Chapter 22: Trouble and class visit
After leaving the pool, I once again wore my glasses to conceal my real appearance and went for the parking lot to get my bike so that I can go home. I'll apologize them later, I didn't tell Xenovia to notify them, after all.
As I arrived at the gate, a glint of silver caught my eyes. A familiar face showed up.
He was a young man in his late teens, a bishounen as you called in Japanese. With silver hair that is darker than mine. His blue transparent eyes were looking at the school before turning to me who was approaching the gate.
'So he's here, huh…', I thought.
"Hey, it's a good school."
"Indeed it is", I replied without hesitation.
Come on, just say it already…
"I am Vali. The Hakuryuukou, the Vanishing Dragon."
There it is.
"This is the second time we meet here, huh, Welsh Dragon, Sekiryuutei Takeru Silver."
It was then my left arm decloaked itself and my hand started shaking, it's because Ddraig is responding to him.
'I know you want to fight him, Ddraig. But do me a favor and STOP behaving like a massaging machine, you did the same thing last time he was here'
I thought to Ddraig as I look at my left arm. It's really annoying.
Once again, Concealment Magic covered my left arm. I set the magic on automatic so I don't have to do it manually everytime, unless there's a flaw that is needed to be fix.
As the magic completely cloaked my Dragonified arm…
—!
In accordance of my instincts, I caught his index finger between my fingers as he pointed it on my face.
"Hoh, interesting. I was trying to do something magical, but your instincts are faster than I expected"
In that moment, we glared at each other.
—!
Suddenly, he made a lower jab to my right. I caught his hand immediately.
It was then an intense exchange took place. He went for the offensive all the way while I accordingly parried all his blows.
"Interesting, interesting indeed!"
He said loudly in joy.
That kid… he hasn't changed even a bit… still a battle maniac…
But I had enough of you, Vali.
"Hah!"
I made a roundhouse thrust kick to his abdomen which was temporary exposed. He was surprised as he crossed his arms to block my blow. But I put more force than he can handle and as the result, he got sent backwards a considerable distance.
"Don't get all cocky just because you have a Complete Balance Breaker", I said.
Vali then smiled widely as he stood up as if it was nothing, well I didn't put my all in that kick, if anything, it was just a "Get off me" kick.
As he was about to make another move.
Zaaa!
Two swords were thrust towards the Vali's neck. Kiba and Xenovia were the ones who appeared in that instant. They were holding their Holy Demonic Sword and the Holy Sword Durandal respectively, both were emitting an intense aura together. Got to give credit to them for knowing that we were exchanging fist.
"I don't know what you plan to do, but don't you think your joke went too far?"
"I can't let you start your rival showdown with the Sekiryuutei here, Hakuryuukou."
Kiba and Xenovia speak in menacing voices as well.
But as they are now, there's no way they can beat him.
"Stand down you two, you're no opponents to him at the moment", I said.
"You should do what he said. After all, aren't your hands shaking?"
Vali then continued.
"It's fine to boast. Not knowing the difference between your opponent's strength is strong evidence. Between me and you, there is a decisive difference in power. You, who couldn't win against the likes of Kokabiel, won't be able to win against me."
"Takeru silver, what rank do you think your strength is in this world?"
Here we go again…
"Counting from the top in your condition of the incomplete Balance Breaker, it would be a three-digit number, between 800 and 900, but if we were to include your raged state, you might even reach a two-digit place if you tried."
"Sorry kid, but I'm too busy to care about the strength level of idiots who like to blow things up before thinking", I said bluntly.
"Now now, don't be like that. There are a lot of strong people in this world. Even the Crimson-Haired Satan, Sirzechs Lucifer, won't fit in the top ten."
How narrow-minded, guess he doesn't know Sirzechs that well.
"However, the first place is decided. It's a fixed existence."
"So basically, you're boasting that you're the first?", I pretended to ask.
"You'll know it anyhow. However, it's not me. —Takeru Silver, you're a valuable existence. It's better if he's raised well, Rias Gremory."
I look behind to see everyone else. Rias looks expecially displeased. Around her, there was Asia, Akeno and Koneko as well. Correspondingly, Asia was troubled, and in contrast, Akeno and Koneko looked ready to fight.
"Hakuryuukou, what's the meaning of this? If you have ties with the Fallen Angels, then more contact than required is—"
"...The Two Heavenly Dragons, the Dragons called that way, Welsh Dragon and Vanishing Dragon. In the past, those related to them didn't live a satisfactory life. How will you end up?"
