MC's POV

Putting the large plate full with a tower of pancakes on the table, I sat on one of the seats while watching the figure staring at the towering pancakes with glistening eyes. Swallowing rather unladylike, one would not think that the cute image she has was capable of throwing a tantrum big enough that I had to drop some of my desk work to come and cook her something personally.

I had several restaurants, coffee and tea shops around Kyoto and Tokyo, while at least one was in each major city in Japan. It was. A little hard at the beginning, but having people like Yasaka-san and even the pervert fallen angel helping me out to set up the documentation and permits without any issues made everything be finished in a jiffy. Nonetheless, I can't be on each property at the same time so I taught several people personally until they passed my minimum requirements.

Even though the quality makes them extremely popular, this child always requests dishes personally made by me. In fact, she always appears in the shops I am visiting to check up on my clerks and property.

"*Gulp* M-Might I really eat this by myself? This amount is usually shared by several people..."

The cute voice of the girl was tinged with hope.

I just shrugged my shoulders. This child stayed here waiting until closing hours and would refuse to leave and given that she was a regular, I let my workers know that they could let her stay until I could spare a few seconds. Although I still had tons of work to do, I thought of fulfilling this request first so I could focus on my tasks. There is much to take care of now. I have to supervise the training of my kunoichi squad unless I want Shizuku to teach them something strange. There is also the expansion of the domain I am taking care of after I got my noble title years ago. While I mostly leave this to other people I work with, I purchased several plots of unused land and they require a lot of paperwork to turn them into buildings or houses. I have to go and have a chat with Odin about the fact that many Valkyries want to study in Urakyoto about ki and the like. The information-gathering group has some important affairs to let me know about that require my presence so I have to meet them. It is necessary to assist to a tea party arranged by Venelana-san to meet with some noble ladies to socialize and if things work out, I could start a new business in their lands. It has been months since I have tried to contact the elves, both fair-skinned and dark ones, to arrange teachers about spirit magic for a project I had in mind since last year, and now they have reluctantly allowed me to go and talk, although it worries me the meaningful smile the messenger gave me.

"Nora-san? Are you ok? You seem like there is something on your mind."

Expressing her worry, the girl stopped admiring the food as she glanced at me.p

"Nah, nothing much. I bit of work, nothing else." I sighed.

To make a customer worried, I am still lacking.

"I want another serving!"

Grabbing her fork, the girl watched the different toppings on the pancake.

I had added several additions to this monstrosity, and given that this girl might for this again in the future, I could add it to the menu. While I had a similar dish, the amount of sweetness added to this version was insane. A regular human could not finish this without getting a stomachache so I could make it a challenge with either a time limit or something along those lines.

"How about I name this after you? Abby's special." I offered.

Almost dropping the fork, and with her mouth stuffed to the max, making her look like a squirrel hiding her nuts, Abby, or rather, Abigail's eyes shone with excitement. Doing her best to swallow, she tried to talk to me.

"Is it alright? I can ask for this exact dish in the future?" Abbigail-san asked.

"We can work out the name a bit. Abbygail's special, Abby-san's special... actually, not much is gonna change, but I can shorten your name if you want." I smiled wryly.

"Then! I can't get special privileges! Like... eating one for free... or maybe add more syrups?" Abbigail-san excitedly asked.

"Well, if you can work for me and be the poster girl for the dish. Something simple as appearing on posters would be the basic, but I do have an online page as well. You could appear on promotional videos and help me attract more customers through publicity campaigns." I said. "Not only would I give you a free one any time you wanted, although there would be restrictions such as you being the only one that would get it, but we could also sign a contract to pay you some wages for your work."

Calculating in my head, I immediately picked a napkin and began writing several digits on it. The cost of the campaign, and the wages to pay those I will hire, the ingredients for this dish will have to be prepared aside so the main dishes of my places do not take a hit too. There were a ton of details but I was just making a rough assessment to give a possible number to this child.

"What do you think? This amount would be the basic one, there is certainly going to be more but I need to make a more precise calculation so that would be for later." I passed her the napkin.

Checking the contents, she smiled wryly at first but soon nodded.

"I could've done it just for the pancakes, you know?" Abbigail-san said.

Shaking my head, I instantly denied that motion.

"That would be taking advantage of you. We will sign a proper contract that both parties consider fair. After drafting it, I will give you a few days to think it over and inform yourself about the topic with experts." I muttered. "You are an acquaintance so I don't want to make it unfair to you, Abbigail-san."

"You really don't change. You are giving way too many benefits for something so trivial, you are making a loss here." Abbigail-san said. "Aren't you already on my first-name basis? Call me, Abby. My last name is a bit ominous for reasons so I prefer to be called by my first name."

Groaning slightly, I accepted her desire to be called as such. Being polite has been crammed into me, but I am not only dealing with Japanese people anymore. My range of actions goes beyond Japan after all. Besides, even if makes me sound closer to her, she is just being friendly.

It is kind of lonely now. Tamamo would usually retort about Abby being sneaky and trying to lay a trap to make us get closer without me suspecting anything. However, she is with Amaterasu-sama right now. It would be nonsense though, Abby's innocent smile, as she eats pancakes is anything but cunning.

"Besides, you might not be aware of it, but the benefits I will be getting are already very good." I muttered.

"Oh, what do you mean?" Abby asked with interest.

"You are a beauty so I do get to work with a pretty girl." I mischievously smiled. "Well, I am not lying there since you are very popular, whenever you appear in one of my establishments you always attack people's attention."

Blushing slightly, but took her fork and ate a big piece of the pancake while avoiding my face.

"But... aren't you busy? You seem like you have a lot of things to do..." Abby mumbled.

"It is nothing much, I can handle such a thing and even more. If it means I get to work with a cute maiden." I laughed.

Inwardly I was wondering where to slot this activity. I do not sacrifice time with Kuroka-chan or Shirone-san no matter what, nor with Yasaka-san or Kunou-chan. Nonetheless, they are busy enough to not have time for me instead. Kuroka-chan went to train with Magari again all of a sudden and Kunou-chan is learning the ropes of her mother's job in a meeting with the Five Clans. Shirone-san had gone rogue and taken her gang to patrol Kyoto, well, she is just taking the chance to show her friends around the city.gooooodsf

"Geeez, saying things like that." Abby shyly mumbled.

Just then, my phone rang and two messages arrived.

The first one was a 'simple' message about needing to visit a certain someone for a 'certain' reason. The message was basically encrypted and only one person beside me actually knew how understand the true meaning of it. The second one was written with a lot of mistakes and I recognized Amagi-san's work given that she is not used to the phone I got her the other day. She was inviting me to have some tea at her place and to do other thinks, like playing with the furballs, or play with the furballs, she was clear about it since she wrote it twice.

"...do you have to go?" Abby asked me in a sad tone.

I felt like I was doing something evil as soon as she spoke. The teary expression dealt considerable damage to me.« to aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

"Yeah, I got some things to do and need to leave." I smiled wryly. "I will make more pancakes to make it up to you the next time we meet."

"Hmph, when will that be? You sound really busy." Abby puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

"....Now, now. Don't sulk, you will ruin that beautiful face of yours." I pulled a handkerchief.

Wiping the whipped cream on her face, I nodded to myself.

"Trying to praise me will not fix my mood." Abby snorted.

Nonetheless, the corner of her lips were raising so it was obvious that my comment had a positive effect on her.

However, she was still sulky and angrily stabbed... the pancake and took a large mouthful. Her face got smeared in cream and she sent me some totally-not-suspicious glances as she sneakily spread the cream.

I could only chuckle at her awkward attempt of getting attention. She seemed the type to want a lot of attention and be pampered.

There are definitely some suspicious details about her, but I never felt an once of illwill coming from her.

Happy that I obliged, she smiled cheerfully. Yet, she suddenly frowned and put on a pitiful expression.

"Abby was a bad child just now." Abby meekly said. "I know that you need to go, but I was having such a good time that I began to act silly."

"It is ok. I am not really angry." I muttered.

"You are not angry at me? Really?" Abby asked.

"Not really, I enjoy your company and that includes all the aspect of your personality. You can be mischievous and naughty at times, but that is part of your charm." I said. "I do not dislike the honest nature of yours..."

Smiling deprecatingly, I thought back at all the things I have been getting involved with. The dark side of society, not only Kyoto or the Underworld, I have gone abroad and dealt with my share of the turbid world. Fake identities an aliases, I have used them in order to do this and that.

"...I wish I could be more honest." I sighed.

I don't want to be an open book, but I don't think I have been fully honest with anyone since I spoke with Kaa-san about my reincarnation. I hesitated a lot, but given the fantastical world we live, I spoke my mind and that earned me her trust.

"...so you want to..." Abby mumbled in a low tone.

Distracted in my own world, I failed to fully hear what she was saying, but she faced me with an mixed expression. There was determination and somewhat apprehension, while the traces of fear were expertly hidden.

"You see, Abby is a naugthy girl." Abby spoke.

Tilting my head in confusion, I wondered what brought her words.

"Abby is very, but very, naughty." Abby stressed.

Please stop, no matter what, it will start to sound lewd if a young lady like you starts saying that word repeatedly. I am still a minor so I ma refraining from trying anything like that. Yasaka-sama's mental health would receive a hit if I start even speaking about it.

"And because she is naughty, she will play a prank on you." Abby put on hand on the table as she stood up and leaned forward. "You are very busy but you don't rest at all. Sleeping is a no for you so I think this method will help you relax. Become more honest and go outside to enjoy a day free of worry. Let your worries vanish and relax..."

