Chapter 11.
Prepare your mind as much as your sword.
The way to the park is packed with people enjoying a cool Monday morning. I have not received a text from Murayama yet, so I don't know what is going on there. Money, however, needs to be considered. Stray hunts only last so long, and I need to hide more from the Himejima. I have no idea when Suzaku takes over, but till then, if it happens, I need to disappear as much as possible from them. I don't want to use Astaroth money yet. I'm surprised when I catch something very unusual. It's Issari, and who she is with is crazy. It's Murayama. The two are giggling at each other over something. Murayama smiled, catching sight of me, as did Issari, who waved me over.
I approached them, and Issari beamed at me with a gigantic grin. Murayama does, too. I'm still confused about them, but Issari guessed the question.
"Gregor-kun! The answer is we ran into each other earlier and started talking. Murayama-san is cool and is kind of cultured, unlike you!"
They giggled evilly together there as Murayama confirmed it.
"Issari-san is funny, Gregor-kun, and isn't anything like I expected. We are similar, and she likes swordsmen, too! I have been telling her of one at Kuoh called Kiba-kun. He's so dreamy."
They both sighed together as I shook my head at them. Murayama asked me as she and Issari unconsciously followed behind me.
"What are you doing today, Gregor-kun?"
Issari looked interested in the answer, too.
"Right now, I'm getting ready to run with my cousin. Then, I plan on doing a couple of things later tonight."
Before Issari could make a hint of her accompanying me, Murayama smiled wide.
"Is it alright if I meet your cousin Gregor-kun? You seemed extremely defensive of her Saturday. She must be very important to you."
Shit, Rias might go after Issari there. Maybe she might go after Murayama, too. Issari doesn't get the hesitation here and just plowed through, still a little rusty with social cues.
"I'd like to meet your cousin again properly, Gregor-kun! She seemed fun, but with our first encounter, I didn't get to know her well."
I smile my new trademark smile smirk, and I will get my revenge on her later.
"Of course, just follow me. We are going out to lunch after, so you can pay for it, Issari-chan. I'm still on my budget till Wednesday when my next paycheck comes in."
Fucking rat, suffer this way. I also need to get off that for less of a paper trail for the Himejima. Issari did get the memo, thankfully. Murayama beams, not getting the hidden stuff, and Issari apologizes with her eyes. I don't take it as we move towards the park together, and I hide the tension the pervert started.
"How has Katase-san been Murayama-chan?"
Murayama grew a bit more confident about that.
"She is alright. Still a bit sore from her loss, but she does say she is now sorry for her implication last Saturday."
Katase still has no sympathy from me.
"I will accept it fully when she apologizes to me publicly along with my cousin and Issari-chan."
Murayama understands before growing certain about something.
"I will make her apologize. You were not unreasonable the whole time. I want you to join the Kendo club. You could help us a lot and hopefully get us a win on the circuit. Our previous captains started preparing us for this year once we lost last year."
Issari prepared to pledge to help if she could, but us getting to the park and meeting Rias and Akeno by a park bench stopped that. Rias is not looking at Issari at all she is focusing solely on me. Akeno is wearing her teasing smile at her king and did raise an eyebrow with Issari, and Murayama. I stare down my cousin in warning. She takes the hint but promises me with a slight sadistic look that I don't back down on. Murayama widened her eyes at Akeno, and Rias as Akeno waved at us.
"Gregor-kun, it's good to see you. Hello again, Issari-san. I don't believe I have met the other one. Why don't you introduce us?"
I keep my smirk and reply.
"This is my new friend Murayama-chan. She and I met at the dojo last week and hit it off. Murayama-chan, this is my cousin Akeno and her friend Rias. Issari behave."
Issari had done just that, making Akeno amused, and Murayama couldn't seem to blame her new friend. Rias sighed dreamily at me, making Issari snicker. Murayama got a little angry but didn't start things off on the wrong foot. Akeno watched that like a hawk before getting a smirk similar to mine.
"My baby cousin is a ladies' man. First Rias and now a beautiful woman like Murayama-san. When will you stop? Probably when you get them all chasing you."
Please no. I don't want the universe to punish me. Don't tease them like that. Rias stopped her glances at me. She looked up and down at Murayama and then grew calculating. Issari joins in tormenting me with snickers that set off Akeno, who starts fufufuing at my expense. Murayama gave Rias the same calculating look before they grabbed onto one of my arms. Issari snickers with louder fufufuing from Akeno as Rias whispers.
"I'm head wife. She can be there, but I'm in charge."
Murayama whispered into my other ear.
"I'm going to win here as you're better than Kiba-kun."
The two new rivals now stare each other down, with Rias pouting at me, as does Murayama. Akeno keeps being a bad cousin, and Issari keeps being a shit friend. I promise them both additional pain for this, especially Issari because this is her fault. My beat down of her will be legendary. Issari is too busy snickering to see the promise of pain for her. Akeno is, however, still fufufuing and started the walk/run. The two rivals don't leave me and pull me along the way. Issari and Akeno fall into a discussion on the school as Murayama just watched her new rival. Rias was now more determined to win, and that makes this worse. She will focus more on this than on making herself stronger.
"Murayama-chan, I think you might be able to catch up to Katase-san fast. You're decently strong at the blade."
Rias grew even more determined as Akeno smiled and fufufus again. Murayama clearly took pride there.
"I will with you helping me Gregor-kun. I do hope you get into the school. We could use you on the team."
Rias gets angry.
