The girl standing before him was indeed wearing a nun's habit—though it was the casual kind meant for daily life rather than formal ceremony.
It wasn't flashy, yet Ryuya recognized it instantly from the holy emblems stitched onto the fabric.
She wore a pure white veil, beneath which flowed long golden hair that gleamed even under the dim light.
Her eyes were clear and spotless, her face exquisitely beautiful—like a sculpture carved by the hands of a god.
Just a single glance made it feel as though a sacred aura was washing over him.
So pure it almost hurt to look.
Ryuya's gaze sharpened slightly when he noticed the silver cross pendant resting against her chest.
As expected… a church girl.
His instincts as a demon immediately screamed a warning.
He might look human now, but his essence was that of a devil—and this girl, a nun of the Church, was by definition his natural enemy.
Watching her stand up, he didn't speak further, merely took a discreet step back.
"Um…"
The girl looked at him with an embarrassed expression. "I think I might be lost… could you please help me?"
…Wait. Did I hear that right?
Are you seriously asking a demon to show you the way?
Also—out of curiosity—how much does the Church pay for selling off a nun these days?
Asking for a friend.
Ryuya cleared his throat. "Is this your first time in the city?"
"Yes," she nodded earnestly. "I've just been reassigned to the local church here, but I'm not familiar with the area at all. Um… I'm sorry for troubling you.
Oh merciful Lord, please bless this kind gentleman standing before me."
The girl bowed politely, hands folded.
In just those few moments, Ryuya could see everything written in her demeanor—purity, sincerity, faith, and kindness.
There was no faking that.
He'd always thought angels and fallen angels were full of hypocrites and degenerates, but apparently not everyone under the heavens fit that mold.
Still, as a demon, it was best to avoid unnecessary entanglements with a church nun. The sooner he sent her off, the better.
"I know where the church is," he said casually. "I'll walk you there."
"That would be wonderful! Thank you so much!"
The girl's face lit up instantly, her big blue eyes curving like crescent moons when she smiled.
Fortunately, the church was along the same direction as Ryuya's home. After walking with her for a while, they reached a street near his neighborhood.
He pointed down the road. "See that intersection up ahead? You'll spot the church in the distance. Just follow the main street and you'll get there. I'll stop here."
"Thank you so much! To think I'd meet such a kind person the very first day I arrived—how truly blessed I am. Praise be to the Almighty Lord!"
…Excuse me, who are you calling kind?
If you're going to praise me, at least use words like cunning, devious, or shameless, please.
While Ryuya grumbled inwardly, on the surface he simply nodded politely. "You're welcome. Goodbye."
"Goodbye!"
Then, as if remembering something, she turned back quickly.
"Oh right! My name is Asia Argento. You can just call me Asia. I still don't know yours, mister."
"…I'm Ryuya Kurobane."
"Mr. Ryuya," she said softly, her face glowing with gentleness. "I'll be sure to remember it—and pray for you sincerely before the Lord."
Ryuya nearly tripped on the spot.
You're going to pray for me, a demon, before your God?
Gee, thanks for the extra paperwork you're giving heaven.
"…Then I'll count on your prayers, Asia."
He watched as the pure, golden-haired girl walked away, her white veil fluttering behind her, and murmured to himself.
A new nun assigned to the local church, huh…
Probably harmless. Doesn't look like the troublemaking type.
Still, just to be safe, I should mention her to Rias later.
With that thought, Ryuya turned back toward home.
Better get some rest early tonight—tomorrow's going to be a long day.
…
The next morning.
Ryuya woke up right on time—thanks to his alarm clock's relentless assault. It took another thirty minutes of internal warfare before he finally overcame his laziness and climbed out of bed in triumph.
"Date, huh… what should I even wear?"
…Whatever.
It's not like this is a real date anyway.
Standing before his wardrobe, he gave it a quick glance, then casually pulled out a denim jacket and threw it on.
One look in the mirror later, and the half-asleep Ryuya was instantly revived by his own reflection.
After leaving home and hopping onto his bike, he pedaled toward the meeting spot. He arrived right on time—but Mai Sakurajima was already there waiting.
Propping down the bike stand and locking the wheels, Ryuya gave her a curious look. "Have you been waiting long?"
"Just got here myself," she replied.
"Good. Just so we're clear, I wasn't late," Ryuya said smoothly.
"Do you think I'm one of those girls who expects the guy to arrive before her?" Mai said evenly. "I'm not that shallow."
Her tone was calm, but Ryuya could still hear the faint trace of irritation behind it—the kind of pride that didn't like being compared to others.
"If all girls were as sensible as you, Mai," he said with a small sigh, "the whole world would probably be happy to fall in love."
"Save that nonsense for when you're asleep," she shot back dryly.
Ryuya chuckled lightly. "You know, humans don't always tell the truth when they're awake. It's the things they say in their dreams that reveal what they really think."
Mai: "..."
She couldn't find a good retort to that.
"Come on," she said finally, "the aquarium should be open by now."
She started walking ahead, and Ryuya followed at an easy pace, keeping just half a step behind her.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
From where he walked, Ryuya could see her side profile—elegant, calm, and beautiful.
Today she was dressed simply: a neat white blouse with soft frilled edges, paired with a checkered skirt that fell just to her knees. Beneath the hem, her long legs were wrapped in sleek black stockings—an absolutely perfect view.
She really looked mature today, radiating an effortlessly captivating aura.
Still… couldn't the skirt have been just a little shorter?
As he was silently lamenting that, Mai suddenly turned her head. Their eyes met squarely—his gaze still halfway down her legs.
"…And what exactly is with that impolite stare?"
Her eyes sharpened in mild warning. Ryuya couldn't help but think, Are girls just naturally equipped with radar for this kind of thing?
Caught red-handed, he didn't even try to deny it. Instead, he replied openly,
"Mai-senpai, aren't dates supposed to feature short skirts and bare legs?"
"Huh?"
Mai's face froze for a beat—then her fist clenched. "Do you want me to hit you?"
"I just thought—since it's rare for someone to go on a date with me, maybe I'd get to see a little fanservice…" Ryuya said with a dejected sigh.
"I told you to stop showing off your terrible acting."
"What if I'm actually disappointed, though?"
"Do you need to be that disappointed?"
"Extremely," Ryuya said with a straight face, as if announcing a grave truth.
Mai's lips twitched; she turned her head away, muttering softly under her breath,
"…What's with that? I actually put some thought into this outfit, you know…"
Hmm?
She thought he hadn't heard, but Ryuya caught every word clearly. His lips curved faintly.
"Well," he said quietly, "I think it looks super cute."
Mai Sakurajima: "..."
---