DxD: Chapter 177/179

Chapter 177: Judgement
The Shinomiya estate.

An eerie stillness lingered in the air.

Silence filled every corner of the once-mighty household.

Haruno had left.

Even the terrifying three-headed hellhound had disappeared.

All that remained was the dark flame of karmic fire.

But the members of the Shinomiya family were still trapped in the fear from before.

Their eyes were blank, their faces pale with terror.

Shinomiya Gan'an leaned heavily on his cane. His complexion was ashen, and his lips trembled faintly.

Even though Haruno had departed from the main seat, he still sat silently in the side seat, his expression deep in thought.

The final words Haruno left behind continued to echo in his mind.

"Kaguya…"

After a while, he muttered his daughter's name softly.

Gan'an closed his eyes. Bitterness rose in his heart.

He knew his youngest daughter's personality all too well.

It wasn't surprising that she had offended someone.

But this time, the one they had offended was a being the Shinomiya family could not afford to provoke.

Even so…

Gan'an didn't place all the blame on Kaguya.

After all, her personality was shaped by the Shinomiya family's education.

Besides…

Even without Kaguya's involvement, with the family's current trajectory, they would have eventually clashed with the Lynn Group.

Perhaps it was a good thing that this happened early.

If they had truly crossed a line and triggered irreversible consequences…

It would have meant the end of the Shinomiya family.

By then, it wouldn't just be Haruno's visit and a show of force from a hellhound. They wouldn't have even had the chance to become a subsidiary of the Lynn Group.

Still…

The thought of handing over the Shinomiya legacy to someone else made his chest tighten.

Discomfort and suffocating frustration churned within him.

Cough!

Gan'an couldn't hold back a cough.

Seeing this, Shinomiya Oko quickly stepped forward and patted his back. "Father, are you alright?"

Gan'an lifted a hand slightly. "I can still live for a while."

Oko's expression was complex. He clenched his fists and growled, "Father, do you really plan to—"

"Oko!"

Gan'an stopped him cold, his voice stern. "Don't even think about it."

Oko opened his mouth but swallowed his words angrily.

The bitterness in his chest didn't fade.

He might not have held much power within the family, but he was still the son of the head. When had he ever been forced into such humiliation?

But…

The image of the three-headed hellhound sent a chill down his spine.

Gan'an understood Oko's frustration.

However, the moment Haruno stepped into their territory, the outcome had been sealed.

Especially for Gan'an, who knew the deeper truths of the world.

As the head of a top-ranking conglomerate, he had long been aware of the hidden supernatural layer of society.

Naturally, he had made preparations.

The Shinomiya estate had been protected by a barrier he had acquired from the Onmyoji Bureau at an exorbitant price.

Thanks to it, the estate had been a sanctuary amidst a cursed spirit-infested society.

According to the Bureau's highest-tier experts, the barrier could even resist attacks from Grade A cursed spirits.

But now…

Gan'an looked down at the cracked soul stone embedded in his cane, eyes dull.

It had shattered.

The barrier had failed in an instant.

A barrier that could resist Grade A spirits hadn't lasted a second.

Could Haruno or that hellhound be Special Grade?

No…

Possibly even stronger.

Not even the top exorcists in the Bureau could pull off such a feat.

This was why Gan'an had submitted without resistance.

Even among the Onmyoji Bureau, only a handful could challenge someone of that level. The Shinomiya family was far from worthy of that level of protection.

Besides…

He couldn't even be sure Haruno was the strongest among Lynn's faction.

What if there was someone worse?

Surrender.

At least that way, some members of the family could survive.

Yes. Some.

Gan'an turned toward the karmic flame Haruno had left behind.

Only those who could withstand its burning were allowed to live.

The meaning was clear.

The fact that Haruno left it behind at all showed her confidence.

She wasn't worried about them trying anything.

That gesture alone said everything—if they wanted to resist or run, they were welcome to try.

Otherwise...

Walk into the flame, accept the judgment, and become Lynn's vassal.

She even gave them a choice. That made it hurt more.

To destroy a man's spirit is worse than destroying his body…

Gan'an's clouded eyes flickered with helplessness.

Seek help from outside?

Run?

He didn't even dare entertain the thought.

Unless the entire Onmyoji Bureau stood behind the Shinomiya family, there was no hope.

But even for a top-tier conglomerate like theirs, that wasn't happening.

So…

Just accept it.

Gan'an made up his mind.

Bang, bang!

