Kato Megumi was already seated at her desk when the morning chatter in class caught Izumi's attention.
Everyone seemed abuzz about the "beautiful new transfer student" arriving today.
Listening to the discussion, Izumi sighed inwardly. High schoolers really did focus on the strangest things. Magic, assassins, supernatural incidents—they didn't fit into this world at all.Clearly, this world was meant to be an everyday, ordinary one.
Sliding into his seat, Megumi asked with curiosity:
"Asia already came with you?""People in class are talking about it a lot."
Izumi nodded.
"That's right. Plenty of people saw us arrive. And of course, some big mouths at school probably passed the news around. You always find people like that anywhere."
Megumi nodded knowingly. Indeed, the whole first-year grade seemed to be abuzz with rumors.No need to guess—it had to be Asia. She was, after all, the only transfer student.
After a brief exchange between them, Koneko arrived at class.She didn't say a word to Izumi and still looked slightly resentful.Do all cats hold grudges? Izumi had never really understood.
Soon, the Monday morning class bell rang. Their homeroom teacher arrived and announced that a new transfer student would be joining their class today.
Although many in the class had already known, excitement bubbled up.Transfer students were almost mythical beings—so seeing one in person naturally stirred the heart!
Invited by the teacher, Asia walked into the room.Then, as expected, a familiar anime-style self-introduction unfolded.
Izumi couldn't help but feel slightly out of place.Anime-style introductions… in real life… emmm… it felt a little unreal.
After her self-introduction, Asia quickly won over her classmates.Her cute appearance aside, there was a delicate, fragile aura about her that awakened everyone's instinct to protect her.She immediately became the most popular person in class—both with boys and girls.
Previously, Koneko had held that spot.Now, it belonged to Asia.
Her seat was arranged by the teacher next to Koneko—directly in front of Izumi.
Asia greeted Megumi, then sat down.She quickly noticed that her desk mate was, in fact, a demon.Ah… so this must be the "Koneko" Izumi had mentioned.
Although slightly nervous, she offered a greeting to Koneko.Then, reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small catnip and handed it over.
"Um… Tōjō-san, hello. I'm Asia," she said."Izumi-kun said you like this, so please accept it."
Koneko froze.Seriously? Catnip again.
She turned to glare at Izumi, annoyed, but reluctantly took the catnip and placed it in her drawer.She wasn't about to touch it here.
Megumi, witnessing this, could only gape for a moment. She didn't even know how to comment.Seeing Izumi smile at the scene, she realized he found it deeply entertaining.
Of course—Asia had actually given the catnip he had entrusted to her straight to Koneko!Koneko's inner turmoil must have been catastrophic.Without a doubt, if this weren't during class, she probably would have leapt at him!
Asia's gesture ensured Koneko ignored Izumi all day.Yes… Tōjō Hakune, holding grudges like a pro.jpg.
Asia's school life was surprisingly enjoyable.Even in just one day, she had made several friends, growing fond of this everyday school atmosphere.
After school, Izumi and Asia didn't immediately leave. They chose to visit the old school building to see Rias.This was her territory—it wouldn't be proper to enter without greeting her.After all, Asia had been part of the Church before, and her arrival had caused quite a stir in town.
Moreover, Rias had helped with Asia's ID and enrollment. A visit was the least they could do.
Arriving at the old school building, Asia met the infamous Rias in person.Rias, sensing the aura of a relic from Asia, wasted no time and extended an invitation.
"Asia-chan, would you like to join my faction?"
Hearing this, Izumi immediately bristled.
"Hey, hey, hey, are you trying to steal my recruit?""Did you ask me first?""She doesn't want to join you. She's already with me!"
Rias rolled her eyes, slightly confused.
"Asia hasn't even answered yet. Why are you in such a hurry?"
Turning to Asia, she awaited her response.If Asia agreed, it would be perfect—her faction still had a vacant slot.
However, Asia didn't hesitate. She refused outright.
"I'm sorry… I'm already Izumi-kun's."
Her cheeks flushed crimson, as if she were confessing her feelings.
Izumi was delighted. As he had expected, Asia wasn't swayed by Rias's charm.
Rias, however, felt slightly disappointed.
"I see… that's a shame," she muttered.The heir of the Gimory family, and yet she had only two subordinates so far.It felt like the whole world was against her.
Izumi smiled, thoroughly enjoying Rias's frustration.
"Rias, stop thinking about it. You'd be better off focusing on recruiting others.""You can't steal the people by my side!"
Sometimes, Izumi found Rias's high standards amusing.She always sought those with great potential or wielders of relics.