Slowly closing in, Abby whispered in my ear. Her words seemed to hold some sort of power and I simply listened to her voice. I might've let down my guard since I did not feel anything bad.

"There is no need to hold back... you can just act however you want." Abby's whisper were making my eyes to have trouble staying open.

Slowly but surely, my eyes were closing. I thought of fighting back but-

"You always work hard so it is not bad to stop holding back on in a while. Stop putting limits to yourself and just enjoy your day. Do what you want to do..." Abby's gentle smile made me hesitate.

She patted my head like you would usually do to a child and my eyes closed.

"It is ok. No one will get mad if you just act laid back once in while..." Abby's words was the last thing I heard before my conciousness was briefly cut.

After a few seconds perhaps, I opened my eyes and saw Abby looking at me half scared and excited. I blinked at that as I was unsure what she was thinking.

"Did it fail...? I guess his guard was still high around me." Abby sighed.

"Don't put that face." I said.

Standing up at once, I got close to Abby. Perhaps my serious expression startled her but she sank on her seat.

"Your face says it all." I muttered.

Reaching my hand, I saw her tremble but I was unstoppable. After seeing her face, I know what to do.

"A head pat? Order coming right up!" I attacked.

"Ehhhhh!?" Abby froze.

My hand mercilessly began to pat her head.

"Abby looks so lonely and sad, but worry not. Nora-kun will not let this injustice go. A head patted Abby is a happy Abby." I chuckled.

Looking at her who was only half happy but half belwildered, I knew that I was still lacking.

"So you need a hug as well." I nodded in understanding.

"No, no, that is not the real issue here!?" Abby retorted.

Her dissatisfaction meant only one thing, my head patting was insufficient, I need to kick up a notch.

Pulling her towards me, I held her hands while briefly stopping my head patting. As soon as out bodies bumped into each other, it was like a switch had been flipped and Abby who looked composed while whispering in my hear disappeared and the shy girl easy to tease was back.

I sat with her in my lap, and reasumed my hand movements.

"Abby is a good girl so she needs her head pat's." I said.

Lips trembling and her face flushed, Abby suddenly spoke.

"That's not true! Abby has not been a good girl so you can't pat her." Abby tried to leave my lap. "I have been a bad girl, a naughty girl. The truth is that I just played a prank on you..."

Even though she tried, I did not let her leave my lap. Her words caused me tilt my head and my mind understood that I had to change gears. Good girls need reward head pats but naughty girls need to be punished, such is the common sense.

"I see." I smiled brightly but Abby only squirmed more and her face continued to turn a stronger shade of red. "Naughty girls need punishment."

"...this is where I die?" Abby trembled like a scared bunny.

"Abby is naughty girl but she is also a nice girl so I promise to be gentle, ok?" I spoke in a soft tone near her ear so I would not startle her.

For some reason, she began to desperately try to leave. The strength she used was beyond what a normal human could ever accomplish, but Nora-kun is not going to let this chance go. If she is being naughty, she must be punished so she stays a good girl.

"Eh, no, I am ok. I am repenting!" Abby pleaded pitifully.

Poor girl, I have not started the punishment and she is already repenting. It is just like I guessed, she is a good girl deep down. However, I have to harden my heart.

"To think I would fall victim to his hands... I am done for." Abby suddenly had an idea and expression brightened as she looked at one the establishment walls. "W-wait, isn't today a busy day for you? I am not sure what other businesses you have, but isn't it today valentine's day?"

Tilting my head, I glanced at the wall and saw a calendar that had the date on February 14th. It was as she said, today was a special day for girls in Japan. However, I have been so busy that I had forgotten about it. Everyone was away from home so I planned to only come back at night. That said, I seem to recall that some suspicious messages had been on my phone's mail box. I wanted to check what that was about but it had run out of battery at that instant. My phone was kind of old and Suzaku had offered to buy me another, but I was kind of attached to her gift so I turned down her request.

"S-shouldn't you go around to receive everyone's gifts?" Abby said.

"I guess I do..." I mumbled.

I am not stupid enough to stay oblious to everyone intentions and even after turning down a few people, I have not stopped receiving advances.

"I have been rude..." I muttered. "Everyone's affections, everyone's expectations... am I not being rude to them? I have feelings for Yasaka-san, however, she has always told me to take care of Kunou-chan and form a harem so my beloved cat girls can still be with me. She told me that the size will be irrelevant if there are feelings involved, but I never gave it any deep thought. My mind has always been going in circles regarding Yasaka-san, going up whenever we have our private times and down when she turns me down every time I confess to her. Nonetheless, my mind does wander towards my beloved cats. My main worry being what shall I do regarding them when they grow up. Even now, Kuroka-chan is an outstanding beauty and her quick development seems to hinting that she might surpass her sexy Onee-san self I recall from the canon. I am faced with her attempts of seduction and I act like everything is ok, but she does makes my heart skip a beat every now and then. Her gaze full of affection and love is impossible for me to deny and my heart just beats loudly."

Feeling slightly embarrassed, there was another feeling surging from inside me. I felt like something I had been kept locked was being released.

"Shirone-chan is smol and cute, but she always snuggles to me. It warms my heart to have her do that. I believe that she is even more exagerated than Kuroka-chan, her gaze is filled with unshakable trust. She believes I can accomplish anything I propose to or any random nonsense I blurt. For me that is troubling since I now need to find some ancient and lost city in an adventure because I told her that cats can do stuff like that when they set their minds into it." I smiled. "Yes, it might be hard, but as long as her trust is in me, I can do it. That said, it troubles me that the smol cat sometimes blurts things like being my mate and the like. It is embarrassing and certainly the fault of Kuroka-nya."

Abby had calmed down somewhat and was obediently listening to me.

"Is that really all? Are they... the only people that move your heart?" Abby cautiously asked. "Are you willing to reject everyone but them...?"

I felt a sharp pain in my heart just when I imagined that. I am certain of whom I love, but... that does not mean that I want everyone else to leave me.

"I... don't want that. I know that I am being greedy, selfish and maybe a bit childish, but I want everyone to remain at my side. I..." I recalled my past life.

After my parents death, I was all alone. Drowning myself in a life-style that I can't be proud about, I had several relationships. I can't say I recall the women I was with nor I expect them to remember me. It did not matter, because that kind of relationship never eased my loneliness. If... if back then, those neighbours we had, if they had not died in that accident, I wonder if my life could've been different.

"Haha." I chuckled.

It is quite pathetic that I only think about myself. It is not simply my life that would've been different, theirs would've been different as well.

Life is always unexpected and cannot be truly predicted. Not only those I can honestly admit I have a liking to, there are many people I need to thank for just because they are with me.

I have been naive and idiotic. I don't want to be alone? Have I done something for them to truly think that I want them to stay with me? No! I have not!

"Nora-kun needs to make everyone aware of much he appreciates them." I nodded. "There is so much to do, and everyone will be happy if I just say the things I usually hold back due to embarrassment or tact."

"Yeah! You should! While you are it, you should let Abby go too!" Abby said.

"Nope~" I replied. "You know, punishing you can also be called a way to show you how much I care about you."

"...I shouldn't have tried to pull a prank today." Abby lamented.

"Hehe, don't worry, thanks to my newfound idea, I believe that you will be quite pleased." I locked my lips. "Excuse me if it looks like I am enjoying what is going to happen... since I won't deny that I am getting excited just by imagining it."

Chuckling one last time, I set my hands into motion. Abby's tearfull did not last for long and soon changed into-

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3rd Person POV

Leaving the store, Nora snorted in satisfaction.

"One happy girl, many more on the list." Nora nodded. "First I should take care of my job so I can fully focus on bringing happiness to everyone. Marion-san should be with her today so I have to take care of too, no, wait, she told me they were located in safe place so they must in that manor... that means the other girls must be there too."

Mumbling to himself, Nora noticed a pair customers who were peeking through the glass windows had flushed faces. He tilted his head in confusion and walked towards them.

"My apologies, we won't be opening today." Nora explained.

After checking the date in the store, his mind got the idea that the customers might be waiting for the store to open after a lunch break, however, he was not exactly right. The pair of girls, who happened to be high schoolers, flinched when he approached them. One of them could not look at him in the eye and kept fidgeting as her mouth opened and closed, unable to form even one word, while the other valiantly (or not, her legs were shaking) stood between Nora and her friend.

"S-Shameless!"

The girl shouted and that caused the passerbyers to focus their attention on the three of them. Nonetheless, Nora stealthily drew a symbol with his left index finger towards the passerbyers and they soon lost their interest in what had stopped them in the first place. Confused about what happened, the girl was not sure what to do.

"I-I am sorry, w-we were curious since we saw people in the store despite being closed..."

The girl who was unable to speak commented.

Nodding to that, Nora simply smiled.

"Yeah! That's right! H-However! WE SAW YOU PUTTING YOUR HANDS ALL OVER THAT GIRL! YOU EVEN SPANKED HER! DOING ALL THAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY!"

"How embarrassing that you saw that. She was rather tense so I simply gave her a massage...." Nora spoke like there was nothing wrong with his actions.

Listening to his voice that lacked any sort of shame or guilt regarding his actions, the girl who just yelled embarrassedly shut her mouth. She expected him to deny his actions frantically, but his honestly put her off.

"The slaps were because she was naughty." Nora chuckled.

The two girls did not know where to start retorting.

"You were slapping her... her..."

Unable to yell the word, the valiant (not) girl bit her lips.

"You mean her butt? Yeah, you usually do that for naughty kids." Nora said.

"But... what came out of her mouth..."

The shy girl covered her face in shame.

"Well, she is also a good girl so a mix of pain and pleasure in the perfect ratio was the choice." Nora chuckled.

