"Is that all? Just 'a lot'? No 'very, very much'?" Badr teased, his eyes twinkling.
"Adding more words is tedious," Mai replied playfully.
...
Support & Read 12 Advanced Chapters. Ahead of the rest!
https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
There is 9 Exciting Fanfics already available on my Patreon!
avataravatar
Chapter 186: A Shower with Mai, Then Off to the Quintuplets!
~ Support & Read 12 Advanced Chapters on My Patreon!
~ Drop some Power Stones ????
<><><><>
After seeing Mai, Badr couldn't bring himself to leave just yet. He decided to wait until she finished work.
Hand-in-hand, they returned to Mai's apartment. She had stopped by the grocery store on the way home.
After slipping off their shoes, Mai tied on an apron and headed into the kitchen.
Badr followed, offering to help prepare dinner.
As they cooked together, a comfortable silence settled between them, the kitchen filled with the quiet clinking of utensils and the gentle aroma of simmering food.
Over a cozy dinner, they talked about their experiences over the past two months, the conversation flowing easily between them as the night deepened.
Noticing the late hour, Badr stretched and said, "I think I'll take a shower."
"Alright. I'll get you some clothes."
Mai had already washed and put away the clothes Badr had left at her apartment, anticipating his return.
"Why don't we shower together?" Badr suggested with a grin, taking Mai's hand in his.
"I'll shower after you," Mai replied calmly, unfazed by his playful suggestion.
"Think of all the water we'll save," Badr teased, scooping Mai into his arms.
"B-Badr..." Mai stammered, her face flushing crimson.
Badr chuckled, placing a quick kiss on her cheek before carrying her into the bathroom. The sound of running water soon followed.
After their shower, their playful banter continuing even as they dried off and dressed, they returned to the bedroom. The lingering warmth of the water and the easy intimacy of their shared shower had ignited a spark between them.
Lost in the moment, they found themselves drawn to each other once more.
Later, as Mai lay nestled against Badr, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, she suddenly spoke.
"Did you see Nodoka?" she asked, her voice quiet.
"I visited her briefly while I was waiting for your call. I brought her a gift, but didn't stay long."
"She... annoys me sometimes," Mai admitted, her brow furrowing slightly.
"Did you two have a fight?" Badr asked, surprised.
"It's like she's trying to steal you away from me..." Mai's voice was muffled, but Badr could sense her displeasure.
"What?"
"...I can share everything else with her," Mai continued, her voice regaining its usual calm, "but not you."
Badr smiled. "So, when I offer you immortality as a devil, I should leave her out?"
"..."
Mai fell silent. That wasn't what she wanted either.
She sat up, her movements graceful and alluring, then gently bumped her forehead against Badr's.
"Ouch," she murmured, rubbing her forehead. That hurt more than she'd expected.
Badr chuckled, gently massaging her forehead.
"Mai," he said softly, "Nodoka has seen the supernatural world now. Do you really think she'd be happy going back to a normal human life, forgetting everything?"
"I know... but I still don't like it," Mai admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "The thought of sharing you with my own sister... it just feels wrong. I'm fine with your other devil girlfriends-that's just how devils are. But this... this is different."
"Alright, alright. I understand. I'll keep it a secret from her then," Badr teased.
Mai stared at him blankly. How could he say something so ridiculous?
She rolled over, turning her back to him, a huff of annoyance escaping her lips.
Badr chuckled, pulling her close. Mai playfully resisted.
"Don't touch me," she mumbled.
"You're adorable even when you're angry," Badr whispered, nuzzling against her. It wasn't long before they were lost in each other's embrace once more.
The next morning, after sharing breakfast with Mai, Badr walked her downstairs.
Her manager, Ryoko Hanawa, soon arrived to take her to the set.
"Ryoko-san," Badr greeted her, "please take care of Mai."
"Don't worry. Your star is in good hands," Ryoko replied with a wink.
As Badr watched them drive away, Ryoko turned to Mai, her eyes glinting with amusement.
"So, did you have a good night with your boyfriend?"
"...Don't be ridiculous," Mai replied, her cheeks flushing slightly, a rare display of shyness in front of her manager.
Ryoko chuckled, her expression knowing. "He's quite the catch. Handsome and devoted. Lucky you."
