Puck, at least, took everything in stride.
From the moment they arrived, he had already grasped the rules of this place—equivalent exchange.
Originally, Ram and Rem had belonged to Roswaal L Mathers as his maids.
But now, Izumi had traded for them using dragon's blood and something far more valuable.
That meant—
They now belonged to Izumi.
And judging by Rem's expression…
She hadn't refused.
If anything, Puck thought this might actually be a better outcome.
Compared to staying under Roswaal, he trusted Izumi far more.
After all, Izumi was overwhelmingly powerful.
Even if he had ill intentions—
They wouldn't be able to resist anyway.
That much had been made abundantly clear the moment they entered this place.
Beside him, Emilia bit her lip, unsure of what to say.
After Ram and Rem were taken away, Izumi turned his attention toward her.
"So, Emilia… is there anything you want?"
Emilia hesitated before asking softly,
"…Can I ask you something first?"
"Go ahead."
"…Why did you do that?"
"Why Ram and Rem?"
Her violet eyes searched his face.
"You don't seem like someone who lacks maids… so why them?"
Izumi smiled faintly.
"You tell me."
Emilia immediately frowned.
"Guessing games are unfair."
"…Then I won't guess."
She crossed her arms lightly.
"But listen, Izumi-san."
"Since everything is already decided…"
"Please treat Rem and Ram well."
"Don't bully them."
Izumi nodded.
"You don't have to worry about that."
"I won't bully them."
…At least, not in the way she meant.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
At that moment, Roswaal L Mathers spoke up.
"Izumi-sama, I shall take my leave."
"I have… matters I wish to attend to immediately."
His tone carried restrained excitement.
Emilia frowned slightly.
So did Puck.
Even Beatrice narrowed her eyes.
But none of them said anything.
After what had just happened—
Their perception of Roswaal had subtly shifted.
Izumi waved his hand casually.
"That's fine."
"You can go."
Roswaal didn't hesitate.
He turned and left immediately.
No pass was given to him.
This departure—
Would likely be permanent.
Izumi had no further interest in him.
Everything Roswaal knew…
Beatrice and Puck already possessed.
With Roswaal gone, Izumi turned his gaze back to the remaining three.
"So?"
"What do you want?"
"You already know the rules."
"Whether it's solving your problem, Puck…"
"Or freeing you from your contract, Beatrice…"
"I can handle it all."
At those words—
Both Puck and Beatrice's eyes lit up.
The negotiations went quickly.
Beatrice sold all of her magical knowledge.
In return—
She gained freedom from the library.
No more endless waiting.
No more eternal confinement.
Puck did the same.
His limitation—being bound to specific hours—was completely removed.
No longer restricted to a "nine-to-five existence."
No more retreating into a crystal at sunset.
He was finally—
Free.
Emilia watched the two of them with visible joy.
Then, slowly…
It was her turn.
"Izumi-san…"
She hesitated, then spoke.
"Do you have… knowledge about governing a country?"
"I want to—"
Izumi cut her off with a faint smile.
"Do you really want to become a ruler?"
"…Or are you just trying to change how people see you?"
Emilia froze.
Her silver hair swayed slightly.
Because of her appearance—
She had always been feared.
Rejected.
Misunderstood.
So what did she really want?
To rule?
Or…
To be accepted?
She fell silent.
Deep in thought.
Seeing that, Izumi chuckled softly.
"How about this?"
"Come back after you've figured it out."
"This is something you need to decide for yourself."
Then, with a playful tone, he added:
"If your world becomes too unbearable…"
"You're always welcome here."
"My world has many races."
"Even elves."
"People just like you… with beautiful pointed ears."
He leaned slightly closer.
"And honestly?"
"I think you're already perfect just the way you are."
"…!"
Emilia's face turned bright red instantly.
"I—I'll think about it!"
"I—I have to go!"
Flustered beyond belief, she practically fled.
If she stayed any longer—
She had no idea what might happen.
Izumi didn't stop her.
Instead, he casually tossed her a card.
"Take this."
"You can visit anytime."
"It'll bring you straight to Ram and Rem."
Emilia caught it instinctively.
"…Thank you, Izumi-san."
With a quick bow—
She vanished, along with Puck and Beatrice.
Watching her disappear, Izumi clicked his tongue.
"Nice."
"Emilia really is something else."
"Yeah."
A voice suddenly spoke behind him.
"Nice enough that you tried to 'recruit' her too, right?"
Izumi froze for a split second.
Turning around, he found Aihara Enju staring at him with narrowed eyes.
"You've been busy lately."
"Picking girls one after another."
"How many is that now?"
"Are you building a harem?"
She casually pulled out her tablet.
"Maybe it's time I called the others back."
"We should have a proper 'discussion' about this."
"…Hey now."
Izumi sighed.
"You jealous?"
Enju didn't answer.
Instead—
She sent the message.
Izumi clicked his tongue.
"Troublesome."
Then, suddenly, he grinned.
"Alright, fine."
"Let's go on a date."
"Just the two of us."
He reached out and patted her head.
"Leave things here to the others."
"They can handle it."
Enju blinked.
Just for a moment—
Her expression softened.
And just like that—
The two of them disappeared from the bustling Dimensional City.