It was the night of the party and Issei was waiting in the main hall for the others who were still getting ready. Issei was dressed in his Mystic Code that he wore to the factions meeting and was currently adjusting his collar to make sure that it was straight. Salter, who was with him, walked up to him and adjusted the collar to fix it. "Stop being nervous, Master. If the nobles can tell your uncertainty they will eat you alive," she warned.
"I know. Sorry. There's something about wearing fancy clothes that makes me more on edge," apologized Issei.
"You shouldn't worry too much," said Arthur (Prototype). "If anything, they will all be wary of you after your display at the young devils gathering."
"Don't remind me. Not only that, but the Gremorys are planning on announcing my and Rias' engagement, meaning anyone who was interested in her will be after me now," complained Issei.
"Do you regret it? Being with Rias I mean," asked Salter, somewhat rhetorically.
"Of course I don't. I'm just venting. If I can deal with Gilgamesh, then a couple of snooty brats will be the least of my worries."
"Don't forget that we will be there as well, for all of your safety of course," said Arthur (Prototype).
Issei smiled at his knight. "Thank you, both of you. While I can handle anyone who gets close to the girls, I can't be everywhere at once. So having help is always a plus."
"So what am I? Chopped liver?" said another voice coming from the stairs.
The trio looked up to see the person Issie arrived back with after he completed the Singularity, Bazett. "Of course I'm grateful to you as well, Bazett," said Issei with a smile.
Bazett walked down the stairs to meet them with a stoic look and a small smile. "Sheesh. Even when you're just being nice, I can only see it as you hitting on girls as you please."
"I don't want to be a playboy. If I think a girl is interested, then I'll go for it. If I think there's a possibility to start a relationship, then I'll go for it. I'm not gonna waste my time chasing every skirt I see just to increase the number, because the connection matters the most to me," said Issei resolutely.
"That still makes you sound like a playboy, but I know what you mean," said Bazett while shaking her head. "Anyways, the girls will be down momentarily. They're taking a bit longer since they're having some gossip like talk along with Miss Sitri's group who arrived earlier."
Issei nodded as he chatted with his Servants. Not long after, Saji appeared, dressed in a suit he was clearly not used to. He adjusted his collar similarly to how Issei did earlier. Once he saw Issei he waved in greeting. "Yo, Issei."
"Hey Saji. You don't look half bad," complemented Issei.
"I could say the same to you. You're wearing the same outfit as the Factions Meeting. It looks really fancy on you."
"Please, leave it at that. I already feel weird enough wearing this stuff. It feels different than if I wore a regular suit."
"Haha. Even you have things you can't handle, huh Hyoudou?" said Saji with a chuckle.
"Yeah, well, I'm only human after all," said Issei with a wry smile.
Saji seemed to have a difficult face when Issei said that. "Only human, huh…"
Issei gave Saji a curious look, guessing what he was thinking. "Do you regret it? Becoming a devil, I mean."
"N-no! Of course I don't! If I can help Sona-kaichou, then becoming a devil is a small price to pay!" he said vehemently.
"Heh! Well at least your heart is in it. I'm sure you've been putting in the work to not embarrass her at least, right?" Issei teased while raising an eyebrow.
"I, uh… What about you?! You haven't done anything to embarrass Rias-senpai, right?" Saji tried to weakly deflect.
Issei let a small chuckle escape him. "Of course I haven't, but that's what I'm worried about for this gathering. A lot is going to happen, and well, I already made an impression at the first gathering."
"Yeah… Not just anyone can threaten the council and walk away scott-free," said Saji nervously.
"Well, I'm sure those old men are planning something in the background. They seem like the type to do that. They're definitely not gonna be happy when my engagement to Rias is announced tonight."
"Wait! You're getting engaged to Rias, officially?!"
"Yeah. Seems like Venelana wants to push things forward in her own way. She thinks she's being more subtle since her husband has been pushing hard for me and Rias to get married, but we'll do things at our own pace. Though I don't mind doing this to stake my claim on Rias."
""Stake your claim", huh…"
"Heh, sure it sounds possessive, but when it comes to the women in your life you need to take steps like this to prevent someone else from coming in and trying to take them away. I've heard plenty of stories from my Servants about their various experiences with women, whether it's their own women or women they encountered in their lives, and I can tell you that when it comes to relationships, if you're negligent in dealing with your significant others it can all suddenly fall apart."
Saji had a stunned look at Issei's statement but then made a look of contemplation. "These things are more complicated than they appear."
