Author's Note: I do not own Highschool DxD in any way. All credits goes to its creator, as well as anything else I use from other animes.

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

Spells and attacks

[Ddraig talking]

{Albion talking}

Chapter 8: Working in the café

(Normal P.O.V)

A day after the fight with Kokabiel, Issei and his peerage were busy relaxing and doing their own thing back in their house.

It was Monday which is the day that the café is closed, so they were either in the living room or the dining room relaxing.

Issei was drinking his cup of coffee when he asked everyone about yesterday.

"Anyway I have to ask, is there anything noteworthy that happened around Kuoh while I fought that asshole?" Issei asked his peerage.

"Not really."

"Nope."

"All fine."

"Completely normal."

Everyone had similar response, saying that nothing else happened in Kuoh during his fight, except for one person.

"…Actually there is one."

Everyone turned to the one who just said that with several eyebrows raised. "Really, then whatcha got Esdeath?" Issei asked.

The blue haired woman sipped a cup of tea as she replied. "I noticed there were two people that were watching the school from a distance."

~Flashback~

On top of a random building were two people covered in cloaks, so no one could see their identities. They were watching Kuoh Academy as the barrier around the school broke.

They saw two Isseis at the scene and were rather surprised at the sight.

"Well…this is a surprising development." One of them said.

"Yeah, to think there are two Red Dragon Emperors at the same place, and that there are two of the same person." The other one said.

"And from what I can see, that version is far more powerful than his counterpart, even more so than I thought."

The man had sensed the power of Issei and was surprised that his magic level is far higher than he originally expected.

"In that case, what do we do Cao Cao?" One of them asked.

The one called Cao Cao answered. "For now we don't do anything. We don't really have information about that second Red Dragon Emperor. For all we know, he could be completely different than his counterpart."

"Alright then, I assume we are to just keep an eye on him currently?" The other one asked.

"Yup, anyway the situation there is now over."

The two of them saw the White Dragon Emperor flew away along with Kokabiel's corpse, seeing that everything was over.

"Let's head back, Georg." Cao Cao said.

"Alright." The one called Georg had his hand out and created a portal, where the two stepped inside of the portal and the portal disappeared, along with them.

Unbeknownst to them, Esdeath was quite nearby and overheard them. She had noticed the two a while ago and she completely hid her presence so that the two never sensed her.

"Well, to think there were people watching, and it's the Hero Faction of all people." She commented as she stayed where she was just in case until Sona alerted them to return back.

~Flashback end~

"Georg-kun and Double Cao, huh?" Jeanne said as she thought back to her time in the Hero Faction.

"Now that I think about it, those two were always going somewhere. When they came back to the headquarters, they always had some form in intel." She commented.

"Great…so now the Hero Faction and in this case, the Khaos Brigade is now aware of my existence." Issei groaned as he faceplamed.

"Well, this was bound to happen when you revealed yourself, dear." Sona said as she patted his back. "Anyway, we still got a few weeks until the three factions meeting. I'm pretty sure nothing bad will happen until then."

"I hope so, I don't want to deal with such problems already." Issei sighed.

"Which reminds me, are you both going to work in our café?" Stella asked.

"Why not since all of you did came up with this. But who's in charge of what?" Sona said.

"Well, Asia, Tsubasa, Jeanne work behind the scenes for obvious reasons, making sure they don't expose themselves. They are in charge of logistics, making sure the café has enough supplies and also do the admin work and taxes.

Stella, Ikki, Hajime, Yue and Ecchan are the chefs in the kitchen as most of them are the best among us when it comes to cooking.

Tomoe, Asta and Noelle are in charge of service, as they have a friendly air to them and Noelle has worked as a waitress before.

Glenn, Esdeath and I on the other hand take care of the open barista area." Sherlock Holmes explained how their café runs.

Issei nodded his head as he heard the explanation. "I see, I guess me and Sona would join the logistics team for obvious reasons as well."

"I was about to say the same thing." Sona adjusted her glasses.

"Alright, guess that's settled." Glenn said.

"Alright, welcome to the team, Dragon-kun, Devil-chan." Jeanne exclaimed.

"Thank goodness, I was starting to get tired from constantly doing admin work." Tsubasa sighed in relief, knowing that she doesn't have to do as much from now on.

"If that's the case, I'll make sure that you do your work properly, Tsubasa." Sona had a glint in her eyes as she looked at the girl in question.

"Uh…yes Kaichou." Tsubasa gulped.

"Anyway, let's just stay low until the three faction meeting starts. For now, we keep an eye on the town for any unusual activity." Issei summarised.