"Ryoko-san..." Mai protested, though her voice lacked its usual firmness.
As Ryoko's teasing continued, their car disappeared down the street.
????
After seeing Mai off, Badr pulled out his phone and dialed Miku Nakano.
She shouldn't have left for work yet. He needed to tell her to wait for him.
Miku answered on the first ring, her voice filled with surprise and delight.
"Badr? Is that you? Are you back?"
"Yes, I'm back. Is everyone home?"
"Yes, we're all here. Are you coming over?"
He could hear the excited whispers of the other sisters in the background, a flurry of movement as they crowded around the phone.
Badr smiled. "I'll be there soon."
He teleported to the Nakano apartment, finding the quintuplets preparing to leave.
"Perfect timing. I almost missed you," he said, noting their work attire.
Ichika had insisted they all share the rent, so the sisters worked part-time jobs, even during the last few days of summer vacation.
"Welcome back!" the quintuplets exclaimed in unison, their faces beaming with joy.
It had been nearly two months since they'd last seen him, and they had missed him dearly.
Badr's gaze softened as he looked at them. "I brought you all gifts."
He presented the jewelry he'd brought back from the Underworld-two necklaces, a bracelet, a pair of earrings, and a hair ornament, each piece intricately crafted and adorned with beautiful gems.
The sisters' eyes widened in awe.
"They're beautiful!"
Their gazes were fixated on the sparkling gems.
"Choose one," Badr offered.
"They're all so pretty... It's hard to choose," Ichika said with a grin.
"You're always so greedy, Ichika," Itsuki teased.
"As the eldest, I should get first pick, right?" Ichika said, her eyes fixed on the earrings.
"No way! The eldest goes last! I get to choose first!" Itsuki countered, reaching for the diamond necklace.
"...Stop fighting!" Miku intervened. "Let's all choose at the same time! Ready? Three, two, one!"
The sisters each reached for a different piece...
Badr smiled. Just as he'd expected.
"We never choose the same thing..." Miku remarked, shaking her head with a smile.
"...Except for the one we love..." Nino added with a playful sigh.
A moment of awkward silence followed.
...
Support & Read 12 Advanced Chapters. Ahead of the rest!
https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
There is 9 Exciting Fanfics already available on my Patreon!
avataravatar
Chapter 187: Cooking for Her Boyfriend
~ Support & Read 12 Advanced Chapters on My Patreon!
~ Drop some Power Stones ????
<><><><>
The five sisters each chose a piece of jewelry, excitedly putting on their new gifts. As they marveled at the unique properties of the Underworld gemstones, Badr explained their origins and the sisters chattered amongst themselves, clearly enchanted.
Miku, however, was more curious about Badr's recent experiences.
"So, what's the Underworld really like?" she asked.
"Is it full of devils?" Itsuki chimed in.
"Are there a lot of... non-humans?" Nino added, her eyes wide with curiosity.
The quintuplets eagerly awaited Badr's answer.
Badr smiled. "It's similar to our world, in a way. No sun or moon, though. They use magic to create artificial light. As for the devils..." He paused, recalling the strict social hierarchy of the Underworld. "The lives of ordinary devils aren't that different from humans. But there's a strong emphasis on nobility and social status-a big difference from our world."
"Whoa, a noble class..." Ichika remarked, shaking her head. "That doesn't sound very pleasant."
As modern-day individuals, the idea of a rigid class system based on birthright felt outdated and inherently unfair.
Badr understood their apprehension. He wasn't particularly fond of the Underworld's social structure either.
He considered himself lucky. He enjoyed a level of freedom and respect that many other devils, especially those serving under less benevolent masters, could only dream of.
High-Class Devils like Rias, who treated their peerage like family, were rare.
Zephyrdor, for example, had treated his servants like expendable pawns.
And the Rating Games... those were exclusively for the nobility. Low-Class Devils had no chance to participate.
Sona Sitri had once expressed her dream of opening a Rating Game school in the Underworld, a place where devils of all ranks could learn and compete.
But her idea had been met with ridicule by the older generation.
Even with her sister, Serafall Leviathan, being a current Maou, Sona's efforts had been futile. The concept of inherent nobility was deeply ingrained in the Underworld's culture.
Badr looked at the five sisters, a sigh escaping his lips. "The Underworld isn't as glamorous as you might think. So, I have a question for you. Knowing this, would you still be willing to become devils, through me, and stay with me... forever?"