"Yeah well, that's life for you. Anyways, how were your preparations for the match?"
"... It was hellish, that's for sure. I have to wonder what the hell is up with that guy. Doesn't he know the meaning of restraint?"
"Yeah, that's not how he rolls. But he only does it because he wants to bring the best out of people. Seems he took an interest in you and Sona-kaichou."
"I don't know if I should be happy about that or not…"
"Happy about what?" said a voice from the stairs.
The duo looked up to see the rest of the ORC and Student council coming down the stairs. The pair were stunned by their respective groups' attire as they walked down the stairs. Saji was staring at Sona while Issei was staring at the girls' dresses. In particular, Issei noticed Rias wearing the same red dress he got for her on their first date. He couldn't help but smile when seeing her. "*whistle* I'm at a loss for words, girls. I don't think any compliment could do you all justice," flattered Issei.
The girls blushed, even Koneko, which surprised Issei. "Ara Issei, you always know just what to say," said Akeno, clearly pleased.
As the girls got down the stairs Sona walked up to Saji, who was just silently staring at her. "Saji, is everything alright?" she questioned.
Her voice seemed to snap him out of it as he shook his head. "Y-yes! Everything is fine, Kaichou!"
Issei couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him as Saji glared at him. The others looked at the two in confusion, with the Servants just giving wry smiles. As the group was preparing to leave, they were stopped by a stern voice. "Ahem. Aren't you forgetting someone?"
Issei turned to see Jealter in a familiar dress that he saw the other version of her wear when he was in the last Singularity. "Jealter? Not that you don't look great, but why are you dressed up?"
"Ugh! Do I really have to spell it out? I'm coming too," she said slightly huffily.
"Master doesn't need any more security. Stay here," said Salter stoically.
"Don't tell me what to do, Ice Bitch Queen! If you're going, there's no way in hell I'm not!" Jealter bit back.
Ahhh… It's that again, huh. Honestly, these two are so… Issei thought to himself as he saw the usual rivalry between the two Alters. "Fine, you can come. On the condition that you don't cause trouble. That includes you, Salter," said Issei.
"M-Master?! Why me also?!" said Salter surprised.
"Because you like to stir the pot too. If you two can't behave, I'll leave you both here and get someone else."
That was enough to make them quiet. The two looked at each other and let out an annoyed "Tch," sound while looking away from each other. Issei just sighed and gestured for them to come along.
The group had arrived at a tall building that resembled a fancy hotel. Issei looked around expecting to see more people around the entrance since this was around the time the party was supposed to start. Rias seemed to see the questioning look on his face and decided to enlighten him. "Most of the adults are already here and have been for a couple of hours most likely. This is as much an exchange of dealings between families as it is a celebration of our ascension into the political world. No doubt they've already made talks about the future and what families should try to unite with what other families," she explained, looking exasperated at the last part.
Issei nodded in understanding and pat Rias' back to comfort her, getting a smile in return. "Well, then we shouldn't keep them waiting then. Shall we?" said Issei, gesturing towards the building. Everyone nodded and proceeded into the building. The groups had to take the elevator separately since there were so many of them, with Issei, Rias, Mash, Sona, Saji, Salter, and Jealter arriving first. As they entered the hall, they saw the various nobles talking amongst themselves and enjoying drinks that clearly were some type of alcohol. As they were busy looking around, the rest of the group arrived and joined them. Sona took her group and walked to another area of the hall while the ORC and Issei's Servants looked to Rias.
"Alright, you're all free to roam about as you like, but please be careful with your interactions with the other nobles. Remember that you represent the Gremory household. Make sure you speak to them respectfully, but don't feel like you have to accommodate them if they make requests of you," said Rias.
Issei addressed his Servents next. "Same goes for you guys as well. Make sure you're respectful when addressing the nobles, even if you're trying to protect the others. Refrain from overly brutal actions. That means you, Jealter," he said in a slightly serious but also joking tone.
Jealter wanted to say something, but she surprisingly kept her mouth shut. The others chuckled and split into groups. After they all left only Rias, Issei, and Bazett were left. The trio walked around as Rias and Issei greeted the various nobles. While doing so the other young devils' groups had arrived as well and started to mingle as well. As they were starting to head to the buffet, they ended up running into Sairaorg. "Long time no see, Rias. How is my dear cousin?"
Rias let a smile show at seeing him. "Hello Sairaorg. It's nice to see you as well. Things are fine. Not much of interest has happened."