"..."
Upon hearing Vali, Rias' words were stopped.
"That speech about unfortunate destinies is getting really old", I immediately interjected, with my eyes half-shut.
"Maybe", he shrugged as he looks towards Raynare.
"So Raynare, you seem to be having fun"
"Yeah, no thanks to you", said Raynare as she glared back at him.
"Whatever. Well, I didn't come here to fight today. I just wanted to see the school I visited last time. I came to Japan while escorting Azazel, but I was bored. I won't fight the Welsh dragon here, not to mention—I have a lot of work to do."
He then turned on his heels and left, leaving a thread of nervousness to others behind. Both Kiba and Xenovia sheathed their sword, but they remain unsettled. Asia grabbed my hand without saying a word, having nestled into my side.
*Home*
"..."
After coming back to my room, I sat on the floor with my back on the bed.
...Hakuryuukou. The Vanishing Dragon, the pair existence of the Welsh Dragon residing in my left hand. For Ddraig and Albion already has an ancient rivalry, fighting between their host is inevitable. When we met, Ddraig's battle impulse resonated with Albion's, which is the cause behind that moment of annoyance I had.
Initially, that kid's raw power is considerably higher than I am when I regained my memories. However, thanks to the 8 mutated Evil [Pawn] pieces in me, I gained a decent boost in energy, so right now he's nowhere even remotely far from me, we're pretry much neck to neck.
… No, this isn't enough, not by any means.
He has way more experience with his Longinus than I am, having awakened it in his immature years and trained extensively by Azazel, not to mention of the number of enemies he fought alongside "that team" to reach where he is now, when I was gone.
If I'm gonna embark on that journey to find out why I'm here instead of in eternal damnation, I'll need more power…
No… I have to get more power, and regain that I've lost.
"Are you still thinking?"
Suddenly, before my eyes, Rias' face appeared inverted. She was reading a magazine while lying horizontally on my bed. It seemed she looked into my face from the bed. If Rias had any free time, she spent it in my room.
"Well, about the Hakuryuukou, he's not so far off from me, but…"
"He has more experience as a Longinus Possessor right?", She said as I nodded.
Rias then descended from the bed and sat beside me.
"I believe in you. Even if something happens. And also, if it's you, Vergil, I believe you can win against the Hakuryuukou."
"I'm not invincible, Rias. The obvious testament is…"
"I know", she said as she suddenly dragged my head down to give me a lap pillow.
"Don't worry, Vergil, we're here for you."
…
Such a warmth…
Once again… I was captivated by her warmth…
…
Really…
I really want to know… what you feel if you were here…
Mother…
*Class visit day*
"Have fun, you three. I'll be there later"
I said as Raynare, Mittelt and Asia are ready to leave for school.
"Yes!"
"See you later, Senpai!"
"We'll see you there, Vergil-niisan!"
They each responded energetically. Though Rias had a different reaction.
"...I am not interested."
While sighing, She said that. Rias seemed to dislike classroom visits. Sirzechs and their father, if I remembered correctly, both are quite doting towards Rias. Especially Sirzechs who is a Siscon. Maybe their reactions will embarrass her.
Can't blame her, putting in the same scenario, I might feel the same way.
…
Yeah…
The same way…
SHAKE!
Quit it, now isn't the time. First thing first, gotta attend the class visit today. Normally I won't go to crowded places, but for Asia… I'll endure this once.
Got to get a decent jacket, this hoodie won't go well with the scenery of today's event. They said it's a classroom visit, but in actuality, it was more of an open house display. It was natural that it's all right for parents to come, but it was also all right for students from middle school to visit and see how the classes are. It's possible that the guardians of those middle school students will also come to visit; it's quite an open event.
RING RING
My phone in that moment sounded, as I opened it to see who's calling.
It's Tomiya-hakase.
"Hello?"
- Ah, Silver-kun, thank goodness you picked up -
"Is there something wrong, hakase?", I asked.
- Oh, nothing's wrong, I just wanted to notify you that this afternoon, the lab will be working again –
"That's great, I'll head there once…"
- Oh no no no, you can continue to take the day off, you have a little sister to take care of, right? Also can you tell Genshirou-kun to go to the lab this afternoon? He's been a great addition to the team recently, and I think he earned the job–
"I'm glad that he's been a helping hand. I'll notify him when I arrive at the Academy"
- Thank you, Silver-kun, Have a great observation day -
"Thank you hakase", I said as I hang up the call.