Everyone nodded as the day went by rather fast while they relaxed.

A whole week went by rather quickly as nothing interesting happened during the whole week. The only thing that happened was that Sona gave her counterpart the location of where they were secretly and that only she knows where they are.

The logistics team of the café were glad that their jobs were much easier since Issei and Sona were helping them out.

Though the two of them were doing the heaving lifting as Sona did the paperwork and Issei handled the heavy supplies to stock up the café.

As such, working life in the café was rather normal until a certain incident happened.

"I still don't get it, how did heck did you guys not noticed that the cake had a wrong ingredient mixed in?" Issei muttered as he brewed a cup of coffee.

"Who knows, at least there isn't much people today." Noelle said as he brought several dirty dishes to the kitchen.

"This wouldn't have happened if Glenn-sensei didn't misplace the potion or even made it in the first place." Issei glared at said person.

"I said I was sorry!" Glenn beside him was cleaning some mugs.

It turns out that Stella was baking a cake early in the morning for breakfast, but she was still very sleepy from waking up early so she didn't notice that she put in additional ingredient without checking.

The ingredient was a sleeping potion that Glenn made so that he could sleep for 12 hours without interruption. But he misplaced the potion and left it in the fridge and completely forgotten about it.

As a result, since she added it to the mix, anyone who ate the cake was now sleeping until the day ends, which unfortunately was most of the peerage.

The only ones that didn't eat the cake was Issei, Sona, Glenn, Noelle, Ikki and Jeanne as they woke up later and they saw everyone sprawled about in the dining room, sleeping like that.

It was also right before opening time, so they couldn't just close the café like that, so Issei took charge for the day.

Issei was actually very good as a barista, as he made espresso for the peerage before, so he directed the remaining members for the day.

Sona handled the logistics by herself as Jeanne was sent to help Ikki with the cooking since Jeanne was also quite good in cooking. Noelle had to do the servicing by herself as Glenn was in charge of the cleaning of dishes only as punishment.

They were worried for Issei exposing himself more in case anyone who recognised him came, but he said to just deal with it.

Luckily, it would seem like a god was watching them as there were not many people during business hours, so the six of them managed to cope with this development.

"I should count my lucky stars that today is a slow day, now I just need to last for a bit longer." Issei commented.

Unfortunately, fate had other options for him as the doors to the café opened and two people walked in.

"So this is the café you talked about, Mury?" A female voice said.

"Yup, the food is quite good here but the barista drinks are even better!" Another girl said.

Issei saw who came inside and his eye was basically twitching from what he said previously. "I had to open my mouth, didn't I?" Issei muttered to himself.

The two people that walked into the café were people that he was familiar with, the kendo duo, Murayama and Katase. Murayama had brown hair, green eyes and an athletic body while Katase had pink hair and pink eyes and is also rather athletic.

As soon as the two made eye contact with Issei at the counter, needless to say there were both eyes wide in shock.

"Hyoudou Issei!?" The two said in unison.

"Yes, can I help you?" Issei sighed.

"What are you doing here, perv?" Katase asked.

"Oh, I'm here just enjoying some tea while thinking about girls. What do you think I'm doing here? I'm working." Issei responded.

"You work here? I didn't expect someone like you had a job like this." Murayama said.

"My life as a student and my life in the workplace are two different things, so are you guys going continue looking at me weirdly or are you both gonna order something?" Issei said.

The duo had a look at the menu before ordering. "I'll have a vanilla latte and the seafood spaghetti while Katase wants the iced caramel macchiato and fish and chips." Murayama ordered.

"Alright, take a seat while waiting." Issei said as he brought the espresso machine to life.

He made the drinks as he gave the orders for Ikki to cook. As the barista is an open counter, the two girls can clearly see how Issei was making the drinks professionally.

"He actually looks very professional making them." Murayama said.

"I never thought that he would have such a side to him." Katase mentioned.

A few minutes later, the vanilla latte and caramel macchiato were done as Noelle brought the drinks to their table. "They look good." Katase was a bit surprised by how it turned out.

"But how does it tastes? He better not have ruined it." They both took a sip of their drinks before being silent for a bit.

"Wow…"

"I told you it's good."

"…But to think that the pervert was the one that made it." They both said their own comments.

Soon, their food arrived, which they both enjoyed. As they ate, they looked back at the counter to see Issei making another cup for another customer, they noticed that he never commented on anything perverted or had any lecherous face since they got here.

"Hey Hyoudou, how come you never said anything perverted so far?" Murayama asked him.

"Cause I don't see any reason why, do you want me to start making comments then?" Issei raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, don't please. It's just that…it's unsettling to see you not…you know." Katase said.