"Oh, don't say that. I'm sure you've been training hard for your match tomorrow." Sairaorg turned his gaze to Issei. "And I'm sure whatever you have in store will surprise everyone. No doubt thanks to the Red Dragon Emperor here." Sairaorg extended his hand to Issei. "It's a pleasure to officially meet you. I'm Sairaorg Bael, of the Bael clan, and Rias' cousin."
Issei nodded and shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Hyoudou Issei. I'm here representing Chaldea, as well as supporting Rias as her loving boyfriend," he said with a wry smile.
Rias blushed at that while looking happy and Sairaorg showed an amused smirk. "I see. Seems you weren't exaggerating about your relationship with him, Rias."
"You think I would lie? I'm hurt Sairaorg," said Rias in mock offense.
"Of course not, but you can't blame me for being wary of any of your partners after your, last engagement."
Issei showed a kind smile. "That's understandable. It's nice to know there's someone else also looking out for her."
"My position prevented me from interfering with her previous engagement, but I was always wary of Riser. Honestly, I was thinking of interfering if Riser was mistreating Rias too much, even at the risk of my position. But a certain dragon stepped in and prevented that from even happening to begin with," said Sairaorg in an amused tone.
"Oh? I wonder who this mysterious dragon could be?" said Issei jokingly, causing the three to share a laugh. "Still, it's comforting to know Rias wasn't completely on her own in that situation. I think we'll get along well, although I just want to give you a piece of advice." Sairaorg quirked an eyebrow in interest. "Don't be so quick to throw yourself into adulthood. I've been where you're trying to go, and it's not as pleasant or as simple as you think it is."
"You're referring to what I said about fighting the Khaos Brigade?" asked Sairaorg.
"Yes. Although I have a feeling you'll be involved in it whether you want to or not."
"As I thought, your eyes tell me that you have the look of an experienced veteran, despite being younger than me."
"Yes, although it wasn't by choice. It was because it was my only option to save myself and my friends,"
Sairaorg stared at Issei a bit, examining his expression. He had seen many people who have gone through many different experiences and was able to tell that Issei shared an expression of someone who had been through war. "I see. While I appreciate the advice, I have my own reasons why I can't slow down."
Issei stared at Sairaorg now, seeing the look of determination on his face. He then gave a small smile and shook his head. "Looks like I can't convince you, but that's fine. If you need advice or help, don't hesitate to ask."
"You'd be willing to help me?"
"Of course. Not just because you're Rias' family, but because I don't want someone to experience the same tragedies I've experienced."
"Well, then I'll be counting on you, Senpai."
"Hehe, just Issei is fine. While I'm used to being called Senpai, it's weird when someone who's older than me calls me that. Especially since you look like you should be the more experienced one."
"Well, I think we both know looks can be deceiving."
"Man, you have no idea," said Issei with an exasperated smile, causing a look of curiosity to come across Sairaorg's face, and a knowing smile from Rias'.
The three chatted a bit more before going their own ways, with Rias, Issei, and Bazett continuing to the buffet. Once they got their food, they went to a table to the side to chat and eat. As they were they were approached by Seekvaira Agares. "Hello Rias. It's been a while."
"Hey Seekvaira. Long time no see. How have things been?" greeted Rias.
"There's no reason to be so formal Rias. Why don't you call me Seek-chan like when we were kids?" she said with a small smile, causing Rias to blush in embarrassment.
"C-c'mon Seekvaira. That was years ago."
Issei let out an amused chuckle. "What's wrong with that? I think it's kinda cute," said Issei teasingly.
Rias blushed at Issei while Seekvaira stared at Issei a bit cautiously. "And you are the Sekiryuutei, correct? What exactly is the relationship between you and Rias?"
Issei couldn't help but hold back a laugh for the cliche line Seekvaira said. Once he gathered himself, he looked at her calmly. "I'm her boyfriend," he said clearly. Rias, as if to support his claim, hooked her arm around his and leaned on his shoulder with a smile.
Seekvaira had a surprised look, as did others who noticed the couple so close together. She looked at their expressions and eventually seemed to nod in acceptance. "I see. Well, you better take care of her. If I find out you've made her cry I won't forgive you."
Issei showed a wide smile, before looking at Rias. "It's good to know you have all these people supporting you. Honestly, I was a bit worried when you told me about your previous engagement. You made it sound like nobody was supporting you."
"W-well, it's not something they could have easily interfered with," said Rias defensively and a bit embarrassed.