"He can also do well in my club. Gregor-kun has a great mind, and that will get him far."
They glared at each other, lightning sparking between their eyes. I now promise pain to Akeno for this. She shivered in her way and then smiled wider. Issari shivered and started being more of a menace. The walk was turning up as we continued. Murayama replied with a very unimpressed look at Rias.
"Gregor-kun is a natural with the blade. His talent would be nurtured there. What even does your club do chase ghosts? Those are not real, and he would become a legendary swordsman in my club."
Rias is unimpressed by the barb.
"The club that failed so badly at last year's opening season is definitely going to grow his talents. Gregor-kun could probably, with his mind, prove that ghosts are real beyond doubt."
Murayama winced at the shot before the two rivals continued their barbs for the next ten minutes of the walk, making me prepare waterfall tears. Issari was huffing in amusement with Akeno's fufufuing. Rias is now very much against Murayama, and the swordswoman feels the same way. The barbs get more deadly, and Akeno asks me something.
"Does Issari-san have any idea of what club she will want to join? I think she and I can get along famously. Aren't you two kind of a package deal?"
Issari is torn between swordswomen on one hand and Akeno on the other. She gets dreamy-eyed, making me want to beat down my cousin. Rias and Murayama immediately offered Issari a chance to join their clubs, and I finally saw what she had done there. Make the competitive natures of both rise and give Issari more choices and another angle to push me on. Smart rat cousin. You'd fit in with the Skaven. Imagining Akeno getting chased by dwarves with massive axes while dressed as a Skaven makes me happy. Issari, however, shows her brains.
"I think I'll have to get back to you on that, Rias-san. Murayama-san. I might try out for the engineering club. I do want to learn that."
Kiss ass, you're not getting away from my wrath Issari. That made Akeno guess my sin as she smirked darkly.
"I'm that way too, Gregor-kun. I remember them. You'd think it was the other one, but it's not."
Wow. I didn't expect that, but it's understandable with the Himejima. Rias and Murayama continued glaring at each other, and Akeno then asked as we passed by an arcade.
"Does my new friend in Issari-san know Gregor-kun? She has to know eventually."
Akeno is officially the queen of the rats, with the king probably being Rizevim. Akeno is not getting her missed birthday presents there. Issari watched her new potential friend with caution. That answers the question for Akeno, who gets a wider smile. I will make them both suffer. Issari will get her beat down tomorrow. Akeno, however, will get it starting now.
"You are very arrogant for someone in tickle range, Keno. I'll make it worse for you if you don't just keep fufufuing. I'm sure someone would like to help me there."
Akeno giggled, happy at the threat. Rias and Issari get excited for very different reasons as Murayama giggles at the threat. That breaks the tension between the rivals, for now. We settled into a better walk before we stopped at a restaurant. Issari paid for it, and I made my displeasure known to her by ordering steak. She tears up there, but my eyes promise more pain to come. Akeno does corner me near the end of the meal close to the bathrooms.
"Your friend. Is she being considered for your possible future peerage?"
I narrowed my eyes.
"She might be. Keep Rias away from her. She is not meat."
Akeno doesn't look intimidated.
"Noted. Rias is all on board the marriage train and is considering begging her brother to get you granted the set as another way to convince you of her. Your status could make the other party back off from the deal. They aren't as invested in it as they could be. If it were Heniya, they would get the trait they desire. I still support you, but this could help us. I won't say anything to Rias about your friend. I'm also almost sorry about them. It's funny, and this could help Rias if you say no."
I promise she will suffer.
"You have earned a major grudge here. I will have my revenge by helping Issari get you for throwing me to the wolves."
Akeno grew happier.
"I like both, and your friend is fun. She and I can probably torture you better together anyway, so by all means, help her. She is one of us and just hasn't realized it yet. Kinda like you."
Hold up, wait a minute! The glare increased now, and Akeno smiled her sadistic grin.
"You will see. I'm good at knowing that and haven't been wrong yet. I said you're kind of that way. Enough is there, but you are not the full deal, the same with your friend."
You are wrong about me. Wrath is bad enough as a problem; I don't need sadism there, either. I just glare down at my cousin, making her smirk.
"She should still train. I'm not convinced about her yet, and I'm still young. Favors won't win me over."
Akeno kept her smirk.
"I told her that, but she is desperate to prove that she can provide you with any and all advantages. It's noble thinking there. Rias might be a romantic, but she knows you could have a better pick of stronger people and a heiress. She will do the hard work of getting you."
She won't win if she tries to bribe me. Koriel smacked me in my soul before I glared at her, too. She just whacked me again, telling me to stop being stubborn and accept the redhead. Get access to the system and then learn everything about it. I whacked her area back and growled to her no. That started an internal fight, and we continued that till we got back to the table. Thankfully, it was not destroyed by the rivals. They instead look smug on something. Issari was weeping seeing how much lunch had cost her. I punished her further by ordering another steak and fish. Akeno fufufuing there while Rias and Murayama kept watching each other. I didn't want to know what they were smug about, but another whack in my soul hurt, and I just decided to ignore my partner. She kept whacking at me, and I kept ignoring her. As Issari wept waterfall tears at the price of lunch, I whispered in her ear.
"This has just begun. You are a bad dragon and will be punished for making my life worse."
Issari tears up more and shakes before begging me with her eyes for mercy.
"I'm a good dragon. I just wanted to see pretty cousin. Machine God, please help me."