He tapped the floor with his cane, snapping everyone out of their daze.

"Oko, gather everyone for the karmic fire trial."

Oko flinched. His fists clenched tightly. His eyes were filled with rage.

With that one line, Gan'an had sealed the Shinomiya family's fate.

But…

"…Understood."

Oko's voice dropped. He couldn't bring himself to argue anymore.

Besides...

He wasn't the family's first heir. Let Kiyotaka and the others deal with this mess.

With that thought, Oko cast a glance at the others around him.

The family members who met his eyes shivered.

"No!"

"I'm not doing it!"

"I refuse to walk into hellfire!!"

Someone snarled, face twisted with fear, taking several steps back before turning and running.

"You're all insane! You want to destroy the entire Shinomiya family?!"

Gan'an didn't even react.

They all knew what sins they had committed.

This was the natural result.

"Oko, don't let anyone escape."

Oko's expression tensed, but he nodded, "…I understand."

He immediately issued orders.

Enforcers moved in, dragging anyone who resisted and forcing them to line up for the trial.

Those who attempted to flee had their legs broken and were dragged back, tied up like criminals.

Eventually…

Gan'an gave one final order. "Bring Kaguya and Hayasaka back immediately."

He didn't intend to blame Kaguya outright.

But they at least needed to figure out what exactly she'd done.

And...

Gan'an's expression darkened.

Kaguya had been living under Hayasaka's nose. How had she been allowed to make such a foolish mistake?

Once they were back, Hayasaka would be the first to walk into the karmic fire.

As a father, Gan'an wanted to see what idiocy his son had been up to while he was bedridden.

Meanwhile—

Outside the estate, Haruno stared at the hellhound beside her in awe.

"When did the Peerage get a monster like this?"

Hone Onna sat lazily on a nearby branch and replied,

"That thing appeared after one of Inukimi's people descended into Hell. I'm not entirely sure about the details."

Haruno narrowed her eyes.

So even working in Hell comes with perks now?

Hone Onna looked toward the estate. "Do we still need to monitor the Shinomiya family?"

Haruno responded with a soft hum. "If anything weird happens, just kill them all."

"Oh, right."

As if remembering something, she added, "Leave the women."

Hone Onna: "…"

…

Some time later—

After receiving an urgent message, Kaguya, Un'yo, and Seiryu returned to the estate in confusion.

Then they saw what looked like the aftermath of a blazing inferno.

Charred craters lined the ground, as if left behind by some massive creature.

Thump!

Kaguya's heart skipped a beat.

An ominous feeling crept over her.

They quickened their pace toward the main hall.

Then—

They saw something even more surreal.

A pillar of black fire burned quietly at the center of the hall.

One by one, family members walked into it, either willingly or forcibly.

"AAAHHHH—!!"

Agonizing screams echoed from within the flames.

Some collapsed from the pain. Others vanished into the fire entirely.

Un'yo and Kaguya froze at the scene.

Gulp!

Un'yo swallowed hard, then looked toward the man sitting at the side seat.

Did he join a cult or something?

Kaguya was speechless. She could only stare at the bizarre scene, mind blank.

What… happened?

Gan'an didn't explain anything. Instead, he made a declaration.

"From this day forward, the Shinomiya family is a subsidiary of the Lynn Group."

"!"

Hayasaka, Un'yo, and the others were stunned.

"W-What?!"

"Lynn?!"

Kaguya repeated the name instinctively, her voice cracking.

Gan'an narrowed his eyes.

So it really was because of Kaguya.

"Wait, the Lynn Group?! Lynn?!"

Un'yo exclaimed in realization.

Gan'an: "…"

Right. This idiot probably had something to do with it too.

Soon after—

After hearing everything from Gan'an's mouth…

Kaguya collapsed to the floor in a daze.

She murmured, "It was really him…"

Those words Haruno had left behind…

There was no mistake. It was the Lynn from the Supernatural Investigation Club.

So that was why…

Instead of retaliating against her directly, he brought destruction upon the entire Shinomiya family.

It was completely outside her expectations.

And yet…

The family had no power to resist.

A three-headed hellhound.

Flames that judged sin.

Even if she hadn't seen them herself, the evidence left behind was chilling enough.

Looking at her broken family, Kaguya could only imagine what horrors they had endured.

"This is all my fault…"

She lowered her head. Her crimson eyes had lost their light.

"It's because of me…"

If she hadn't offended Lynn...