"It's true. It's not like there was anything I could do, being an unrelated party. That's why, let me extend my gratitude towards you for helping my friend," said Seekvaira with a small bow.
"There's no need to thank me. I just helped someone in need. Plus, I got a smoking hot chick as my girlfriend, so I think I already got my reward," he said with a wry smile, with Rias also looking at him wryly.
Seekvaira also smiled wryly. "Well, at least you don't hide your intentions."
"It has its place but, in my opinion, it just wastes time when there's no tension between groups."
"But aren't you at odds with the council right now?"
"Well, that's up for debate right now, but I don't see what that has to do with us?"
"I see. So, you separate the council and the families."
"I don't do generalizations. It's easier to talk in generals but it's not very effective in practice, at least, not in my experiences," Issei said while making a hand gesture that was as if he was waving away the idea.
"You truly are a strange one, but I don't dislike that," said Seekvaira.
"Don't go getting any ideas, Seekvaira. Issei is already mine," said Rias playfully.
"I wouldn't dream of stealing your boyfriend, Rias. Not after how hard you worked to choose your own partner."
Rias smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Seek-chan. I was joking a bit though. If you're interested in him, I'll let you pursue him if you want. It's his dream to be the Harem King after all."
"Harem… King?" repeated Seekvaira, clearly confused.
"That's right. It's Issei's dream to have a harem full of girls who love him. I wanted to be with him fully knowing that, and I don't regret it," Rias said with a smile, causing Issei to slightly blush.
"I-I see. You do seem happy, so I don't think I have any room to say anything. It's not like it's abnormal for devils to have harems anyways but, I never thought you would date that type of guy."
"Well, normally those types of guys are usually scumbags or skeevy in some type of way. But Issei is simply honest and has never made a move on us that would make any of us uncomfortable. Honestly, he's only been getting bolder recently. Him gaining more girls has helped to boost his confidence. With that said, there's always room for more if you're ever interested," Rias said suggestively.
Seekvaira blushed slightly but kept her composure. "A, nice offer, but I think I'm fine."
"Oh well. The offer is always there," Rias said while chuckling slightly. "By the way, Seek-chan. Do you still build models like before?"
"Models?" asked Issei.
"I build miniature models in my spare time," explained Seekvaira.
"Like gunpla?"
Seekvaira immediately reacted to Issei's inquiry, eyes basically sparkling. "You know about them?!"
"Y-yeah. I also build them in my spare time, although I haven't had much time to myself recently," said Issei, a bit taken aback by her intensity.
"How many have you built?! What models are you interested in?! Can I see what you've made?!" Seekvaira shot off her questions in rapid succession.
"Easy there, Seek-chan! You're overwhelming Ise," said Rias, coming to her boyfriend's rescue.
"Ah! Sorry, I lost my composure."
"It's fine. You're not the first person I've dealt with who had intense interest in their hobbies. Actually, I think I know someone who you would get along great with," said Issei.
"R-really?"
Issei nodded before looking around to see if anyone was looking at them. Once he figured it was good he cast perception concealment. Then when that was done Issei summoned a Servant, which surprised Seekvaira. The one who appeared was a pale woman with long white hair and a somewhat revealing outfit. Her features were flawless. So much so that one would think she was a sculpture. The woman turned to Issei with a stoic look. "Hello Master. Is there something you need?"
"Hey Galatea. There's someone here I want you to meet," Issei said, gesturing to Seekvaira. "This is Seekvaira, a childhood friend of Rias'. She has a hobby of building models, and I figured you two would probably hit it off."
Galatea looked at Seekvaira, a sparkle in her eyes similar to Seekvaira's earlier. "You like to create models?"
"Y-yes. It's an interest I've had since I was little," said Seekvaira with a bit of apprehension.
"I see. You clearly have the soul of an artist. Shall we talk about the kinds of models you've made?" suggested Galatea. Seekvaira seemed to get excited as she nodded her head rapidly. Galatea looked at Issei. "Master, I'll be going for a bit."
Issei nodded at her with a smile. "Yep, have fun." With a nod the pair left.
After a while Akeno came to Issei and Rias and the two girls left to go greet more of the nobles. Once they were gone it was just Issei and Bazett, so they decided to wander a bit. Issei happened to see Tannin outside and went to the balcony to greet him. After they talked and caught up, Tannin went to go talk to some other nobles and the duo returned inside. When they got inside Issei was called out by an unexpected person. "I've found you, Issei-sama."