The Machine God is amused at the sight. He says to her that this is her problem. As we left, Rias and Murayama reattached themselves to me, making it harder to move because of the new steak and fish leftovers. That makes Akeno happier than ever. Issari cried crocodile tears as I'm winning the supposed game here, which is not happening. Rias promised me something in my left ear.
"I'm the better choice. My Lord of Iron will get the Gremory library if he says yes to me."
That's tempting, but no, as Murayama says to me in my other ear.
"I'm adventurous. I'll do and try new things for my brave swordsman. You don't need her."
Murayama, don't say that you might regret this later, and with me being a perpetual, there is little chance of us getting together. I sighed because this day is now shit, thanks to stupid horny lizards. Issari whimpered her sadness here, and it fed Akeno, making her break the mask. She smiled evilly and licked her lips as we left the restaurant. The standoff between the two increased to another level, with the two rivals busy glaring. I want to strangle Akeno for this.
Our walk and my torture mostly ended when we got back to the park. There, Rias promised war to Murayama with her sea-green eyes. Murayama doesn't back down, and I give her credit. Akeno smirked her pleasure, causing this for me while Issari was now begging me for forgiveness. The two devils say their goodbye and leave. Once they are gone, Murayama speaks up.
"I can't believe you're related to the onee-sama of the school. No wonder you defended her so much from Katase. She will now really try to get in good with you. The redhead is just her hanger-on."
Yes and no. Rias is the king, but it seems that Akeno wears the pants in their relationship. Actually, that's probably accurate with most monarchs come to think about it. Koriel whacked me extremely hard, and I groaned as she growled at me.
"Get the set and gather knowledge, you stupid bitch. Accept the redhead, and you can get us what we want. You with your stupid hair color and me with knowledge. Do this and make our eternal life easier. She will live long enough for us. You can get vengeance on your cousin by making her realize that she failed to torture you. Do. It. Now."
I growled a fuck you to her before answering Murayama.
"I didn't know she was that. Her friend is ok Murayama-chan. She just has a problem that's not easily solved. What were you and she smiling about when I got back?"
Murayama smiled mysteriously there, as Issari was now crying softly because her wallet was missing so much money. Murayama looked at me with that smile.
"Oh, that. She offered something that I might take. However, I believe that you will make the correct decision with me. Even if you don't, I won't hold too much of a grudge against you. You're a good man, Gregor-kun. I get that more with what Issari-chan has shared with me about you. You saw past the thing and gave her a chance like how you did with me despite Katase doing her fit. I don't think that you are a bad person. Just stuffy. Issari-chan, cheer up. I would like to spar more with you, too."
Issari brightened horribly at the new honorific, feeding the dragon there. As for the offer, don't take it, Murayama. It's a trap! Koriel whacked again, and I wanted to groan openly. She snarled at me and called me a massive bitch again. Just take the offer of a redhead waifu! Abuse being a noble.
While Koriel and I struggled internally, Issari bounced, making Murayama laugh, and she promised something.
"I'll duel you whenever Murayama-chan! I need practice and could use a senpai! Please be it!"
Murayama laughed at the enthusiastic reply.
"I'll happily be your senpai! We can beat down these perverts you told me about that told that horrible lie about you. You're a pervert, but I understand you more. Maybe you can help me get an advantage on the redhead!"
Issari giggled, thinking of beating down the perverted duo. That set off Murayama and, finally, me. I really want to beat down the size scouter. The three of us enjoyed that together, and that was where Katase stumbled upon us. She was dressed casually for the weather with a short-sleeve brown shirt and jeans. She nervously looked at me and then Issari. Katase also looked at me with lust before it disappeared as she started the branch to Issari right.
"Brown hair-san, I'm sorry. I was wrong about you. Gregor-san, I will apologize to her again, along with your cousin at the school. I am sorry for my implication. You're not a pervert. Please don't hate me for my mistake. I asked around more and found that you were right."
She said that which made Murayama beam at her friend. Issari smiled and then said to Katase, who felt a bit better now.
"I will help beat down perverts who go too far! I know their tricks and can help catch them for the four of us, plus anyone from your club! I forgive you!"
Katase looked both extremely happy to beat down actual perverts and a little disturbed that Issari knows how they think. I shake my head at her.
"I still don't like you much, Katase-san, but Murayama-chan has tried for my friend, so I will try for hers. I accept the private apology. Just don't assume things of others that way again if possible."
Katase was still a bit bitter and angry before the lust returned and was directed at me fully. Issari was about to be a bad friend again, but a flash of warning from me made her remember the pain of her empty wallet. Murayama saw Katase do her thing, too, but she smiled.
"Mine. You had your chance I will win the game. No red or pink hair will stop me!"
Machine God, damnit. Katase grew determined there; as Issari wanted to hit me and cry happy tears because I was 'winning' the game, Katase replied to her friend.
"He will get the strongest swordswoman. This man, who is like a real samurai, come again. He who knows honor and the way of the warrior. You will fail, Mura. I will rise!"
The two new friends\rivals now watched each other with hawk-like precision. Murayama smiled mysteriously again. I slowly back away from that, and Issari does too. I said quickly.
"Bye Murayama-chan! Bye, Katase-san. I will try to get to the dojo when I can. Busy week and all."
I ran fast, and at the same time, Koriel punched me deep into my soul. Issari followed behind me, and we fled from the swordswomen. Katase, I noticed, smiled dreamily at me along with Murayama. Issari followed like a good lizard, and once we were farther away, she begged.
