Otherwise, for the prosperity of the devil clan, those guys might resort to drastic measures...
After all, such extreme actions had occurred before...
As if recalling something unpleasant, Rias's eyes showed a complex emotion. She couldn't help but mutter:
"Badr, you need to become stronger quickly... Only then can you help me."
Feeling the change in her mood, Badr looked steadily at Rias, sensing she had something on her mind.
He didn't ask further; if Rias didn't want to talk about it, asking now would yield no answers.
When Rias felt he could help her, she would surely tell him.
For now, he just nodded gently:
"Alright."
Although his response was simple, Badr's composed and calm demeanour was evident.
Sensing Badr's extraordinary nature, Rias reached out and gently caressed his cheek; her complex expression softened, and a happy smile appeared on her face:
"Mm, I believe you will quickly become powerful. You can do it if it's you, Badr because you are my most adorable servant."
As she spoke, she moved closer, cupping Badr's face with both hands and gently kissing his forehead.
The warmth of her lips lingered on his forehead, causing a slight stir in Badr's heart.
His feelings for Rias were quite complex.
Rias had saved his life, become his master, and always been very close to Badr. But Badr knew that this was due to devils' different perspectives compared to humans.
Although he had transformed into a devil, his thinking was still mostly human. He understood Rias's affection for him was like a master cherishing her treasured possession.
Even though they had shared a bed and she had kissed him gently, it didn't mean she loved him.
Badr, still with human thoughts, found this hard to accept.
But to say he didn't care about Rias?
That seemed impossible...
Who could control their possessiveness?
Even if Badr could easily restrain his feelings, he still needed to repay Rias's kindness. After all, she saved his life, and he couldn't ignore that.
Sigh... Let everything take its course.
After kissing Badr, Rias smiled and said, "This is the magic for you to become stronger. You also need to work hard. That's all the affection you'll get for now."
"I won't let you down."
Badr smiled faintly.
He had a plan now. The urgent task was to solve Mai Sakurajima's problems and then complete his first contract with her!
"Oh, by the way."
Rias suddenly remembered, "The Familiar Forest will open next weekend. So, Badr, you'll soon have your own familiar!"
"Really?"
Badr's eyes lit up. He strongly needed a familiar, as it could help him handle many chores!
"Of course. With a familiar, you won't need to distribute flyers and can assign simple tasks to it."
Badr chuckled and casually said:
"Great, once I have a familiar, I won't have to do my homework anymore."
Rias: "...??"
Everyone: "..."
So, you want a familiar to avoid doing homework?
Apologize to the familiar properly!
The three beautiful girls were slightly confused.
Sometimes, it was hard to understand Badr's thought process...
...
After biking home, it was already evening.
After his workout, Badr took a shower and went to bed early. He had promised Mai Sakurajima he would meet her again the next day.
Waking up early the following day, he tidied up the house and headed out into the sunrise.
Since it was a weekend morning, more people were on the streets. Badr arrived at the subway station where he had arranged to meet Mai Sakurajima.
He arrived a bit early, and after about ten minutes, Mai Sakurajima appeared, walking towards the subway station.
She was dressed in casual clothes today: a shirt and a short skirt. The skirt's hem didn't extend to her knees like yesterday but only covered half of her thighs.
No one else could see her, so only Badr's gaze was fixed on her, taking in her cuteness.
"Hm, it seems like you considered my fashion advice."
Badr spoke seriously, his eyes examining Mai Sakurajima from top to bottom.
Perhaps because the morning was still cool, she wore black stockings, but that didn't matter. The black stockings were very lovely!
Mai Sakurajima showed no reaction to Badr's words, calmly saying:
"Did I say I considered your advice? I just chose to wear what I like."
"Is that so? Well, whatever you say. You look adorable. I wish I could take you home and frame you on the wall."
Badr praised her with glowing eyes.
"I told you not to show off your lousy acting skills in front of me." Mai wasn't falling for it.
"It was a sincere compliment." Badr smiled faintly.
"If it's sincere, then I'll accept it."
Mai Sakurajima responded calmly.
...
While waiting for the subway, Badr and Mai Sakurajima saw the crowded figures inside.
Since it was the weekend, many people were out, and the subway was quite crowded.
Seeing this, Badr directly took Mai Sakurajima's hand, acting as a human shield to protect her from being jostled, and they smoothly entered the subway car.