Issei turned around a bit confused on who would call him "sama", only to find Ravel and one of Riser's peerage standing there. Issei made a pleasantly surprised face at seeing them. "Oh, if it isn't the Little Bird. Not only that but you're here as well. I think your name was, Isabela, right?"
"Right. I'm glad you remembered me, Issei-sama," said Isabela with a bow.
"W-what's with that nickname? Why do you keep calling me that?"
"What? You don't like it?" he said while flashing her a smile, causing the blonde to blush. He then looked at her masked bodyguard. "And of course I wouldn't forget you. It's been a while since I found someone who could give me a good challenge like that. I would love to spar with you again."
Isabela showed a small smile. "I would like that as well. In that case-" Isabela walked to Issei and handed him a paper. When he looked at it, he saw a magic circle similar to Rias' that the peerage handed out, except this one had an emblem of a Phoenix on it. "Please use this to call me whenever you get the chance. I'll happily be your partner," she said with a wink.
"Hey hey, when you say it like that, it sounds like you're hitting on me," Issei said with a wry smile.
"Think of it however you wish," she said, neither confirming nor denying.
"Aren't you one of Riser's women? Should you be hitting on other guys like this?" asked Issei a bit curiously.
"Riser-sama has been different after his loss to you. Now he only really spends time with his Queen whenever he is with the peerage. Of course, that was after he finally left his room after hiding there for so long. Honestly, it seems like he developed some kind of trauma from being defeated by you and Rias-sama. While Yubelluna-sama has been trying to mend his heart, it seems that it will take some time. Not to mention whether or not he will be the same when he recovers."
"No offense, but I hope he becomes better when he recovers, otherwise I might have to traumatize him again until he understands," said Issei, a bit annoyed.
Isabela had a wry smile at that while Ravel seemed to be worried. "P-please don't do that Issei-sama. I'll make sure Onii-sama doesn't fall down that path again!"
"Well, if he honestly repents and changes then I won't have a problem with him. It's not like he's the most despicable person I've ever met," said Issei as if he was joking.
"Thank you for your understanding, Issei-sama," said Ravel with a bow.
"You know, you don't have to keep calling me with "sama". Just Issei is fine."
"I can't do that," she said sternly, which caught Issei off guard. "I must admit, I gained a great amount of respect for you after the Rating Game with my brother, and I have been keeping track of your exploits as well."
"Ehhh? You've been spying on me?" said Issei with a teasing smile.
"Sp-spying is not the right word. I've just been… trying to keep up to date with recent events," Ravel tried to deflect with a blush.
"Heh, seems the Little Bird has found a nice place to perch and see everything, huh."
"W-w-where exactly do you think I'm perching?! And stop calling me that!"
"What? You don't like it? It's a shame. I thought it matches you perfectly," Issei said in mock disappointment.
Ravel's blush intensified as she looked away somewhat defiantly. "W-well if Issei-sama says that, then I guess it can't be helped. I'll allow Issei -sama to call me that."
"Well, thank you very much," said Issei with a sly smile.
"So, are you here to create connections with the other nobles?" asked Ravel.
"Well, it's not my goal, but if it happens then I have no complaints. I'm here to support Rias," replied Issei casually.
"Of course. I guess that was the obvious answer," said Ravel with a hint of jealousy.
"Is that jealousy I hear?" teased Issei.
"W-w-what are you saying?! Why would I be jealous?!"
"Hey, there's no reason to react like that right?" he asked with an almost knowing smile causing the girl's blush to deepen even more. As he was enjoying teasing her, Issei noticed Koneko in his peripheral vision with a distressed look and clearly following something. Issei's look immediately turned serious as he looked at Bazett. Her expression looked reluctant, but she sighed and nodded. Issei looked back to Ravel and Isabela. "Sorry, but it looks like we'll have to finish this conversation later. Seems there's something else that needs my attention right now."
The pair saw the look on Issei's face and got the message that it was important. "I see. Well, it's a shame but it can't be helped. Until next time Issei-sama," said Ravel with a bow. Isabela also bowed and Issei gave them a smile before heading off after Koneko.
Party Time! This part was about what I expected it to be, just Issei talking and getting introduced to various characters. I made hints to various relationships I'm toying around with but nothing is set in stone yet, so I'll leave it to your imagination of who will join the harem. But there's not much to say about this chapter outside of more filler before the next fight for me. I look forward to the comments as always. ; )