"Please forgive me, Gregor-kun! I'm a good dragon! Please teach me how to get them all!"
You stupid lizard, it's not that. It's the fucking universe and anime logic for a main character, and I'm not that! You must be as Akeno says you are, as Issari kept begging.
"Let me have the pink one, Gregor-kun! She is sexy and can help me! You have Murayama-chan! Let me win, too!"
I growled back at her.
"Take the pink one. Just beat her down, you idiot. It's really that simple, but you're a bad gecko. I wanted to die, and you fed my stupid sadistic cousin. You helped form a rivalry over me."
When I got home, Issari immediately froze at the edge of the property before I dragged her onto it. She squinted at the weird feeling as I keyed her into the wards. She relaxed, and I entered the house to find Kuroka wasn't sleeping. She was actually playing another strategy game, and I'm sad because this one is going out of existence soon.
Despite being deep in a match, Kuroka perked up at the smell of fish. She turned towards us hungry, and I, still lost in memories, spoke up.
"Don't mind us. Issari is just getting punished for creating evil. No cat for you!"
Issari wept, getting on her knees, and wrapped herself around my legs.
"Nooooooooooooo. I need the cat Gregor-kun! How else am I supposed to win! You have your redhead let me have the cat! I'll give you anything you want except this!"
Kuroka is weirded out here. I don't have sympathy for Issari because she potentially created a fan club. I feed wrath now.
"This isn't about winning, you iguana girl! This is your punishment for making a new love triangle for me. I will beat you black and blue for making me suffer. I just wanted to see pretty cousin you said. Well, you did, but you lost my roommate. Actions have consequences, Issari. This is yours."
Issari wept more as Kuroka enjoyed two idiots torturing each other. She smiled a Cheshire grin, but Issari wasn't deterred.
"I need the purrs! The other catgirl hates me! Please, Gregor-kun, anything but this! I'll buy you any porn you want! All the redheads you could ever desire! Just please don't punish me this way!"
I growled back at the pervert while simultaneously getting more pissed because Koriel is now punching me harder each second.
"I don't care you dolt. I don't need porn when science is more productive and useful. You made my partner mad, thus making me mad because she is taking potshots at my soul!"
Kuroka looked up, hearing I had a partner, as Issari wept further. The gauntlet returned, and Ddraig supported me.
"Green man is in the right here, partner. You are indeed the gecko."
I turn my wrath on this kiss-ass dragon.
"You have no right not to be the gecko, you horny fuck! You deserve to have your waifu kill you constantly! You broke our world, and you suffer along with her!"
Ddraig wept alongside his host's new tears at the brutal words. The ultra-comfort and support started again for them as they went to a corner of the living room and cried together. Kuroka, however, was amused by their suffering, and she begged me with her eyes for the fish. I gave her the fish and rice.
"All fish from this moment on comes from Issari. This is part of her punishment. No cat and extra empty wallet along with multiple beat downs. I don't need a fucking fan club! You possibly started one, Issari, and I will make you the target of that, too, if you continue being bad."
Issari wept more tears now while Kuroka shivered at the dreaded words. Fan girls and or boys are the bane of many. Kuroka brightens up more, knowing she is going to get fish straight from Issari's pockets. She then gorges herself on the fish and rice as Issari weeps, curling into a ball. My wrath is fed now before asking my roommate.
"You have that list? I need money now, and we will need a bigger place eventually. I also need to get myself into that school. Stop crying, you iguana, and tell me where the signups for the school are. You lose a small part of the grudge here."
Kuroka nodded and handed me the list from a pocket spell while still eating fish. I took the list and looked it over, and I noticed I have three other targets besides the tengus I think I can fight: another gear user, a newish rook who is troublesome, and their comrade in a dryad who is a bishop.
Issari got up, and her face begged for pity. I don't have much for her, but Kuroka apparently feels something there.
"Chestnut is ok to keep chasing me nya. Just won't be easy. I'm not that type of girl despite the front nya. She is getting stronger."
Issari brightened up and then fist-pumped the air. I shake my head at Kuroka and her last chance to escape the dragon completely. Kuroka smiles at me, and I see the hidden game. Koriel punched me so hard and deeply into my soul that I groaned and fell face-first into the carpet. Issari and Kuroka looked extremely worried and confused as Koriel barked out from the ring.
"Just accept your destiny being a noble, you grox humper! Get your damn redhead and me knowing the system! Do it now, or I will keep punching you into the ground for three decades! I want knowledge, and you will get it all!"
I groan into the carpet. Kuroka is surprised because she didn't expect my partner to be vocal, especially given the last few days. Issari fist-pumps the air again.
"Listen to your partner Gregor-kun! You can be less grim and grumpy! Fulfill your destiny and get the redhead who wants you desperately! Then I can have the cat!"
Kuroka was just amused as she laughed at my misfortune, and I groaned again. It hurts, but not as much as the gene application itself. I slowly get up but get knocked down again by another punch, landing with an ooof. Kuroka takes pity on me, while Issari is now the happy one.
"You can't outrun this redhead, nya. I'd listen to your partner. You're being stubborn for stubborn sake nya. I'm not pleased about it, but I can work with this. Should be easier for us if you just accept nya."
Issari beams at something.
"I know what they were smiling over! Forgive the grudge, and I'll spill. I'll still get you fish because I need to prove I'm strong too!"
I groaned again as Koriel punched me again.
"Everything you're worried about can be fixed by just accepting her! A bigger place, with money, connections, and new knowledge! Just get your damn redhead! Make her earn it, but say yes, you troglodyte!"
