As the sister of a Devil King, Sona's entries were naturally impressive—two purples and two reds, a luxurious lineup.
After Roy activated her potential, her demonic power surged, water currents rippling around her body.
"I heard about it from Rias yesterday, but the actual effect is even more astonishing than I expected."
Reining in the newly expanded demonic power, Sona glanced over. "Thanks, Roy."
"With this strength boost, I'll have more sway in the Underworld. You've really helped me out."
"No big deal. Consider it tuition."
Roy looked toward the other student council members nearby, who were curiously observing the scene.
"Want me to power them up too?"
Hm?
Sona studied Roy thoughtfully.
"You seem awfully eager. Does using this ability benefit you somehow?"
"Not really. I just don't have any decent sparring partners lately, so I figured I'd make some."
Roy tossed out a casual excuse.
Sona didn't fully buy it, but she agreed to his suggestion anyway. She was the one profiting here—no need to overthink it.
"Everyone, train hard and get stronger. When you've got time later, spar with me."
Handing out one white entry each to open their panels, Roy now had six more workers. He offered some encouragement.
"Don't worry, Roy-kun."
Tsubaki Shinra, the vice president, absorbed the floating mirror into her body and replied, "We won't let you down."
You couldn't disappoint me if you tried.
With a sparring excuse in place, he'd knock out their entries one punch at a time later.
Roy nodded calmly and returned to Sona's side.
"What's up? Something else?"
"Time for class."
Sona: "…!"
She'd nearly forgotten.
Snapping out of her power-up high, Sona recalled Rias's request from yesterday.
"Do this problem set."
She pulled a worksheet from her desk. "I need to gauge your level first."
Noon passed in a flash.
Grateful for Roy's help with the entries, Sona took teaching him seriously.
After lunch break, she even offered to tutor him that evening. Roy, naturally, declined.
If it were magic lessons, he might've considered it. But theoretical knowledge? Good enough was good enough.
After afternoon classes, Roy skipped the Occult Research Club.
He had a maid interview at home today, so he'd taken the afternoon off.
But before heading back, he swung by the neighboring classroom.
"Roy, what's up?"
Issei Hyoudou, called out, asked, "Another fight?"
Roy shook his head. "Not this time. I'm offering you a chance to get stronger."
"Uh, sorry. Not into fitness or whatever. Plus, I don't have much free time."
Misunderstanding, Issei waved him off.
"Your days are spent gaming or ogling dirty mags. What's this about no time?"
Roy was ready to launch into a lecture, hoping to reform this slacker into a solid worker under his wing.
But then Issei grinned smugly, puffing out his chest.
"Roy, that's just your stereotype talking."
"Truth is, I've got a new girlfriend now. My days are plenty full."
"…Yuuma Amano?"
"Huh? You already heard, Roy? I was hoping to surprise you!"
Issei whipped out his phone, showing off a photo. "Check her out—cute, right?"
"Cute on the outside, maybe."
Roy shook his head slightly. "All gifts from fate come with a price tag already set."
"That woman's dangerous for you. Break it off sooner rather than later."
"Heh, Roy, are you jealous or what?"
Issei smirked, winking and nudging him.
Seeing this, Roy said no more. He just patted Issei's shoulder, leaving a mark.
Good advice won't save a fool begging to die.
Let him try it and crash.
Back home from school, a vaguely familiar blue-haired girl stood at his door.
She'd clearly dressed up to make a good impression: white blouse, black skirt, and little leather boots.
From a distance, she exuded a gentle, refined air, like a proper lady.
"Hello, are you Mr. Roy?"
As he approached, the blue-haired girl stepped forward to introduce herself.
"I'm Shoko Toyokawa, here to apply for the maid position. When does the interview start?"
"Shoko Toyokawa?"
Roy raised an eyebrow, finally piecing together why she looked familiar.
"Is there a problem with my name?"
Noticing his stare, Shoko frowned slightly, considering bolting.
"No, just that I've seen you online while surfing recently."
Roy opened the door. "You were in a band, right? CRYCHIC, I think."
"…Yeah, that's true, but the band's disbanded now."
Caught off guard by a boss who recognized her, Shoko hesitated before answering.
"Shame. I liked your song Spring Sunlight."
"Ahem, let's talk about the interview instead."
Shoko, flustered, quickly changed the subject.
But then Roy suddenly stripped off his shirt, revealing eight-pack abs.
"No need for an interview. You pass—your face seals the deal."
"…Mr. Roy, I hope there's no misunderstanding. I don't offer special services."
"Keep dreaming."
Roy shot her a look, heading toward the pile of workout gear nearby.
"Do your job well and cook me dinner. If it's good, I'll bump your pay."
Shoko: "…"
Oh, it's just exercise. Scared me for a second.
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