"By the way, when did you work here?" The two girls wanted to know when he worked.

"A few weeks ago, I helped in the logistics, organising the supplies and do some paperwork here. However, the usual people who work the barista are sick today so I have to help fill in their shoes." He did another half-truth explanation.

He sighed a bit before talking again. "This is why I don't want to work in the open, since everyone I know would see me like this."

The two girls looked at him with eyebrows raised. "Could that be your actual personality, Hyoudou?" Murayama asked.

Issei shrugged his shoulders. "I'll leave that to your imagination. Though I have been told that my behaviour in school and at work are very different."

"Huh…if only you can have this attitude in school…" Murayama commented.

"Hah…like will happen. Can I ask you both to keep it a secret that I work here?" Issei asked the two.

"Sure, it's not like anyone will believe that you work in a place like this." Murayama said.

Soon, the two of them finished their meals and left the café. "See ya, you perv." Katase waved off to Issei as they left.

Issei could only sighed at the development of the situation. "Geez, that was the last thing I expected, closing time had better come soon." He commented.

The door opened again as someone spoke. "So, this is where you were hiding for the time being." A familiar voice was heard.

Issei looked up to see someone enter, which was Sona's counterpart in her Kuoh uniform.

"Yeah, though I have to make a reminder to have a barrier around the place so no one recognised me while working." He said.

"Anyway, where is my counterpart? She said that she needed to meet me." P-Sona said.

"Upstairs, she's handling the logistics, i.e. doing all the work since the rest of the guys that are supposed to be working are all slacking off today." He said.

"I guess the responsibilities that I do have not change much, even in another world." She said.

At that moment, the café doors open again as someone walked in. "We are going to close soon, so we unfortunately can only serve the drinks now." Issei informed the customer.

"Don't worry about it, I'm not actually here for a drink, though I would like one while I'm here." The man replied. As Issei saw the person, he was rather surprised but he hid his expression well.

"Excuse me, do you need a seat…" Noelle dropped in but trailed off as she saw the person. Glenn and Ikki peeked out of the kitchen and also saw the person, they were both wide eyed as well.

The man was rather tall who had short black hair with a golden streak, he also was in a dark blue suit with purple pants.

P-Sona could tell the air around her was getting heavy. Issei then broke the silence. "Take a seat, any drink that you like to have?"

The man hummed for a bit, looking at the menu before ordering. "Not sure, give me one of your specialties then." He then proceeded to take a seat at the counter.

"Coming up." Issei replied before telepathically telling Noelle. 'Change the sign to say that we're closed already and set up a privacy barrier.'

Noelle simply looked at him and nodded her head as she went to do just that while Issei made a mocha frappacino for the man.

"You should also take a seat, this could take a while." Issei told P-Sona. She simply nodded as she took a seat.

A few minutes passed as Issei finished making the drink for the man. At the same time he also made some tea for P-Sona. "Here's your drink, so are you going to explain why you're here, Leader of the Grigori, Azazel-san?"

P-Sona was wide-eyed when she heard the name and looked at the man sitting across him. To think that the leader of the fallen angels was right in front of her.

The man now named Azazel simply drank his cup from a bit before answering. "Well, you certainly get right to the point, Red Dragon Emperor of another world. Also, this is good frappacino."

Issei sighed as he scratched his head. "Let me guess, Vali told you about me and her, right?"

"Yup, you're pretty perceptive, which reminds me, where is that other Sitri Ojou-chan?" Azazel said.

"I'm right here." They turned to see Sona in casual clothing walking down from upstairs and taking a seat as well. "So the White Dragon Emperor did know of my existence and informed you." She said.

"Well, you all would not believe the surprise I got when I heard the report from him. To think that the parallel world theory is actually true and since I am seeing the proof in my own eyes, I knew those ignorant bastards were stupid." Azazel said, rather happy that the theory was true.

"In any case, can we get back to the conversation at hand?" P-Sona asked.

"Right, I want to thank you for dealing with Kokabiel. He had gone rogue and was planning for war for quite some time but I couldn't act else I jeopardise my position as leader. We're very lucky that this crisis was averted." Azazel said, he stood up for a bit before bowing to Issei.

"It's fine, we weren't happy about the prospect about another war happening." Issei said.

"Yeah, we just did what we had to do." Sona said.

"Also, I thought I'd tell you guys about the new alliance that is going to occur." Azazel said.

"Alliance?" P-Sona asked.

