorbed in each other. Behind them, Asagi and Yukina trailed with looks of pure, lingering resentment.
Last night's commotion had been anything but subtle. Not a single soundproof barrier in sight—now they were forced to watch the couple flaunt their affection in broad daylight.
"When did you two get together?" Asagi muttered, unable to hide her jealousy.
A little further back, Natsuki glanced sidelong at Misaki, surprise flickering in her eyes. "So… when did you join this circus?"
Misaki's cheeks turned pink as she kept her gaze fixed on Shuo's broad back. "It's not like I had much choice. After everything he's done… well, I guess I just have to follow him now."
Her voice was soft, tinged with embarrassment and something more tender. Shuo had swept her off her feet—literally and figuratively. And, truth be told, he was exactly her type.
So when the invitation to the banquet arrived, Misaki found herself tagging along, eager to pick out a dress.
Natsuki rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. "Hopeless. He collects girls like trading cards."
At the mall, the mood shifted instantly. The girls scattered, faces brightening as they sifted through racks of elegant gowns. Even Natsuki—usually above such things—couldn't resist joining in.
—
Three days later, Shuo led his parade of beauties to the port, where the colossal luxury liner "Oceanus Grave" awaited. The ship gleamed under the midday sun, a floating palace built for decadence.
Inside, the banquet was already in full swing. Dimitrie, dressed in a cute little cocktail dress, glared at Shuo. "Banquets are so overrated. I'd rather be home gaming."
Yukina, nervously adjusting her own gown, blushed and hugged her arms around her chest. "This dress is… um… really something."
Shuo grinned, slipping behind her and planting a gentle kiss on her neck. "You look stunning, Yukina. Really."
Yukina melted, cheeks aflame, barely able to stand.
Asagi and Nagisa, watching the display, pouted with envy—until Shuo pulled them close and kissed each of them in turn, soothing their jealousy with practiced ease.
La Folia and Kanon appeared in matching white dresses, moving together with a grace that made them look like true sisters. Avrora and Dimitrie, by contrast, stood out with their own unique charm.
Misaki opted for her signature style—a vibrant red cheongsam with a daring slit, turning heads as she walked.
Shuo's gaze finally landed on Natsuki. She wore a black-violet dress, her cheeks dusted with pink, skin luminous as porcelain. She looked every bit the fairytale princess.
"Absolutely perfect, Natsuki-chan. If I could, I'd scoop you up and never let go—my very own legal loli."
Natsuki shot him a look of pure disdain. "So you admit it, huh? Classic pervert. You're exactly what people warn me about."
Shuo waggled a finger in mock protest. "No, no, no. I'm not a lolicon—I just happen to fall for girls who are lolis. And you, Natsuki-chan, are the legal kind. My heart can't resist."
He flashed her a thumbs-up. "By the way, you're gorgeous."
Natsuki kept up her act, but the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her delight.
"Enough flirting. The banquet's starting—let's go."
With one arm around Yukina and the other claimed by Asagi, Shuo led the group aboard the ship.
Their entrance was a show-stopper. The room fell silent as the crowd took in Shuo and his entourage—one guy surrounded by a constellation of beautiful girls. The envy was palpable; the men in the room exchanged heated whispers.
"Seriously, how did that guy land so many girls?"
"Just a human, and he's got all these beauties? Unbelievable."
"Maybe we should help him out—share the load a bit."
"Heh, he'll be kicked out soon enough. Might as well take advantage."
Shuo caught every word, his expression turning glacial. With a flicker of psychic power, he compelled the loudest offenders to march right up to him.
"A bunch of cocky insects think they can lay hands on my girls? You're asking for death."
He didn't bother with theatrics. Their limbs twisted, bones snapping under invisible force, and then a wave of crimson fire reduced them to ash—no screams, no struggle, just instant annihilation.
Shuo surveyed the stunned crowd with utter contempt. "Trash. Remember your place."
The rest of the demons bowed their heads, hands trembling, grateful they hadn't gotten caught talking about Asagi and the others.
Shuo led his girls to the upper deck. As they admired the view, a massive red serpent head lunged at them from the shadows.
Yukina and Misaki sprang into action, but before they could strike, four dazzling figures materialized. Swords flashed—the serpent's head was severed and vanished without a trace.
"Sayaka!"
"Yuri!"
"Shio!"
"And Fuyuka!"
Yukina's eyes widened. She rushed over, hugging the newcomers in excitement.
The four were unmistakable—Kosaka Sayaka, Hanami Yuri, Hizawa Shio, and Fujisaka Fuyuka, dispatched by the Three Saints of the Lion King Organization.
Shuo's eyes sparkled as he took in their crisp uniforms. The Lion King "marriage agency" never disappointed—their agents were always a sight to behold.
After the greetings, the four girls bowed respectfully to Shuo. "Lord Nangong, we're here on orders from the Lion King Organization—to protect you and the Fourth Primogenitor."
Fuyuka explained their mission: personal protection, no requests denied.
Natsuki, ever the cynic, snorted. "Lion King Organization, huh? Four girls for protection? Please. They're not here to guard you—they're here to seduce you."
The four newcomers ducked their heads, embarrassed, while the other girls shot Shuo knowing looks. The message was clear: Only you could make the Lion King resort to honey traps.
Shuo just smiled, genuinely pleased. If the Lion King Organization wanted to tempt him, they'd need to send the Three Saints themselves next time.
And he was already plotting how to make that happen.
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