Maybe it was because Ryuichi's answer had been so unexpected, but Rias blinked in mild surprise before breaking into a soft, understanding smile.
"Well, you said it yourself. Don't blame your master later for not sparing your feelings."
"I'll survive without that much special care," Ryuichi replied calmly.
Privately, he couldn't help thinking how completely different this was from what he'd imagined.Who would've thought that becoming a Devil didn't mean being exploited or controlled, but instead… being treated kindly by a master who actually cared for her servant?
Even the healing system came with a "sleep-embrace function." Seriously, that was pure science-fiction level nonsense.
Not even TV dramas would dare write it this way.
"I'm going to take a shower," he murmured.
The feeling of dried sweat sticking to his skin was unbearable—especially with how sharply sensitive a Devil's body was. The sensation of every drop of perspiration and cool air brushing against him made his nerves scream for relief.
After a quick shower, he returned to his room… only to find Rias still in her natural state, sitting nonchalantly on the sofa with her legs crossed, sipping tea as if this were the most normal thing in the world.
"You're slow," she said with a tiny pout before setting down her cup and striding straight into the bathroom.
Ryuichi caught a brief glimpse of her fiery silhouette stepping beneath the showerhead, humming a light tune, and could only shake his head helplessly. He walked over and quietly shut the door to keep the steam from flooding the room.
Then, lowering his gaze, he tidied up her clothes from his bed, neatly folding them before placing them on the nightstand in the guest room.
When he returned to his own bed, he didn't even glance at the faint reflection of Rias's perfect figure on the fogged bathroom door. He simply collapsed onto the mattress, utterly drained.
The battle earlier had been short, but for him it was a dance on the knife's edge between life and death.Especially that final moment, forcing himself to attack while resisting the torment of the light's poison—it had taken every ounce of his focus and willpower.
Still… he was alive. That was enough.
As soon as he let his guard down, exhaustion swept through him like a wave, dragging him straight into sleep.
Through the haze of half-dreaming, the bed shifted slightly—as though someone had lain down beside him, curling into his warmth.
Ryuichi, half-conscious, instinctively wrapped an arm around her.
…And his hand brushed something soft.
Even in that drowsy state, he could feel it—smooth, warm, and yielding in a way that filled his entire palm. One hand wasn't nearly enough to hold it.
He thought he heard a small, surprised yet pleased sigh escape Rias's lips.
Then darkness took him again.
The next morning.
Ryuichi awoke to the muffled sounds of cars passing outside, his mind slowly clawing its way back from deep sleep.
When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was crimson hair—a vivid, fiery red that could belong to no one else.
Rias was nestled against his chest, still fast asleep, breathing softly.
He felt the smooth warmth of her back against him, his right arm draped around her slender waist. The position was… somewhat improper. His eyebrow twitched.
How to describe it…?
It reminded him of playing with those warm water balloons as a kid.
He exhaled. He vaguely remembered a bit from last night—and sighed again.
Didn't I prepare a guest room for her? How did she end up in my bed anyway?
Oh well. What could he even say at this point? However it happened, it didn't matter now.
So he simply tightened his hold, savoring the soft heat in his arms. The silky warmth seemed to melt around him, and before long he drifted right back to sleep.
A gentle pat on the back of his hand woke him. Rias's voice came, warm and teasing.
"Ryuichi, no more sleeping in. Time to get up."
"…Sorry. I fell asleep again," he murmured, releasing her and flopping onto his back, half-lidded eyes staring at the ceiling.
Sleeping in felt amazing…He could do this every morning.
Rias rolled onto her side to face him, propping her head up with one hand while her other finger lightly tapped his cheek.
"You were very eager last night," she said with a mischievous smile.
Ryuichi cracked one eye open, turning his head to meet her gaze. Her expression was pure amusement.
"…Didn't I prepare a guest room for you?" he replied flatly.
Seeing that he wasn't taking the bait, Rias just laughed softly. She sat up and stretched, her figure shifting in a way that caught his gaze despite himself.
"The guest room was too far," she said casually.
"It's just a few extra steps," he countered, unimpressed.
"Well," she said, walking over with that same teasing grin, "you were so warm and comfortable that I couldn't help sneaking in to sleep beside you."
Rias said it completely straight.
Ryuichi sighed. "Couldn't you at least wear pajamas?"
"Eh? I can't sleep like that," she said innocently, then blinked at him. "Can you sleep with clothes on?"
"…No."
"See? There you go!"
Ryuichi was speechless. He'd always slept bare-skinned—but to think Rias did the same…
Stretching lazily, she leaned back against the headboard. "Go grab my clothes for me, will you?"
"Yeah, yeah."
He fetched the neatly folded garments from the guest room. Watching her slowly dress—her elegant curves disappearing under the layers of her uniform—he finally spoke again.
"President, are there really that many Angels and Fallen Angels in this city?"
"Not that many," Rias answered, smoothing her hair. "After the Great War in ancient times, all three factions suffered heavy losses. Their numbers are far smaller than before."
Seeing the concern in his eyes, she smiled reassuringly.
"What happened last night was an exception. Normally, it's rare to encounter a Fallen Angel at all. And if they see us Devils moving together, they usually keep their distance."
She stepped closer, adding thoughtfully, "Still, last night was a good reminder. I need to improve the communication seals on our emblems—so a simple barrier can't block them again."
Ryuichi nodded immediately. "Agreed."
He wasn't strong enough yet; for now, sticking close to Rias—the upper-class Devil who'd saved him—was the smartest thing he could do. And honestly, he didn't mind relying on her.
"I'll get stronger," he said seriously.
Rias smiled. "You've already exceeded my expectations. Akeno reported that the Fallen Angel you killed had four wings. She was once a high-ranking angel! Normally, it would take at least a mid-class Devil to defeat her."
Her voice was proud, eyes gleaming with approval.
No wonder she'd invested ten Evil Pieces to reincarnate him. To withstand the light's corruption and still fight back at his level—it was remarkable potential.
"Relax," she said warmly. "Training takes time. Don't rush."
Rias swept her crimson hair back, glanced at the clock—and her eyes widened slightly.
"We're going to be late."
Without another word, she activated a teleportation spell. A surge of crimson light enveloped them both, and the next moment, they were standing in the familiar Occult Research Club room at Kuoh Academy.
Ryuichi blinked at the sudden change of scenery, still a little dazed.
Teleportation really was something he could get addicted to…