That Day When Suzuki-kun Wasn't the Mob-B! Chapter 287: Ravel Phenex Claims Her Territory
"What are you doing here, Ravel?" Finn asked, looking at the young noblewoman with genuine surprise. It was highly unusual for her to venture into the human world so suddenly, let alone march directly up the stone steps of his home.
They were standing in the courtyard of the newly rebuilt Kuoh Shrine. After Kokabiel had reduced the original structure to splinters, it had been beautifully reconstructed. The traditional wooden architecture now blended seamlessly with sleek, hidden technological upgrades courtesy of Azazel.
If one thought about it carefully, there was a high probability that the Governor of the Fallen Angels had planted bugs or surveillance tech inside the shrine to spy on Finn's daily life. But Finn didn't care. If Azazel dared to cross that line, he would quickly learn the consequences. Besides, spying on Finn through technology was entirely useless.
Finn possessed the Manager—a perfect detection ability—and more importantly, he held the Unknown Dictator.
The Sacred Gear, which he had stumbled upon during his brutal fight with the Hero Faction in Hong Kong, gave him absolute dominion over technology. Azazel might be a genius inventor, but Finn's power defied logic. He was the natural nemesis of anything mechanical or electronic.
Wait a minute, Finn thought, the scent of burning incense from the shrine mixing with a sudden realization.
If Azazel used the "technology" of the gods to create Artificial Sacred Gears... didn't that mean standard Sacred Gears were technically just divine technology? They were tools forged from the intellect of God. If they fell under the umbrella of "technology," that meant they were strictly within the Unknown Dictator's realm of absolute control.
If he really wanted to, Finn could likely invalidate or completely shut down the Sacred Gears and Longinus of his enemies with a single thought.
Hmm... Finn rubbed his chin. He suddenly felt a bit idiotic for relying purely on his overwhelming, brute physical strength in all his recent battles. But then again, brutally crushing his enemies with his bare hands served as an excellent, terrifying deterrent. It was a bloody reminder to the supernatural world: provoke him, and face absolute wrath.
"How could I not be here when I heard you were hurt?!"
A sudden, tearful shout pulled Finn from his thoughts.
"Why didn't you tell me you were facing such dangerous things?!" Ravel stepped forward, her small fists clenched tightly at her sides.
"Sorry, sorry. I just didn't want to make you worry," Finn replied softly.
He was genuinely speechless. Ravel Phenex was actually crying over him. Big, heavy tears spilled over her fair cheeks. He hadn't told her about the chaotic events on Earth—his hidden clash with Tobio, or the devastating punch that caused the Taiwan "earthquake." But his massive battle in Kuoh Town? There was no hiding that. He had summoned his armies, combining his forces from China and India, preparing to crush anyone in his path.
"Don't cry, okay?"
Finn stepped closer, entirely shattering her personal space. He reached out, his large, warm hand gently cupping her delicate jaw. Using his thumb, he softly wiped the wet tears from her cheek. Her skin was incredibly soft, radiating a flushed, feverish heat, and the rich, sweet scent of expensive Earl Grey tea and high-class floral perfume instantly filled his senses.
"But... thank you for worrying about me. It makes me happy," he smiled warmly.
"........"
Ravel froze. Her face instantly flushed a brilliant, burning shade of crimson. Her heart hammered so loudly she was sure he could hear it. Unsure of what to do under his intense, handsome gaze, she simply huffed, violently looking away. She crossed her arms tightly under her chest in a classic tsundere pout, a motion that practically forced her impressive cleavage to spill over the top of her corset-style dress.
"I-If you know that, then don't ever make me worry again, Finn-sama!" she stammered, her voice squeaking slightly.
"I might have to, though," Finn teased, his eyes dipping briefly to her enhanced neckline. "Especially if it means I get to see you care this much."
"Finn-sama!"
While the two were lost in their flirtatious banter, a few yards away, the rest of the household was watching from the shrine's wooden veranda.
"Who is that?" Xenovia asked bluntly, leaning against the wooden railing.
"That would be Finn-sama's primary wife candidate," Akeno replied calmly, taking a slow, graceful sip of her tea.
"Wife candidate?!" Asia and Xenovia echoed in absolute, dumbfounded unison.
