Camilla and Millie stared, momentarily speechless. Badr seemed... different.
Two months hadn't passed, yet his aura had shifted, a newfound grace in his demeanor.
This was thanks to his noble etiquette training in the Underworld.
While he hadn't taken the lessons too seriously, some of the refined mannerisms had become ingrained, now second nature-something even Rias hadn't anticipated.
His every movement exuded an effortless elegance, leaving Camilla and Millie wondering if they'd mistaken him for someone else.
"We have guests," Badr said with a warm smile, nodding politely. "Perfect timing. I brought back some excellent wine from my trip. Let's celebrate."
He opened his suitcase, a prop carefully prepared for this "return from a business trip" charade. It was all for show, a performance for the neighbors.
The wine itself was from Rias's family's cellar in the Underworld.
He wasn't sure how the Gremory castle had acquired such a fine vintage from the human world, but he'd taken a few bottles, thinking they might come in handy.
Camilla and Millie's eyes widened as they recognized the expensive label. They weren't unfamiliar with fine wines, having encountered their fair share during their work at city hall.
"Are you sure we should open this now? Won't that be a waste? This stuff must have cost a king's ransom!" Camilla exclaimed.
"Nonsense," Badr replied with a smile, easily uncorking the bottle despite their apprehension. "Wine is meant to be enjoyed. Besides, it was a gift."
Yor, drawn in by the rich aroma, looked on expectantly.
"We're here as moral support for Yor's cooking experiment!" Millie chirped. She couldn't help but feel a pang of envy toward Yor.
Not only did she have such a handsome and charming boyfriend, but he also seemed incredibly wealthy. Yor was truly blessed.
Yor emerged from the kitchen, a plate of food in hand, her cheeks flushed. A wave of dread washed over Camilla as she recalled their lunchtime cooking "lesson."
She had never witnessed such culinary carnage before. Those scary dishes... surely no one could survive eating them.
"Darling, I made you dinner. Eat it while it's hot!" Yor's voice was warm and affectionate. She'd become more comfortable with the "couple" act, the initial awkwardness now replaced by a natural ease.
"Really? Let me try it." Badr smiled, taking a bite, his expression carefully neutral.
"...Well?" Yor asked nervously, her gaze fixed on him.
"It's delicious! Let's all dig in!"
Badr's eyes flickered to the bandages on Yor's fingers. He gently took her hand, examining the small cuts.
"You went to a lot of trouble to prepare this meal. Thank you... my love," he said softly, his gaze full of affection.
Yor blushed deeply at the unexpected endearment.
Camilla and Millie exchanged looks, their expressions a mixture of envy and amusement. "Seriously, you two, get a room. We're starving over here."
Badr chuckled, pouring wine into their glasses. "Let's eat, then. Cheers!"
Yor's heart pounded in her chest. She quickly took a sip of wine to calm her nerves.
Badr seemed even more gentle than usual.
After a pleasant meal-well, pleasant for Badr, at least-Camilla and Millie prepared to leave.
They hadn't wanted to intrude but couldn't shake their concern for Yor's cooking.
Badr saw through their thinly veiled curiosity. They were gossipy, yes, but harmless. At least, they wouldn't physically harm Yor.
Though, physical harm wasn't his concern. With Yor's strength, she could handle herself in a fight. He worried about her naive nature and how easily she could be manipulated or taken advantage of.
But for now, at least, she seemed to be surrounded by good company.
"Camilla, Millie, thank you for taking care of Yor. I appreciate it." He bowed slightly as he saw them to the door, his sincerity evident.
Camilla and Millie's hearts skipped a beat, overwhelmed by his charm and genuine gratitude. This man was too perfect.
"It's... it's nothing. We're good friends..." they stammered, flustered by the intensity of his gaze and the sheer sweetness of the moment. They were drowning in secondhand embarrassment-and loving every minute of it.
...
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Chapter 189: A Night of Mishaps
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After seeing Camilla and Millie off, Badr breathed a sigh of relief and returned to the apartment.
"They're gone," he said to Yor, a smile playing on his lips. "Why did you go to all the trouble of learning to cook?"