"The three factions are going to have an alliance meeting in about 1-2 weeks in light of this development. And most likely the meeting will be held in Kuoh as the place has become quite the hotspot for supernatural incidents." Sona explained to her counterpart.

Azazel raised and eyebrow at her. "You already know about it? I guess it would be safe to say that this happened as well in your world?" He asked.

"Yup, the only thing I can say is something will happen during the meeting." Issei gave a slight warning for the fallen angel leader, he didnt give out details in case the circumstances are wrong.

"I see, I'll take note of that." Azazel hummed. "Anyway, your sister and the other Maou should have been informed about this meeting by now." He eyed at P-Sona.

"Is that so, I'll go check with my sister after this." She said.

"Anyway, I liked to invite you both to come to the meeting." Azazel asked Issei and Sona.

The two looked at each other for a bit, they weren't sure about whether to participate in the meeting. "Do you both don't have interest in coming for the meeting?" Azazel noticed their reactions.

"Hmm...I'm actually more worried about the shenanigans that would happen once news about us appear and I don't want to deal with the politics." Issei sighed.

"I have to agree, I'm not sure about exposing ourselves at this current stage." Sona commented.

"Well, the invitation is open if you both change your minds. Just make sure that the other Ojou-chan over there knows that you both would attend." Azazel said as he pointed to P-Sona.

"Alright, but don't get your hopes up." Issei said.

Azazel nodded his head as he finished drinking his frappacino. "Well, that's it for me. I've already done what I came to do here. I'll see you all again, probably at the meeting."

With that, he left the café, leaving the three of them in silence.

"To think that I meet the leader of the fallen angels so soon." P-Sona said as she massaged her head for a bit.

"Well, you were going to meet the leaders of the three factions at the meeting anyway, so I don't see what's wrong with it." Sona said.

"I guess this is why you called me here." Her counterpart said.

"I was going to talk to you about the meeting, but Azazel already did it for us." Sona said.

"Well then, I'll take my leave now. I have to prepare for the school's open house next week." P-Sona said as she stood up from her seat.

That got Sona to freeze for a bit as she remembered some of her memories about that time. "Hey, you do realise that Onee-san will find out about the open house and will come visit you, right?" She said.

That got her counterpart to also freeze as she thought about Serafall visiting her for open house. "Oh...what should I do?" She asked.

"You do know that she will come to Kuoh Academy, regardless of whether you tell her or not." Issei said.

"Yeah, I didn't tell her and her response was and I quote: 'I can't believe So-tan never told me about the school's open house, I almost attack heaven out of frustration.'" Sona said as she did some hand actions to mimick Serafall's reaction.

That got P-Sona to gulp a bit. "I'll just be ready for it when the time comes." She said as she left the café.

After she left, Issei asked her beloved. "Well, looks like our time being hidden is officially numbered. Are you ready for this?"

"My only worry is how Onee-san would react. Her sis-con tendencies might explode once she realised that there is two of me." Sona said.

"We'll just have to prepare for the eventual day." Issei said.

Then they heard footsteps walking down, they turned to see Sherlock who rubbed his eyes for a bit. "Does anyone like to tell me why most of us are asleep for the whole day and no one woke us up? He asked.

Issei sighed as she shook his head a bit. "Take a seat Holmes, it's a long story." He said as he prepared one last drink for the day.

Issei's Peerage:

King: Issei Hyoudou

Queen: Sona Sitri

Rook: Nagumo Hajime (Arifureta)

Rook: Jeanne

Bishop: Noelle (Black Clover)

Bishop: Yue (Arifureta)

Knight: Asta (Black Clover)

Knight: Esdeath (Akame ga Kill)

Pawn: Mysterious Heroine X Alter (Fate: Grand Order)

Pawn: Tomoe Gozen (Fate: Grand Order)

Pawn: Tsubasa Yura

Pawn: Asia Argento

Pawn: Stella Vermillion (Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry)

Pawn: Ikki Kurogane (Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry)

Pawn: Glenn Radars (Rokudenashi Majutsu Koushi to Akashic Records)

Pawn: Sherlock Holmes (Fate: Grand Order)

Harem: Sona(main), Heroine X Alter, Tomoe Gozen, Tsubasa, Asia, Esdeath, Jeanne.

Finally, the next chapter is out! Sorry that this took so long, after my studies I completely forgotten to update the story. Anyway, this chapter is rather short that talks a bit about what they do while laying low. Next chapter is finally the meeting where shit happens.

Also, I've been thinking about the harem, I've decided to not add any other girl. The harem is only the ones in his peerage.

Do leave me a review so that I know how is it I can improve on the story. I'll try to update the story as soon as I can.

With that, thank you for reading!