So Saji has finally earned the job huh. He's been going through the intern training course, and surprisingly… he done it so well, even Tomiya hakase said he earned the job.
Well, at least he can now earn more to support his family, for whatever circumstances they're currently in.
I then look at the clock, it's time…
*Kuoh Academy*
Once again, I walked through the gates of this Academy. As always, tons of whispers went around the students. Most females complimented my looks, while most of the males cursed me for attracting many female students attention. The only difference, is that today, even the parents also whispered about me.
I paid no concern to them as I walked to the class that Asia is in.
Outside, the eyes of various parents caught my figure.
"Hey hey, I heard that one of the students's guardian today is a university student…"
"He's quite handsome…"
"But his eyes are so cold, he's like a killer…"
Words like that come from the parents on my two sides. Some complimented me, some gossiped about me.
Whatever, I don't really care.
As I walked in, Asia noticed me right away, she waved at me with a smile. I simply wave back.
"Ummm… Takeru"
A voice sounded on my 10 o'clock, it was Xenovia.
"Xenovia? You're attending the same class as Asia?", I asked.
"Yes, I was assigned here to be of the same class with her and Raynare."
She then lowered her head as she said.
"Listen… I sorry for saying that sort of thing suddenly the other day. I kept on speaking without thinking about you."
"It's alright, just don't ever say that again"
"…"
She paused for a second and said.
"I understand"
"Good. Now return to your seat, the class will begin soon"
"Ara, Senpai, you shouldn't say something like that. Also girls won't attract to you if you keep that face on, you know?"
Another voice sounded, I turn to see a female student whose petite figure was accompanied by gold-colored eyes and lightly messy brunette hair tied into braids on each side.
"And you are?"
"Oh, my name is Aika Kiryu, 2nd year of Kuoh Academy. It's a pleasure to meet you, Takeru Silver-senpai"
She said as she extended her hand for a handshake.
Kiryu… Oh…
"So you were the one to suggest Asia to wear Bloomers during the ball tournament"
"Yup, it was me. Hey Asia, your boyfriend is calling", she admitted it with a proud face, before calling Asia.
"B-B-B-Boyfriend!?", said a flustered Asia.
"Eh? I'm wrong? But the two of you look like a couple. A good one in fact, kinda like a combination. Asia is also living with Senpai right? A young man and a girl living under one roof, now even Xenovia is attracted to Senpai. That'll be... Mufufufu. By the way, I was the one who told her about 'bathing together'! So?! Did you enjoy it?!"
Kiryu said it with a perverted face.
So you're the reason behind Asia's daring antics recently…
You little…
Asia covered Kiryuu's mouth with both hands.
"Aaaah! Please stop, Kiryuu-san!"
Asia's face reddened heavily. Her eyes were watery as well.
"Geez, Asia. I told you right? If you don't start moving soon, Senpai will become something troublesome. There are a lot of formidable enemies around him, you know? If you keep dilly-dallying, before you know it, he may be eaten. You won't like that, right? A man with the scent of another woman."
"Ouch! Why does Kiryuu-san keep on giving me explosive blasts like that...?"
"I am worried. You're fine with me being your only ally, right? I am fine with a clean mood as well, but you gotta do what you gotta do at times! Even you, Asia, are ripe enough for eating!"
"Am I r-ripe enough for eating?"
That was what Asia asked me.
"Don't worry Asia, you're ripe enough", said Raynare, where did you come from?
"Isn't that great, Asia! You'll be eaten!"
Kiryuu is filled with some freakish deep emotion.
"Dammmmmit! Asia-chan will be eaten!"
"This will be something great... 'Asia-chan of the committee', we have to do an emergency meeting with our comrades and plan counter-measures!"
The Perverted Duo's bodies were shaking strongly.
Kiryu then said while looking at my hands.
"Those men who cut their fingernails quickly play intensely with women is what I hear. —Yes, to grope a woman's body, if you have long fingernails, then it's quite inconvenient."
"Senpai, you shitty bastaraaaaaaard!"
"Go get some disease or something!"
…
Alright, enough of this foolishness.
BONK! BONK! BONK!
I took a book on a nearby desk and slammed the three perverts hard.
"""Au!""", they all shouted while holding their heads.
"Watch your tongue, fools", I said coldly.
"Whatever you idiots do, is none of my concern. If you ever tried to sway Asia or Xenovia in any stupid direction, you're all dead meat"
My glare frightened all of them. I also noticed that the whole class was silence as well.
