Chapter 126: Raphiel's Rampage
One had to admit—it was an undeniably charming smile. Raphiel's lips curved into that mischievous, foxlike grin of hers, half playfulness, half wickedness. Her golden eyes glimmered with hidden schemes, the kind that promised nothing but chaos disguised as elegance.
But to Kouya, that expression screamed one thing only—trouble. Serious, unrelenting, Raphiel-brand trouble.
She raised a finger to her glossy lips, still shining faintly from dessert, and smiled like a villain revealing her next move. "Since no one has any objections," she said lightly, "it's decided then."
"I object," Kouya said flatly, already sensing the incoming disaster.
Raphiel didn't even blink. "Then let's vote. Majority rules, after all."
Shut up! Majority rule? More like majority stupidity masquerading as fairness!
The result was, of course, inevitable.
Eight to one. A crushing, humiliating defeat.
Vigne pressed her fingers together nervously, her voice small. "Raphiel, please promise me you won't make the requests too... extreme."
She hadn't played the game before, but she'd heard enough to know it was dangerous—one part fun, two parts humiliation. And in Raphiel's hands, that ratio was probably reversed.
Everyone knew the King's Game could get out of control fast. The 'King' could issue any command they wanted. Sometimes it was funny, but other times… utterly mortifying. Running outside in underwear, two girls kissing for the crowd, a guy doing push-ups over someone—it was a festival of embarrassment.
And for someone like Vigne, who embodied politeness and modesty, it was pure nightmare fuel.
To avoid a total social meltdown, she needed ground rules. "Just... nothing too weird, okay?"
Raphiel smiled, a little too sweetly. "Of course, of course. I've made adjustments to the rules." She reached into a wooden box with an almost ceremonial flourish and pulled out several thick cards. "These are mission cards. Each one already has a command printed on it. You can check them first."
Still cautious, Vigne took them and flipped through one by one. Some required pairs, others solo efforts. Most were harmless enough—holding hands, sharing food, small dares. Nothing horrifying. She let out a breath of relief. "Alright... this should be fine."
"Excellent!" Raphiel declared. She raised one delicate finger, as if presenting divine law. "The new rules are simple. Whoever draws the Joker becomes the King. The King can choose any number to execute the command. The chosen player draws two mission cards and must complete one of them. Any objections?"
The shrine maiden smiled politely. "It sounds rather entertaining."
Rikka's single visible eye sparkled like a gambler's. "Fate smiles upon me tonight."
Satania slammed a hand on the table, grinning wide. "Then I shall play! This shall be my victory!"
Gabriel sighed, stretching her arms lazily. "Fine. But only one round. I still need to finish my raid tonight."
Hinata bounced on her toes excitedly. "Me too! Me too! Let's go!"
Kanna blinked, expression blank. "Majimabakunai."
...
The setup was quick. Ten cards in total, one Joker, nine numbers. Whoever drew the Joker became King and could pick any number for the next dare. The anonymity made it fair—no one could intentionally target anyone else.
Pure chance. Pure chaos.
No one in the group had much experience with this kind of game, which only made it more amusing. Even Gabriel seemed more awake than usual, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.
Raphiel shuffled the cards with elegant precision, each flick and twist almost theatrical. "Alright, everyone. Pick your fate."
They took turns drawing, laughter and curiosity filling the room.
Kouya flipped his card: the six of hearts. Ordinary enough.
"So..." he murmured. "Who's the King?"
Raphiel's sly laughter answered before her words did. She held her card aloft—the Joker gleamed menacingly between her fingers. "Looks like luck favors me tonight."
That wicked angel's gaze swept over the group, sharp and deliberate. "Let's begin. Number three, please step forward and draw your mission cards."
"Who's number three?" Hinata chirped.
"Not me," Satania declared proudly, folding her arms.
Gabriel lazily raised a hand. "Obviously Vigne. She looks like she's about to faint already."
Vigne's face turned crimson. "H-how did you—?"
It wasn't hard to guess. She radiated Why me?! energy from every pore.
Raphiel's smile brightened dangerously. "Vigne, my dear, your turn."
Vigne hesitated before reaching into the box. She drew two cards, looked at them, and froze. Her jaw dropped. "W-wait! These weren't in the deck before!"
The first card read:
King's Command #1: Wear a maid outfit, serve everyone tea, and address them as 'Master.'
Vigne's entire face flushed scarlet. "M-maid outfit?! Here?!"
Sure, she'd seen them in cafés before—but wearing one herself? In front of friends? With Kouya watching? The thought made her stomach flip.
"T-there's no maid outfit here, right?" she asked weakly, almost pleading.
Raphiel's grin widened into a predator's. "Who said there isn't? I found an entire closet of costumes earlier—maid outfits, nurse uniforms, cat ears, flight attendant suits, sailor uniforms, police gear, even a reindeer costume. Truly, this villa has range."
"Why do you sound proud of that?!" Kouya groaned.
Satania clapped her hands gleefully. "Wow! So many cute outfits! This place is amazing!"
Shut up! Everyone knows what those outfits are really for!
Vigne gulped, her hands trembling as she turned the second card.
King's Command #2: Share a cookie with your assigned partner—both must eat it at the same time until it's gone.
Her face froze. The words burned themselves into her brain. The Pocky Game?! Oh, no.
"Well..." she stammered, "it's not too bad... right?" She forced a shaky smile. "It's just a cookie."
But her heart sank the moment she asked, "Who's number six?"
Kouya raised his card silently.
Her blood ran cold.
No. Absolutely not. The thought of staring into his eyes, their faces drawing closer, breath mingling as they bit opposite ends of the same cookie—it made her knees weak.
"I-I'll wear the maid outfit!" she blurted out suddenly. "Right now!"
Raphiel's smirk was pure satisfaction. "As you wish."
...
Minutes later, the door opened with a creak.
Vigne stepped out hesitantly, hands gripping the skirt of her outfit. Her face was red to the ears.
The maid uniform was short, far shorter than anything she'd ever worn. Black and white frills framed her figure perfectly, the skirt brushing mid-thigh, her long legs glowing pale under the lamplight. The lace ribbon on her collar trembled slightly as she fidgeted, trying to tug the skirt lower.
"I-I'm done changing..." she whispered.
The room fell silent. Satania's jaw dropped. Gabriel actually blinked in surprise. Even Raphiel seemed to take a moment to appreciate the sight.
"Not quite," Raphiel said, tone honeyed.
"Eh?"
The angel placed a finger against her lips. "A maid must address her masters properly, don't you think?" Her smile was devilish.
"W-what?!" Vigne sputtered. "You can't be serious!"
"The card said so," Raphiel replied calmly. "You chose it. Are you going to break the sacred contract of the King's Game?"
Vigne clenched her fists, trembling. "O-of course not!"
Her lips trembled as she shut her eyes tightly. Her entire body shook with embarrassment. The air was thick with anticipation.
Finally, she lowered her head, voice barely audible.
"M-Master..."