Oh, it hurts. I'm curious about what they were smug about. I asked Kuroka to get my laptop so I could do the school application. The cat did as asked, her tails wagging as she got her fish. I finally asked Issari when the cat was gone.
"What were they smug about? The grudge will be somewhat forgiven."
Issari beams.
"She offered Murayama-chan a chance at monetary compensation for you. Murayama-chan said no. She then offered something different. Murayama-chan said no again. Finally, she said this was not over before she wrote something on a napkin and gave it to Murayama-chan. The whispering that followed was intense, and Murayama-chan seemed interested, but I don't know what it was. Please let me off the hook!"
She probably offered a harem. Koriel punched me again as Kuroka returned with the computer. She sets it on the table and then returns to eating the fish. Koriel growls at me to accept before I finally cave.
"Fine, you stupid technophile! I'll accept her! Just stop punching me and let me earn my own fucking money! I'll message her stop making it hurt! I might be that, but I don't want this!"
Issari clapped, as did Ddraig and Koriel. Kuroka shrugged and kept eating fish.
"You're getting a harem. I made peace with that earlier myself, but my mate deserves to be treated better than ever because you give up so much for others nya. Be selfish more."
I don't want that! Issari looked at me in awe for this, which is the wrong thing to do. I silently open the computer to get this done, with Issari showing me the site. I started the application with Murayama, and her words made more sense. Koriel got ready to punch again when after I did my application, and I tried to renege on my promise. I reluctantly text Akeno to have Rias meet me at the park in a half hour. The punch does come as Koriel growled.
"That's for trying to be a rat like your cousin! You're a stubborn bitch who needs to stop that. Try again, and I will punch harder than ever."
I'm not the rat that is Akeno and Rizevim! I get a beep from my phone when I see a message from Akeno. It includes a small video of Rias dancing on her desk while Shirone is watching her king dance. Issari saw the video and was amused.
"My best friend gets the redhead he wants so desperately! Cat, I will earn your affection!"
The next message is from Rias, who got my number from Akeno. The text tells me that she will be the best choice I ever make. She sent a winking face that has Kuroka enjoying this, too. Her tails flick back and forth in pure enjoyment while she enjoys her fish.
"It could be worse nya. You could have the end of the world happen. This is just a normal thing for pillar heirs."
The world will end if we don't kill Trihexia and if there are Xeno like the Orks! Issari gets my now openly weeping self ready for Rias. She babbles on about how she wants an invite to the wedding and how she will score with Akeno. I don't want that either because Akeno is right. Issari is a sadist. It's hidden from everyone else but now very clearly there. Kuroka prepares to enjoy another nap, and Issari pushes me out the door towards the park.
At the park, I chose the furthest place to meet Rias, which was under a tree at the corner of the park. Issari had run off and was now trying badly to spy on me. I prepared to run away in five minutes, and Koriel growled again, this time she wouldn't punch. She had somehow managed to make a thunder hammer and had it cracking in warning to me.
"Run, and I'll use this. I don't think you'll be a rat, but this is here just in case."
I get ready to beg my divine patron to help me. The Machine God smiled and said, this is a me problem, not his. He is enjoying his time with the Shinto, especially Susanoo and him. The storm god was apparently interested in several things he saw. I shake, seeing Rias enter the park in a beautiful black dress, having gone all out. I noticed that she also has followers in Akeno, Kiba, and Shirone. Akeno has a camera that was trained on us. Issari somehow got to the also badly hiding trio without startling them. Rias saw me and beamed so brightly. Oh why is she this beautiful. Rias glides to me, and her noble training is on full display.
She arrived at my position under the tree as the two of us faced each other. I saw over Rias's shoulder that Akeno and Issari were now together in the background, giggling in unison while Shirone was pissed. Kiba saw they were spotted and just waved a sorry to me.
Rias tilted her head, and the park noise began to fade. We looked at each other in silence for three minutes before I started.
"I am willing to help you. I, however, need the full story. Why are you willing to give up everything for a halfbreed like me? You risk social suicide with me."
Rias approached me, and her eyes had happy tears in them. She said this with her heart coming out fully.
"I want the man who has given me hope. You would treat me well, not like him. He plans to make me do things that only he and his queen want. I can't say because of the contract, but they involve me in extremely bad positions and situations. He will put a bishop in me if I say no, letting Akeno and the others mutate. I understand that and had given up on everything. But you are the man I want to love. My brave Lord of Iron who has been nothing but honest and honorable with me. That's why I want a man like you who will truly love me for me. The weak redhead who is nothing to the nobles, who gets only pity from my friends. You want me to be stronger and believe I can do it. No one else has ever done that for me. Why I will give anything for you. Please say yes."
It was horrible. Riser is a bad person here to willingly let people mutate. No wonder Rias is clutching to me as she worries about them more. I finally say it now, knowing this.
"I just want the real you. My potential wife will never be forced to do anything they don't want. I will say yes. Just please don't be disappointed by the idiot I am. How can I break the contract without putting myself into something I can't win."
Rias beams and then glides to me and slams into me, sending us to the ground as I landed ass first. She landed on top of me, hugging me and weeping into my right shoulder.
"Thank you! There are several ways out! I found them all, but the only one I had was the game! Now, with you, I can get my parents to use another one that is better. You are my hero! I don't think you will have trouble! I'll bully Koneko! I'll give you anything you want! My hero!"
