Everything is Anime!

Afternoon.

As usual, Hikaru headed to the school cafeteria for lunch.

"Not very tasty."

That was his verdict on the cafeteria fare. For most students, the food was decent enough, but Hikaru's palate had long since been spoiled by his own cooking, so the cafeteria food was merely passable.

He didn't bother making his own lunch and reheating it at noon—this simply wasn't his habit. Besides, Est usually slept during the day, so there was no need to summon her just for mealtime.

While Hikaru was quietly eating, two figures entered the cafeteria one after another. After getting their meals, they looked around briefly, then walked straight toward him.

Wherever they passed, the few boys in the area grew anxious, and some of the girls cast sighing, admiring glances.

One of these newcomers had silky golden hair like a natural elf, with emerald-green eyes set in a flawless, snow-white face—an almost perfect picture. Her figure was petite yet well-proportioned, and under her skirt were slender, shapely legs clad in black stockings.

The other girl was the complete opposite in coloring: her hair was silvery-white like moonlight, and her amber eyes shone intently, though her expressionless face softened her overall impression. Her fair complexion and petite build made her seem like a delicate doll.

Two distinct fragrances drifted over as they flanked Hikaru on either side.

Incidentally, despite Hikaru's popularity, no other girl ever dared sit near him. Even the outgoing, flashy girls of the "Shibuya style" hesitated, intimidated by his aura. What's more, anyone who did sit with him risked being skewered by the jealous gazes of his many admirers.

But when these two approached, hushed whispers arose all around. Everyone knew that Eriri had been Hikaru's classmate since middle school, and Koneko Toujou had also interacted with him ever since she enrolled.

Koneko, known for her athletic prowess in PE class, had been defeated across the board by Hikaru, which brought them a little closer—somewhat unexpectedly.

"?!"

They noticed each other only when they were close. Eriri halted, looking slightly taken aback by Koneko's appearance at the same time and place. Inwardly, she was annoyed—why choose now to show up?

Koneko merely gave Eriri a calm glance, as though unmoved, then placed her tray down and sat opposite Hikaru.

Eriri looked as if she'd been struck by lightning, discreetly bared a tiny fang in challenge, and then pretended it was all a coincidence as she took a seat nearby. Hikaru, watching them, found it all rather amusing. Even without guessing, he could tell Eriri must be feeling quite vexed at the moment.

He then turned his attention to the silver-haired girl in front of him.

"Koneko, are you here to return that game disc I lent you?"

Hikaru asked with a slight smile.

"Yes."

Koneko nodded and handed him the CD. It was Cyberpunk 2077. She had been staying up all night to play it, which was why she hadn't reviewed her schoolwork and had done poorly on that day's quiz. The thought of it made her poke at her food in frustration.

A few seconds of silence followed. Hikaru didn't press her further; he simply waited.

"After school, the President would like to invite you to the Occult Research Club."

"You mean Rias Gremory."

Hikaru's gaze fell upon the girl in front of him. Koneko's superior was a pure-blood devil noble from the Underworld—Rias Gremory, heiress to the Gremory family and younger sister to the current Lucifer. She oversaw everything in Kuoh Town.

She had first invited Hikaru to become her servant soon after he entered high school, but he had refused. Hikaru was certain that a stubborn lady like Rias wouldn't give up so easily. If he were in her position, he probably wouldn't either. That said, he had no desire to be bound by anyone, regardless of how well Rias might treat her servants.

"Will you accept?"

Koneko asked. She was only here to deliver the message; she wasn't going to force him. Rias had explicitly instructed her not to use any strong-arm tactics.

"Sure."

Hikaru nodded. He realized they hardly spoke most of the time, so Rias's taking the initiative to invite him now meant she likely had something important to discuss. It worked out for him—he had something he wanted to see Rias about, too.

Seeing that he agreed, Koneko simply gave a small nod and continued eating quietly, rather like an actual cat. Eriri, sitting nearby, looked on anxiously.

~~~

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 20 Chapters Ahead of Others!