A few days later, Asia started living at Arthur's house.
"It's a good day today," Asia said with a cheerful smile. She clasped her hands together as she walked beside Arthur. "Art-san, we're playing softball in P.E. today. It's my first time, so I'm really excited."
Arthur walked next to her, his school uniform impeccable as always, hands in his pockets, a quiet grin resting on his face.
As they neared the school gates, whispers began to ripple through the crowd of students gathering nearby.
"Wait, isn't that Asia-san…? Walking with Arthur-san?"
"Impossible... No way... He walks with her like it's normal!"
"Don't tell me... Arthur-san already won her heart!?"
Arthur twitched as he heard the murmur; the corner of his lip twitched with amusement. He could hear their thoughts as if they were screaming—jealousy, confusion, admiration, and envy.
'I'm really that famous, huh?' he mused inwardly.
[If you have a face like a painting and the presence of a demon king, people tend to overlook the fact that you're a pervert, sir,] Friday said. Her voice was monotone as always.
'Harsh as ever, Friday.'
Arthur gave a casual glance toward some of the boys glaring at him as if he had stolen something irreplaceable. Which, in their eyes, he probably had.
In the past few days, several students had tried confessing to Asia—some with chocolates, others with awkward poetry or trembling words. Every single one was rejected.
While it is extremely normal for young boys confess to beautiful girls, but Asia had only started school for a few days, so Arthur didn't know what they were thinking. Not Just Asia, any girl would reject them if they took that approach.
But anyway, the reason for Asia rejection was now walking right next to her.
Their rejection had bloomed into quiet resentment. The boys who once worshipped Asia's kindness now shot daggers at Arthur with every glance.
'Teenagers…'
[They probably think you're playing around with a beautiful, innocent girl. Which, if I may add, technically isn't inaccurate,] Friday quipped.
Arthur didn't reply, but the smile that bloomed on his face said enough. It wasn't mocking. It was contentment.
Peaceful days like this were rare.
There was no mountain of paperwork. No strategic meetings. No Albedo dragging him through political nonsense. No Aurora complaining about him disappearing. And certainly no Demiurge preparing torture sessions for enemy spies.
Just school. A pretty sky. A bright girl walking beside him.
'Still… I do miss my occasional visits to Mount Olympus. That view of the celestial rivers was something else.'
[If you go there now, Aphrodite will latch onto you like she hasn't eaten in a week. You won't get to see anything except her.]
'Tch… true. That woman treats me like a plush toy.'
The sound of gentle giggles snapped Arthur out of his thoughts.
He glanced sideways.
Asia was looking at him curiously.
"Is something funny?" she asked, tilting her head like a kitten puzzled by a strange noise.
Arthur gave her a disarming smile. "Nah. Just thinking about how nice today feels. That's all."
Asia beamed. "It really does. Since I started staying at your house, every morning feels like a blessing."
He coughed lightly, looking away. "You don't need to call it that."
"But it is!" she insisted, unaware of how loud she was being. "I get to make breakfast, see you every morning, and now I get to walk to school with you. And Renner-san and Keno-san (Evileye) is also very kind."
Arthur glanced around. A few boys were now gnashing their teeth.
'Asia… please don't put a target on my back so early in the day.'
[Too late, sir. They're already planning your demise.]
Arthur sighed.
As they passed the front gates, the murmurings only grew louder.
"Damn it, he's living with her too?!"
"What kind of cheat life is this!?"
"Did he brainwash her?!"
"He's got Rias-san's attention, and now Asia?!"
But Asia didn't seem to hear any of it. Or maybe she did and chose to ignore it.
She looked up at Arthur, "Art-san… do you like going to school with me?"
Arthur blinked at the question. "I wouldn't come if I didn't."
"You're always so busy. I didn't want to make things harder for you…"
He paused, then reached over and gently ruffled her hair.
"I'm busy because I chose to be. You're not a burden, Asia. If anything, I'm glad I get these mornings with you."
Asia's eyes shimmered slightly, and she smiled—a little more shyly this time. Then, with a soft pout, she murmured shyly, "…I'm not a child, Art-san."
"I know," he chuckled. "Old habit."
Just then, a voice called out from behind them. "Arthur-san."
He turned, recognizing the voice instantly. Standing a short distance away was Sona—student council president, devil, and heiress of the Sitri clan. Dressed neatly in her school uniform, she wore her usual composed expression… except for the faint blush that colored her cheeks. It was subtle, but Arthur caught it easily. Others might have missed it, but he had long since learned to read people with a single glance.
"Oh, President. What brings you here so early?" Arthur asked.
"I need to speak with you. Privately," Sona said. Her voice was calm and clear. Her violet eyes briefly flickered toward Asia before returning back to him. "Can we talk in my office?"
Arthur nodded. "Of course."
He turned to Asia, who was looking between the two of them with curiosity.
"Go on to class ahead of me, Asia," he said gently. "I'll catch up later."
Asia nodded, giving Sona a polite bow before heading toward the school building.
As she left, Sona adjusted her glasses and gestured toward the council wing.
"Shall we?"
❌❌❌
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