"So no one would be suspicious..." Yor replied shyly, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. The small amount of wine she'd had earlier was starting to affect her.
Badr nodded. "I'll stay here for a few nights and visit the neighbors with you. That should put an end to the gossip."
"That's wonderful!" Yor's face lit up. The past few weeks had been filled with anxiety. "They've been so curious about where you've been."
"Your hand..." Badr said softly, stepping closer. "Let me take a look."
"Oh, it's nothing..."
Ignoring Yor's bashfulness, Badr gently took her wrist, channeling his demonic power to heal the small cuts.
While he lacked Asia's potent healing abilities, demonic power had restorative properties. Rias had often used it to heal his injuries, a skill he had since mastered.
Beneath the torn bandage, the shallow cuts were still slightly pink. As Yor watched, wide-eyed, the wounds closed and vanished, leaving no trace behind.
He hadn't wanted to use his powers openly in front of Camilla and Millie, but now, healing Yor was a simple matter.
"Amazing..." Yor murmured, still marveling at Badr's abilities. Sometimes, she wondered if he was even real, or just a figment of her imagination.
"You've had a long day," Badr said gently, releasing her hand. "Get some rest. I'm going to take a shower."
It felt good to be back in his old apartment. After showering, he returned to his bedroom, only to find it filled with Yor's belongings.
Right. I forgot she's been sleeping here...
He was about to leave when the door suddenly opened.
Yor stood there, swaying slightly, the remnants of the wine bottle clutched in her hand.
She'd only intended to take a small sip, but the wine Badr had brought back was simply too delicious. A few sips had turned into a few more, and before she knew it, she'd abandoned the glass altogether, drinking straight from the bottle.
Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.
Now she was completely and utterly drunk.
"Yor?" Badr stared at her, a mix of amusement and exasperation swirling within him. He had been careful not to let her drink too much in front of Camilla and Millie, knowing her remarkably low tolerance for alcohol.
But he'd only been gone for a few minutes... how had she managed to get this drunk so quickly?
"Huh? Who's there?" Yor mumbled, her eyes barely focusing. But the moment she saw Badr, her body tensed, her instincts kicking in.
"An intruder?" She'd completely forgotten that Badr was supposed to be there.
"It's me, Yor," Badr said patiently.
She didn't seem to hear him.
Without warning, she threw the bottle, aiming straight for his head.
Badr smoothly dodged the projectile as it shattered against the wall, spraying red wine across the bed.
Then, Yor lunged, her fist connecting with a loud crack.
Badr deflected her attack, but she didn't relent, throwing a series of punches.
Even drunk, her speed and strength were remarkable, her fists whistling through the air. Had he been an ordinary human, he might have been knocked out cold.
He blocked her attacks, then grabbed her wrists, pinning them in front of her.
Yor struggled briefly, then, unable to break free, she shifted her weight and unleashed a powerful high kick.
The force of her kick created a gust of wind, her black-stockinged leg arcing towards him.
Not the face!
While he wasn't afraid of her attacks, Badr instinctively released her hands and jumped back, unwilling to risk injury to certain... vital areas.
He glanced at her red pencil skirt and long legs, noting the impressive flexibility displayed in her high kick.
And he'd caught a glimpse of something he shouldn't have.
White...
Realizing Yor was beyond reason, Badr swiftly moved behind her, restraining her arms.
Knocking her out would have been the easiest solution, but she was an acquaintance, after all. That seemed excessive...
He just needed to hold her until the alcohol took full effect.
He knew from experience that she wouldn't be able to move once she passed out.
He sighed, looking at Yor's struggling form and the wine-stained bed.
This night was turning into a disaster.
He carried her to the living room sofa, keeping her pinned until, after a few minutes, her struggles subsided.
Exhausted and completely drunk, Yor finally fell asleep in his arms.
He carried her to the guest room, gently placing her on the bed before returning to the wine-soaked bedroom and changing the sheets.
Finally, he undressed, climbed into bed, and drifted off to sleep.
...
In the middle of the night, Yor woke up, her mind still hazy.
She looked around the unfamiliar room, confused.
Where am I?