"I would," Miku replied instantly, her gaze unwavering.
"Me too..." Ichika added without hesitation, a warm smile gracing her lips.
"It's a no-brainer," Nino declared, pumping her fist. "Immortality and magic? That's awesome!"
The others nodded in agreement. Badr smiled.
"I understand. Don't worry, I'll protect you, no matter what."
The quintuplets blushed, their hearts filled with a mix of shyness and happiness.
"Oh! It's time to leave for work!" Miku suddenly exclaimed, glancing at the clock.
"Me too. I need to get going..."
As the sisters prepared to leave for their respective part-time jobs, Badr didn't try to keep them.
"Go on, then. I won't hold you up."
"Bye-bye!" Nino called out, blowing him a kiss as she dashed out the door.
After seeing the quintuplets off, Badr stretched, pulling out the last remaining gift.
This one was for Yor. She was, after all, bound to him by a contract of faith. It was only fitting that she received a gift as well.
He wondered if his two-month absence had caused any suspicion...
After a moment of contemplation, he dialed Yor's number.
She should be at work now, right?
????
In a brightly lit office, Yor, dressed in her work attire, was organizing files.
Badr's appearance as her boyfriend at the embassy ball had certainly made an impression.
For weeks afterward, her coworkers had bombarded her with questions about him, leaving Yor feeling rather flustered. But after nearly two months of silence, the inquiries had finally died down.
She was relieved. Badr had told her he'd be away for a while, and she didn't want to cause him any trouble.
Suddenly, her phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID, her eyes widening in surprise. "Badr... you're back?"
"Indeed, Yor. How have things been?"
"Um... everything's fine. The neighbors keep asking where you've been, though. They're curious about when you'll return."
It was only natural. Badr had made quite an impression, and neighbors loved to gossip...
"How about I meet you after work?"
"Yes! I'll... I'll prepare something..."
Yor hung up, a smile spreading across her face.
Badr's return eased her anxieties. Whatever problems arose, she knew he could handle them. He was incredibly capable, after all!
She turned to her coworker, Camilla.
"Um... Camilla... there's something I'd like to ask you..."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Could... could you teach me how to cook?"
Yor looked at Camilla nervously. She had been oblivious to Camilla's attempts to embarrass her in the past, so there were no hard feelings between them.
"Uh... Yor, why do you suddenly want to learn how to cook?" another coworker asked, curious.
"I... I just want to learn..."
The truth was, a neighbor had mentioned that cooking for one's loved one was a significant plus for a good wife...
And Yor's cooking skills were... abysmal.
Yuri always claimed her food was delicious, but Yor herself wasn't convinced.
Perhaps Yuri simply had unique tastes, having grown up eating her cooking...
But the food she made for Badr couldn't be like the food she made for Yuri. It had to be... presentable.
With a hopeful look, she turned to Camilla for help.
Camilla had been about to refuse, but seeing Yor's earnest expression, she couldn't bring herself to say no.
"...Fine. Come to my apartment during lunch. I have a kitchen there."
"Really? Thank you so much, Camilla!"
"It's... it's no big deal. You don't have to thank me..." Camilla, flustered by Yor's genuine gratitude, felt a pang of regret for her past behavior...
Little did she know, agreeing to Yor's request was the true beginning of her regrets...
...
Support & Read 12 Advanced Chapters. Ahead of the rest!
https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
There is 9 Exciting Fanfics already available on my Patreon!
Chapter 188: Visiting Yor
~ Support & Read 12 Advanced Chapters on My Patreon!
~ Drop some Power Stones ????
<><><><>
Yor diligently learned from her coworker, focused on becoming a better partner. While she knew Badr, as her summoned being, would fulfill any request, she didn't want to burden him entirely. It felt unfair.
She didn't realize how effortless the "boyfriend" role was for Badr, especially after winning over her most challenging critic-her younger brother.
When the time came, Badr arrived punctually at Yor's-now their-home. He was surprised to find two other women inside: Camilla and Millie, Yor's coworkers whom he'd met at the embassy party.
Why were they here?
He masked his surprise, greeting them warmly. "I'm back."
"Welcome home!" Yor, radiant in a red dress, greeted him with a gentle smile.