"Everyone, Takeru-san isn't a bad person. Please don't think bad of him."
Asia then comes in to cover me.
"That's right, Senpai isn't someone bad, he taught me a lot", Raynare did the same.
"...Asia, Yuuma, to confess amidst the confusion... Not bad..."
Kiryuu muttered that while holding her head.
"That's it. No matter how rude Takeru is, He is a frank person. It's just that his rudeness is also as frank as him, surely."
How is that make any sense? You know what, let's not prying into this anymore. I eased my expression with their plead.
Somehow, the class started, and from the open door in the back, parents of kept coming in. The class was English. The male teacher, who was pumped up more than usual, was for some reason distributing a rectangular object wrapped in a bag to the students.
The students opened the bag and what inside was…
PVC clay? What's that had to do with an English class?
The teacher then gleefully said.
"Try making something you like with the PVC clay I handed you just now. An animal is fine as well. A person is fine as well. A house is fine as well. Whatever image you're thinking about in your mind right now, try making it into a shape. That sort of English conversation is also there."
Is he an idiot? What kind of logic is that?
"Let's Try!"
"I-It's difficult."
Huh? Asia's already making it? As usual, her adaptation to these sort of things is fast.
Besides me, the parents are wholeheartedly recording their children's activity. With all individuals do their things, this weird lively class when on for hours.
*Lunch*
It was finally lunch time. Raynare, Asia and I went to take drinks in the cafeteria, we accidentally met Rias and Akeno there.
"You seem depressed, Rias", I said.
"Vergil, Raynare, Asia", said Rias with a small voice as she sighed.
"Ara, Vergil-san, Raynare, Asia-chan", said Akeno with a smile.
"*Sigh*, you two were lucky since the cafeteria is crowded for now. So did Sirzechs come today?"
Rias put a hand on her forehead and let out her breath.
"Yeah, he came along with my father."
So her father came as well.
"Ah, Buchou. Moreover everyone came as well."
Kiba appeared.
"Ara, Yuuto. Tea?"
Upon Rias' question, Kiba pointed with his finger ahead of the corridor.
"No, for some reason, I heard a witch was doing a photography event, so I thought to see it a bit."
On Kiba's reply, all of us tilted our heads while exchanging glances.
KACCHA! KACCHA!
Flashes kept going off as the men who were holding cameras were photographing something at a corner of the corridor. Since there was a crowd present, I didn't know what they were taking pictures of. According to Kiba's story, a 'witch' was present, but... I somehow came out of the crowd and faced in the front direction. As I progressed further, a seemingly recognisable outfit came jumping in my eyes. A bishoujo was wearing a costume of an anime character. If I remembered correctly, it was 'Magical Girl, Milky Spiral 7 Alternative'. That anime had advertisement everywhere on the net, which makes it hard not to notice. She was spinning her stick or whatever round and round as well. The cameramen were taking photographs, excited like youngsters.
Wait…
This demeanor… I know this girl…
…
Great… it's "her"…
Rias arrived beside me after coming out of the crowd. As soon she looked forward to the Magical Girl Milky, she panicked.
"Wh-!"
"Hey, hey! You, who's doing a photography shoot on a public path!"
While saying that, Saji Genshirou, the kid from the Student Council came jumping through the crowd. Girls who looked like members of the Student Council as well came following Saji towards the photography scene.
"Hey, hey, disperse, disperse! Today's the day for displaying classes to the public! Don't make a ruckus at this kind of place!"
Saji, he was doing his job properly, huh. That big of a crowd was disappearing like a spider's children dispersing. The young men with the cameras who were photographing were also leaving reluctantly due to Saji's pushing. The remaining people were our group and Saji's group, as well as "her"
"You too, please don't wear that kind of costume. Wait, would you be a parent perhaps? Even if that's the case, you know there's a dress code according to the place. This is troublesome."
"Eh, but this is my uniform."
Saji's warning was completely ignored.
"Saji", I called him.
"Senpai? Can you wait for me a minute, I need to deal with this.", he replied.
*Sigh*
It seems that your dream is far away, Saji…
"Oh, it's Rias-senpai. You came at the right time. I was just guiding Maou-sama and Senpai's Otou-san."
As Saji turned his head towards the back, the crimson-haired males approached under the guidance of Sona Sitri.
"What's this? Saji, I always tell you to settle things decisively..."
The strict Sona said that, but as soon as she saw "her", she stopped speaking.
"Sona-chan! Found you."
