Grayfia?

— — — — — — 

Nakiri Erina glanced up at the flying little loli overhead, then looked back at the expressionless Kaguya Shinomiya in front of her. She opened her mouth like she was about to ask something—

But then—Hiss—!

Erina suddenly shivered and sucked in a sharp breath.

Wait... that was cold air!

She stared in shock as a visible chill radiated off Kaguya's body. Her pupils dilated.

Uh-oh. She'd just run into a real ice queen.

Erina trembled slightly, instinctively swallowing her question and falling silent. She obediently followed behind Kaguya with her head down.

Though now... she moved even more stiffly.

Something's wrong here.

Very wrong.

A rich lady from the Shinomiya family walking around in a maid outfit, calling someone "Master." A loli with wings flying around like that's normal. And now... this frosty, literal ice queen vibe?!

What the hell kind of place is this?

Both Erina and Hisako swallowed nervously. Their fingers fidgeted, and sweat beaded on their foreheads.

Hisako looked like she was on the verge of tears.

Lady Erina, where the hell did you bring us?!

Is this some underground gathering for the secret elite?

Where on earth did she even find this place?!

Hisako had a sinking feeling.

Whatever they'd gotten into... it wasn't normal.

It reminded her of the day Shuchiin Academy was attacked. That day had been the first time she truly realized the supernatural was real.

But even then, she never expected something supernatural to happen to her.

Wait, no—this isn't her fault.

This is all because of Lady Erina.

She was just the poor, innocent victim dragged along for the ride.

Hisako opened her mouth, wanting to back out—but in the end, she said nothing.

If she left Erina here alone, she'd probably end up crying.

So, she gritted her teeth, and her eyes hardened with resolve. If Lady Erina's in this, I'm in this.

Noticing the two of them had finally gone quiet, a flicker of satisfaction passed through Kaguya's crimson eyes.

Explaining everything going on in this manor to normal people would be way too much of a hassle—so Kaguya had no intention of indulging their curiosity.

A little while later, Kaguya led Erina and Hisako into the main hall.

Despite their unease, the two couldn't help peeking out from behind Kaguya's back, glancing around curiously.

And then, a man with messy black hair and striking crimson eyes stepped into view. There was an air of mystery about him that made it impossible to look away.

As soon as they saw him, Erina and Hisako's eyes widened.

"Lynn?!"

Hearing that, Lynn raised an eyebrow and looked over at them.

"Oh? So you two do know who I am?"

Erina and Hisako exchanged glances. Finally, Hisako stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"As students of Shuchiin, it's hard not to know your name."

The head of the Supernatural Research Club. The man who possessed supernatural power. The one who saved not just Shuchiin, but all of Tokyo.

The feats he'd accomplished, the overwhelming strength he'd displayed in front of the whole school—there weren't many who didn't know who Lynn was.

Not to mention, lately, his Club had become the hot topic at school.

It was practically a dream destination for all the girls.

Mostly because... well, let's be honest—they all wanted to get into Lynn's harem and shoot straight to the top.

Of course, Lynn's ridiculously good looks didn't hurt either.

Strong, handsome, and mysterious? Yeah, girls were into that.

Lynn nodded thoughtfully at Hisako's explanation.

Meanwhile, Kaguya stepped forward, curtsied slightly, and gave a sweet, obedient smile.

The cold aura she'd been exuding earlier had completely vanished the moment they stepped inside.

Now, she gave off nothing but warm, gentle vibes. "Master, I've brought our guests."

"..."

Erina twitched.

This was the same Kaguya who'd been cold as an iceberg just a second ago!?

Her whole character just collapsed!

Erina had the weirdest look on her face. She wanted to say something—anything—but couldn't force the words out, leaving her looking painfully constipated instead.

So much to roast… and yet she dared not say a thing. Pure agony.

But still, just being able to think like this meant she was already way more relaxed than before.

Even if she didn't know Lynn personally, at least he was someone from Shuchiin.

And more importantly, if Kaguya was calling him "Master," then that meant—

Wait a sec.

Master?!