None of this would have happened.

With a trembling voice, she explained everything that had occurred between her and Lynn.

"You idiot!"

Oko's face turned red with rage. "I told you to get close to him, not piss him off!!"

He raised his hand, about to strike her.

"Enough, Oko."

Gan'an's voice halted him.

He froze.

Gan'an continued, his tone low. "There's no point placing blame now."

"Besides…"

His voice turned cold. "Weren't you the one chasing after supernatural power?"

From just a few pieces of the story, Gan'an had already pieced everything together.

Kaguya had acted foolishly, yes.

But the root of the issue stemmed from Oko's obsession.

Gan'an's gaze turned sharp. "Go ahead. As long as you survive the fire of karma, you can become a member of the affiliated family."

Oko's body trembled violently.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 178: Maid

A trial by karmic fire?

Oko lowered his head, eyes wide with dread as sweat poured down his forehead.

The agonized screams of the Shinomiya clan members echoed in his ears.

Gulp!

Oko swallowed hard, and large drops of sweat fell to the floor.

With his own understanding of his sins, if he were to jump into that karmic fire, he'd be reduced to molecular dust in seconds!

He raised his head with great difficulty and said in a trembling voice, "Father… I'm your biological son!"

Seeing Oko's pitiful state, Gan'an had a brief thought, but maintained a calm expression and slowly spoke:

"Oko, this is a necessary sacrifice for the Shinomiya family."

Oko clenched his fists and shouted angrily at Kaguya, "Why should I be the one to sacrifice for this idiot's mistake?!"

Kaguya's body trembled.

Gan'an's tone turned cold. "Oko, don't make this harder than it already is."

"Make it hard?"

"Heh…"

Oko suddenly laughed. "Then don't do it!"

"Even if I die, I'll drag the entire Shinomiya clan to hell with me!"

His face twisted with hatred, Oko turned to leave.

Suddenly!

Bang!

Several hands grabbed him, locking him in place!

He froze, and before he could react, he heard his brother's cold voice.

"Brother, I'm not about to die just because of your actions…"

With that—

Oko's feet left the ground.

His eyes widened. "What are you doing?!"

"Wait! Father!"

"No—!!"

With a wave of his hand, Oko's brother ordered him thrown into the karmic fire.

"AAAAHHHH—!!"

"Damn it!!"

"Kaguya, you disgrace of the Shinomiya family!!"

"I curse you! Curse you all!!"

Oko's vengeful screams rang out from within the karmic fire.

But before long, they faded into silence.

Gan'an closed his eyes.

He still felt the sting of watching his own son be executed.

However...

For the sake of the Shinomiya family, it had to be done.

Kaguya trembled from head to toe.

Kaguya, the sinner of the Shinomiya family…

She was the cause of all this.

All of it happened because of her!

"Kaguya, it's your turn."

Gan'an spoke, his voice filled with complicated emotion.

Upon hearing this, Kaguya looked up dully, her scarlet eyes vacant.

She pushed herself up from the floor, but after only two steps, collapsed again.

Her strength had long since left her.

Still, her expression did not change. She continued to rise, fall, and crawl toward the karmic flame using both her hands and knees.

Gan'an and her brother watched silently, expressions mixed with grief and confusion.

When had they ever seen Kaguya in such a broken state?

Kaguya's eyes were lifeless. She stared at the roaring black fire before stepping into it without hesitation.

She was a sinner.

Let the flames of karma reduce her to ashes in atonement!

However...

Fwoosh—

The sound of burning echoed in her ears, but—

Why…

Why didn't it hurt?

Kaguya's expression twisted in confusion.

Was her sin not great enough?

Gan'an wasn't surprised. He had already anticipated this outcome.

Though she had triggered disaster, Kaguya was still a fundamentally innocent child.

The surrounding members of the Shinomiya family exchanged complex looks.

They now understood this calamity was partly Kaguya's fault.

Yet despite that...

She was completely unharmed?

That stirred resentment in many hearts.

Kaguya bit her lip and clenched her trembling fists.

She stood there waiting, hoping the karmic fire would judge her.

But—

Whoosh!

The flame suddenly blasted her out.

"Ugh…"

She fell to the ground and couldn't get up for a while.

Raising her eyes, she was met with cold and resentful gazes.

Those stares stabbed into her heart like daggers.

She had to atone…

Meanwhile—

Hayasaka Ai returned to the estate and found her mother, Nao.

"Mom, what's going on?"

