Chapter 13: Observation Countermeasure Shield

"..."

After hearing Lucien's words, Nao Hayasaka remained silent for a long time.

"Lucien-sama, when did you realize?" she finally asked, her lips slightly parted.

"A long time ago," Lucien answered truthfully.

Once he realized that Nao Hayasaka was the same Nao Hayasaka he knew from before, he began suspecting whether she was doing the same thing as her daughter.

Her daughter, Ai Hayasaka, was a spy planted beside Kaguya Shinomiya.

So what about Nao Hayasaka? Was she planted beside him as well?

It was precisely because of this suspicion that Lucien conducted an investigation, which inadvertently led him to discover her… peculiar tendencies.

...

Fortunately, Nao Hayasaka had never done anything against him.

Otherwise, he would likely have already been taken away by the Old Devil faction or the Fallen Angels.

...

"Since you know my identity, what do you intend to do now?" Nao Hayasaka asked, pressing her lips together.

Lucien looked at her directly.

"I don't plan to hold it against you. After all, this is your job."

"Not only have you taken excellent care of me, but you've also hidden my ability to purify materials and my dealings with other factions."

"No matter what, I should be thanking you."

"So, Nao-san, I'm giving you two choices."

"Choice one: Accept my piece, stay by my side, and fully devote yourself to me."

"Choice two: Erase all your memories related to me and leave."

After hearing Lucien's conditions, Nao Hayasaka gave a helpless smile.

"Lucien-sama, you truly are merciful. I originally thought you wouldn't let someone like me remain by your side."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Once someone absorbs my piece, their loyalty is absolute. I have complete trust in those who take it."

"So, Nao-san, what is your choice?"

Lucien looked at her, awaiting her decision.

"Hah~"

Nao Hayasaka exhaled a deep breath, as if expelling all of her hesitation.

"I choose… to accept your piece and remain by your side."

She made the choice Lucien had anticipated.

The system classified this as a blue-rank sign-in task, which meant it wouldn't be particularly difficult—another reason Lucien had dared to be so direct.

...

A black Pawn piece manifested in Lucien's hand and flew toward Nao Hayasaka.

Without resistance, she absorbed it seamlessly.

[Ding!~]

[Congratulations, host! You have completed the sign-in task!]

[Sign-in Rank: Blue.]

[Sign-in Event: Eliminating Hidden Threats.]

[Reward: Observation Countermeasure Shield.]

[Observation Countermeasure Shield: As the name suggests, it prevents any form of detection or scanning. If the host wishes, they can pass through any mechanical or supernatural inspection without raising suspicion. Additionally, the host can disguise their readings to mimic different races.]

"A fantastic ability."

"With this, I no longer have to worry about the current Demon Lords inspecting me."

"This ability is practically a necessity for spies. If I want, I could even disguise myself as a Fallen Angel."

Lucien felt relieved and immediately used Appraisal on Nao Hayasaka.

[Name: Nao Hayasaka (♀)]

[Level: lv125 (Mid-tier High-Class Devil)]

[Attribute Evaluation]

[Note: Strength at the same level.]

Strength: C+ → B

Speed: C → B

Magic: C+ → B

Physical Endurance: C → B

Martial Arts or Magic Expertise: D+ (A completely ordinary reincarnated Devil, even below average. Without special opportunities, she would never reach High-Class.)

Sacred Gear or Bloodline Abilities: C → B+ (Sacred Gear: "Observer," allows targeted reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. After absorbing the modified piece, she is close to unlocking its "Forbidden Mode.")

[Overall Rating: C → B High-Class Devil]

[Summary: Originally an ordinary reincarnated Devil possessing an intelligence-gathering Sacred Gear. After absorbing the host's purified energy, she evolved and ascended to a High-Class Devil. Upon absorbing the modified piece, her Sacred Gear "Observer" has officially unlocked its "Forbidden Mode," making her highly proficient in intelligence gathering.]

...

After analyzing Nao Hayasaka's stats, Lucien's expression turned slightly strange.

Good lord.

A High-Class Devil?

Looks like she's been benefitting from him quite a lot.

Now, he understood why she acted like such a devoted fangirl behind closed doors.

Most likely, as she absorbed more of his purified energy, his High-Dimensional Succubus Bloodline influenced her over time, making her completely unable to leave his side.

"Nao-san, come to my room tonight. I have some questions for you."

"Eh?"

"...Alright, I understand."

Nao Hayasaka was momentarily surprised but quickly lowered her head, her cheeks flushing red as she accepted Lucien's request.

...

That night.

Wearing her signature white thigh-high stockings and maid outfit, Nao Hayasaka knocked on Lucien's door.

As soon as she entered, she kneeled in front of him with absolute devotion.

"Hiss~"

Lucien hadn't expected her to be this… direct.

His High-Dimensional Succubus Bloodline truly was terrifying.

"Since you're like this, Nao-san, continue. I'll ask my questions."

"Mmm…"

Nao Hayasaka responded softly. In her current state, answering questions was likely the best she could manage.

Making sure she was still in a clear state of mind, Lucien began.

"Since you're a spy, who sent you to me?"

"After being assigned to me, what were your specific orders?"

"How do you report intelligence to your superiors?"

"How much does your superior know about me?"

"If we work together to conceal the truth, can we keep it hidden?"

"Mmm…"

After consuming Lucien's purified energy, Nao Hayasaka slowly lifted her head and parted her lips.

Lucien was certain he wasn't imagining it—within her blue eyes, he could see small pink hearts.

"Lucien-sama, I will now answer all of your questions."

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