Miku couldn't help laughing at Ryuichi's sudden remark.
He'd given her a completely different way of seeing life — something refreshingly opposite from what she'd always been told. Every relative she'd ever had only ever told the Nakano sisters to work harder, study better, be more perfect. But Ryuichi had simply said there was no need to make life that exhausting.
That one thought landed right in her heart.
"If only everyone thought like you…"
Miku sighed softly, her expression brightening. Maybe it was because of this little talk, but she felt unexpectedly comfortable around him now.
Ryuichi then smiled wryly. "That said, you still have to study properly."
"…"
Miku nodded earnestly this time.
"With your help, Ryuichi, I think I can really do it. Magic is so mysterious… Without it, we wouldn't even know what to do."
"Don't rely too much on my magic," Ryuichi reminded her gently. "It's only there to support you. The most important thing is that you yourself understand the lessons. Besides, you really underestimate yourself."
"Eh? Underestimate… how?"
"Even without my help, you can graduate just fine. Not only you — Ichika, Nino, Yotsuba, Itsuki — all of you can."
Miku blinked, a bit surprised. "Really?"
"Of course. Don't sell yourself short. People have way more potential than they realize."
After all, Ryuichi thought, even angels and devils now depended on humans to develop. That alone said everything about human potential.
Miku gave a helpless little smile. "You trust us sisters too much, you know? If only we were as smart and talented as you. Seriously, you're like the perfect all-rounder — smart, strong, and good at everything."
Ryuichi chuckled. "I appreciate the compliment… but don't envy me. I'm not exactly human, after all."
Miku: "…"
Being a Devil did have its perks — one of which was being able to say something like that without irony.
Not that she knew he'd once been human, long before being reincarnated through a Devil's Evil Piece.
Ryuichi packed up his notes. "I'll head back for today. I'll come by again tomorrow afternoon — let's make the sessions about an hour and a half each, so it won't take too much of your time."
"Okay. See you tomorrow, Ryuichi."
"Mm. See you."
A crimson magic circle glowed beneath his feet, and in the next instant, he vanished.
Back home, the house was quiet. Rias and Asia hadn't returned yet, so Ryuichi decided to make use of the time and start his training.
He'd already collected the day's rewards from his contracts — the usual minor boost in demonic power, though the real growth still came from his bond with Mai Sakurajima.
Even so, the emotional energy from the Nakano sisters had surprised him. He hadn't yet completed their full request, but the power drawn from their feelings was still substantial.
Unlike Mai's affection, however, the sisters' emotions were tinted more with frustration and anxiety — the pain of struggling with studies, the pressure of expectations.
Ryuichi couldn't help smirking to himself.
So learning really is that painful for them, huh?
Still… he found the idea amusing. Maybe he should skip giving them a break tomorrow, just to see those tired faces again.
The thought alone made him chuckle.
Those five girls — each with her own quirks — were undeniably adorable in their own way.
He continued his training, resonating with his Sacred Gear to stir his demonic power. The stimulation was intense, but by now he'd grown used to it. As long as he didn't push too far, the gradual strengthening was both safe and effective.
Time slipped by, and before long, evening had fallen.
A scarlet magic circle flickered to life in the living room — Rias and Asia had returned.
Sensing their presence, Ryuichi ended his training and opened his eyes, a faint golden glint fading from his pupils.
"I'm home, Ryuichi!"
Asia's cheerful voice filled the room as she ran to him and hugged him tightly.
"Welcome back," he said, smiling, resting a hand around her waist. "You look happy."
"Mm-hm! I successfully made a contract today!"
"That's wonderful." He patted her head affectionately, genuinely pleased for her.
Then his gaze turned toward Rias, who seemed a little distracted.
"Rias?"
"Ah? Oh, sorry — what is it?"
"You look spaced out. Rough day?" he asked softly.
Rias bit her lip, hesitating, then gave a faint smile. "A little, yes. I helped Professor Jon finish several archaeology reports today. I was bent over for hours… my back's sore."
That fit — one of her regular clients was a university archaeologist who constantly asked her to analyze rare and unusual artifacts.
Asia clapped her hands. "I'll go warm up dinner! Let's eat early so we can all rest."
"Sounds good," Rias said lightly. "I'll take a quick shower first."
Ryuichi nodded. "Go ahead."
Rias slipped into the bathroom, undressing piece by piece in the changing room. The sound of running water filled the air as she stepped beneath the shower.
Through the mist, her graceful silhouette was outlined by the warm light. Water trailed down her pale skin like ribbons of glass — a moment of fragile beauty, fleeting and human.
Ryuichi, sensing her aura, felt no lust, only quiet concern. She's troubled about something again… probably family matters.
When Rias returned, refreshed, Asia had just finished warming up the food.
The three of them sat down together. Dinner was pleasant — laughter mixed with small talk, the kind of peace that never lasted long in a Devil's household.
Afterward, Asia cheerfully gathered the dishes. "I'll wash up!" she said, heading off to the kitchen.
Ryuichi turned to Rias. "Want me to give you a massage? Sounds like you really need one."
Rias' lips curved. "Oh? That's rare — you offering to pamper me?"
"I'm always considerate," he teased, taking her hand as they walked toward her room.
Inside, Rias relaxed onto the bed, the faint scent of soap clinging to her hair.
Ryuichi placed his hands gently on her shoulders, channeling a soothing warmth through his demonic energy. The tension in her back slowly melted away as he worked in silence.
Neither spoke much after that — just the soft rhythm of breathing, the calm between them deeper than words.
Outside, the night stretched quietly over Kuoh Town, and the faint glow of a crimson magic seal shimmered through the window like the heartbeat of another world.
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