Nao replied solemnly, "The Shinomiya family is about to change completely…"

Though her tone was heavy, Ai could hear a hint of schadenfreude.

After all...

What the Shinomiya family faced now was no different than what had once befallen the Hayasaka family.

Still...

Ai had a more pressing concern.

"Mom, does this mean we're getting a new master?"

Nao's expression froze before she sighed deeply. "Yeah…"

They had been servants of the Shinomiya family. Now that the family itself had become someone else's vassal, they had no choice but to follow.

"I wonder what the new master is like…"

Nao murmured with some worry.

"Um…"

Ai thought of Lynn's face and softly said, "Probably not bad, I think…"

…

The next day.

When Haruno returned to the Shinomiya estate—

Gan'an had already prepared everything.

All the transfer agreements for the family's industries were present, exactly as she had predicted.

Haruno glanced around and noticed that many members were missing. She nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Gan'an and said, "Not bad. You acted decisively."

Gan'an gave a forced smile.

Haruno spoke bluntly, "Stop smiling like that. It's disgusting."

Gan'an's smile froze awkwardly.

From a distance, Ai couldn't help but smirk.

Old man, now you know how it feels…

Haruno continued, "Your home now belongs to the Lynn Group. Move out as soon as possible."

Gan'an didn't react.

After all...

The Shinomiya family had once treated the Hayasaka family the same way.

Suddenly.

Kaguya squeezed through the crowd and knelt before Haruno with a loud thud.

"I'm sorry! This was all my fault!"

Her voice trembled with emotion. "I… I will atone for my sins to Lord Lynn. So please…"

Tears glimmered in her eyes. "Please allow my father and the others to stay here."

It was all her fault. She had to do something—anything—to protect her family.

Haruno raised a brow and stroked her chin, a strange gleam in her eye.

"Master Lynn does happen to need a personal maid…"

Kaguya trembled but said firmly, "I'll do it. I'll serve him well!"

Gan'an opened his mouth but, seeing Kaguya's unwavering eyes, chose to remain silent.

He just let out a sigh.

Kaguya… she's really changed.

Haruno's lips curled into a faint smile.

"Then it's settled."

Originally, Haruno hadn't intended to destroy the entire Shinomiya family.

They were still useful—well-trained, disciplined, and obedient.

Why not put them to use?

However...

She narrowed her eyes at Kaguya and warned coldly, "If you fail to satisfy Lord Lynn, I can't guarantee what will happen~"

Kaguya shuddered, but bowed her head silently.

Satisfied, Haruno nodded.

"Of course, if you do well, Lord Lynn rewards generously."

Her eyes swept across the remaining Shinomiya members and landed on Gan'an.

"I suppose your father doesn't have much time left, does he?"

Kaguya's lips tightened.

Haruno smiled, half-mocking, half-genuine. "If Lord Lynn is pleased, maybe your father can work in Hell after he dies~"

Gan'an blinked.

Even if I die… I'll work in Hell?

"Hell?!"

Kaguya's head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise.

Gan'an's heart skipped a beat.

Hell…

His thoughts flashed back to the previous day.

The three-headed hellhound.

The fire that judged sin.

Hiss—

Could it be…?

Could the Lynn Group actually be connected to the Hell from legends?

Gan'an's heartbeat accelerated.

If he could become a worker in Hell after death, that might not be so bad…

Maybe…

Maybe the Shinomiya family could even rise again from the depths of Hell.

His eyes lit up as he glanced at Kaguya.

Yes...

Kaguya, you must repay Lord Lynn properly!

After finalizing the arrangements.

Kaguya, now dressed in a maid outfit, stood behind Haruno.

Her face was full of anxiety.

She was unsure of her future. She didn't know how to face Lynn.

Most importantly...

She had never been a maid before!

What if she messed up and angered him?

What would happen to the Shinomiya family then?

Kaguya was deeply worried.

"Kaguya."

"Eh!!"

Kaguya jumped in fright.

Ai: "…"

"…It's me."

Kaguya patted her chest, exhaling in relief. "Hayasaka…"

Then, noticing Ai's maid outfit, she asked, "You're dressed like that too?"

"Same as you," Ai replied casually.

Kaguya froze. "You're going to be Master Lynn's maid too?"

Ai nodded.

"Great!"

Kaguya grabbed her hand. "Hayasaka, I don't know the first thing about being a maid. Please teach me, okay?"