She weeps and weeps as the pressure she has felt melts away. I hug her and let her cry.
"Don't do any of that. Just be you. Tell me all the outs, just in case. I'd rather we have multiple plans. Rias, I want us equal here. Don't grovel to me. Don't act like you are below me."
She came up from my shoulder, and her face had tear marks. But she had a bright smile, looking at me.
"I'll tell you everything I can. You are the best person I can ever ask for in a partner."
She blushed and then whispered something in my ear. I gave her are you serious look at the confession. She blushed more.
"I think it would be fun eventually. If you tell me what you need, I'll get it for you."
I'm about to say something when I start to shake as a shadow cane behind Rias. Grayfia, who is not impressed, looking down on us. I shake as her aura is let off. Rias does, too. Grayfia just raised a white eyebrow at me. The maid lets us shake for two minutes as the pressure increases drastically. Before she shakes her head with a slight smile.
"You're a very bad starson. You're lucky it's my off-duty time. Rias. You are also lucky I intercepted that text. I don't think you should do this, but I'm going to help you here. I'm tired of Lord Phenex fleecing us. He insinuated something that has angered me today, so I will remind him that my husband is Lord Lucifer. He has given me his support here and I will give it to you. However, when you get your official confirmation, he wants a series of IOUs from you, Gregor. In return, we will help you get a set more easily."
Rias pleaded with me to take it, shaking from the pressure. I am, too, but stay steady.
"Your husband truly lives up to his namesake. I'll agree to three. No more, no less."
Grayfia raised an eyebrow in a are you really trying that look? I didn't back down from her. We kept shaking for another minute as she continued the pressure and increased it. I was terrified, but I didn't back down again. Rias was ready to babble out her obedience, but I caught her eye and shook my head slightly. She stiffened herself, and that made Grayfia smile.
"You are indeed a Lord of Iron like Rias told me. I will accept three official ones. You might survive the pit with a backbone like that."
Rias wants to beam at me as I prepare to ask.
"Thank you, Lady Lucifuge. I appreciate you doing this. Is it possible to ask for a bigger place and protection from my mother's family? They are extremely hostile to me. I will earn the right to the place."
Grayfia frowned, and Rias was confused. The pressure receded, and they both widened their eyes. Rias thought about how she met Akeno and Grayfia, putting the pieces into place. She immediately nodded her head.
"I will arrange something. The shock of the test and several other things this weekend led to that. Forgive me, Heir Astaroth. Your question from earlier makes more sense now."
I dread knowing what caused that, given the history with Akeno. However, Grayfia has many more important things to do, which is understandable. Like beating up her slacker husband. Rias grips me tighter, then grows angry, and fuck, that's hot. She immediately offered something.
"I have a larger place Heniya gave me. It's his. I want my betrothed safe, Fia. He is giving up much for me, and I will give him things to show him that it's to his advantage. I will carve their chests in if they try anything!"
This new and sudden rage is so sexy as Rias tightens her grip on my shirt, and I say to her.
"I will pay rent till I am confirmed. Then I will buy the property from you. It's yours, and I'm not giving up too much. I will prove you that. Equals."
Rias saw I was not going to budge there and reluctantly agreed. Grayfia prepared herself to remove the stones. I am considering renting the house to Kuroka, but there needs to be a paper trail for the government to make sure I stay emancipated in the mundane side. I'll do that. Make Kuroka pay for it, but rent will be cheap and help when I start managing the estates. Grayfia asked.
"Was the crash them? Killing the wife of a Satan and the attempted murder of a pillar heir and said Satan is cause for war."
That could solve our problem there, but Suzaku is my cousin too, and she tried hard for us.
"I don't know. I was prepared to look into it when Akeno told me about our past. I didn't bring it up because I didn't know how much she shared, and I want my cousin to trust me."
Alex growled at me in hate for protecting his grandparents and relief for protecting Suzaku. He loved her deeply because she did everything to help him and Akeno. She had risked being thrown out, too, despite her heiress status and her favor from the Vermilion Bird. Grayfia accepts the answer.
"I will assign this to one of our number, and I will personally reinterview Akeno. If it is true, I will not allow my husband's best friend to suffer that injustice. Rias show him the home tonight. I will get the stones at the same time. I have business to take care of."
Grayfia turned around and briskly walked off. She passed by the barely hidden four, and they all shaken. Issari stared at Grayfia leaving before Rias faced me.
"You will never be hurt by them again. I'll pick you up in a few hours for the home. It's closer to the school, and I use it as a place to hide when he tries to visit to intimidate me. I promise you that it will have enough room for you."
Her eyes had such fire that they were so sexy, too. The passion, the anger, and the hair. Oh, Machine God why is she so hot! Rias enjoyed the look there, and that made her smirking sexy, too. Oh, Machine God, stop torturing me! My God smiled and said he didn't do this I did. He does say to accept the redhead because he likes her spunk. Koriel smacked me again. It was a gentle reminder to obey this. Or else
I am stuck with Rias. For better or worse. The noise of the park returned, and I helped Rias up. Akeno and Issari slither over to us, followed by Kiba and a very reluctant Shirone. I note how close the two sadists are. Akeno smiled daintily with Issari. Kiba inched away from that, and Shirone hissed softly at them. Rias smiled so brightly and then told Akeno.
"You are the best sister ever! He said yes! I will get you that thing you wanted!"
Akeno beams while Kiba claps twice, and Shirone hisses at me. She wasn't focusing on Issari, with said person grinning evilly, looking at Kiba and Akeno. Shirone spoke her anger at me.
