Income

"Hajime-chan, Hajime-chan, look at this~"

"..."

I'm tired.

How do I feel, seeing a beautiful woman swipe her card without a care for clothes and jewelry?

I can't even imagine how much money she's already spent.

And with every swipe, I can almost hear the sound of money raining from the heavens.

"Hajime-chan~ Have we visited that store over there?"

"I think so."

"But Onee-chan hasn't seen that dress before. Let's go take a look!"

"..."

Didn't we go there earlier…?

.

.

.

We had been shopping for hours, and the former Mistress of the Sitri clan showed no signs of stopping.

I just wanted to go home, but I knew I couldn't.

Suddenly, someone approached us.

"I figured..."

"...G-Grandpa...?"

"Yo, my grandson. How's it going?"

"...How did you know we were here?"

"It's easy. Sayuri's magical signature is hard to miss."

"..."

For some reason, I'm really afraid of how Grandpa can always find Grandma.

"You're tired, huh?"

"As you can see."

"HAHAHAHA! That's just how Sayuri is when she gets excited."

Grandpa laughed with such satisfaction—it felt like he was mocking me for tagging along with Grandma.

"Leave Sayuri to me. You go take a break, enjoy yourself."

"Thank you, Grandpa."

I wandered off and started walking around.

"Oh yeah, Grandpa?"

"Hm?"

"Since you're in your true form, be careful of the stares from all the women."

"You little brat..."

"See you."

Sure enough, a moment later, one of the employees approached Grandpa, who was now in the form of a handsome uncle.

Grandma, who had just come back down from the second floor, saw Grandpa getting "flirted" with (not that it was his fault), and got very angry. She brainwashed the poor girl.

Then she grabbed Grandpa by the ear, dragged him upstairs, and teleported them back to Tokyo.

...It's sad being a Grandpa.

.

.

.

Walking alone in the shopping district felt a bit lonely.

But at least I finally had some time for myself.

"You were there earlier."

"...??"

"Have you ever thought about becoming a model?"

"No, thank you."

"...That's a shame."

Poor employee. I didn't have the heart to be too harsh.

Oh yeah, Grandma wants me to become famous so she can brag to others about her grandchildren.

And besides... I do need income.

I can't rely on Grandpa and Grandma forever.

Two birds with one stone, right?

But...what kind of business should I start?

I do have experience with office work… but that doesn't suit a student's life.

What would be my best choice?

Hmm...

Maybe I could enter the music or manga industry…

Both can be done from home, I can save money, and only need to buy equipment.

For music, the lyre that Virgo gave me should be enough.

I still remember how that lyre could change its shape.

Even though it's limited to musical instruments, I really like and appreciate it.

One time I had it displayed in my room, and it suddenly disappeared.

Then, when I thought about it again, it reappeared right in front of me.

Did Virgo enchant this lyre to always stay by my side and watch over me?

I'm really grateful for that.

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.

.

"What the hell…?"

When I returned home, I found a massive residence where my modest house used to be.

"How...?"

I really don't get how this world works anymore. A construction project that should take years… completed in no time?

Seriously… no sense of reality.

"As someone who used to work in construction… I feel personally offended by this speed."

Looking to my side, I saw Issei and his friends had just returned.

They were busy chatting, and of course, I also saw Aurion and Asia walking among them.

Before I entered my new "home", Aurion saw me—and his eyes went wide with surprise.

Understandable. Anyone would be shocked to find out someone they just met yesterday is suddenly their next-door neighbor.

"...."

Feeling awkward, I quickly went inside the house.

But first, I needed to move the table and my manga equipment.

Ring

"Hm?"

My phone?

"Hello?"

"Hajime-chan, did you make it home safely?"

"Ah… yes. Thank you for asking, Grandma."

Her voice brought me back to my senses. Thank you, really.

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.

.

Aurion was stunned to see people moving in the belongings he had just seen in the store.

How could he not be? He had only met Hajime a few days ago, and now he was living next door.

"Aurion? What's wrong?" Issei asked.

"...Ah! N-no, it's nothing."

Asia noticed Aurion's gaze and followed it—she too was surprised to see Hajime moving his stuff in.

Before either of them could greet him, Hajime had already gone inside and shut the door.

"President!! How did this house suddenly grow into a mansion overnight?!"

Suzu was absolutely shocked.

The once modest two-story house now had six floors, with a massive rooftop garden.

There was even a music room, a small theater, and more—everything was there.

This was thanks to Rias' older brother, Sirzechs Lucifer, who not only canceled Rias' engagement with Riser but also rebuilt Issei's house as a new base.

But something seemed to be worrying Issei.

"Umm… did my room get changed too?"

"Of course."

"..."

He didn't say anything, but the panic in his eyes said it all. He was probably worried about his brother's things.

Rias, noticing his concern, reassured him.

"Don't worry, your brother's stuff has been safely moved to the sixth floor. It's in an unused room."

With that, Rias and her peerage began sorting their things, officially making Issei's house their new base.

.

.

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"Is it time yet?"

"I told you to wait, Vali."

"...sigh..."

Vali was sitting, clearly impatient.

"I know you're itching to fight the Red Dragon Emperor, but that's not your mission."

"...Then what is?"

"I want you to investigate Kokabiel."

"Oh?"

Vali's attention sharpened at Azazel's words.

Azazel explained that the movements of the fallen angels in Kuoh had become more frequent.

Kokabiel's betrayal, the stolen shards of Excalibur—everything pointed to him.

"Does he want to start another Great War?" Vali asked casually.

"I'm sure of it," Azazel replied with a serious tone.

His actions reeked of someone trying to ignite conflict once more.

"I just hope Michael doesn't send someone annoying."

"Don't worry. I'll find Kokabiel and deal with him. Hopefully, he's worth my time."

Vali stood and left.

Azazel waved lazily behind him.

"That brat's obsessed with battle..."

"Azazel-sensei."

"Ohh, Sienna. What's up?"

A woman with blue hair and golden eyes approached.

"I heard Vali-san is going to Kuoh to investigate Kokabiel, correct?"

"Yeah. Something wrong?"

"May I come along? I'm curious about Kuoh Academy… and the Red Dragon Emperor."

"Of course. With you there, things will be easier."

"Thank you, Azazel-sensei."

"By the way… how's Stella and the others?"

"Stella-san is still handling the last task you gave her."

"Then Leon and Reen must be with her, huh…"

"Azazel-san!"

"Rexa?"

Azazel was surprised to see Rexa arrive, clothes torn as usual.

"Did you spar with Vali again?"

"Yup."

"...sigh... Rexa-san, could you please stop destroying your clothes every time you fight?"

Rexa laughed.

"I can't help it. When I find a strong opponent, I get excited."

Rexa and Vali—battle maniacs through and through. Ever since they met, they never stopped sparring whenever they had time.

"I heard you're going to Kuoh?"

Azazel and Sienna nodded.

"I'm coming too."

"...Uh..."

"This troublemaker just can't stay out of action."

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