With a glance, he signalled a spot in the corner, and Mai Sakurajima quickly understood, staying in the corner with her back against the car.
Badr extended his hand, using a wall slam posture to prop his hand against the wall by Mai's ear, protecting her from being pushed by others who couldn't see her.
Badr's actions seemed very natural to others who couldn't see Mai Sakurajima.
But to Mai Sakurajima, their proximity was a bit too close.
"It's only three stops; bear with it," Badr whispered, his voice audible only to Mai Sakurajima due to their close distance.
Being so close, Mai Sakurajima could feel his breath on her neck, tickling her.
Even in acting, she had never been this close to a boy. She tried to remain calm.
She was Mai Sakurajima and wouldn't panic over something so minor.
"I don't mind, just don't let certain people get the wrong idea."
She spoke calmly to cover her slight nervousness.
"...Wrong idea?"
Repeating it, Badr suddenly looked down at their closely positioned bodies, realizing what she meant.
A slight smile appeared on his lips as he said softly:
"I might be thinking even more wildly than you imagine..."
"..."
Mai Sakurajima stared into Badr's eyes.
It was clear this wasn't his poor acting.
In other words, he was telling the truth.
"It's your stop."
Mai Sakurajima cast a disdainful glance at him.
"Jumping off midway will make the morning news headlines."
Badr smiled faintly, "Besides, a mature person like you can surely understand and tolerate such things, right?"
"...Yes, I... I wouldn't care about a younger boy having such naughty thoughts."
It seemed reverse psychology worked well on Mai Sakurajima...
She even puffed out her chest to show her indifference, accidentally brushing against Badr, who was still wall-slamming her.
This unusual contact made both of them pause.
Mai Sakurajima's face showed a different expression before she turned away, not daring to look at Badr.
"Mai, that's a blatant seduction."
Badr laughed, lowering his voice. From this angle, he saw the blush spreading on Mai Sakurajima's neck.
Even Mai Sakurajima seemed a bit overwhelmed by her bold move.
Fortunately, the subway arrived at a station, and a few passengers disembarked, creating some space. Badr took the opportunity to step back a bit.
Just as he was thinking how cute a tsundere Mai Sakurajima was, he felt a hand reach for his waist, expertly pinching his soft flesh.
"...Mai?"
"This is punishment for teasing." Mai Sakurajima's calm voice returned.
"Even though you were the one who took the initiative."
"Is that so? My apologies then."
Though she said that, she didn't let go.
If anything, she pinched harder, seemingly enjoying herself.
At that moment, Mai Sakurajima's phone rang.
At this point, Badr hadn't seen anyone else able to notice Mai Sakurajima. The ringing made him narrow his eyes, and he immediately guessed who it was.
Mai Sakurajima's expression changed noticeably as she took out her phone. After glancing at the sender, she suddenly handed the phone to Badr, her expression still showing a hint of nervousness.
It was clear she wanted him to help check it.
Badr, not being polite, took the phone and read the email. Mai Sakurajima's mother sent it, although the sender's name was labelled "Agent."
— — — — — — —
12 Advanced Chapters on Patreon
https://www.p-atreon.com/dragonnx
PS: When I Reach 100 Power Stones. I will do a mass release!
DragonnXcreators' thoughts
avataravatar
Chapter 18: Unexpected Event!
She had already left home and was heading to the meeting place.
"She's on her way," Badr said softly.
"Hmm..." Mai Sakurajima took a deep breath. After yesterday's deliberate provocation by Badr, she decided to face her inner feelings and confront her mother.
Badr and Mai had a tacit understanding, so they met early to head to Shichirigahama together.
The journey of three stops passed quickly. They exited the subway station, walked down the steps of the embankment, and arrived at the beach.
Since her mother hadn't arrived yet, they strolled along the shore, chatting casually.
"Hehe, after resuming my acting career, I'd like to shoot a scene here," Mai suddenly smiled.
"If that happens, maybe I could be your co-star."
"With Badr's acting skills, you might only make it as an extra."
"Hey, that's a bit harsh."
"Just being honest."
They continued their light-hearted banter. Soon, ten minutes had passed, and a beautiful figure appeared on the embankment.
From a distance, she resembled Mai Sakurajima.