"You shameless-"

The valiant (not) girl was about to tell, but Nora had taken her hand and her friend's without her noticing.

"You guys were watching over one of my stores, as the owner, I offer you my thanks." Nora said. "Have these, it is a simple gesture of gratitude on my part."

Handling them coupons for the store, he also handed them panflets with a special design.

"If you ever find yourself in a prickle, well, I cannot say anymore. Carry these with you, their will be your lucky charm." Nora gave the two a mysterious smile. "If you are lucky, perhaps a devil will hear your prayers for help."

His tone, along with his smile caused the girls to freeze and their hearts began beating loudly. The memories of what they saw made their imagination run wild for a second and their felt a strange sensation from the hands of the youth. 

"W-wait, a devil...? Not an angel?"

The valiant (not) one spoke, and in response Nora leaned until they could feel each others breaths.

"No, I could never be an angel. I am rotten to the core and slightly evil, don't you thing a devil is a more fitting description of me, rather than an angel?" Nora smiled.

That smile looked dangerous in a special meaning, the girl was certain that it was the same smile he had when he was doing those things to the girl from before. She could only gulp loudly and it might be her imagination but she recalled that his eyes should be green instead of blue. The girl could only nod to his words without being able to refute and let out a dispointed sound when-

"Thank you for your patronage~" Nora suddenly pulled away and turned around.

Extending her hands to reach for the youth, he had covered a good distance in just a few seconds so she was unable to stop him.

"T-that was nerve breaking."

The timid one and the valiant one both collapsed now that Nora was gone and could only sigh.

The timid saw the panflet she received and felt drawn out it but soon she shook her head. She was about to throw it since she found strange the attraction she felt towards it, but could not bear to do it and put it inside her school bag.

"What should we do about what we saw...? Before he appeared, you said something about reporting him but he does not look like a bad guy..."

Slightly unwilling, the timid girl pulled her friend's sleeve.

"...nonsense."

Standing up with shaking legs, the valiant (not) one gripped tightly the coupon and the panflet.

"We can't report him..."

"It is true, he was inside his store and the girl kept her clothes, it is only because we were clinging to the glass that were caught what was happening."

Sighing in relief, the timid girl felt relieved that her friend would not continue with her earlier idea.

"How can I work under him if he gets arrested!?"

The valiant (?) one turned around and with a flushed expression that surprised her friend, she pointed at the store.

"I heard the other day that they were looking for part-timers and that they were accepting students regardless of their experience. We should apply for the job, there are discounts for employees and we will able to see him again..."

With a pair of dreamy eyes that made her friend doubt for a second if the person who was in front of her was really her friend, the valiant (?) girl appealed to her friend.

"...sorry, wut?"

"...you are right. I was rude to him, there is no way that he is going to hire me..."

Looking depressed for a second, the valiant (?) girl scratched her head with both hands as she pondered hard.

"We have to talk about the girls in the school about this place, no, not only our school. We have to widen our network... They just need to taste something made here and they will be caught... Hehe, yes, after making the store so popular, perhaps he will personally scout us to handle the promotional campaigns..."

Laughing happily, the valiant (yeah, not anymore) girl made a v sign to her friend. On the other hand, the timid girl was unable to recognize her friend known for being slightly brash, blunt and tomboyish after seeing her slightly flushed face.

"Alright! Now that the plan is formed, we need to start working on it. Since there will be many people, we should form some sort of group... And this is just a wild idea, but what if we use an image of him to attract more people to the cause...?"

Unsure where to start retorting, the timid one wondered what sort of trick the youth used. She could not deny that he had a strange charm and when he touched her hand she felt something she could not quite explain, but it was not as bad as her firend, unless-

"Don't tell me that you..."

Unable to finish her words, the timid girl saw her friendly madly searching something on her phone.

"Got it~"

Grinning happily, the girl showed her friend a picture of the youth.

"It seems there is already a fan club stablished. The leader, CAT4LIFE, has many pictures of him, I applied for both of us to enter."

Nodding to herself, the timid girl could only accept her friend's maidenly smile as the definitive sign.

"She fell."

Thanks to this meeting, the fan club hidden from a certain youth's reach grew in number. Few days after this, the store received a pair of enthusiatic employees and would in the future be among the most successful stores thanks to the very same employees. However, that is a story for another time, along with the fact that Nora's stroll went around the neighborhood for another thirty minutes and created all sort of urban legends while robbing the heart of many maiden of different ages.

...

...

...

"Marion-san! Looong time no see!" Nora grabbed the maid by her armpits and threw her in the air.

Confused by the first words and actions Nora had displayed after meeting, the maid did not try to stop him.

Happily opening his arms, he caught her in a hug and spun in place to kill the momentum of the fall.

"You have lost some weigh, did you start dieting?" Nora bluntly said. "That is not good, you have an outstanding figure and style, you don't need to diet."

"Master!? I feel like that was sexual-harassment...!" Marion finally reacted.

"The only crime here is if you continue with your diet!" Nora retorted.

Feeling like her master was more unreasonable than usual, Marion tried to get hear bearing back by backing away from the hug despite her dispointment in doing so. However, while Nora would normally allow her free movement, this time, he proved Tobe caring odd since he pouted and hugged her tighter. It caused Marion to feel oddly embarrassed since she could feel like her chest was bwing pushed upwards and her clevage was being accentuated.

"I understand, master, so please..." Marion pitifully begged.

"Do you dislike being held by me...?" Nora slowly released the maid.

"No, master, it is not like that!" Marion panicked.

The youth had turned around and used a wall lean and slowly lower himself as his back slid down the wall.

"...do you like it then...?" Nora put a pitiful expression.

Unfortunately for Marion, she had been spending small amounts of time with Nora lately so her defenses were on the low side so she immediately...

"...yes." Marion embarrassedly said and immediately after saying that, she found herself held in princess carry by Nora.

"Then we will continue talking like this." Nora declared.

...was tricked by Nora.

"Nora-sama is really a bully." Marion gave up.

Understanding that she had been played, Marion felt a little dissatisfied, but being held in the dreamed position was enough to blow away any negative feeling she had.

"You guys don't dislike this side of me, do you?" Nora chuckled.

"...no." Marion looked away.

Founding his assertive nature attractive, Marion did not expect to have it directed at her. She had seen that when he was dealing with issues in the Underworld and how he would swiftly deal with problems at hand, however, he had a major weakness and that was when he would not try to get involved with other devils more than necessary. Marion had been told by Zekram that Nora should find himself some spouse or fiance by now, or at least establish some connections with some low-rank aristocratic families by getting a lover, however, the youth would just raise the middle finger at one of the most dangerous people in the Underworld without batting an eye. Marion would feel like her heart would stop everytime that happened, however, Zekram never seemed bothered by it. Nonetheless, the number of aristocratic ladies throwing themselves at Nora would increase after that so Marion had the idea that Zekram used that method to get back at Nora.

"By the way... how is that matter going?" Nora narrowed his eyes.

Skipping a beat, Marion felt troubled about how close he got to her.

"It is... hard to accomplish, master." Marion shook her head. "While that person has been openly declaring their friendship with you, there is a clear difference in the way that person behaves outside public view."

Nodding to that, Nora closed his eyes to ponder briefly.

"Is there anything regarding the movements I said before?" Nora asked.

"It is not unusual for devils to head to the human world so even if he does, nothing particular stands up." Marion explained. "His place of choice is also imposible to trace unless we can examine the teleportation magic circle's formula, but that is easier to said than do. I only managed to get that much information after getting close to the servants, but I am afraid that it is not a good idea to continue using that method. Not only it is raising suspicious, but obtaining information of real value will be difficult. I am not sure to what extend it can affect them, but they are under some sort of magical contract and it will prevent them from leaking sensitive information."

"Certainly, he would not like if his movements were leaked due to a careless servant so catching one of them for questioning will not be worth the trouble it will cause. Rather than looking for their servant out of concern, they would try to find them to avoid any possible leak, or to make sure that they do not speak no matter what, they will kill the servants using whatever means avaible." Nora muttered.

"Etto, master... what have you been doing since a while ago...?" Marion asked a little embarrassed.

Even though they were having a serious conversation, Nora's dishonest hands were touching everywhere... or not, he was head patting Marion. Nonetheless, whether it is one or another, it was equally embarrassing to done that by her master.

"I am applying my right to head pat you." Nora replied.

"No, master, when did that right started to exist?" Marion speechlessly questioned.

"Just now." Nora happily said. "You have been doing a good so you deserve head pats. It is ok, I know that you have been jealous when I did this to Sirius-tan and Alkaid-tan, not to mention the girls I had brought to the manor, but now there is no need for that! Because Nora-kun will spoil you."

Feeling like it was the moment to use it, Marion felt a pang of regret since getting pampered was nice, but she still pulled out a specially made harisen.

"Look, master! What's that? Is it Yasaka-sama getting picked up?" Marion pointed her finger in the direction her body was facing.

Inwardly sighing, Marion wanted to believe that such a idiotic statement would not be able to deceive her master, but-

"Where is that punk at? I am gonna kick his ass until he needs a new one." Nora growled.

His eyes looking away for a second, Nora allowed Marion to attack. A loud smack that would normally sound when two types of hard metal material collide with each other was heard. In fact, the harisen that Marion used could not be truly called as such given that it hid metal plates inside but even after using such a thing, Nora did not seem to react causing Marion to widen her eyes in surprise.

"To think that Grayfia-sama's secret-reboot-technique-for-idiots was ineffective..." Marion felt shaken.