Erina's eyes snapped wide open as she stared at Lynn in disbelief.

So that means Lynn was the owner of this place?!

Then that must mean the devil who sent her that location...

"You're... Devil-san?" she asked, almost in a whisper.

Lynn smiled faintly. "Was the ingredient I gave you to your liking?"

Erina instinctively licked her lips. Her God Tongue tingled, almost like it was recalling that incredible taste.

But then— Her cheeks flushed bright red.

That heavenly experience came at the cost of her 'sacrificing her body,' didn't it?!

As that thought hit her, Erina looked down, unable to meet Lynn's eyes.

Sure, it had been embarrassing over the internet—but at least there was a screen between them.

Now that she was standing face-to-face with "Devil-san," her buried shame came flooding back full force!

Especially now that she knew the Devil was none other than Lynn, the famous golden boy of Shuchiin!

Ugh.

Erina could feel her whole body heating up. She wobbled slightly, barely staying upright. If she could dig a hole and bury herself, she would.

Hisako noticed something was off with Erina and quickly reached out to steady her.

Only to mutter, "She's burning up..."

Lynn took one look at the scene and casually instructed, "Kaguya, cool down our guest, would you?"

"Yes, Master!"

Kaguya spun around, raised her hand, and—whoosh—a burst of icy wind surged straight into Erina's clothes.

"Hiii—!"

Erina's eyes flew open, and she jolted hard, snapping out of her shame spiral in an instant.

So cold!!

She hugged herself tightly and shot Kaguya a look of pure betrayal.

But well, at least she was composed again.

Mostly.

Though she still didn't dare meet Lynn's eyes.

What now?

Suddenly—Thud, thud.

Lynn tapped his fingers against the table, drawing her attention.

"You didn't forget why you came here, did you?"

He'd clearly noticed her flustered state, but didn't bother with small talk. He cut right to the point.

Sure, he was hoping to eventually rope Erina into his familia.

But right now, he genuinely wanted her help training Hayasaka Ai and the others in cooking.

On the other side, Lynn's reminder jogged Erina's memory.

"Ah... right. The cooking training!"

"Exactly," Lynn nodded, then smirked slightly. "For this training, we'll be using only the highest-quality ingredients."

"I'm sure your tongue's already dying to get started, isn't it?"

The moment he said that—

Erina's tongue twitched, and her mouth instantly filled with saliva.

Her throat reflexively moved as she thought about those otherworldly ingredients—flavors she'd never tasted before.

Realizing what she was doing, her cheeks flushed red.

Seriously, get a grip, Erina!

But she couldn't help it.

Even though she had the God Tongue… She couldn't control it at all!

In fact, sometimes it felt like the God Tongue was the one leading her by the nose. Which was seriously frustrating.

Just like now.

It made her show such an embarrassing expression right in front of Lynn.

Sure, he has already seen her in even more embarrassing situations.

But still—She couldn't help but feel humiliated.

Erina curled her toes in her shoes, wishing she could just dig a hole and crawl in.

On the couch, Lynn didn't seem all that bothered by Erina's awkwardness.

Instead, he turned and said, "Hayasaka, take them to the kitchen."

"Yes."

Hayasaka Ai stopped the shoulder massage she'd been giving him, lifted her gaze toward Erina and the others, and said calmly, "Follow me."

And with that, she turned and headed toward the kitchen.

Erina looked at Lynn, her mouth slightly open as if she wanted to say something—but Lynn looked half-asleep, completely disinterested.

Seeing that, she swallowed her words and quickly hurried after Hayasaka.

Soon, the group disappeared from view.

Lynn leaned back on the sofa, his expression unreadable.

He didn't need to personally entertain Erina. Hayasaka and the others could handle that.

He had other things to deal with.

Taking out his phone, he looked at a new message from Senhime, the dog princess.

[Senhime: "Lynn! That woman from the Underworld is here!!"]

Two exclamation points.

Clearly, Senhime was in full panic mode.

Lynn raised an eyebrow.

"That woman from the Underworld?"

"Hmm..."

"Grayfia?"

.

.

.