"How is a regular human going to be able to help you, Rias-sama? He's an idiot, and our race is superior to them."
Issari gets offended there. I am, too, but I don't react. Shirone is mad. Kiba inches away again as Rias glares down her rook. Shirone backs up before Rias, then looks to me for permission to say my status. Rias turns the glare up on Shirone.
"He is not just a regular human. He is the heir to House Astaroth. You will treat him with respect, Koneko. I have let you get away with things far too long, and you will be disciplined if you say anything about him being half-human. The pervert with glasses is the problem, not Gregor-kun. You can hate him, but not the man who is going to save you from being a toy to a bird."
Hold up, wait a minute, pervert with glasses! There are two of them, and I know it's not Kiryuu. Something begins building in as Shirone and Kiba look at me now with wide eyes. Shirone quakes, and Kiba feels the pressure. I saw his fear and settled it.
"Kiba, I have no issue with you, and I prefer to be informal. The status changes nothing between us. You white hair-san. Tell me now if this perverts that you have a serious problem with glasses and spiked black hair."
The fact I was that blunt made Shirone shake more as Issari widened her eyes horribly. Before, she grew ultra pissed. That fed Akeno and then Rias while Kiba relaxed. Shirone kept shaking as I poured my anger at her into my presence. She really was used to getting away with stuff. She began to speak.
"Yes. He tried something and was close. Kiba-kun threw him off. You."
Oh, I will kill him. He will die, as that shit is beyond disgusting. I glared her down again, and she started quaking once more. I reply to the cat.
"He will die. I don't care about the fact you hate me. I don't care about the fact I'm inferior in your eyes. That is not something a real person would do anyone else, regardless of origins. Those are degenerates who deserve death. He tried something with Issari by blaming her for something he got away with, and then he escalated on you. Shut up and tell me why you haven't killed him yet, Rias."
I will crush him. I don't care what the answer will be. This is premeditated murder. Shirone looked at me with amazement and hate as Rias answered.
"His father is a contractor for a GKF member with significant influence. My sister tried to use this as the first shot at them since she would eventually be Lady Gremory. We are NKF, and sadly, it failed despite the fact my sister is number three in the ratings games. The GKF said that they were fine with it. Reincarnated are nothing to them so worms doing this to one another is fine. We tried the mundane side, and the investigation was shut down almost immediately. He will be in the school this year. Gregor-kun, please don't be mad at Koneko."
I let evil enter my eyes, making Shirone back up more than ever. She shakes like I was Grayfia. Rias gets a look, and she shuts up, but she also gets extremely focused there. Akeno smirked, seeing me embrace the sadism as Issari spoke up.
"No wonder he gets away with so much. He has extra protection. That's horse shit! I'll join you, Gregor-kun!"
I will destroy the GKF and rip them apart. They shall feel my wrath because this is hot garbage. They have earned an extra pissed-off and immortal enemy. I will not rest until the entire system that propagates them is destroyed. I turn my eyes on Shirone, who is now extremely intimidated by me.
"You will get revenge. I will kill him and them. Continue to hate me if you want I don't care. I am going to make them rue the day they let him get away with this. You shall shut up around me, and I will say nothing to you after this. I am not happy. Understand."
Shirone just nodded fast and then hid behind Akeno. She smirked and clapped at me.
"Excellent work. Now, you truly are the best cousin ever. Retract the wings. Grayfia made the area warded when she arrived, but better safe than sorry. You are definitely getting your set. Rias, what power class do you think he is in now?"
I blinked, looking to my side, and saw the two wings of a devil, but they were strange. They were silver, not black. The Machine God says that he fixed that, strength and certainty of steel and all. That means the ritual or whatever was keeping that from happening just failed as I retract them. Rias smirked sexily at me.
"Low mid high class. Well above the minimum requirement. The GKF lowered the standards so as to get as many of their people their sets. Save the race and all. More like make as many slaves as they can. They are the reason we have so many strays. They couldn't deny you easily before, but now they can't do it at all. My husband-to-be is sexy!"
Rias does her dance, and it just makes me want something that is not productive. Yet it's one step closer to getting a peerage. I will fill it with men and women of science and get vengeance on the size scouter and the GKF. The heresy train has no brakes, and I'm going in and starting blasting. Kiba was clearly happy; he didn't have to be near an angry me. Akeno is smirking and said while Shirone is now watching me behind her back.
"Told you. I know the signs. Rias, you're winning more than ever. I want to be the bridesmaid!"
Rias kept dancing in her happiness as Issari spoke up.
"Make me the first if the other thing doesn't happen. I'll make you and him proud. I will be like you and become a Warrior of Mars. Through iron and blood will I make my potential king proud."
Issari, you idiot, don't say shit like that. Akeno is amused at the name of our duo. Shirone is still intimidated and says nothing, yet her eyes watch me in a new way. Rias clamped onto my right arm as Kiba was amused and watched Issari with interest. Akeno smiled a real big smile, seeing Rias and me together.
"A cute couple. I'm so very happy for you two. Koneko, we are going to get sweets. If I hear anything about my cousin, I will make sure he knows. Kiba-kun come along."
Shirone glared at her queen and then at me, but the look carried something new completely. She followed Akeno, and I didn't like that last look I got because that was her sister there. Kiba followed along with the order, and Issari was about to leave, too, but Rias said something.
"You're welcome in the group that I will form for him, but I'm in charge, and that's undisputed."