Even after using the most deadly- effective harisan, she had not only failed to inflict damage, but Nora-

"Hmm? I can't see Yasaka-san anywhere... was it maybe someone who looked like her...?" Nora turned around and caught with his eyes the harisen. "What in the world...?"

It was now that Marion panicked. She could hardly believe that the harisen was unable to make him flinch. Grayfia had handed the harisen after testing it multiple times on Sirzechs so she was certain that there were not flaws on the product.

Slowly, Nora's eyes went towards Marion's face.

"You have been a bad girl." Nora said.

Trying to escape out of instinct, Marion was unable to free herself from his hands. At this point, there were only a handful of ways to escape scot free so Marion...

"Master... if I say that I have been talked into doing this by Grayfia-sama, would you believe me?" Marion nervously asked.

"I see, Grayfia-san has been doing that..." Nora nodded with a pained expression.

Feeling slightly guilty, Marion thought of correcting a possible misunderstanding.

"...why is it that we cannot use words to understand each other? In the end... we are all creatures who rely on getting physical to express what it on our mind." Nora sighed.

Thinking that it was a good chance to fade into the background, Marion used every stealth skill she learned in the Maid Guild to leave Nora's side, however, he easily stopped her in place by pinching her waist.

Feeling a shudder, Marion reacted fast enough and covered her mouth before a weird moan escaped. Just like that, she felt Nora pinching several places on her body and she had to put some real effort for her mouth to not leak any sound, however, Nora's actions caused something else to happen. By the time Nora stopped, Marion noticed that she could not muster any strength and Nora pulled a folding chair and sat. With a pair of movements on his part, Nora had placed Marion in a rather embarrassing position. Resting about his legs, Nora's torso supported her weight as her legs, arms and head hung.

Feeling a terrible premonition, Marion tried to get away.

"M-Master, let's not be hasty- Hiii!" Marion made a weird sound.

Without listening to her words, the youth had raised his hand and-

"It is the master's job to discipline his maid and make sure her behaviour is on point. Nothing a session of spanking could not fix." Nora explained.

"M-Master, please reconsider... If someone got a word of it, it could stain your reputation." Marion pleaded. "Consider your noble status for a minute and- ah~"

Hastily covering her mouth, Marion was surprised at the tone of scream. Nora's hand had attacked again as he continued to punish her.

"Marion-san... No, Marion, what is something so feeble as my 'status' against the sheer love a gentleman like me has for his maids? It is because of my overflowing love that I am doing this." Nora spoke in a heartful tone. "It pains me to use this method, but it has to be done."

Glancing at her face, Marion skipped a beat because it was not the face of someone struggling with his actions, but rather, Marion could spot a smile on his face, one she had not seen before.

"Besides, you are my first maid, it would be bad if you cause the others to go down the wrong path so I have to set you straight." Nora added.

At this point, even his tone sounded like he was enjoying himself so Marion resigned herself to her fate.

"Master, this lowly maid shall accept her punishment." Marion certainly did not sound eager at all. "However, I do have duties after this so I implore you to have mercy..."

"Wouldn't making you walk around with a swollen rear as you embarrassedly try hide that... an interesting punishment?" Nora chuckled.

Feeling a shudder, Marion pitifully glanced at Nora who simply gave her a wry smile.

"I wouldn't do that..." Nora said. "Unless you are interested in doing it."

The first half of his words caused her to relax, but Marion felt like her heart might jump out of her chest when she heard the second half.

"Well, we can continue this chat... later." Nora mumbled.

Unable to say anything, Marion affirmed that Nora acting even more strange than usual, a wrong word could trigger him.

"...should I consider you silence as your answer? 'I don't have a problem'" Nora said.

About to open her mouth, Nora attacked.

There was a but more of strength in the action, but it was frustrating because there was hardly any pain and there was something else that caused her unable to open her mouth because she would let escape sounds that a maiden should not be making in broad daylight.

"Putting a face like, are you dissatisfied with your punishment?" Nora applied more force.

Squirming on his lap, Marion used her guts at full power because a rather familiar feeling began to build up with each slap and she resisted fully, nonetheless, she managed to turn her head and shake it frantically.

"Hmm? What's wrong? If you don't tell me, I won't be able to understand you... it is not like I read minds, although I am quite interest in reading what your heart really thinks about this." Nora gave a particularly strong slap.

"Um~" Marion was unable to contain the moan despite using both hands.

"That's more like it." Nora stopped.

Inwardly raging at the part that felt disappointed because Nora stopped, Marion tried to get up despite feeling weakness in all her limps, but Nora holding his index finger on her lower back was all it took to stop her.

"Did you like it? I tried to be as accurate as the books you keep hidden, but I wonder if I was able to 'satisfy' your 'expectations'." Nora said.

Strength filled her limps and Nora was unable to stop her this time, with a blushing face that gave away her shame, Marion raised from the lap and tried to stand up to confront Nora but his teasing smile and the motion he did with his hands made her weak on the legs once again and she almost fell, only for Nora to help her as he stood. Marion was now resting her head on Nora's chest with a blush on her face and slightly short on breath while holding back the shame of her throbbing rear.

"H-How did you know?" Marion asked with her head down.

"I happen to know one of the people how distribute such a thing around the maid guild, and after bribing- I mean, sharing a meal, I happened to learn that my acquantices are avid readers." Nora muttered.

Rubbing her back, Nora helped her to calm down, although his words were not helpful. Having her heart beating full speed, Marion felt like passing out.

"M-Master, it is not like that! I do not dare to harbor those kind of ideas about you! Zekram-sama told me to jump on you, but I declined as rudely as possible like you taught me to! No, wait! I did not do it because I think master is lacking in any way! You are the most sought person to serve in the maid guild and even amount the young generation of devils you are the target of many young ladies! Argh! What am I even saying?" Marion felt like digging a hole and disappearing forever.

A soft chuckle caused her to timidly raise her head, Marion glanced at Nora who no longer had a teasing smile but rather his characteristic gentle smile.

"Sorry, I teased you too much. I tried to act something that I no longer am and caused you distress." Nora gently caressed Marion's hair.

Curious about the second half of his words, Marion still decided not to ask, after all, even if she heard about it, her answer will not change.

"N-No, master, I was only surprised... I did... not...  dislike it." Marion spoke in an almost inaudible voice. "I... actually... liked it."

Some people might have trouble hearing that and ask aloud for a repetition. However, the youth who knew what this meant, gently gave a reply-

"Pervert." Nora said.

Or not.

"Master!" Marion began hitting Nora continuously.

"Haha, ok, don't get upset. I happen to love perverted girls so you on my list!" Nora gave her thumbs up.

Freezing in place, Marion repeated repeated a certain word he said in her head although she did not have much time to do so.

"By the way, does your rear hurt?" Nora asked.

Reacting again, Marion covered her ass with her hands as a burning sensation assaulted her at once.

"Master, I could sue you for sexual harassment." Marion replied.

"You got guts if you plan to do that, 'Miss-I-will-was-your-under-wear-but-I-happen-to-take-a-long-rest-on-the-way." Nora pointed out.

"I heard that the Saintess of the church preaches a lot about forgiveness." Marion smiled.

"You got guts talking about the church to a devil." Nora said.

Awkwardly chuckling tried to take a step forward but the pain rather hard to bear.

"By the way, do you happen to have a kink for exhibitionism?" Nora suddenly said.

"No!" Marion immediately replied.

"Hmmm, I guess I should not inform you about our peanut gallery who enjoyed the show from the begining." Nora sighed. "I should perhaps go and ask their opinion so I can improve for the ones for that kind of kink."

Widening her eyes, Marion turned to see several pairs of eyes watching them with their full attention from the gap of an opened door.

"Alright! This is all in order for me to improve! I can't always rely on my past experiences! The path of spanking asses is a long one!" Nora formed a fist with his hand and raised it high.

"Master!? I don't think that is necessary! We should also punish them for doing that!" Marion spoke in an embarrassed tone.

"...why? Marion enjoyed herself and they certainly did as well." Nora had a teasing smiled as he sniffed the air.

Failing to understand what he meant, Marion tried to catch whatever Nora was smelling but her senses were not as sharp as his so it was most likely-

"Why don't we ask at the peeping toms over there? I am sure the gallery enjoyed themselves quite a bit so we can maybe turn this into the sort of enjoyable experience were everyone can be happy!" Nora chuckled.

"Master? What do you mean with making everyone 'happy'? This Marion is afraid that in her mind what you believe to be happy for her is something completely different..." Marion facepalmed.

Without saying anything, Nora made a fist by pushing his thumb between his middle and ring finger and moved it up and down.

This time, Marion fainted.

...

...

...

Walking down the hallway in the same manner but a floor not accesible by any stairs or elevator, Nora and Marion were having a conversation as they were followed by a silent figure.

"I don't understand, why did she faint?" Nora had a troubled expression.

"Master, why don't you think this front her perspective. After you made me faint briefly, you ran to her and bombarded her with 'unique' questions." Marion sighed. "That child, she was proud of being able to show you how much she had changed and how resourceful she became from all your teachings."

"Please, do not joke. That child hates me to guts, and what I taught her was not that impressive. If she is showing her talent in business, it is only because she was gifted in the first place, not because of me." Nora waved his hand dismissively.

"Surely you are jesting." Marion said. "She is one of the first people you rescued but she never showed any kind of skill. She lacked the most basic education and was unable to write or read. It was you who personally coerced- I mean, threatened- sorry, that was a mistake, convinced her of studying while teaching her when all us had given up on her."

"Everyone has their own pace of learning and some mature fast while others take time to do so. It is not because of me, but because she desired to change for her own sake." Nora muttered.

