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The five sisters each chose a piece of jewelry, excitedly putting on their new gifts. As they marveled at the unique properties of the Underworld gemstones, Badr explained their origins and the sisters chattered amongst themselves, clearly enchanted.
Miku, however, was more curious about Badr's recent experiences.
"So, what's the Underworld really like?" she asked.
"Is it full of devils?" Itsuki chimed in.
"Are there a lot ofā¦ non-humans?" Nino added, her eyes wide with curiosity.
The quintuplets eagerly awaited Badr's answer.
Badr smiled. "It's similar to our world, in a way. No sun or moon, though. They use magic to create artificial light. As for the devilsā¦" He paused, recalling the strict social hierarchy of the Underworld. "The lives of ordinary devils aren't that different from humans. But there's a strong emphasis on nobility and social statusāa big difference from our world."
"Whoa, a noble classā¦" Ichika remarked, shaking her head. "That doesn't sound very pleasant."
As modern-day individuals, the idea of a rigid class system based on birthright felt outdated and inherently unfair.
Badr understood their apprehension. He wasn't particularly fond of the Underworld's social structure either.
He considered himself lucky. He enjoyed a level of freedom and respect that many other devils, especially those serving under less benevolent masters, could only dream of.
High-Class Devils like Rias, who treated their peerage like family, were rare.
Zephyrdor, for example, had treated his servants like expendable pawns.
And the Rating Gamesā¦ those were exclusively for the nobility. Low-Class Devils had no chance to participate.
Sona Sitri had once expressed her dream of opening a Rating Game school in the Underworld, a place where devils of all ranks could learn and compete.
But her idea had been met with ridicule by the older generation.
Even with her sister, Serafall Leviathan, being a current Maou, Sona's efforts had been futile. The concept of inherent nobility was deeply ingrained in the Underworld's culture.
Badr looked at the five sisters, a sigh escaping his lips. "The Underworld isn't as glamorous as you might think. So, I have a question for you. Knowing this, would you still be willing to become devils, through me, and stay with meā¦ forever?"
"I would," Miku replied instantly, her gaze unwavering.
"Me tooā¦" Ichika added without hesitation, a warm smile gracing her lips.
"It's a no-brainer," Nino declared, pumping her fist. "Immortality and magic? That's awesome!"
The others nodded in agreement. Badr smiled.
"I understand. Don't worry, I'll protect you, no matter what."
The quintuplets blushed, their hearts filled with a mix of shyness and happiness.
"Oh! It's time to leave for work!" Miku suddenly exclaimed, glancing at the clock.
"Me too. I need to get goingā¦"
As the sisters prepared to leave for their respective part-time jobs, Badr didn't try to keep them.
"Go on, then. I won't hold you up."
"Bye-bye!" Nino called out, blowing him a kiss as she dashed out the door.
After seeing the quintuplets off, Badr stretched, pulling out the last remaining gift.
This one was for Yor. She was, after all, bound to him by a contract of faith.Ā It was only fitting that she received a gift as well.
He wondered if his two-month absence had caused any suspicionā¦
After a moment of contemplation, he dialed Yor's number.
She should be at work now, right?
āāāā
In a brightly lit office, Yor, dressed in her work attire, was organizing files.
Badr's appearance as her boyfriend at the embassy ball had certainly made an impression.
For weeks afterward, her coworkers had bombarded her with questions about him, leaving Yor feeling rather flustered. But after nearly two months of silence, the inquiries had finally died down.
She was relieved. Badr had told her he'd be away for a while, and she didn't want to cause him any trouble.
Suddenly, her phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID, her eyes widening in surprise. "Badrā¦Ā you're back?"
"Indeed, Yor. How have things been?"
"Umā¦ everything's fine. The neighbors keep asking where you've been, though. They're curious about when you'll return."
It was only natural. Badr had made quite an impression, and neighbors loved to gossipā¦
"How about I meet you after work?"
"Yes! I'llā¦ I'll prepare somethingā¦"
Yor hung up, a smile spreading across her face.
Badr's return eased her anxieties. Whatever problems arose, she knew he could handle them.Ā He was incredibly capable, after all!
She turned to her coworker, Camilla.
"Umā¦ Camillaā¦ there's something I'd like to ask youā¦"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Couldā¦ could you teach me how to cook?"
Yor looked at Camilla nervously. She had been oblivious to Camilla's attempts to embarrass her in the past, so there were no hard feelings between them.
"Uhā¦ Yor, why do you suddenly want to learn how to cook?" another coworker asked, curious.
"Iā¦ I just want to learnā¦"
The truth was, a neighbor had mentioned that cooking for one's loved one was a significant plus for a good wifeā¦
And Yor's cooking skills wereā¦Ā abysmal.
Yuri always claimed her food was delicious, but Yor herself wasn't convinced.
Perhaps Yuri simply had unique tastes, having grown up eating her cookingā¦
But the food she made for Badr couldn't be like the food she made for Yuri.Ā It had to beā¦ presentable.
With a hopeful look, she turned to Camilla for help.
Camilla had been about to refuse, but seeing Yor's earnest expression, she couldn't bring herself to say no.
"ā¦Fine. Come to my apartment during lunch. I have a kitchen there."
"Really? Thank you so much, Camilla!"
"It'sā¦ it's no big deal. You don't have to thank meā¦" Camilla, flustered by Yor's genuine gratitude, felt a pang of regret for her past behaviorā¦
Little did she know, agreeing to Yor's request was the true beginning of her regretsā¦
...
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