"Aah, it's you, Serafall. So you came here as well.", Sirzechs called out.
Yes… the cosplay girl, the "her" who is currently cuddling Sona, is one of the current Yondai Maou, Serafall Leviathan.
Hearing that, Saji then immediately turns to me.
"Senpai, what was it that you were going to tell me?"
"You didn't listen", I said as he got teary eyes.
I tried to tell him to know Serafall so she can have a good impression of him, but too late now.
"Serafall-sama, it's been a long time.", said Rias as she was unnerved.
"Ara, Rias-chan. Long time no see~. Have you been doing well?"
"Y-Yes. Thanks to you. Did you come today for Sona's class visit?"
"Yeah . Sona-chan is really mean. She didn't tell me about today! Geez! Because of the shock, Onee-chan was going to attack Heaven ."
Still behaving like a child…
"Ara, ara, Uncle Gremory."
"Yes, Serafall-dono. This is another novel uniform. I somewhat think that, as a Maou, it's a bit too..."
"Ara, uncle. Don't you know? This is the fashion in this country, you know?"
"Heh, is that so? It seems this was my ignorance."
"Hahaha, Otou-ue, don't believe it."
Etc., are what Gremory family and Serafall are conversing.
Rias then apologized after seeing my perplexed expression.
"I forgot to say it...no, I didn't want to say it, but every one of the four current Maou-samas is like this. During private times, they are really amicable to a severe extent."
While letting out a sigh, she said that.
"No need to apologize, I already somewhat know about their personality, a long time ago"
"Eh? You already know?", said Rias in surprise.
As Serafall moved her gaze around, her eyes caught my figure. From being all childish and lively, she suddenly shrimping down while making the "U-Ummmmm…" sound.
"Onee-sama?", asked Sona as she saw me approaching Serafall.
Heavy footsteps coming from my boots sounded until I finally stand in front of her.
I stared sharply at her for a moment.
From a side perspective, I seriously look like a bully stealing from a little girl.
Knowing that, I eased up my expression.
"Calm down, I'm not going to eat you alive or anything", I said, crossing my arms.
My words make everyone aside from the crimson-haired males of the Gremory dumbfounded.
"I'm very sorry, Vergil. But… the impact of that battle stills lingers on her", said Sirzechs.
"I see…", I said as I closed my eyes.
"S-sorry", Serafall said as she moves away from me.
"What do you mean, Onii-sama?", Rias asked him.
"That's right, you didn't know, and so does everyone in your and Sona-kun's peerage."
They then focus to listen to Sirzechs explanation.
Three years ago, as I was on my way to Inferno to finally face Mundus and Argosax, there was an obstacle I had to face. The current Yondai Maou all gathered alongside their peerages to try to apprehend me. It was a long battle, but thanks to father's sword which I had obtained at the time, in addition to my own power, I was victorious with only moderate, but not too serious injuries.
"We stood on his way out of the fear that if he succeeded, the whole world might collapse, due to the balance being broken… But in contrast to what we thought, the apocalypse didn't happen, even long after he won, instead, peace came around quicker than expected and we were able to rebuilt, even developed beyond original expectations. Problems left behind by the 2 tyrants were quickly resolved. We wanted to thank Vergil, but after his triumph, he disappeared, and all the mysteries of the events around him remain unsolved… until today", said Sirzechs as the story ended.
All those who is currently present, aside from Serafall, who seems to be still nervous of me, and the Gremory males, became silent. Their eyes just stared at Sirzechs as they blinked on a slow, but steady pace. This accompanied by them continuously switching their sights back and forth between me and him.
…
After a while…
"""Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!?"""
Their scream echoed throughout the corridor.
"No way! Senpai defeated even the Yondai Maou!?", Saji exclaimed loudly.
"I've heard of rumours about a battle that shook the earth 3 years ago during my day at the Vatican, but to think that it was Vergil defeating the Yondai Maou…", said a shocked Xenovia.
Listening to them, I make a sigh before interject.
"I was backed up by father's power back then. Besides, don't you think it could have turned out differently had you use "that". Sirzechs?"
"Maybe, we were also a bit full of ourselves back then, we thought that just by fighting seriously together, we can subdue you. I guess we should have known that numbers don't matter to you", said Sirzechs with a bitter smile.
He then moves to ease up Serafall.
"Come on, Serafall, he's not gonna hurt you"
"But Sirzech-chan… he's scary!", said Serafall.
"The Strongest Female Devil" afraid of me? And not the selective gods who are still stronger? What kind of joke is this?