Curiously glancing around, Nora found odd the lack of people.

"Even after learning her name in her homeland, she prefers that you call her by her Japanese equivalent because she wants to feel closer to you, don't you think that hints something?" Marion said.

"Maybe she does not simply like to be called Ningguan but rather Gyoukou?" Nora shrugged his shoulders.

"Master, allow me to slap you." Marion gave the youth a dirty look.

Hiding his behind with both hands, Nora shyly squirmed.

"Maybe for later..." Nora looked away.

"...can I do it with that tengu fan you stole last time?" Marion asked.

"I will literally fly away to the ends of earth so no. There will be no one to give love to all you if that happens." Nora replied.

"What do you have to say as someone in the same position as that child? Shin Ryougyoku." Marion called out.

The figure silently following behind them had a pair of green eyes that followed Nora's every movement and would soften whenever the youth looked at her. Her long black hair was tied in double buns at the side of her head with two sidelocks at each side of her face. Her attire consisted of a body suit with black and white theme and she carried a spear in her hand that looked slightly old and worn down due to the continuous use.

The figure shook her head and waved one hand to indicate that she did not want comment anything about it.

"Whether is Shin Ryougyoku or Qin Liangyu, she can choose freely. It was certainly difficult to locate her origins but I don't think she needs to be tied to them or to feel obligated to use the Japanese equivalent due to my origins." Nora glanced at the figure.

Having grown in height over the years, she had gone past the 170 centimeters and she was wearing heeled boots so she looked very tall due to her long legs but her figure stood out thanks to her attire and you could clearly see her curves.

"She is still the same girl no matter what." Nora carefully observed the young woman.

Finding hard to bear the youth's stare, the young woman squirmed.

"Well, I guess not the 'same'." Nora walked up to her.

Watching on the sidelines, Marion felt slightly jealous, but she understood that she should not say anything. It was good to see Nora flirting openly with other girls since this opened a different path to many people, herself included. Above all, Nora's eyes made her ass throb slightly since they had the same glint as they did when he spanked her.

"You have really grown... in all meanings." Nora moved swiftly.

When the young woman tried to escape, he stood on her way with a fast movement and she almost tripped due to the surprise. Using that to his advantage, Nora pressed and the result was-

"Why are you running? Am I that scary in your eyes?" Nora slammed his hand on the wall where he had the young woman cornered into. "You have grown into a beautiful woman, you know that?"

Using his free hand, Nora gently held her neck and caressed it.

"Even after I erased the scars and wounds you had... you still won't talk?" Nora looked a little troubled. "Sometimes I am not sure what to do with you."

Without dropping the spear, the young woman used one hand to express what was on her mind.

"Even if you do not need a voice to do what you must do, talking has... Alright, I won't insist." Nora made a motion of stepping aside.

Just when the young woman sighed in relief, Nora leaned forward until his mouth was above the ear of the young woman.

"Since you won't talk and you refuse to choose your name properly, let me ask your body, it is bound to be more honest..." Nora whispered.

The damp breath so close to her face made her heart beat faster than usual, but escaping never crossed her mind. It was a rare chance and she unconciously would not miss it which is why she wondered why her body was frozen in place, part of her knew the reason. It also was pleasant to take in, Nora's breath. The young woman had even heard rumors that his sweat was also tasty and without his knowledge, it was sought by many.

"Which one do you like more...?" Nora blew in her ear. "Shin Ryougyoku...?"

With her eyes closed and tensed muscles, the young woman did not move one inch.

"...then how about Qin Liangyu?" Nora nibbled on her ear.

Unable to hold back, the young woman trembled.

"Ah... so you like that more, don't you...?" Nora whispered.

"Master, she has already decided, we have matters to..." Marion called out but froze.

Nora gave a side long glance that caused her to gulp.

"Not yet." Nora smiled. "She flinched... but that is hardly an answer. Besides, she will tremble even if I do not ask anything when I do... this."

Nibbling on her other ear, Nora caused the young woman to tremble once more.

"See?" Nora asked. "That is why... until we are completely certain that she will give me her honest answer... we will not stop."

Feeling sorry for the her, Marion stepped away, however-

"Could it be that you actually want to join...?" Nora stopped her by holding her hand.

It was at this point that Marion understood that she should've helped the other party first so it had turned into a 2 Vs 1 instead of a 1vs 1 twice in a row. Nonetheless, she could not deny... that she was rather interested.

...

...

...

"So there are some unruly kids we should take care off?" Nora asked.

Looking down with blush on her face, Marion tried to catch her breath.

"Y-Yes, this was on that child's schedule, but she is no longer able to walk after what you did to her." Marion fixed some strands of her hair that were not in place.

"Hmmm, yosh. Should I beat them up until they are no longer able to put a resistance...?" Nora jested.

"In this case, I think it could actually work." Marion readily agreeded to it. "They are just like oil and water and just bit anyone who tries to talk to them. I have been attacked a couple of times."

Rubbing her hand, Marion's hand was free of scars but it seemed to be something on her mind since she kept touching it.

"Qin Liangyu, did you also suffer from their attack?" Nora turned around.

With blushing cheeks and eyes unfocused, Qin Liangyu reacted when Nora called to her by covering her ears.

"So she is not good huh." Nora sighed.

"Who do you is to blame for that?" Marion asked in annoyed tone.

"Yosh! Let's take care of this in a jiffy!" Nora ignored those words and ran ahead.

...

...

...

"...I heard you saying that they were troublesome." Nora kneeled in place.

In front of him, there was a figure lying down with her back down exposing her belly and wagging her tail. She was a teenager with long black hair and with large dog ear sporting on top of her head. She had purple eyes and her body was slender with an ample bosom.

"They are troublesome." Marion tried to touch the figure, however-

"Grrrrr."

The figure growled and tried to bite her. Nonetheless, when Nora tried to do so, she actively tried to get closer to him and show him her favor.

"Heh." Nora smirked.

Feeling like hitting her master's annoying face, Marion looked away.

"How about that one?" Marion pointed at the other figure.

Different from the first one, this kept being alert until now. Nora's appearence only made her anxious and she kept hissing at the maid and youth duo who got closer to her. Qin Liangyu just silently appraised the hissing figure, ready to strike if Nora got even one scratch.

The figure had blonde hair, large cat ears, purple eyes, and a long tail with a similar build with the other figure. However, she was wary, anxious and did not dare to set her eyes on anyone in particular. She kept glancing at everyone with extreme caution.

"Have these children eaten or drank water...?" Nora asked.

Putting his hand on the dog girl's belly, he began to rub it and the girl frolicked.

"We have left some on each side of the room after keeping them away, but... the one you are playing with ate what was given to her, but the other one has not." Marion sighed. "I believe there most be a distrust issue with her given how she came to this place, but I am afraid that forcing her will not help us earn her trust..."

"That's right. She will not trust you, but... it is not as simple as that." Nora stood up and walked towards the cat girl.

The dog girl whimpered and followed after him.

With his nekomata features out he made sure to show the cat girl that he meant no harm.

"Aren't we distant relatives? Cats should always stick together." Nora jested.

To his kind hearted words, the cat girl swung her claws at him and Nora easily evaded.

"Grrrr."

The dog girl growled at the cat girl and Qin Liangyu closed in with spear in hand along with Marion who pulled out a knife. However, they all froze in place with Nora glanced at them.

"Stand back." Nora commanded.

Faster than their minds could obey, they bodies reacted and all the ladies ready to pound backed away.

"Child." Nora evaded another of the cat girl's attacks. "How long do you think you can keep this up?"

Without even answering, she relentlessly attacked Nora. Nonetheless, Nora could evade her attacks with her eyes closed if he wanted to so it did not take him much effort to do so.

Seconds went by and they became minutes, but the only thing that changed was that the cat girl was become short of breath, her movements were getting slower and slower while there was no change in Nora whose expression did not change. Little by little, the cat girl's already low stamina depleted itself. Nora made sure to move in large strides to cause her to lose more stamina, but the cat girl did not paid any mind to it. Nora's lack of response of any kind only made her angrier and got in the way of her best judgment of the situation.

"Let's say that by a stroke of luck you manage to take me down. How do you plan to avoid the pursuit of the girls behind me? Do you think they will give you time to rest or think of the most appropriate solution?" Nora asked. "However, let's say you somehow manage to prevail without sustaining any considerable injury that hinders your movements. Do you think they will be the only resistance you will find down here? Dozens of guards stand at the of the hallway you will cross along with the other staff who will be alerted and are standing by in the rooms along the way. If you know teleportation magic, you certainly can flee now but you do not. Your only way out is a teleportation circle ready to use that is guarded by an insane amount of shikigamis. That magic circle will take you to another floor with a similar layout as this and you will have to repeat the process a couple of times before reaching above ground."

Merciless words rained on the girl, she felt like crying and her expression turned bitter, each attack became more difficult to perform and her mind became a mess by taking all that information.

"Suppose you do that... What's next?" Nora muttered. "I am a high ranking noble, standing above multiple noble houses and bearing the name Murmur, a Duke-class Devil. An escapee from my jurisdiction will turn immediately into a criminal. Even worse, if they suspect that your ran away after I made you part of my peerage, you will have no safe place to flee in the Underworld. You could try your luck with the Fallen Angels, but unless you got something to offer, they will not risk their necks for you. Hades domain is even more of a stupid choice, since he despises supernatural creatures although his second daughter seems to like cats. Nonetheless, that is not important since you will have to reach her first. Long last, you can try your luck with the land of lawless beyond the Underworld rules by devils. Several cities were those who rebelled against the government made their domains and where devil law will have no effect on you. Nevertheless, tell me, child, can you reach that place alive? That is the place where the slave market is working so surely you do not expect them to let you go, do you?"

