"So, Adam will you do it with me?" Xenovia asked again.
"…Let's take it slow. It isn't something you can do that willy-nilly." Adam cleared his throat.
"I understand, now I know that there is a chance." A smile appeared on Xenovia's lips. So, far she had shown minimal expressions, but now she showed a proper smile.
'She got him with that one,' Akeno giggled looking at Adam's realization.
But, before he could tell her off other members of the Occult Research club came in.
"Oh! Sensei! Where have you been man?" Issei ran in as soon as he noticed Adam. A step behind Asia also greeted him with a polite smile similar to Kiba.
"I was a little busy." Adam sighed engaging with them in a short conversation.
Koneko however went straight for the new cookie jar as soon as she entered. The sleepiness vanished from her face as she took the first bite. All active peerage members gathered in one place for lunch today. Grayfia too made her entry and lined the table with the best dishes she made since morning.
She stayed behind to practice from the books Adam lent Roygun and others. It did take her a little while to get used to the techniques, but she did well enough for everyone to devour the food like they had starved for days.
Grayfia made sure to make enough for everyone considering their appetite. Even then, her eyes were only fixed on Adam's reaction. Though, he wasn't in any position to think about the taste of the food at the moment.
"H-Here." Rias' face turned red.
"Darling say Ah~…" Akeno did her usual stuff.
"Getting proper nutrients is important are important. You can't make a healthy baby without a healthy body." Then there was Xenovia.
Although Adam didn't stop their antics, it was clear he couldn't focus on the food as the three fed him at a speed that didn't give him much time to speak.
'Ok, I am jealous…' Issei thought looking at Adam. Who wouldn't be jealous of a guy getting pampered by three absolute bombshells?
A Tsundere Noble lady, a caring and sadistic Princess, and the Unruly Tomboy knight, what was up with this variety?
Issei sure would curse such a guy, even if he would have more respect for him. And he did respect Adam even before that. So, this just increased that respect if anything. Another thing was that he stopped going after Akeno and Rias. And looking at Xenovia, he wouldn't hit on her either.
'Well, they are with sensei and I don't have a death wish.' He quietly slurped his noodles and nodded to himself for how smart he was. Even if Ddraig didn't suggest this, he'd still do it of his own accord.
Other peerage members also didn't show much reaction to this either. Rias had told them about the secret engagement. Truth be told, most of them already knew what was happening even before that. Akeno too wasn't the type to hide her affection, so it became easier. And with Xenovia, she declared what she planned to do with Adam the moment she came back. So, there was no place for suspense or surprise.
Soon, lunchtime ended and most of them returned to their classes. In the Occult research club, only five people remained at the moment.
"Adam, do you have plans to join the Three Faction Peace Treaty?" Rias asked taking a sip of ginger tea.
"The three faction what?" Confused, Adam took the teacup from Grayfia.
"The three major factions, Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels are planning on holding a meeting to discuss the Kokabiel incident. Sirzechs-sama said that they are planning on establishing an official peace treaty." Akeno explained setting down some light snacks on the table.
"My brother wanted you to be there if possible. He wanted to keep your involvement a secret, but the leader of the Fallen knew about it already. And they also know that you are connected with the Gremorys." Rias sighed. She had to have some meetings back at the family house to figure out what to do. In the end, they decided it was better to leave the decision in his hands.
"When is this happening and where?" Adam didn't mind dropping by, after all, it would give Rias' family and her brother some help.
"In two days here at Kuoh Academy," Rias said.
"Hmm, that might not be possible." Adam's words were followed by deafening silence.
"…Did something happen?" Rias asked after a long pause.
"I have something to do, so I may need to leave early." Adam planned to stay longer this time, but the deal he made with the Administrator of this world was also important for the future.
'There is still a chance that I can stay a few more days. But, it is better to not bank on that.' He didn't know how this might end, so he tried to play it safe.
"Well, I'll tell my brother about that then." Rias smiled before standing up, "I'll be going to the class."
Akeno and Xenovia waved at him before leaving the room. In the end, he sat there alone with Grayfia behind him. The silence once again took over the room. That was until Adam decided to speak.
"You can talk freely Grayfia." At his words she walked in front of him, her face still blank like always. But, her eyes drifted across the floor before she gathered herself.
"Master… would you take me along with you when you leave?" Her voice almost stuck in her throat, but she had to know.
When Adam left Rias' side, he truly left this world. Grayfia talked with the two and found out that Adam lived in what seemed like a separate dimension. The shop where Rias met him, Akeno also talked about seeing the place once. His work was related to that area and every time he left, Adam went there and did his task alone.
'What maid would I be if I am not there to take care of him?' She had every reason to go with him, but determination alone wouldn't help her case.
"That might be complicated." He said with a wry smile.
Her hands clenched onto the helm of her skirt. She expected something like this. That was why the uneasiness in her chest didn't settle down. But, she was now his Maid.
"If there is something I can do to make it less complicated. Please tell me. I'll do anything." Grayfia pleaded with her head in a deep bow. He didn't say it was impossible, so she had a chance still.
Adam scratched his head. To an extent, he expected this. Grayfia was too serious about what she did. So, this was imminent. And the solution to this was rather simple.
"You need to make a contract with me if you want to serve me." This was the reason he called it complicated.
The shop didn't allow him to sign contracts that bind him to serve someone. But, the other way around wasn't prohibited for some reason. Although he understood the principle behind it, this rule did irk him. Because if one was ready to serve him, why would they need to go out of their way to make a contract just so they can do what they already planned on doing plus some extra?
'Well, the reason is mostly because I can take them to the shop if they sign the contract. And if they are ready to do anything, they shouldn't be bothered with a contract that bound them to me.' Adam understood the reason, and this was the only way out of this situation.
Sneaking Grayfia out even with the help of the Administrator would result in a penalty he wasn't willing to deal with. He'd be banned from entering this world for a few hundred years at least. Even if he did make a contract there would be a penalty, though, only a few years. However, with the help of the Administrator, he could void that penalty this time.
'That old man must've known such a situation would come soon.' Adam decided to not think too much about this and focus on the one in front of him.
"How long will you work as my maid?" Adam had written up most of the contract and only a few details remained.
However, what he asked as a simple question made Grayfia stand up straight and look at him with unwavering red eyes.
"Till my last breath, Master."
***