The girl before him was indeed wearing a nun's habit—but the kind adapted for everyday wear.
It wasn't overly conspicuous, but Ryuichi recognized it instantly because of the subtle symbols of the Church embroidered into the fabric.
A white veil draped gently over her head, from beneath which cascaded long golden hair that shimmered faintly under the streetlight. Her eyes were pure and clear, her features delicately sculpted—as if crafted by the hands of a divine artisan.
Just a single glance at her, and it felt as though a wave of holiness had washed over him.
So pure...
Ryuichi's eyes narrowed slightly, catching sight of the silver cross pendant hanging at her chest.
As he expected—she was someone from the Church.
And for a Devil like him, that could only mean one thing: enemy.
His instincts screamed at him to keep his distance.
The girl had gotten back on her feet, dusting her skirt lightly. Ryuichi stayed silent and took a discreet step back, trying not to draw attention.
"Um…"
Her voice was soft, timid. "I… I think I'm lost. Could you please help me?"
…Did I hear that right?
A nun from the Church just asked a Devil for help?
How much do Church nuns even sell for these days? Asking for a friend.
"Is this your first time in Shinmachi?" Ryuichi asked mildly.
"Yes," she nodded. "I was newly assigned to the Church here, but I don't know the area at all. I'm terribly sorry for the trouble. May the Almighty bless this kind gentleman standing before me."
She bowed politely as she spoke.
Just from this brief exchange, Ryuichi could see her sincerity—pure, devout, and utterly untainted.
Those qualities couldn't be faked.
He had assumed that everyone from Heaven or the Church was either arrogant or corrupt, but clearly, there were exceptions.
Still, as a Devil, he knew better than to get involved. Best to send her on her way and leave things clean.
"I know where the Church is," he said casually. "I'll take you there."
Her eyes brightened instantly."Really? Thank you so much!"
She smiled, her big blue eyes curving like crescent moons.
As it happened, the Church was in roughly the same direction as his home, so he led her partway down the street before stopping.
Pointing ahead, Ryuichi said, "Just keep walking straight after that intersection—you'll see the Church from there. I'll stop here."
"Thank you so much! To meet such a kind person right after arriving in Shinmachi—I must truly be blessed. Praise be to the Almighty."
...Who are you calling kind?
Try "cunning," "devious," or maybe "untrustworthy." Those fit better.
Keeping his face neutral, Ryuichi only gave a small nod. "Don't mention it. Take care."
"Goodbye!"
Then she paused as though remembering something."Oh, right! My name is Asia Argento. Please, just call me Asia. I still don't know yours."
"…Ryuichi," he replied after a moment.
"Ryuichi-san, then. I'll be sure to remember—and I'll pray for you sincerely, before the Lord."
Her gentle smile was so radiant that for a moment, Ryuichi almost forgot what she'd said—until it clicked.
Pray for me?For me, a Devil?
I really appreciate it, but that's… kind of counterproductive, don't you think?
"…Then I'll count on your prayers, Asia," he said dryly.
Watching the pure-hearted, golden-haired girl disappear into the distance, Ryuichi let out a thoughtful breath.
A newly assigned nun, huh…
She doesn't seem like the type to cause trouble. Still, to be safe, I should probably mention her to Rias later.
With that in mind, he turned toward home.
He needed rest. Tomorrow was going to be… eventful.
The Next Morning
The shrill cry of his alarm clock shattered the quiet of dawn.After a grueling thirty-minute battle against his own laziness, Ryuichi finally managed to peel himself out of bed.
"Ugh… what should I wear for a date…?"
Then he paused.
"…Wait, it's not actually a date."
Standing before his closet, he skimmed the options and casually pulled out a denim jacket.
One quick look in the mirror later, his drowsiness vanished entirely.
"Damn… handsome."
Mounting his bike, Ryuichi pedaled to the meeting spot right on time—though it seemed Mai was already there waiting.
Kicking down the stand and locking the bike, he raised a brow.
"Been waiting long?"
"I just got here," she replied evenly.
"Just so you know, I wasn't late," he added with a calm grin.
"You think I'm one of those girls who expects guys to show up early just because they're guys? Don't flatter yourself."
Her tone was cool as ever, but Ryuichi caught the faint note of competitiveness behind it.
"If every girl were as reasonable as you, Mai, dating would be a lot less stressful," he said half-jokingly.
"Keep your sweet talk for your dreams."
Ryuichi chuckled.
"You know, sometimes the things people say in dreams are truer than what they say awake."
"…"
She didn't have a comeback for that one.
"Come on," she said briskly, turning away. "The aquarium should be open by now."
He followed, keeping half a step behind her.
They walked in silence for a while, and from his angle, Ryuichi could clearly see her profile.
Today, she wore a simple casual outfit—a clean white blouse with soft ruffles at the sides and a checkered skirt. The skirt reached her knees, and her long, slender legs were wrapped in black stockings that shimmered faintly as she walked.
She looked effortlessly elegant—mature, composed, and quietly captivating.
Though… knee-length, huh?How unfortunate.
Just then, Mai turned her head. Their eyes met—his gaze clearly having lingered too long.
"...Care to explain that disrespectful look of yours?"
Her tone carried a hint of warning, and Ryuichi wondered if girls were just naturally born with radar for that sort of thing.
Still, he didn't even try to hide it.
"Mai-san, isn't a date supposed to involve short skirts and bare legs?"
"Ha?"
Mai clenched her fist.
"You're seriously asking for it."
"Aw, come on. I finally get to go on a date, and I can't even see—"
"I told you, stop flaunting that terrible acting of yours."
"What if I'm actually disappointed?"
"Is there really a need to be that disappointed?"
"Desperately," he said with mock seriousness.
Mai's lips twitched as she turned away, muttering under her breath,
"I'll have you know, I put a lot of thought into this outfit…"
Hmm?
She must have thought he didn't hear her. But Ryuichi caught every word, and his lips curved slightly.
"Well, for what it's worth," he said softly, "you look really cute."
"…"
Mai's steps faltered ever so slightly—but she said nothing, only facing forward again.