"ARGHHHHHH."

The words that lacked any consideration lit the rage inside the cat girl and she went berserk, her speed went back to how it was or rather, she became faster. However, it was all for naught. Nora did not even break a sweat.

"Why? Why!? WHY!?"

"The world is an unjust place." Nora sighed. "Because you are weak, you will suffer from the whims of those who stand at the top. That will answer one of your questions."

Growling, the girl attacked Nora by pounding on him but he caught her mid air and flipped her around, one second later, her back had slammed the ground and she was unable to get up.

"Strength is a weird word to define but it all comes down to those who end up wining." Nora shrugged his shoulders. "I don't mean to brag, but I have been training since a young age. From the way you move and your muscles, I would say you have some basic training on you but... that is only so-so. I bet my portion of chimichangas that you trained for about a year or so... tell me, do you think it equals the amount of effort you put in your obviously not professional training will equal the training I have gotten from people of Ultimate-class and higher?"

Biting her lips bitterly, the girl still kept her glare on Nora, not daring to relax.

"They are people who have overcome countless hurdles and have perfected their styles, even if most of them... kind of enjoy beating me up, just copying them, by imitating them, I can do more than what a reckless girl who did whatever training came up to her mind can." Nora said. "So, let me ask you...? Can you really beat me? No, you cannot. You cannot escape either."

At this, the girl finally started to show a sad face and tears began to pour down.

"Master, that was too much." Marion felt like he had gone too far.

"Back then... I was lucky back then." Nora sat down. "Coincidence over coincidence on my side was the only reason I could escape Naberious' lab. Dozen's of guards, heavily armed floors, if you think about it, a punk who was just a child escaping all that? It sounds insane. I did have. A bit of more advantage than anyone else in that situation, but it is still a tale hard to believe. You have no idea how many times I have thought back and gotten scared of what would've happened to those two if I had failed."

Shutting her mouth, Marion understood that she overstepped her boundaries.

"Don't make that face, I am happy that you are willing to stand up to me." Nora smiled wryly.

The girl on the ground had used one arm to cover her face as tears continued to pour down.

"Child. I understand that you are angry, the reason I do not know but it cannot be something easy to explain." Nora pulled out a handkerchief and helped the girl to sit. "Trust is something hard to earn but easy to lose. I bet you don't want anything related to me, but the fact is that you are hungry and thirsty, you of all people should know the limits of your body and how you will soon reach the limits you can reach."

Pulling a piece of bread from his storage pocket, Nora grabbed one of the girl's hands and placed it there.

"Eat." Nora said and pulled a bottle of water next. "Drink, regain your energy, this one is a sealed plastic bottle and it untouched by me, this way you can surely drink it, isn't that right?"

Forcing the hand that she was using to cover her face, he put the water bottle.

"I got no idea why you ended up into that slave merchant's selection." Nora mumbled. "However, the look in your eyes tells me that you have other things in minds other than accepting your fate."

Smirking, Nora faced the girl who gave him a defiant look.

"Show me what you got." Nora said. "Raise your skills and if you manage to defeat me, I will set you free... other wise..."

Chuckling evilly, Nora stood up and pulled-

"You will become my maid." Nora showed the girl a frilly maid outfit with a miniskirt.

Not only the girl, but even Marion looked at Nora with a hard to describe expression.

...

...

...

"Master... that child is eating like crazy and is finally accepting the bedroom we had prepared for her." Marion sighed.

"So she is that fired up for getting the maid outfit, huh." Nora mumbled.

Walking around a certain devil's territory, the duo separated from Qin Liangyu who stayed to guard the manor. They stopped in front of a large castle and Nora waved at guards who smiled at him let him enter like it was natural of him to do so.

"Master, I believe is the oposite of that..." Marion facepalmed. "Was it ok? To antagonize her?"

"You mean that I should use the information we had about her and use to our advantage to earn her trust and cooperation?" Nora asked.

Winking at a passing by maid, the youth happily strode forward.

"...yes." Marion somberly said. "Sorry, Master, it was not-"

"Well, I don't it is a completely bad idea. It suits perfectly fine the idea of using information to accomplish your goal." Nora smiled wryly. "However, if you always use every mean to accomplish your goal without minding the consequences what do you think will happen to you at the end?"

"Master, I lack the raw strentgh that supernatural beings have and I reckon that my skills are going to hit a limit soon enough... to serve my master and deal with whatever that comes his way, I thought-" Marion stopped talking.

"I did not expect that your loyalty towards me would be this high." Nora softly caressed her hair. "However, I don't want you to become an unscrupulous person. Leave the dirty work to me, I am more suited to it."

Feeling a bit of discomfort, Marion noticed that Nora's words could imply that he planed to always do that sort of job alone. Talking him about will most likely end up in her turned into a mess again so she will just silently made a mental note to work harder so he does not say something like that again.

"Oh, isn't that Akeno-tan?" Nora eyes widened when he caught a figure in the distance. "AKENO-TAN~"

Running so fast that he left after images, Nora caught the unsuspecting Akeno easily.

"...excuse me, would you mind arranging a room? Someone will faint soon so I would to let her rest peacefully while she is down." Marion called out another passing by maid.

"Yes? Is it one of your companions? Did Nora-sama ask for that? Nora-sama's requests are the will of the people in Gremory territory. We are all thankful for his support to the ladies of the house so you should consider it done... by the way, do you mind putting a good word about me? My name is Mina, just tell him that I was very helpful and... if you can hand him this in secret..."

Already having a bad premonition from the way the maid talked and how she shyly squirmed as she handed Marion a folded piece of paper, Nora's maid waited until the other party fled the scene to complete the youth's (?) request. Marion opened the folded paper to find a rather 'unique' photo of the same maid 'wearing' a 'maid' and doing a pose that said much about her flexibility along with a phone number.

Facepalming, Marion wondered if she could find another way to support Nora from the shadows that did not involve keeping at way the horny servants that had ideas about him... one that did not involve also taking care of the offers that some of bosses of those servants also made. The current Nora was acting odd, but usually during social gatherings he would just act like a gentleman and he would not try anything funny which it is why it was a mystery why these offers never decreased in number.

"Hmmm, I think today was... oh, crap." Marion cursed aloud.

Recalling a certain fact now that she had time off work, Marion should've sacrificed herself for a greater good and kept Nora locked.

"Oh, a chocolate for me? Aren't you the sweetest?" Nora's loud voice could be heard. "How can I not reward your efforts after you went and made this for me?"

Pulling Akeno closer, Nora began to plant kisses all over her face as he hugged her. The poor girl did not have time to change her surprised expression, she fainted after the first kiss, but Nora did not seem to notice.

"...I can only call the big shot to help me." Marion pulled her phone out. "Is this Grayfia-sama, yes, this is Marion, I know that you are busy assisting the Maou, but I think you would like to come to the Gremory Castle right now. Yes, it is Nora-sama. He... is finally reaching his hands towards the ladies of the house... Hello? Grayfia-sama?"

Listening to tone of the phone that indicated the end of the call, Marion put her phone away.

"Oh? You fainted...? How strange... Ah! I know, a kiss from the prince awakens the princess, right? I just have to keep doing this!" Nora continued.

Turning around after watching how Akeno fainted a second time after she regained her senses, Marion's expression turned strange when a carriage stopped close by. Wearing casual clothing, Rias Gremory, Venelana Gremory and Sona Sitri were getting down the carriage as they happily chatted.

Pulling out her phone again, this time Marion dialed another number.

"Hello, yes, this is Marion, Serafall-sama, as you requested before, I was supposed to let you know if my Master started to have unusual ideas about your little sister and she was against it, yes, right now. The Gremory Castle... Oh, she hung up." Marion put away her phone again. "First Grayfia-sama and now Serafall-sama, I thought they should be among the most busy people but they will arrive here soon..."

Sighing at that, Marion hoped it was enough to stop Nora. For some reason, she could not help but think that he was not going to fall that easily.

Marion's premonition was not far from the true. It took five minutes for Grayfia and Serafall to arrive, by the time they did, they found several victims lying unconcious such as Akeno, Rias and Sona, along with Venelana who looked strangely flushed as she fanned her face. The two strongest women tried to out the cat down, but he seemed like a completely different person as he easily overpowered the duo in raw strength and he avoided any magic thrown at him. They had to get slightly serious to be able make him flee and for the peace of the Underworld, they gave chase.

Unfortunately, they were always a step behind and there were victims whenever he went to in the city. However, the greatest chaos was during his arrival to the maid guild and even after everyone tried to capture him, he managed to avoid them. It was a slightly saddening for everyone when he yelled that this was nothing compared to having both legs tied and having to avoid his Shishou's archery so everyone went unexpectedly easy on him. Which was actually a blunder since he escaped to Hades' domain for a while and even from the distance they could heard the enraged grim reapers trying to give chase at him. This however, led the youth to the Fallen Angels' territory which was not much different.

...

...

...

"It is was rather fun to tour the Underworld like that. It was like a date with everyone since we went everywhere, and I even made so many friends on the way!" Nora happily said. "Look at these! Numbers! So many numbers! Wow, I am surprised someone like me could make so many friends just with a casual walk around."

Nodding to himself, Nora sorted the numbers he got by the regions of the Underworld.

"We should make a big party where I invite everyone, it is bound to be fun." Nora mumbled.

"Please, Master... if you have even an ounce of love towards your pitiful servant. Don't do it..." Marion disheveled form pleaded.