She climbed out of bed, used the bathroom, and stumbled back to what she thought was her bedroom.
She collapsed onto the bed, still drunk, and quickly fell back asleep.
Badr's instincts registered someone approaching, but the familiar scent and lack of hostility prevented him from fully waking.
He assumed it was Rias or one of the others...
He rolled over, pulling the woman beside him closer, his hands instinctively moving to familiar territory, massaging the areas he'd kneaded countless times before...
...
The next morning, both Badr and Yor woke up with a start.
Yor's hand had brushed against something... hard.
Badr's eyes snapped open, realizing that both his and Yor's hands were gripping... things they shouldn't be gripping.
Their eyes met, locking for three long, silent seconds.
"..."
"..."
Yor's face erupted in a fiery blush as she scrambled away from him, stammering apologies.
"I'm so sorry! What... what am I doing in your bed?"
"...I'm wondering the same thing. I put you in the guest room..." Badr muttered, a wave of exhaustion washing over him.
See? This is what happens when you drink too much...
...
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Chapter 190: Becoming His Wife
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Yor's mind raced, her eyes wide with panic.
What have I done? she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. I've crossed a line. Will he be angry? Will he leave?
"I-I'm so sorry!" she blurted out, her face flushing crimson. "I'll take responsibility! I can cook and clean and..."
Badr tilted his head, a bemused expression on his face.
Responsibility?
Responsibility for what?
A chuckle escaped his lips. "Responsibility? What are you talking about? Do you actually want to marry me?" he teased.
"...If... if you'll have me..." Yor replied hesitantly. She knew she wasn't good enough for him. "I know I'm not... ideal, but... after what happened, I won't run away. I'll fulfill my duties as a wife..."
Her voice was barely above a whisper, her heart filled with uncertainty. She couldn't shake the feeling that Badr was out of her league... and yet, this had happened.
Badr was speechless.
Was he missing something?
Why did it feel like he was the one who'd been taken advantage of?
But Yor's words sparked a strange thought.
'She'd be a perfect addition to his peerage.'
After all, they were bound by a contract of faith. He couldn't just let her go...
Finding someone willing to enter into such a contract was incredibly rare. If he let Yor slip away, Rias would never forgive him.
Badr knew firsthand the benefits of a faith contract. His rapid increase in power was, in part, thanks to the support he received from those bound to him.
And Yor, unlike most humans, was already a formidable fighter.
'With demonic power, she could become another Sairaorg.'
He was constantly amazed by her physical abilities. She was practically superhuman, even without any Sacred Gear or special abilities.
But those things were secondary. The contract of faith was what truly mattered. Everything else was just a bonus.
"Yor," he began, his voice soft, "would you be willing to become my servant?"
Yor blinked, confused. "Servant?"
"Like me," he explained. "You'd become a devil. We'd be family."
"...You wouldn't mind... what happened?" Yor's face lit up. "As long as you don't send me away...!"
"...Why would I send you away?" He was starting to question her logic. He'd been discussing a perfectly normal arrangement, yet she seemed to think he was about to kick her out...
Seeing her eager agreement, Badr nodded with a smile.
"It's settled, then. Once I'm promoted to High-Class Devil, I'll arrange your reincarnation. We're family now. I'll introduce you to the others soon."
"O-Okay..." Yor felt a nervous flutter in her stomach. The thought of meeting his other... companions was a bit daunting.
She'd initially hoped he would simply continue the charade, allowing her to continue her work as an assassin without any complications.
A mischievous grin spread across Badr's face. "Since you're going to be my servant, we might as well upgrade our fake relationship. You can be my wife."
"Really?"
"Unless... you don't want to?"
"No! I mean... yes! I'm just... surprised..." Yor's mind was reeling.
His proposal was exactly what she'd secretly hoped for. Pretending to be his girlfriend wasn't a long-term solution. Eventually, it would attract unwanted attention.
At twenty-seven, being in a fake relationship wasn't ideal...
And now, without even realizing how it happened, she was about to become his real wife.
Badr chuckled, seeing her dazed expression. He found her naivete endearing.
"To commemorate the occasion, let's create a lasting memory."
