Chapter 25- Rumors, Reactions, and a Devil’s Deal

The sun was barely up, but Kuoh Academy's campus was already buzzing with life as students filed in for another day of school.

I walked at a leisurely pace, hands in my pockets, casually observing the morning rush—but my focus wasn't on the usual student chatter.

My gaze locked onto a specific pair ahead of me.

Issei Hyoudou.

And beside him, Yuuma Amano—or rather, Raynare in disguise.

She was playing her role perfectly—smiling, giggling, acting like the shy, innocent girl who had just landed herself a boyfriend.

Issei, oblivious as ever, was eating it up.

I exhaled through my nose, my lips curling into an amused smirk.

"Alright, the plot is starting. Tonight's the night he gets killed."

For now, I'd let things play out.

But when the time came?

I'd be ready.

The morning dragged on uneventfully—until the moment Aika Kiryuu strolled up to my desk with a smirk that screamed trouble.

I raised a brow, watching as she casually leaned in, her voice low enough for only me to hear.

"So," she whispered, eyes gleaming, "I practiced magic last night. Managed to do some basics."

I grinned. "Fast learner, huh?"

But before I could say anything else—

She stepped back, turned to the class, and raised her voice for everyone to hear.

"I had so much fun with Malrik last night~!"

The classroom froze.

It was like someone had dropped a nuclear bomb of gossip.

A beat of silence.

Then—

"WHAT?!"

The male students' heads snapped toward me, their faces twisted in disbelief, jealousy radiating off them in waves.

The female students? They were whispering feverishly, their eyes darting between Aika and me like they had just witnessed the juiciest scandal of the century.

I blinked.

Then, my lips curled into a smirk.

If Aika wanted to play this game?

Fine. I'd play along.

I leaned back lazily in my chair, resting an arm on the desk, and gave her a grinning, knowing look.

"Glad you enjoyed yourself, Aika~."

Cue. Absolute. Pandemonium.

Matsuda and Motohama, sitting a few seats away, choked on air.

One guy in the back slammed his desk in frustration.

A girl near the window gasped dramatically, clutching her notebook like she was witnessing a forbidden romance unfold.

Even the teacher, who had just walked in, paused mid-step, looking between us with an unreadable expression.

Meanwhile, Aika?

She was grinning ear to ear, clearly loving every second of the chaos she had just unleashed.

I sighed internally.

This girl was too dangerous in her own way.

——————————

Stepping into the Occult Research Clubroom, I immediately noticed the shift in atmosphere.

The room exuded a cozy yet eerie aesthetic—dim lighting, the scent of tea lingering in the air, and a well-kept Victorian-style setup with plush furniture.

But what really stood out?

The people inside.

All eyes were already on me.

Kiba had escorted me here, his usual polite demeanor in full display before stepping aside.

Akeno, the ever-mischievous beauty, sat gracefully on the couch, her signature teasing smirk already in place, as if she anticipated the chaos before it even started.

Across from her, Koneko munched on a cookie, her golden eyes scanning me with a calculating gaze that most people wouldn't catch beneath her seemingly disinterested expression.

And, of course, Rias Gremory, the leader of this little ensemble, sat behind her desk with the practiced confidence of a queen on her throne.

Her fingers were elegantly intertwined as she watched me—not with surprise, not with amusement, but with curiosity and a touch of calculated wariness.

I let a small smirk creep onto my face.

She already knew about my Sacred Gear.

She had seen it firsthand yesterday when she and Akeno had visited my mansion, and I had gifted them each a silver hairpin—beautifully crafted, enchanted, and created effortlessly in seconds.

So today wasn't about finding out what I was capable of.

No—this was about business.

A brief silence stretched across the room before Rias finally spoke.

"Are you going to introduce yourself properly, Malrik? Or do you prefer making dramatic entrances?"

I chuckled, stepping further inside.

"You already know who I am, Rias. But sure, let's keep it formal—Malrik Van, at your service."

I gave a mock bow, just deep enough to be playful, not serious.

Akeno chuckled behind her teacup.

"Ara~ quite the gentleman when he wants to be."

Koneko, unimpressed, popped another cookie into her mouth.

Rias, however, simply sighed, as if already tired of me.

"I see you're quite the character."

I smirked. "What can I say? I make an impression."

I glanced around before letting my gaze settle on Rias, Akeno, and Koneko.

"I must say, Rias, you've got an impressive Peerage. Smart, strong, and—" My eyes flickered over to Akeno with a teasing look, then Koneko, before locking onto Rias herself, "—very easy on the eyes."

Rias sighed, exasperation evident.

"Are you going to flirt with all my members, Malrik?"

I chuckled. "Just the cute ones."

Akeno giggled. "Ara~ does that mean I'm included?"

I shot her a lazy grin. "Akeno, if I didn't flirt with you, I'd be insulting both of us."

Koneko, still munching, narrowed her eyes slightly. "Hmph. You talk too much."

I leaned slightly toward her, grinning. "And you watch me too much for someone who doesn't care."

She paused mid-bite.

Her eyes flicked to the side for a brief second before she huffed quietly, looking away.

Victory.

Rias massaged her temples.

"Moving on," she said firmly, reining in the conversation before I completely derailed it. "I called you here for business, Malrik. Specifically, your Sacred Gear."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Impressed by the hairpins?"

Akeno chuckled, lightly touching the silver accessory still clipped into her hair.

"They are quite exquisite~," she hummed, twirling a lock of hair between her fingers.

Rias, however, remained focused.

"I already know you can create weapons effortlessly. What I want to know is if you're willing to sell them."

Now that was interesting.

Rias Gremory—the lady of Kuoh—wanted to buy weapons from me?

I leaned back slightly, crossing my arms.

"Oh?"

Rias folded her arms, her expression serious.

"We have a budget for high-quality weapons and enchanted items. If you're willing to provide, I'd like to discuss a contract."

I pretended to think about it.

Then—

"I could be persuaded."

Rias narrowed her eyes slightly. "That sounds expensive."

I grinned. "Quality always is."

Akeno giggled.

Koneko sighed.

And Rias?

She simply exhaled deeply, knowing she was about to start negotiating with a headache in human form.