"Oh come on, you don't mean that, do you? He's not the one to wreck havoc without a reason. Besides, aren't you the one…"
Suddenly, Serafall's face reddened like crazy, smokes were pumping from her eyes.
She quickly covered Sirzechs' mouth.
"Mou! Sirzech-chan, you promised not to tell anyone! Expecially him!"
Regain your spirit that fast? And what does he mean on that last part?
Sirzechs then raised both of his hands, showing the sign of giving up.
Serafall then looks at me again, this time with a red embarrassing face, instead of a fearful one.
?
A question mark appeared on the top of my tilted head.
Serafall then shows a slight hint of surprise before chuckling. She then moved to Sona who was daze by the recent revelation.
"Sona-chan, what's wrong? Your face is completely red, you know? Since it's the long awaited reunion with your onee-sama, me, I think it would be better if you were a bit more happy? 'Onee-sama!', 'So-tan!', calling like that and embracing each other in a yuri way, that sort of development is fine with me as well, Onee-chan!"
Sona immediately became annoyed.
"...O-Onee-sama. This is my school, and I am entrusted with the job of the Student Council President here... No matter how close relatives we are, Onee-sama's behaviour is too much... I can't approve of that sort of outfit."
"No way, Sona-chan! If I am told that by Sona-chan, your Onee-chan will be sad! Sona-chan doesn't know that her onee-chan is admired as the Magical girl! Since with the glittering stick, I erase Angels and Fallen Angels ."
"Onee-sama, please be prudent. If my onee-sama, the Maou, glitters, then this small country would be destroyed many times over."
I then asked Saji.
"Hey, Saji. When Kokabiel invaded, Sona didn't call her Onee-san... Looking at this, are they not on good terms?"
"It's the opposite, Senpai. Since Serafall Leviathan-sama dotes on her little sister so much, if she had been called, it would have become something terrible. It seems that if she found out that her little sister was injured by the Fallen Angel, we didn't know how she would have reacted. It would have probably meant instant war. It was the correct decision to not call Serafall-sama, and rather call Lucifer-sama. However, I am meeting her for the first time as well, but this is..."
"Uuh, I can't bear it!"
Sona's eyes became wet as she runs away, shouting.
"Wait, Sona-chan! Where are you going while leaving your Onee-chan behind!?"
Maou Shoujo-sama ran behind her.
"Please don't follow me!"
"Noooooo! Don't abandon your Onee-chaaaaaaan! So-taaaaaan!"
"I have asked you so many times not to add 'tan'!"
The two sisters quarreled as they chase each other.
"Well, I have to help Kaichou. See you later, Senpai!", said Saji.
"Hold on Saji, before you go", I hold him back.
"Eh?"
"Come to the lab this afternoon, Tomiya-hakase's gonna give you the job, officially"
"Really!? I'm so glad! Thank you Senpai! I'll definitely meet yours and Tomiya-hakase's expectations", said Saji as he happily left to help Sona.
"Saji-kun looks happy, you helped him a lot, Vergil. I'm blessed to have you", Rias complimented me.
"I just gave him the suggestion and he does the rest, it was his effort, not mine", I replied.
"Yeah, the Sitri household is peaceful. Don't you think so, Ria-tan?"
"Onii-sama, don't add a 'tan' to my pet name and call me that please..."
This time, the embarrassing conversation started in the Gremory household. Hoh, Rias was called Ria in her home, huh?
"No way...Ria-tan. Even though in the past, you followed me every time while saying 'Onii-sama, Onii-sama'... It's the rebellious age, huh...?"
"Geez, Onii-sama! Why do you remind me of my childhood—?"
FLASH!
Rias' father then took a picture when she was mad. It was an expression filled with emotion.
"That's a nice face, Rias. It's good, to raise you so splendidly... I will fill my wife's share of enthusiasm as she couldn't come here today."
"Otou-sama! Geez!"
Such lively family… to think about it… I also had these moment… once…
Then, her father came towards me. He then kneeled.
"My name is Zeoticus Gremory. It's a great honor to finally meet you in person, Vergil Sparda-sama"
I put my hand forward.
"No need for unnecessary formalities. Besides, I'm not that high of a being for you to kneel like that, so just… stand up"
I said as he stands up.
"I can't thank you enough for taking care of Rias. I thought to come greet you, but Sirzechs and I were busy with work, so it wasn't easy to find an opportunity. It seems this occasion was blessed by good luck. I want to talk, but this place is a bit conspicuous. Above all, the children are embarrassed. Would you mind if we talk at a more quiet place?"