Walking a few steps behind Nora with her hair in a messy state and her outfit a little dirty, she looked like she went through hell compared to Nora who looked neat.

"Hmmm, if you say so..." Nora looked disappointed but nodded nonetheless.

"Where did you take me this time, Master?" Marion asked as she observed the unfamiliar area.

"A hidden village." Nora mumbled.

Sighing at that, Marion did not retort. The young woman simply watched how they got closer to a large Torii, a figure stood there with her arms crossed.

A nine-tailed fox with white short hair sighed as soon as she saw Nora. Somehow, Marion felt a strange feeling of empathy when she saw that.

"Hello! Kaga-chan!" Nora waved his hands excitedly.

"So it is you again." Kaga said. "Have you come to heal Amagi-nee-sama?"

"Yup!" Nora nodded.

"I see, then I have no reason to stop you or... that person." Kaga moved away.

Looking shocked, Nora trembled.

"W-What? You are not going to ask me to fight? Who are you and what did you do with my fluffy tomboyish but very sexy fox?" Nora asked.

"I want to fight you, I want to test my skills with you who are strong, however, Amagi-nee-sama is more important than that." Kaga simply said. "Follow me, I will take you to her."

"Is it alright to leave the gate unguarded?" Nora asked.

"People only comes here to guard the gates when we sense intruders in the pocket dimension, otherwise we have a lot of liberties to roam around under the disguise of patroling." Kaga confessed.

"That sounds like you are skipping work." Nora spoke.

"Did you expect us to stay the 24 hours of the day standing in front of village waiting for nothing?" Kaga retorted.

"Too bad, I thought since you stay here all day, I could come and play together like we used to." Nora sighed in disappointment.

Not a change of expression appeared on her face, but Kaga's tails were honest.

"Hmm, that would mean that you have not a reason I approve off to let you stay in the village so we would have to regretfully fight the whole day." Kaga muttered.

"Yup, I would be forced to spent my whole day brawling and facing against you." Nora sighed.

It was strange feeling, but Marion felt like despite their talks about fighting or not, from the way those tails acted, Kaga was super happy with that outcome. Could this be a new method to flirt that she was unaware off? Marion seriously pondered that as she followed the two.

"Oh no! After finally thinking that I beat the gatekeeper, a sudden ambush from assassins!" Nora dramatically yelled in distress.

Finding his reaction abnormal, Marion alertness raised to the maximum since she failed to detect any ill intent. However, one look at the serious looking Kaga breaking into a gentle smile, Marion lowered her guard and carefully scanned her surroundings. She could see several fox-eared onee-sans glancing at Nora with interest and good will, however, what stood out were the numerous tails hidden (?) among the village. They were small and very fluffy. Now and then, a face would peek out and hide immediately if she happened to glance at it.

"What in the world...?" Marion asked.

Using on the buildings to lean on, Kaga just crossed her arms and closed her eyes.

"Consider them 'assassins' ready to hunt that guy." Kaga said.

Without formulating any further, Kaga ignored Marion completely.

"Attack!"

"Fluffy Squad Number One to Number Two, pincer attack!"

"Today is the day we take what belong to us by birth! Catch him and seize the head patting monster!"

"Should use the chance when there is chaos to kidnap him ourselves?"

"Are you nuts? If Amagi-sama finds out, our tails will be deprived of fluffiness and that would take our qualification for the 'Who is the fluffiest one?' contest next month... I heard the winner will have her tails caressed by him the whole day..."

An odd conversation seemed to be mixed in there but Marion could see the whole picture already.

Pulling out a pair of brushes, Nora took a stance.

"Fluffy Breath: Absolute Bliss!" Nora yelled nonsensically.

Feeling shame in her Master's stead, Marion covered her face.

The battle after that became a legend (?).

...

...

...

Two figures were discussing inside a room.

"Amagi-nee-sama, you need to rest!" Akagi repeated herself for the Nth time.

"*Cough* You are being dramatic, I am fine." Amagi said.

Sitting inside the room with a mantle covering her body, Amagi held a cup of tea as she watched the outside yard from her room. Akagi looked at her with a worried expression since Amagi would cough every now and then.

"You need to take your medicine..." Akagi muttered.

"Akagi, I told that you that I am doing fine. That medicine... you know that it will not work." Amagi smiled wryly.

"It's that vermin's fault, he has the cure but he would not give it to you! Instead, he uses the excuse of treating you to come here and do as he pleases..." Akagi bit her thumb's nail.

"Fufu, you still can't get along with him? Even though Kaga and you always ended up asleep on his lap when he starts petting your head back then *cough*" Amagi giggled.

Blushing after that comment, Akagi slammed her hand on the tatami mat.

"Please do not joke around, Amagi-nee-sama, he used tricks to leave us defenseless and took advantage of us both!" Akagi growled.

"Fufu, is that so? How troubling." Amagi giggled.

"Please stop laughing, Amagi-nee-sama, he should not be allowed to come here. We do not need any males invading the hidden village." Akagi exclaimed.

"It is ok, Nora-kun is a good child so I approve of his entry here, besides, he also earned the approval of our priestesses of Light and Darkness." Amagi mumbled. "Akagi, you should be aware of it but... after Tamamo-no-Mae was released from the seal, we lost our only method of reproduction until now. From here on, to preserve the blood of the nine-tailed foxes, we will have to rely in other methods."

"Even so! Why do you permit him of all people! He likes toying with women and just causes chaos whenever he goes! It is because of him that the seal was broken and we lost our way of reproduction in the first place." Akagi grumbled.

Smiling wryly, Amagi raised her hand above Akagi's head and-

"I don't think I taught you to talk like that about anyone." Amagi pounded Akagi's head.

Holding her head and trying to hold back her tears, Akagi strange how someone with such a gentle looking personality could be so-

"Were you thinking of something rude just now?" Amagi smiled.

Backing away while coldly sweating, Akagi shook her head desperately.

"Fufu, I guess I was mistaken then." Amagi giggled.

"I have arrived!"

A cheerful voice cause the ones in the room to turn around.

"Nora-kun, you arrived...?" Amagi stopped her words halfway and tilted her head in confusion. "Is this an UMA?"

"Amagi-nee-sama, as Youkais... we qualify more for title..." Akagi retorted.

Despite her swift retort, Akagi was as baffled as the other kitsune.

A giant fur ball (?) had suddenly appeared inside the yard and it seemed to be waving (?) it's hand cheerfully. On a closer look though, the fur ball was strange given how the fur had different tones and how... little fox girls would fly off as it waved.

"Alright! Fluff off! I arrived to the goal without you managing to bring me down." Nora's voice could be heard inside the fur ball.

Little by little, his armor (?) peeled off and Nora's figure was revealed.

"To think we would fail once again..."

"We were naive, even after joining forces, we could not stall him."

"I heard Kaa-san say that if we lured him to my house, she will keep him 'busy' and will drain his energy so we can defeat him."

"Okaa-sama also said the same thing."

"Onee-sama told me that she lead us to victory with her friends holding him down."

Some rather inoffensive (?) conversation could be heard as the fox girls retreated, but it was better not to retort.

"Akagi-tan! How are you? Long time no see! Did you miss me? I sure did!" Nora cheerfully entered the room.

Feeling like there was something odd with Nora's behaviour, Amagi decided to... do nothing. Considering amusing the posibles outcomes to this, Amagi just sipped her tea after waving at Nora.

"...Amagi-nee-sama, please allow me to get rid of this annoying pest-" "A-K-A-G-I?" "I greet our guest with the utmost respect."

With a forced smile, Akagi bowed in Nora's way.

"Geez, still as aggressive as ever." Nora sat closer to the duo. "How have you been?"

"Fine." Akagi turned her head away.

"Fufu, it is always nice to have you come to visit. Everyone gets lively so I get to enjoy myself." Amagi smiled.

"...that is not what I asked though?" Nora smiled wryly.

Grabbing Amagi's hand amidst Akagi's death glare, Nora began his check up.

"You have lost weight." Nora sighed.

"Ara? Must be because of the new diet I have been trying." Amagi smiled.

"Cut it out. I am already familiar with your body laid out, I easily extended my ki through your body in less than a second and confirmed your state." Nora grumbled.

Just smiling, Amagi did not say anything further despite the worried stared she received.

"Even if you don't want to take medicine to cure it... can't you consider the alternative I gave you?" Nora asked.

"Out of question, putting aside whether it will work or not, playing with your life force is akin to a taboo for Youkais. It is too risky and forget about endangering my life, you could lose all of yours if you mess up." Amagi said.

"I have a large pool, supplying energy for a dozen of people is not an issue, I have test it and I can sustain-" Nora spoke.

"N-O-R-A-K-U-N!" Amagi raised her voice.

"This is domestic violence, don't think that because you have a louder voice you have the final-Ouch!" Nora covered his head as tears spilled from his eyes. "I will sue you! I can't live in a house like this anymore! I will take the kids with me! Akagi-kun, your father has turned into a violent person who cannot be reasoned with, pack your stuff!"

Watching with interest when Nora got hit, Akagi was taken aback when Nora began spouting nonsense, however, there were some words that left her mouth with much thought.

"...you are the abused wife!?" Akagi retorted.

"Jokes aside. Amagi-nee-san, you know that even if you beat me into a pulp, I will not back down, don't you?" Nora mumbled.

"And I will not do it either, but I am sure you are just going to ignore my will." Amagi sighed. "You used to be a cute child who would frolic on my lap whenever it was time to sleep... Now, you are going through a rebellious phase."