Ai looked at her quietly. Seeing Kaguya's sincere and humble expression, a complicated emotion stirred in her chest.

Then she nodded.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure to guide you properly."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 179: Common Sense?
The Valefor residence.

"Nice to meet you again, Hayasaka-san."

Lynn sat back on the sofa, his gaze settling on Hayasaka and Kaguya, both dressed in maid uniforms, standing respectfully before him.

"Greetings, Lord Lynn."

Ai bowed slightly. "I am your personal maid, Hayasaka Ai. Please command me as you wish from now on."

She still felt a bit dazed.

Just yesterday, he had asked if she wanted to change her work location—and now, it had happened.

It was so fast, she felt like she was dreaming.

Still, she quickly composed herself. After all, she had been raised and trained as a maid and was well-versed in the role.

Beside her, Kaguya seemed nervous. Her head was lowered, eyes locked on her toes. She didn't dare look at Lynn.

She was both uneasy and embarrassed.

After all...

She never imagined that their next meeting would be under such circumstances, as his personal maid.

Logically, it was Lynn who caused the Shinomiya family's downfall.

But instead of resentment, Kaguya only felt complicated.

Because, deep down, she knew it was her fault for provoking Lynn first. She had no one else to blame.

And...

Becoming Lynn's maid, oddly enough, didn't feel wrong. It brought a strange sense of relief.

She couldn't explain why.

Just like before—when Lynn ignored her—it felt strangely disappointing. She had wanted to be noticed by him.

Maybe she was sick in the head?

Suddenly, Kaguya felt a soft poke at her waist.

"Hyaa!"

She jolted and let out a strange yelp.

Lynn shifted his gaze toward her with a faint smirk.

Kaguya froze.

Then came another jab.

This time, she didn't react as strongly and began to realize.

It was Ai.

Recalling what she had just done, a flash of clarity crossed Kaguya's eyes. She hurriedly bowed.

"I am your personal maid, Kaguya Shinomiya. Please command me from now on!"

Her cheeks flushed red, but she forced down the shyness and echoed Ai's words.

Lynn leaned forward slightly and lifted her chin with his fingers, making her look up.

Kaguya trembled. Her eyes darted away, unable to meet his.

Lynn's lips curved slightly. "I preferred the rebellious version of you, Miss Shinomiya."

Kaguya bit her lip, trembling again.

Then suddenly—

Thud.

She dropped to her knees at Lynn's feet.

"I'm sorry, Lord Lynn!"

"I was ignorant and arrogant!"

Her body shook, eyes brimming with tears.

She had to be forgiven.

Only then could she stay, and only then could she begin to atone for her sins.

Ai looked on, her gaze complicated.

The proud Kaguya from before would never have done this.

But after the Shinomiya family's fall, that pride was crushed.

Lynn reclined on the sofa and observed her with interest. He said indifferently, "If you're apologizing, showing your chest is common sense, isn't it?"

"Eh?"

Kaguya froze.

She instinctively turned to look at Ai with teary, confused eyes.

Is that... really how it's done?

But Ai just turned away slightly.

Kaguya-sama, this is your atonement.

With no response, Kaguya bit her lip, trembling. "I… I understand…"

She didn't know what would happen if she failed to satisfy Lynn.

Haruno's warning echoed in her ears.

This was their only chance at survival.

Just exposing her chest…

That's all.

Besides—

This was her atonement!

And honestly...

If it was Lynn, it didn't feel wrong.

She took a deep breath, mentally prepared herself, and began unbuttoning her uniform with trembling hands.

One button, two, three…

Her pale skin slowly came into view.

Her lips pressed together as her face burned with embarrassment.

When had she ever done something like this?

But today was different.

And somehow...

She only felt shy, not disgusted.

If it were anyone else, she'd have rather died.

One minute passed.

This… should be enough, right?

She glanced at Lynn, then quickly looked away again.

But he didn't react.

Had her apology not been accepted?

Kaguya bit her lip and hesitated for a moment, then moved to undo her back fastenings.

Click.

Her uniform slipped further, revealing her bare back.

Her smooth skin and faint pink hues peeked into view.

Even Haruno might lose to this.

Lynn blinked.

He wasn't particularly impressed.

He glanced again, then calmly condensed a [Evil Piece] and pressed it to her chest.

There wasn't much difference between the front and the back, anyway.

"Mm…"

The cold touch made Kaguya flinch, her eyelashes fluttering violently.

She didn't open her eyes.