"Very well", I replied.
He then extended his hand towards Kiba.
"Kiba-kun."
"Yes."
"Sorry, but could you lead us to a more quiet place?"
"Yes. Then, please follow me."
"Well then Rias. I'll come back after talking a bit. Sirzechs, can I leave the rest to you?"
"Yes, Otou-ue."
"Asia, Raynare, I'll be talking to Zeoticus for a bit, have fun in class OK?"
""Yes!"", they both agreed in unison
Sirzechs affirmed as he moved to Rias.
"Rias."
"What is it, Onii-sama?"
"There's something I wanted to talk about for a bit. Akeno-kun, would you mind coming along with us?"
"Yes."
Akeno-san affirmed. We parted ways, with me going with Kiba and Zeoticus to a new location
After a while, we stopped at a quiet Café near the Academy.
We ordered a table of three, Zeoticus and I sits opposite each other, Kiba on a middle seat, act as our bodyguard.
Having taken a seat, it was then Zeoticus asked me.
"Vergil-sama, do you remember the family you directly saved during that battle 2 years ago?"
…
Hmmm…
…
"To be honest, my mind are still a little bit hazy, but I do kind of remember about something like that"
…
Hold on…
…
*Flashback*
(The four members of the Gremory tried to say in unison)
"Y-you are…."
"GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE, GO!" (Vergil)
*Flashback end*
"… wait, were you…"
"Yes, it was us. Not just me, but also my wife, my daughter Rias and my grandson. You saved us, despite the on-going battle against those tyrants. Our lives are in debt to you. Thank you, Vergil-sama"
…
Why thank me? I don't even remotely deserve it…
"I just did it out of a whim, which I happened to see you four when I arrived. I don't deserve your gratitude", I said as I closed my eyes.
"Just like Rias said, despite your cold exterior, you possess a kind and humble heart. Such a thing is hard to find these days"
Huh, that I can agree with.
"To be honest, I was bewildered when you made your entrance at the engagement party. But that can't be compared when my son, Sirzechs came with the news of your identity"
"I already heard it from Sona, that not only the Gremory, but also the Sitri and the Phoenix households know about my identity"
"Yes, we shared with the Sitri household due to the relations between our children. Lord Phoenix happened to know along with me. Please do not worry, we'll safe guard your identity until you're ready"
"I don't know about the part of being ready, but thanks for the gesture"
"Thank you very much", he bowed his head.
Then, he looked at me, with unwavering eyes.
"Vergil-sama, I know that this might be rude to say again, but…"
He paused a bit.
"Speak away"
"Please take care of Rias, that girl can be rather selfish at times, but she is the kind and responsible daughter I'm proud of", he bowed again.
Seriously, stop with the bows, it really starts to get annoying.
…
After a short moment of silent, I said while looking up to the skies.
"I don't know for how long I can stay here, for there are uncertainties that still lurks around…"
Then, I moved to look back at him.
"… But, what I promised to your son, I will also promise to you: No scums will lay a finger on Rias as long as I'm around. That girl will get the happiness she deserves, you have my word"
"Thank you so much"
"Well, that aside, I do hope you learned your lesson from that mess"
"Ah yes… we indeed were the ones at fault for pushing our greed on our children. Rest assure, Vergil-sama, no more of those engagements will take place"
"Good", I said, closing my eyes.
It was then I stand up.
"Now then, let's go home, do you want to join us for dinner today?"
"Yes, it will be my honor"
He agreed as we paid for our drinks and left for home.
*Home*
"Hmmm, Asia has some good moments in the class", I said.
Even though it was super out of place.
"Hahahaha! Paying attention to a daughter's blossoming is a parent's duty after all!"
While drinking sake, Rias' father, Zeoticus Gremory, was heartily laughing. That person, after drinking sake, became a different cheerful person altogether. Anyone who had only seen his dandy side would find this hard to believe. Right now, the participants of this "Admiration meeting" were me, Zeoticus, Sirzechs and Grayfia, we all had dinner with the girls in the house before this. While gulping down sake, the two Gremory males were wholeheartedly commenting the video they shot of Rias, using the TV in the living room. I managed to have 3 videos, one per each girl, using the micro sensory bots I made yesterday.