"Being a good boy is updated, bad boys are the fashion. Look at that child, acting like the righteous cat I am will only make her to scorn me, but... I start acting like a rebel, she might just fall for me." Nora exaggeratedly combed his hair backwards and changed his outfit for a leather jacked and a pair of jeans. "Watch how I make her prisoner of my charm."

Standing and taking a few steps towards Akagi, Nora maintained an aloof expression but kept making poses and even out some sunglasses as he sat beside Akagi.

"You must've hit your head several times before coming here because your spouting more unrealistic words like there is no tomorrow." Akagi sneered.

Lowering slightly the sunglasses, Nora gave Akagi a rogue smile. 

"Wow." Nora carefully checked Akagi. "Can you take me to the hospital?"

Baffled, Akagi reflexivity asked.

"Why?" Akagi inquired.

"I just broke my leg falling for you." Nora smiled.

Freezing in place, it did not take long for Akagi to-

"Pfft." Akagi laughed.

Trying to maintain her usual gentle smile, Amagi seemed to be struggling to hold back her laugher.

"Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk past you again?" Nora asked.

"Pffffft." Akagi laughed harder.

Amagi turned her face away and avoided showing her face.

Unperturbed by that, Nora sighed.

"It seems I am not so good at holding conversations… is it OK if I hold your hand instead?" Nora grabbed Akagi's hand.

Not bothering to lash out to the youth, Akagi only laughed. Even if she tried to hide it, Amagi's laughter was getting louder. If you focused, you could heard several giggles coming from the bushes from the garden as well.

 "Now that I take a closer look at you... You look so familiar. Didn't we take a class together? I could've sworn we had chemistry." Nora flashed a smile.

Holding her stomach with her free hand, Akagi could not stop laughing.

Pulling her closer, Nora examined their hands held together with kin interest. He kept doing it for so long that Akagi and Amagi managed to calm down and curiously look at what he was doing.

 "How odd... How very odd..." Nora raised an eyebrow curiously and interlocked their fingers. "Are you wi-fi? Cause I'm totally feeling a connection."

"Pffffft." Akagi laughed.

Without hiding this time, Amagi followed suit and laughed although she still covered her mouth with one hand, showing lady-like gestures no matter what.

"I am getting kind of hungry, would like to orden some food from this menu I picked up?" Nora asked. "The thing is that this menu only has... Me-N-U in it."

...

...

...

Laying helplessly on Nora's lap, Akagi held her stomach that was now hurting for laughing so hard. It was worth ignoring the sprayed figures in the backyard, among them, a certain maid and a certain white fox stood out, but this was ment to be ignored for their image's sake.

"Thank you." Amagi muttered words of gratitude.

"Don't, I did nothing." Nora said. "I just came and made a mess out of everyone."

"Everyone had a good laugh." Amagi gently spoke.

"They sure did, given that they were eavesdropping." Nora shrugged his shoulders. "However, what about you? Did you enjoy it too?"

"Yes..." Amagi giggled. "It is a strange feeling but you make me feel like nothing bad is going to happen."

"Nothing is going to happen to you." Nora exclaimed.

Sighing helplessly at the youth, Amagi gestured him to get closer.

After carefully putting down a meek Akagi down, Nora crawled towards Amagi only to be pulled into a hug and have his face buried in her bosom.

"I know my body better than anyone, even more than you." Amagi gently said. "Soon... *Cough* *cough* I will..."

Leaving her words unfinished, Amagi patted the youth's head.

"Are you going to abandon me too?" Nora raised his head.

"No, I am not trying to abandon you... It is normal for people to-" Amagi tried to coax Nora.

The regular youth would be more understanding and pull back from the topic, and above all, he would not mutters those words. It was because Amagi did not expect him to speak in that manner that she was slightly surprised.

"Is it normal? You selfish... urgh, idiot!" Nora pulled back and stood up.

After hearing such a thing, Akagi did not stay quiet.

"How dare you to-" Akagi became incensed.

"Shut up." Nora's expression was one of anger.

Up until now, Akagi had only seen this expression once before, and that was when he raided the village thinking that they had taken Yasaka by force. He showed anger and Akagi instinctively understood that he was more than the gentle youth that everyone spoke so highly off.

"You say it is normal?" Nora muttered.

Despite looking pissed, the youth still pulled out several shikigamis that flew and took places in the four corners of the room to create a barrier to prevent the conversation from leaking.

"Is it normal to refuse any form of treatment when your illness can be cured?" Nora said.

"I already said it, I have my reasons." Amagi muttered.

For some reason, she felt intimidated by Nora. His aura was being released without care in the world, but more than anything, his attitude was different from usual and she found it hard to say anything back.

"Oh? So you have? How nice it must be to have a reason to be a jerk." Nora snorted. "Hi, I am Amagi, I refuse to take my medicine because I am waiting for some idiot who promised to cure me to appear."

"Nora-kun, even if it is you, talking about him like that is..." Amagi's gentle smile was gone.

"Tell me, it is what...? Forbidden? You don't give a fuck about my feelings, why should I care about yours?" Nora grumbled.

Feeling momentarily stunned, Amagi did not expect to hear him use that vocabulary in her presence. Staying out of this, Akagi also shared the kitsune's feeling but despite thinking of intervening, she just kept her mouth shut.

"I won't have you talking to me like that!" Amagi said.

"You are stubborn and hard headed woman! How long are you going to expect for your prince in shining armor to come and heal you? Forest Wraith, that fucker has been gone for who knows how long, all that remains is that annoying shikigami." Nora spoke.

Immediately tilting his head, a fist had appeared in the place his head was just a second ago. Amagi's pissed off face could not be any clearer and her mood could not be expressed so accurately as it was now.

"I told you to not speak about him like that." Amagi said.

"You are overestimating yourself here." Nora grabbed her hand. "I can take a beating from Shishou until my limps are nothing but mangled meat, do you think you can intimidate me using brute force? Unless you can do the same as Shishou, do not dare to threaten me."

Flinching after hearing his words, Amagi lost some of her drive.

"You are far too gentle to hurt me like that so please lower your hand." Nora muttered. "I know that you want to wait for him. However, at this rate, you will die."

Refusing to lower her arm, Amagi did not feel like hitting Nora either.

"Amagi-nee-san... do you want to abandon me too? Am I really lacking that you refuse to ask for my help?" Nora had a bitter expression. "Kaa-san left to protect me... all because I was weak. If I had been much stronger, she would right here by my side."

"You know that what happened-" Amagi tried to speak but she stopped when she saw his somber expression.

"Zeoticus-san died because I was severely lacking... If I had a bigger Ki pool back then, if I had invented Link before... If I had used my life force completely..." Nora smiled in self-deprecation.

"You would've died..." Amagi mumbled.

Snorting at that, Nora self-deprecation smile only grew wider.

"So what? Has anything changed since then? I have been absorbing ki until I felt like my body would explode to increase my reserves but what for? Zeoticus-san is dead. I also tried to take on all the knowledge that could help me create a cure for the sleeping disease but it has all been for naught. I only hit dead ends..." Nora smirked. "Failure after failure, unable to protect or save anyone. That is what you are staring at. What? Did I not make you feel pity for me and accept my proposal to save your life...? I guess I failed at that too... Hehe."

Slowly, Nora's eyes began turning red.

"...how unslightly." Akagi had enough.

Standing up, the kitsune glared at Nora sharply.

"Don't show your face in this village again." Akagi. "What's with that pathetic display? I thought you would finally bring a solution for Amagi-nee-sama's condition, but I can only see an unslightly display of your negative emotions."

"Akagi, don't go too far... right now, he is..." Amagi mumbled. "Someone put him like that..."

"Unslightly. I refuse to acknowledge what is in front of me as the man who charged through our village's security just to bring back his woman or so he claimed." Akagi's feet moved until she was in front of Nora.

Raising her hand high, she slapped him in the face loudly.

"Is that really the only thing you want to say to Amagi-nee-sama?" Akagi asked. "Hero or not, I heard that many people rely on you. Is this how someone like that should act?"

Holding his cheek, Nora looked at Akagi as his eyes returned to normal.

"You are harsh." Nora said.

"Only because I hate you." Akagi muttered.

"Too bad, I wanted to be your friend." Nora chuckled.

Looking at him with mild disgust, Akagi backed away.

"I got the chills just hearing that phrase, is that how you lower the guard of other women before you go for the kill?" Akagi mumbled.

Deciding that he will receive more damage if he replied to that, Nora went towards Amagi.

"I won't deny that it is how I feel." Nora awkwardly laughed. "I don't want to lose someone else. Those are my honest thoughts..."

Scratching his head, Nora looked at Amagi and grinned evilly.

"You know, that child foolishly called me hero..." Nora pointed at his face. "Do you think this is face of a hero?"

Shaking her head immediately, Amagi had the urge to evade but roots that had grown out of nowhere and pinned her in place momentarily.

"I would bet all my money that 9 people out of 10 would say that I am a rouge." Nora placed his hand on Amagi's forehead. "<Link>"

By the time Amagi was able to free herself, she felt a rush of energy flooding her body. The sheer amount was absurd and she was at a loss of words but still tried to reach for Nora. However, as soon as her hand caught him, his figure turned white and collapsed, dispersing countless shikigamis.

"Amagi-nee-sama is an stubborn idiot, but guess what? I am not any better." Nora's voice came from the shikigamis. "Since you insist in being selfish and do as you please, I will just do the same!"

Escaping the hidden village was unexpectedly easy for the youth who picked his maid on the way out.

The effects of the spell he was under lasted three days and he went rampant everywhere he stepped into accompanied by an exahusted maid, Nora became something akin to an urban legend thanks to it, but that was a story for another time.