She just let him proceed.

The next second—

A surge of power entered her body, and her eyes flew open in shock.

What was…

Flowing into her!?

[Ding! You have obtained Peerage member: Kaguya Shinomiya!]
[Ding! Peerage member Kaguya Shinomiya has been reincarnated as a Special Devil!]

System prompts rang in Lynn's mind.

He checked her Blessing stats.

---

[Kaguya Shinomiya]
Rank: Low-Class Devil
Master: Lynn Valefor

Stats:
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Endurance: i0
Magic: i0

Innate Abilities:
• Ice Devil
• Frostbite: When attacking frozen enemies, drain their magic and convert it into a shield.
• Devil Transformation – Absolute Zero

---

As her Blessing appeared, a wave of cold suddenly radiated from Kaguya's body.

Hayasaka shivered instinctively and stared in shock.

"This is…"

"Reincarnation ceremony," Lynn explained. Then, to Kaguya, "From now on, you are my personal maid."

Kaguya looked down at her hands.

Buzz—

Frost gathered at her fingertips.

Click—

A diamond-shaped shard of ice formed in her hand.

It was cold to the touch, yet she didn't mind. She stared at it blankly.

So this was...

Power.

So…

When Lynn asked her to expose herself, it was to grant her this?

A strange feeling stirred in her heart.

But...

Why?

Why would Lynn give this to someone like her?

A sinner…

Kaguya looked up, dazed.

She had forgotten to fix her clothes.

Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Lynn said calmly, "Because you're mine now."

Boom.

Boom boom!

Kaguya instinctively grabbed her chest.

Her heart was pounding violently!

Her eyes stung, and tears spilled out.

She had come to atone…

But instead, she was rewarded first.

Even someone like her…

Kaguya bit her lip, tears streaming down. Her nose turned red.

"Uuu~"

She sobbed softly, the sound stifled and pathetic—like a wounded puppy.

In the distance, Inukimi suddenly looked up.

A dog demon?

But seeing who it was, she snorted and looked away.

Kaguya kept crying, her body trembling.

Her once-empty heart now overflowed with emotion.

She stared at Lynn, scarlet eyes glowing faintly.

Her thighs pressed together as her face flushed pink.

Just looking at him…

Huff—

Her breath quickened, and she hurriedly turned away.

But her heart continued to ripple.

Becoming Lynn's maid…

Didn't feel like atonement at all.

Realizing this, her face froze.

She was doomed.

How would she atone now?

Off to the side, Ai looked at her with a complex expression.

In just a few days, she'd seen so many sides of Kaguya.

Was her icy persona just an act?

Still…

Seeing that she wasn't mentally broken, Ai felt relieved.

She hadn't planned to report today. She'd only followed Kaguya on a whim.

Though she disliked the Shinomiya family, she genuinely cared for Kaguya.

As a friend…

Or maybe as an older sister?

Either way.

Seeing Kaguya like this, Ai relaxed.

And…

She had her suspicions.

Kaguya had probably developed... complicated feelings toward Lynn.

And this result, for her.

Wasn't so bad.

But now that Kaguya was done…

It was her turn.

Ai's eyelid twitched at the sight of Kaguya's disheveled state.

Wait, does that mean I have to—

The thought made her tense up.

She had been a proper maid all her life.

But she had never served a man up close like this!

Her first time was going to be this intense?

Still…

This was her chance.

Reincarnation. Blessings. Power.

Ai clenched her fists.

So close to the extraordinary—how could she walk away?

Not to mention the benefits

And from the moment she became Lynn's maid, she had mentally prepared herself.

She would eventually bare herself to him.

He had even avenged the Hayasaka family.

It felt... gratifying.

She'd never forget that favor.

So…

No more hesitation.

There was only one thing she felt embarrassed about.

But…

She could only grit her teeth and go through with it.

Ai took a deep breath, unbuttoned her top, and stepped forward.

"Lord Lynn, please leave your mark on me."

Her expression remained cold, but her voice held a trace of nervousness.

She swiftly removed her blouse and discreetly covered her chest.

Lynn narrowed his eyes.

"You…"

"Isn't the difference a bit too much?"

Looking at the obvious downgrade in size, Lynn's mouth twitched.

Hayasaka froze.

He noticed!?

Plop—

Two thick pads fell from behind her.

"Huh?"

Kaguya picked them up. "Hayasaka, what are these?"

Hayasaka: "!!!!"

(To be continued.)