Originally, I made these to compensate for my weakened "Elemental senses". As I'm currently weakened, the effective range of the ability got reduced drastically compare to how it was before. So right now, I have to use these bots as an alternative, they act as my eyes and ears throughout the town, alerting me of any significant trouble. The videos today were just out of pure coincidence.
As for Rias, who is sitting with Asia, Raynare and Mittelt on the other end of the living room.
"This is...a hell the likes of which hasn't been seen before..."
Her whole body is shaking while blushing madly. She's also praying 'End quickly, end quickly'. The other three on the other hand, were just blushing. They didn't know that I planted cameras. I'll apologize to them later, I did do that without saying anything after all.
Is it really that bad?
No…
I was only able to say that from my perspective, not hers.
"Please look! Our Ria-tan is raising her hand and answering Sensei's question!"
Sirzechs is commenting on his little sister's blossoming with a high tension.
Suddenly, Rias covered her face with her hands.
"I can't bear it! Onii-sama, you idiot!"
She shouted as she ran away.
SUPAN!
Sirzechs is knocked down by Grayfia's giant paper fan. Where did she get that?
Nevermind, I need to go to Rias, or else she's going to cry all night. Sirzechs and Zeoticus are drunk so it should be fine.
As I went upstairs, I find her sitting down in front of the door of my room, her cheeks puffed out.
"Do you want to enter my room?", I said and she nodded.
Immediately as I opened the door, she jumped right onto the bed, lying upside down.
…
"It seems that your father and I are getting along well", I said, trying to bring some life to her.
"...I know. I am happy too that my father and Vergil were talking happily."
I got a reply. That's good.
"Hey, Vergil."
"Hmmm?"
"Are you happy to have met me?", she asked as she continued.
"I am happy to have met Vergil. A life without you is impossible. Think of it as an honour. You hold a lot of space in my heart, you know?"
"It's not an honour"
"Eh?"
"It's a gift, a blessing even. One that I have come to be very grateful of", I said as Rias blushed. I then continued.
"To be honest… I still don't know why I am alive… That battle was supposed to be my final one, I was ready to pay for all the wrongs I did… but now… here I am, alive and filled with unanswered questions…"
"But there is one thing I feel certain of"
"What is it?", She asked.
"Whatever the answers are… no matter how hard they are to take in… I think… I can find and endure them all, walking with you"
Yeah, I said it, all that in my mind right now. I hope it's not something weird.
"…"
My mouth was suddenly closed. She had her arms around my neck, and with a chuu...I received a kiss?
GUH
Our tongues intertwinded for a moment, after doing that, I was pulled back by my neck, and the kiss that I felt would go deeper had ended. A thread of saliva was going though mine and Rias' mouth. She then made an expression of regret.
Our second kiss… So abrupted… Yet, I don't dislike it…
"...Uh."
The one who had pulled my neck back was Asia. She was teary eyed.
"Hey, Asia. Don't interrupt me when I am being affectionate with Vergil. Even though he seemed to be enjoying his long-awaited deep kiss that he was desiring... It's quite difficult to create opportunities, you know?"
I'm not exactly desiring it, in fact, I wasn't even expecting it.
"...Just... Buchou-san is unfair."
"The early bird gets the worm. I learned it in my battle against Akeno."
Such a weird thing to learn.
"You two, fighting isn't good. It's especially unwise in front of Vergil-sama."
After separating the two who were glaring at each other, Grayfia calmed them down.
"That's true, fighting isn't good."
Moreover, Sirzechs also entered my room. Was the admiration meeting over?
"I slipped out for a bit. There's something that I need to talk about again. Rias, it's the continuation of the talk from daytime."
What did they talk about when I was away?
"Let's talk about the other [Bishop]."
The other [Bishop]? One that is before Asia? This could be something else.
Author's note: For anyone asking, yes, I'm keeping Vali from the original DxD. I know that many of you are expecting Dante to appear along with the rivalry between the Sons of Sparda. I'm very sorry, but I'll have to say no to that, while that idea does have its' own perks, at least for me, I also find it to be a rather common trend in DMC fanfics, in which I do not want to repeat. Besides, Vali is too good of a Hakuryuukou to be thrown out of the window, so I'm gonna keep him, do not worry, it's not going to be the "What if this character interacted with Vali instead of Issei?" scenario. Every character will have some sort of specific relation with Vergil, might be different from their original template, but it'll be there, and Vali is no exception to this. I might consider making a wiki chapter of our MC after this volume while keeping the Bio at the beginning, just for the fun. Hope you all enjoy this chapter.
Next: The Hikikomori Dhampir.