Marin cautiously shot a zombie through the head.
Only when the body collapsed to the ground with a thud did she pat her chest in relief.
Her heart was pounding violently.
Up until today, she'd been an ordinary girl. This was her first time facing a monster that defied common sense, so it was only natural that she felt anxious.
Even though the zombies were easy to deal with, and Mahiru was watching over them from behind,
Marin still couldn't relax.
Of course...
After the fear subsided, excitement and adrenaline quickly kicked in.
—
Compared to her, Yukina was much calmer.
After using her new powers on a few zombies, she casually observed the world around them.
So this really is... a different world.
Yukina could confirm now that in her original world, there were no such creatures as zombies.
And…
The atmosphere here lacked any kind of spiritual energy or magic.
Aside from the walking corpses, it was an ordinary world.
Yukina gripped the Snowdrift Wolf Schneewalzer tightly, her expression slightly shaken.
A real, alternate world…
Once she saw that the two were getting familiar with their surroundings, Mahiru said, "That's enough for today."
Yukina and Marin snapped out of their thoughts.
"Okay."
Before long, the three of them returned to the Peerage's residence in the Zombie World.
The Cursed Children flying overhead from time to time immediately caught the attention of Marin and Yukina.
Marin curiously asked, "Are they also members of the Peerage?"
Mahiru smiled and nodded. "That's right."
Marin clicked her tongue in surprise.
That's... a lot of people.
—
Soon, the three passed through a portal and returned to the Supernatural Investigation Club.
Yukina stood silently, her eyes slightly dazed.
Just one trip to another world had already shattered her previous understanding of reality.
And apparently…
There were three more gates.
She looked at the other portals, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
I wonder…
What kind of worlds lie beyond those?
—
Mahiru said, "The Peerage has its own residence. If it's convenient, you're welcome to move in."
As she spoke, she shared the location of Lynn Manor with the two of them.
Marin asked curiously, "Do most of the Peerage members live there?"
"Most…"
Mahiru's expression twitched slightly. If the Cursed Children were counted, then technically, they weren't the majority.
After thinking for a moment, she answered, "Well… there are quite a few."
"Alright! I want to go too!"
Marin clenched her fists, her face full of determination.
The one closest to the water gets to enjoy the moonlight first!
If she wanted to climb into Lynn's bed, she needed to stay nearby!
Though…
Thinking like that was a bit shameless, wasn't it?
Her cheeks flushed slightly at the thought.
Still, her resolve didn't waver.
She wanted Lord Lynn to feel her warmth.
Mahiru looked at her with a gentle smile.
It seems this newcomer has her goals set clearly...
Maybe…
Another comrade has joined.
In contrast—
"Then I'll go too."
"?"
Mahiru looked at Yukina in surprise.
From her earlier observation, she didn't think Yukina had the mindset to offer herself to Lynn just yet.
More likely…
She joined for other reasons.
So her sudden enthusiasm came as a surprise.
Yukina's face remained calm, but her thoughts turned to Sayaka.
Even though she was now involved herself, she hadn't forgotten her friend.
Even if she couldn't rescue Sayaka, she at least wanted to know how she was doing.
Wait…
Can't I just ask directly?
Suddenly realizing, Yukina turned to Mahiru and asked,
"Mahiru-senpai, has there been a girl with large breasts and a fear of men among the recent Peerage recruits?"
Senpai?
Mahiru's eyes lit up.
It was the first time a newcomer had addressed her like that...
She was in a good mood.
"Let me think…"
"Hmm... Kirasaka Sayaka, right?"
Yukina's eyes lit up and she nodded immediately.
Mahiru asked curiously, "You know her?"
Yukina nodded, a little embarrassed, and admitted, "Actually, I joined the Peerage because of Sayaka."
After witnessing Lynn's methods and the Peerage's strength, Yukina didn't bother to hide anything.
She came clean.
Mahiru nodded in understanding. "You want to save her?"
Yukina nodded again.
Mahiru smiled gently. "That's probably not possible…"
After all, Sayaka was a talented Peerage member. Now that she was under Lord Lynn, there was no way she'd be released.
Sure enough.
Yukina wasn't surprised by Mahiru's answer.
After all, Sayaka had sneaked in, so she was in the wrong to begin with.
Yukina didn't try to argue, but asked with concern, "Sayaka, she's…"
Seeing the worry in her eyes, Mahiru reassured her with a smile, "Don't worry, her life's not in danger."
"And…"
Mahiru's expression turned a little odd. "Your friend is receiving treatment for her androphobia."
"?"
Yukina froze. "That... can be cured?"
Mahiru smiled awkwardly. "Well, maybe…"
At the very least…
Kirasaka Sayaka was already used to being touched by Lord Lynn.
Yukina was stunned.
That outcome…
Was completely different from what she imagined.
Not only had Sayaka not been subjected to inhumane treatment, she was actually receiving therapy?
This Peerage is too humane!
Yukina's image of devils began shifting from the moment she met Lynn.
Now, after hearing this about Sayaka, that image was completely turned on its head.
Not to mention…
She was now a devil too.
Hearing that Sayaka was okay, Yukina finally relaxed.
Then she added, "Um…"
She scratched her cheek awkwardly. "I'm part of the Lion King Organization, and now…"
Mahiru immediately understood and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. If you want to remain with the Lion King Organization, you can continue working there."
"Huh?"
Another surprise!
Yukina was becoming more and more confused.
This Peerage… had way too much freedom?
Mahiru smiled faintly.
Joining the Peerage didn't mean breaking off with one's previous organization.
In fact…
One of Yukina's seniors "Isayama Yomi" still worked at the Bureau in Kyoto.
She heard they were doing quite well.
All of Yukina's worries were resolved by Mahiru one by one, easing the tension she felt about joining the Peerage.
Otherwise…
As someone who still represented the Lion King Organization, knowing all these secrets after joining Lynn's Peerage had left her with an uneasy conscience.
Thanks to Mahiru's reassurances…
Himeragi Yukina and Kitagawa Marin left the Supernatural Investigation Club.
They were heading back to pack up before moving into Lynn Manor.
Of course…
Marin still needed to convince her family.
Yukina, on the other hand, had it much easier.
She lived alone and rented an apartment.
After returning home and packing her things, Yukina hesitated for a moment before deciding to call Yukari.
"Moshimoshi…"
The call connected. Yukari's lazy voice came through, but…
Yukina frowned. "Sensei, where are you? It's so loud in the background."
"Ah…"
At the Lion King Organization—
Yukari dragged out her reply, glancing at the courtyard.
A man in a white suit with blond hair stood calmly.
Behind him, a massive green snake loomed, gazing coldly at everyone present.
Dimitrie Vatler, the Snake-Wielder.
Yukari let out a long sigh.
She didn't expect this guy to show up!
As his title implied, he was not only a snake user, but also a complete battle maniac.
What do you mean "fight first, talk later"?
He was outright slapping the Lion King Organization in the face.
"Sensei?"
Yukina's slightly anxious voice called out from the phone.
Yukari snapped back to reality and chuckled. "It's nothing. Just got beat up by a vampire."
Yukina: "...?"
This is called nothing?
(To be continued.)