No, it should be said that Mai resembled her, as the newcomer was Mai's mother.
Badr smiled and stopped, looking at Mai, signaling that he wouldn't interfere with their reunion.
Mai hesitated, gathered her courage, and walked toward her mother.
"Long time no see," Mai greeted. Although they were some distance away, Badr could hear her clearly.
Her mother slowed her steps but didn't respond to Mai, continuing to walk.
"...Mom?" Mai called out in slight bewilderment.
Her mother's steps didn't stop.
Seeing this from afar, Badr frowned.
Such a strong woman shouldn't ignore her daughter so rudely. A bad feeling crept up on him.
He looked at Mai's mother, whose eyes were not fixed on Mai but seemed to be searching for something.
She couldn't possibly ignore her own daughter...
At this moment, Mai realized what was happening and froze.
Badr's expression darkened as he understood the situation.
This was bad...
—
The situation was unexpectedly dire.
Who could have imagined that a mother, who had been communicating smoothly via email, would become unresponsive upon meeting in person?
Mai was having a hard time accepting it.
She quickly moved in front of her mother and waved her hand in front of her face.
"Can't you see me!?"
Her voice was much louder, and her emotions were clearly agitated.
Anyone would be upset in such a situation.
It was her mother, after all.
A moment ago, she remembered her, and they were about to have an honest conversation. But now, this unexpected event occurred.
Mai couldn't accept it.
Unfortunately, her mother continued walking.
This situation made Mai's hands drop weakly to her sides.
Her past experiences told her that no matter how hard she tried now, it was futile. Her mother couldn't see her anymore.
Even worse, her mother walked straight into Mai, causing her to stumble.
Seeing Mai about to fall, Badr, who had been twenty meters away, suddenly appeared by her side, catching the unsteady girl.
Badr's sudden appearance was so swift that her mother only noticed him when she turned her head. She was startled to see the boy who had somehow appeared next to her.
She seemed surprised, as if she had been frightened.
"Hello, my name is Badr," he said, holding Mai's hand protectively and looking directly at her mother.
Her mother frowned upon realizing the situation.
"So, it's you."
Her gaze was filled with displeasure, similar to Mai's, causing Badr to narrow his eyes slightly.
"What do you mean, ma'am?"
"You brought me here. What do you want? I don't know you. You look like a high school student. Is this some kind of prank? If it is, I'll have your parents discipline you."
She spoke quickly, clearly annoyed, even checking her watch.
She seemed to value her time highly, probably due to having a lot of work to handle.
"You misunderstand. It was Mai who asked you to come," Badr clarified.
He could feel the sweat in Mai's palm, indicating her nervousness. He squeezed her hand slightly, signaling her not to worry.
Her mother scrutinized Badr.
"Who did you say called me?"
"Mai."
Hearing this, her mother adjusted her windblown hair, looking puzzled.
"...Mai who?"
At that moment, even Badr was taken aback.
Mai's grip tightened on Badr's hand.
His expression darkened. This situation was worse than just being unable to see Mai.
"Mai Sakurajima, your daughter. Don't you remember?"
"Stop joking. I don't have a daughter."
Her mother frowned, visibly impatient. "Your name is Badr, right? Why did you bring me here?"
Badr glanced at Mai, feeling her distress.
Mai's expression was one of shock and helplessness.
Badr's gaze turned serious. "What about the emails asking you to come here? You replied, so you must remember."
"That is puzzling," her mother said, showing her phone to Badr.
"Unknown sender, yet I marked it on my schedule and made time for it. But I don't recall anything important."
Glancing at the phone, the sender's name "Mai" was glaringly obvious to Badr and Mai.
Her mother didn't seem to be ignoring it or pretending not to know.
She genuinely didn't remember Mai.
Even after raising her for so many years and seeing her name on the email.
Badr took a deep breath.
The situation was becoming clear.
He suddenly bowed slightly to her mother, sincerely apologizing.
"I'm sorry. It seems I've made a mistake. I'm sorry for wasting your time."
"Huh? Is that so..."
Her mother was taken aback.
Maybe she instinctively felt something was wrong.
"Then, I'll leave."
"Yes, I'm truly sorry."
"...It's fine."
With a confused expression, her mother slowly walked away.
"Badr..."
Mai called softly. Badr looked over and saw her eyes filled with worry.