Issari looked at me, and I her. We looked at each other for a second while Rias was confused. I finally started snickers, and that set off Issari. We laughed together, and Rias looked hurt, and I told her.
"This idiot is never going there. Your swordsman and my cousin are in trouble. Rias, you and I will talk about that when Issari leaves."
Rias blinked as Issari stopped snickers.
"He's like my cool brother, and I'm not into that. I'm sorry, Gregor-kun, but you're boring and not fun like Akeno-san. Have fun with your redhead! I'm going to enjoy the rest of the day! I'm sparring with Murayama-chan tomorrow and eventually want to help. As for the thing I want made, I'm halfway there. See you!"
Issari skipped off, and Rias and I are now alone. I gently led Rias off, and we started walking. She blushed red and mumbled a sorry to me as I squeezed her hand.
"Rias, I'm not interested in that. I'm not the typical guy, but I know I will most likely have one.
Rias put her head on my shoulder. However, she says with a sigh.
"You will. I accepted that I would be in one long ago. The GKF made the law early on to normalize the unspoken tradition. Don't fight it. The penalties for doing so are stiff, and you need at least three for them not to apply. Why I made the offer to her and the other, it would save you trouble."
It makes sense with the fertility problem. I then remembered her promise. I watched her blush, and Rias smiled and answered.
"I like both, too. Akeno showed me a few more things, and that sold me there. I will never not be brave for you who is helping me. That and something else she showed me that I want to try just the two of us."
She whispered that in my ear, and I blushed more than ever. Rias blushed, too, but was very happy to have shared that with me. I sighed as I was stuck with a very likely trio or more. As finally say.
"There will be no favorites if and when I get this. No hierarchy of power. Everyone is equal here. That's my first unbroken rule."
Rias looked hurt there. She was silent for a minute as we walked around the park before she sighed softly.
"Ok. I'll follow that. It will be hard because they encourage the tiered system in the schools in the underworld. It was a shock when I came up here to know that monogamy was the norm up top. Please don't be mad if I fail at first."
Given the GKF and their now obvious shit-bag platform, I don't like that. I will fund schools that destroy that. I'm going to be helping Sona at this rate. I put my arm around Rias's back.
"Then we are in the same boat, just opposite sides. I won't be mad too much there. The others will be expected to be the same. Does this main out involve fighting or something else?"
Rias smiles at me.
"The out doesn't involve fighting. It will involve a buyout. The Astaroths have plenty of money, and that's always what the Phenex want. Riser will probably challenge you, but he is still a second heir to your primary heir. He would be seen as being petty, weakening his position and making Phenex's reputation worse."
Another reason for stray hunts, but I can do them more openly now. I'm hesitant to ask about the price tag. Rias just tells me it in the ear. I am going to hurt from that, but it's doable. I will probably have to dip into their money, but I can pay at least half of it, as I asked Rias.
"How often does your sister pay for strays? I'm willing to do that to get the money for this."
Rias grew worried as her sea-green eyes widened at the intention. They then focused on my red ones, and she gained a glint that promised me something both sweet and depraved.
"All the time. Strays have never stopped coming here because we are close to one of the few surface entrances, and they don't leave. Many don't transform because of the demonic energy in Kuoh, so they stay so as not to mutate as quickly. My sister does what she can for good strays by tacitly allowing them here without fear of retaliation. She knows, thanks to her boy toy, who slips the real reasons why some strays run. He's a good man despite his family. You're going to do that for me? Hunt them for the money to save me?"
That explains why there are so many strays here and the good stray community.
"I will. I will show your family and mine that I can back up my claim that I'm strong. They won't regret me. "
Rias shivered pleasantly at the words. I tell Rias while ignoring that shiver.
"Don't tell your sister or her peerage it's me. Let the surprise of me doing this win us more favor. That way, despite the fact I'm me and a halfbreed the nobles will be a tiny bit more intimidated by me."
Rias now has that same look of sweet and depraved showing off fully. Rias nodded her head.
"I won't say a thing. Oh, my husband is going to be sexy. He will make Sona and my other friends jealous!"
That's not the point, Rias. Don't tell me lust is her sin. She caught the look and shook her head.
"It's greed. Greed for the perfect husband! I will never not have that now!"
That's less bad, but I'm not perfect. I need to go get ready for moving. We stopped under the same tree, and I let go of Rias. She looked ready to grab me and keep me from leaving, but a look made her understand. She smiled more than ever, and she let go.
"I'll pick you up in two or three hours. Thank you again, Gregor-kun. I want to be there with you. I know you are private, but please let me in eventually."
I offer her something.
"I will show you something this week, Rias. And since we are doing this together, you can drop the kun. I'm Western, and I don't really care about it. Just don't be disappointed in me."
She beamed that I would trust her with something and the name. However, she said with a big smile.
"I'll keep calling you that because I'm a weeb, as people call it. Thank you for this and the offer."
She then surprised me by kissing my cheek. I blushed because that was extremely unexpected. Rias then skipped off with Koriel, saying that after Rias was gone,
"There you go, you stupid troglodyte. You finally got a redhead. Yes, it comes with the other stuff, but you can get things done faster. We don't have to be rats in the dark. Just don't bitch out, and I won't use the hammer. No running from this. No begging the god to save you. Just do this so we can get to Mars and you, and your future wife can have that."
Hate you, sis, but you're right. I flinched as Koriel whacked me again before I began the trek home.
An. Updated 6/13/2024