Rias Gremory.
The name rolled through my mind.
It was familiar, I knew that name.
But it felt like a very old memory to be completely remembered.
However, I couldn't focus on those memories.
My focus was on what the redhead had said.
— I am no one's servant.
My tone came out harsh, much more than necessary.
The word "serve" was like constant electric shocks.
It would be preferable to swallow worms.
However, I immediately regretted it when I saw her expression sadden.
— All right, I can't force you to serve me, but can you listen to my proposal?
Rias Gremory pleaded, her eyes filled with tears.
I didn't have much choice in this matter.
She had saved my life.
Something like bringing someone back to life must have its price.
However, the thought of serving someone?
It went down my throat like scalding poison.
Still, leaving a favor unpaid was just as bad.
I sighed and nodded in agreement.
My headache would only get worse if I made my benefactor cry.
A mischievous smile spread across her face.
The tears?
They disappeared as if by magic.
Had I fallen for the old crocodile tears trick?
— You know, for someone so expressionless, you care a lot about other people's emotions.
— Shut up, I don't intend to listen to anything from a shameless nudist.
Unfortunately, her smile only grew in response to my counterattack.
— Even though the conversation is pleasant, I have pending matters.
The beautiful woman spoke as she stretched her body, preparing to get up from the soft mattress.
I looked away when I noticed the improvised cover slip off the redhead's shoulders.
I had already seen enough.
Instead of being a pervert, I decided to be productive and get out of bed as well.
I pulled the blanket aside.
Something normal was missing.
— Why am I naked?
I looked back as I asked.
Rias Gremory was getting dressed.
I tried not to look too much at the red lace panties.
A bit hard to do, but I managed to take my attention off the fabric because I recognized something.
The wine-colored skirt with white details stopped halfway down her thighs.
The striped white shirt.
The black vest and tie.
A familiar school uniform.
The female uniform of Kuoh Private Academy.
— Oh, that?
— Your wounds weren't healing, so I had to heal you, but I need skin-to-skin contact for greater efficiency.
The academy student answered me as she pulled up her skirt.
Interesting.
Healing through body contact.
I had judged her wrong.
She had good intentions by being naked.
Rias Gremory wasn't a pervert.
Probably.
— Interesting, I just said I can heal, but you don't seem surprised.
With her hands on her hips, she expressed her curiosity.
Her beautiful blue eyes carried intense interest.
How could I be surprised?
I already died and reincarnated, a bit of mysticism wouldn't scare me.
— It's a big world, there's much to be known.
— However, do you know what's mysterious, Rias Gremory?
I questioned the redhead.
A confident smile was on her face.
Her arm crossed over her chest, accentuating their size.
Rias Gremory was a perfect example of posture.
She was beautiful and knew it — it was one of her weapons.
She thought she dominated the situation.
That she understood my mind, even if partially.
She was mistaken.
That subtle game of seduction was starting to irritate me.
Rias Gremory didn't intend to reveal much.
— And what would that be?
The redhead asked me.
— I was stabbed and died, I'm sure of that.
— However, here we are, talking, why?
Her expression grew serious.
— Who exactly are you, Rias Gremory?
As she prepared to speak, I raised my hand, signaling her to stop.
— If you intend to convince me to serve you, I expect, at the very least, honesty.
— Understood? I want the truth, no games.
I made sure to lock our gazes.
My grayish-blue eyes reflected in her deep blue ones.
Rias Gremory let out a resigned sigh.
— I wanted to give you a few days before telling you everything.
— But so be it, it's easier to show.
Something strange and black extended from her back.
A pair of wings.
Not filled with feathers like birds.
They were bat wings.
— I am a demon, you are one too now.
My heart raced.
So it was true.
What the system had mentioned.
Now I was a demon.
However, I couldn't feel uncomfortable about it.
I had lost my humanity, yet the idea of being a demon felt... familiar.
— You still don't look surprised, I've already decided!
— One way or another, you'll be part of my peerage!
I sighed.
She still hadn't given up on that idea.
— I promised to listen, accepting is another matter.
For some unknown reason, her smile only widened.
— I have confidence in my charm!
— At this point, I thought you'd realized that doesn't work on me.
The mischievous smile resurfaced on her face after my remark.
So far, from what little I knew, it was possible to say that Rias Gremory liked to tease.
However, I wasn't looking forward to what she was planning this time.
— Power, isn't it?
— I heard your wish, I can grant that.
Her voice was provocative and seductive.
She knew exactly where to aim.
As expected of a demon.
For the thousandth time, I sighed.
This woman was a charming but painful headache.
— Very well, Rias Gremory, make your proposal.
That smug smile she was giving me was annoying, but I couldn't deny it.
She had been persistent enough to get my attention.
— Not here, we'll talk later, in the kitchen. I'll order something for us to eat, you must be starving.
The mere mention of food made my stomach growl.
I was so distracted by everything that had happened, I didn't notice the state of my body.
— Besides, important matters should be discussed in more... proper attire.
There was a faint blush on her face as she turned and walked toward the door.
That's when I realized I had been so focused on the conversation that I forgot an important detail.
I was still naked.
— May I ask something?
She was halfway through the doorway.
For the first time since I met her, I could detect clear shyness in her voice.
— Your name, I don't know it.
Impressive.
— You break into my house, strip off my clothes, but don't know my name?
— Quite rude, Rias Gremory.
Her face took on the same color as her hair.
I think I understand why she teases — there was some fun in it.
— Vergil, just Vergil.
— I promise not to forget, Vergil just Vergil.
With a cheeky smile, she closed the door.
That girl still has a childish sense of humor.
However, I couldn't hide the smile that appeared on my lips.
But I was distracted from my interaction with the redhead when letters appeared again in my vision.
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