"Why are you two so surprised?" Akeno sighed, shaking her head. "Finn-sama is the heir to a high-ranking noble family in the Underworld. Isn't it only natural that his official wife would be someone of equal, high-born status? I know both of you deeply wish to be his bride... but honestly, could either of you handle the politics? Can you sit in a room full of high-class Devils, wearing a fake, polite smile, and navigate hours of exhausting, treacherous etiquette?"
"Aawawawawa...." Asia's eyes instantly spun in dizzying spirals just imagining the social pressure.
But Xenovia's thoughts were wonderfully, sinfully simple.
I'll just be his woman, then, Xenovia decided instantly.
There was no need to overcomplicate things. It was infinitely better to just be his devoted sword and bedmate. Xenovia had absolutely zero interest in tea parties or politics. She just wanted to swing her holy swords on the battlefield, grow stronger, and spend her nights being completely broken down and satisfied by Finn's overwhelming stamina. Even now, standing on the veranda, her thighs slightly ached and a familiar, deep wetness pooled at her core just remembering the intense, breathless pleasure he had given her the night before. Yes, fighting and breeding were all she needed.
Asia, too, came to a peaceful conclusion. As long as she could stay by Finn's side, she was the happiest girl in the world. She was a simple, pure-hearted woman. She knew she couldn't navigate noble politics, so it was far better to leave that to an expert. Her role was simply to heal him, love him, and perhaps study more medical magic to become even more useful to his body.
The most complex reaction belonged to Akeno.
Akeno had always been the one to encourage Finn to build his harem, casually suggesting he take Rias or Sona. But that was only because Akeno knew, deep down, that neither Rias nor Sona could ever truly replace her position in Finn's heart.
But Ravel Phenex?
Akeno hadn't officially met Ravel until today. Finn rarely talked about her, yet Akeno knew they communicated regularly in secret. Watching the blonde noblewoman easily draw out Finn's gentle, teasing side sent a sudden, sharp prick of insecurity through Akeno's chest. Compared to a Fallen Angel's tainted daughter, a pure-blooded Phenex princess seemed like the absolute perfect, flawless fit for him.
"By the way, Finn-sama," Ravel's voice drifted over, interrupting their thoughts.
"What's wrong?"
"May I have a moment to speak with your servants?"
"Sure?" Finn looked at Ravel curiously, but stepped aside to let her pass.
"Thank you." Ravel smiled softly. Her heels clicked sharply against the wooden floorboards as she approached Akeno, Asia, and Xenovia.
Despite how thoroughly the three girls had been loved by Finn—to the point where their bodies practically ached if they went too long without his touch—facing Ravel made them subconsciously stiffen. They straightened their backs, intimidated by her overwhelming, natural aristocratic aura.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Ravel Phenex. I am the daughter of the Phenex Family, and..." Ravel took a deep breath, her golden eyes flashing with unwavering resolve. She didn't shy away or blush. "I fully intend to become Finn-sama's wife."
"...." Akeno, Asia, and Xenovia stared in stunned silence.
"So," Ravel continued, her lips curving into a perfectly polite, yet completely dominant smile. "Shall we all get to know each other, so we can coordinate and take care of his needs better as his women?"
The three girls exchanged a long, heavy look. Slowly, inevitably, they all nodded in agreement. The hierarchy had just been challenged, and beautifully organized.
"....."
Only Finn was left utterly speechless.
Since when did I officially choose Ravel as my wife? he thought blankly.
But as he watched her turn her head, her signature, bouncy golden drill-tails swishing beautifully through the air, and her confident, shapely figure taking charge of his chaotic household... he couldn't help but smile. Well. I suppose it's not a bad idea at all.
For a brief moment, his days in Kuoh felt perfectly, blissfully peaceful. With his newly united harem and his absolute power, no one in their right mind would dare provoke him.
But peace was always fragile.
"FINN BALAM! COME OUT!"
The tranquil atmosphere shattered instantly. A sudden, violent blast of freezing cold air swept through the shrine courtyard, instantly frosting the wooden pillars and chilling the girls to the bone. Along with the plummeting temperature, a deafening, furious roar echoed through the sky, demanding his head.
"...." Finn let out a long, heavy sigh.