After classes ended, Rowan made his way straight to the Occult Research Club.
It was time to properly say hi to his cousin.
Navigating the quiet, slightly eerie halls of the old school building, he soon found himself outside the familiar clubroom door. He didn't knock—he didn't need to. There was no arrogance in his stride, just a poised confidence that made it feel like he belonged. He opened the door quietly and stepped inside with the kind of calm authority that drew attention without demanding it.
Inside, four sets of eyes turned toward him.
Rias Gremory was seated at the far end of the room, reclining with the grace of a queen upon her throne. Her long crimson hair spilled over her shoulders like flowing silk, and her turquoise eyes widened in surprise—before narrowing in recognition. A slow smile curved her lips.
"Well, well… look who finally decided to show up."
Standing beside her was Akeno Himejima, serene and beautiful, with her long raven hair tied back in a high ponytail. Her violet eyes lit up with curiosity, and her ever-present smile grew just a little more playful.
Near them stood Yuuto Kiba, composed as ever. His blond hair was perfectly styled, and his calm blue eyes assessed Rowan with the practiced gaze of a swordsman. Though he seemed relaxed, Rowan could tell he was ready to act at a moment's notice.
And lounging on the couch was Koneko Toujou, quietly munching on a snack. Her petite frame and snow-white hair made her look like a doll, but her golden eyes were sharp as ever as they studied him. She blinked once. No expression. No words.
Rowan let the silence linger a moment, taking them all in before walking over to the couch and sitting across from Koneko.
"Hey, cousin," he said, turning to Rias. "How've you been?"
Rias leaned her cheek against her knuckles, smiling wryly. "It's about time. I was expecting you a week ago."
"Yeah… sorry about that," Rowan said, scratching his cheek. "Had some stuff to deal with. But I'm here now."
He noticed Kiba subtly relaxing—he'd been on edge, probably ready to jump in if Rowan tried anything. The knight gave a small bow.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rowan-sama. I'm Yuuto Kiba, Rias-sama's knight."
Rowan waved off the formality with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you too, Kiba. And just 'Rowan' is fine."
"Understood, Rowan."
Then came the teasing voice of Akeno. "Ara ara… and here I thought Rias had told us everything. I didn't expect such a dashing cousin to walk through our door."
Rowan chuckled. "Akeno, was it? The pleasure's mine. I get the feeling you and I will get along just fine."
"Oh?" she said with a melodic giggle. "I look forward to it, Rowan-kun."
Rowan turned toward the quietest one of the bunch. Koneko was now staring blankly at her empty snack bag.
"…I'm Koneko," she said flatly. "What's up."
The others sweat-dropped at how casually she introduced herself.
Rowan just smirked and pulled a small bag of cookies from his pocket—ones he'd made himself using a cooking skill from his system. "Great to meet you, Koneko. Thought you might like these."
She took one without hesitation and bit into it. Her eyes widened ever so slightly—and then she proceeded to devour the entire bag.
"These are the best cookies I've ever had," she declared without emotion. "Where do you buy them?"
"You don't," Rowan said, grinning. "I make them from scratch. I'm the only supplier."
Koneko's eyes lit up with something rare: genuine enthusiasm. "Bring more."
"Heh. Sure. I'll keep you stocked."
> System Notification:
Affection: Koneko Toujou +6
Relationship: Meal Ticket
Rowan sighed internally. Seriously? I'm a meal ticket? I don't know whether to laugh or cry...
> System Notification:
New Title Acquired: "Loli—"
—You finish that title and I swear never cook for you again, Sora.
> Ding! System Notification:
New Title Acquired: "Nekomancer"
Abilities Unlocked:
Increased affinity with nekomata and feline-type beings
+10% effectiveness when interacting with silent or stoic individuals
Passive: Aura of Calm – Slightly soothes those nearby, especially cat-type entities
Oh thank Don she has a weakness, Rowan mused as he noticed Koneko visibly relaxing.
Rias cleared her throat. "Ahem. Rowan, the reason I asked you to come here is because I was worried ab—"
"Let's stop right there," Rowan cut in smoothly. "Tell me the real reason. Or I walk out."
Akeno giggled. "Oh my. Rias, it seems he sees right through you."
Rias gave her Queen a deadpan look before sighing. "…Alright, fine. The real reason is that I want you to join my peerage."
"Nope."
Rias blinked. "You could at least let me finish the sentence!"
Rowan shrugged. "No offense, Rias. I'm not joining anyone's peerage. I plan to build my own."
"I figured as much," she said, crossing her arms and pouting slightly. "You've had your Evil Pieces for years now."
"Yeah, but unlike you, I didn't have my peerage candidates fall into my lap." Rowan met her gaze. "Building one takes time. I know what you're dealing with, and I'll help however I can when the time comes… but not by joining you."
Rias studied him for a moment, then sighed and smiled. "Fair enough."
> System Notification:
Quest Complete: 'Meet the Gremory Peerage'
Reward: Devil Contracts Unlocked
"Anything else, Rias?"
"Actually, yes," she said, getting more serious. "Sona and I could use your help handling contracts. You've got the potential to take on client work. I'll show you how to create your own summoning circle and flyers."
Rowan nodded. "Sounds good. I'll get started right away."
"Thanks," Rias said genuinely. "See you later, cousin."
He waved as he stepped out the door. "Later."
As he crossed the school grounds, he paused mid-step.
Off in the distance, the perverted trio—Issei Hyoudou, Matsuda, and Motohama—were hiding in a bush, peeking through a gap in the fencing at the Kendo Club's changing room. Their eyes sparkled. Issei was already nosebleeding.
Rowan grinned devilishly. "Bancho."
And kept walking toward his house.
Meanwhile, the trio was basking in what they considered heaven on Earth—until they felt hot breath on the back of their necks. Slowly, they turned around.
A towering gorilla, dressed in full delinquent attire stared at them menacingly through his sunglasses.
The last thing Rowan heard as he exited the gates of Kuoh Academy was the bloodcurdling scream of three teenage boys facing divine retribution.