(Earlier when the devils, Mash, and Asia left.)
The members of the ORC were walking down the hallway so that Issei and Rias could talk. As they were walking, Akeno decided to start some small talk. "I wonder what Issei-kun wanted to talk to Buchou about."
Mash and Asia looked at each other before Asia spoke. "Uhm… Issei-san was worried about Rias-buchou because she seemed more upset recently and he believes it's starting to affect her in battle."
The devils looked between each other and seemed to understand why. Mash noticed this and decided to ask the million-dollar question. "Is Rias-senpai in trouble?"
The devils had a sad look on their faces and Akeno decided to answer her. "Rias is in an arranged marriage with someone she doesn't love. Not only that, the person in question has a horrible reputation of basically being a spoiled man who treats women like objects rather than people."
Mash and Asia had shocked looks on their faces. "Is there any way to stop it?" Mash asked concerned.
Akeno was surprised that Mash was so quick to help. The devils had noticed that, while Issei was cautious of them Mash had been actively keeping herself distant and only interacting with them when necessary. She wasn't disrespectful by any means but there was a very clear wall between her and them.
"The only way for her to get out of the engagement is to defeat Riser in a Rating Game." Said Kiba.
Asia tilted her head in confusion. "What is a Rating Game?"
Akeno picked up the conversation. "It is essentially a war game where two kings and their peerages battle to defeat the opposing king. The rules vary from game to game but the goal is usually to either defeat the enemy king or score the most points. Under the agreement for Rias it would be to defeat Riser, but-"
Mash made a sad face. "Let me guess. He has some kind of overwhelming advantage so they don't expect Rias to win anyways." The devils looked down sadly, Mash having hit the nail on the head. Mash's face turned into a scowl. "Unforgivable." She said in a low tone. The other devils again looked surprised. "Everyone has a right to choose who they love. No one should decide who someone should have to spend the rest of their life with besides the person involved themselves. This is something I have come to understand after almost losing Ritsuka."
The devils and Asia looked confused. "Ritsuka? Aren't you going out with Issei-kun?" Asked Akeno.
Mash seemed to realize what she said and looked away. She wasn't sure if she should say that Ritsuka and Issei are one in the same, but if she left it as is it might invite misunderstandings later on. "Ritsuka is Issei-senpai's alias at our organization. That is the name I'm used to calling him. Getting used to calling him Issei has been difficult so it just slipped out." The others seemed to understand but it now made them curious. What could Issei need an alias for? The more they learned the more mysteries came up. "Anyways, Senpai won't leave this situation alone. I'm sure he will figure something out to help Rias-senpai." The devils showed a grateful smile to Mash's words. Asia had seemed to have gone into silent contemplation after the conversation while everyone else continued to talk to pass the time until they were called back.
Rias and Issei were going over the details of the agreement and had talked about the Rating Game and what the most likely scenario was at the moment. The two were currently trying to think of ways for Rias to succeed.
"So, what are our options?" Asked Issei.
"You could become my servant and we could make an argument for your servants technically counting as my servants." Rias suggested.
Issei smiled wryly. "The answer is still no on becoming your servant Rias-buchou. What else could we do?"
Rias pouted but then thought of something else. "You could take my virginity."
"Right I guess I could do tha- Wait! What?!" Issei said shocked that she would even suggest something like that.
"What? You don't want to?" Rias asked somewhat innocently.
"That's not the point! Don't you want to save yourself for the person you love! Isn't that the whole point of why we're trying to get you out of this marriage!?"
"Well, yes I would, but if there is no other way, I would rather you take my virginity than Riser." She said, her eyes serious.
Issei tried to recompose himself. "While I'm flattered, I would rather you do it with me because you want to not because you don't have a choice. It would probably be a bad experience for you as well."
"What? You're saying you're lacking in bed?" She asked teasingly.
Issei became flustered once again. "No! I didn't mean it like that! I just meant-"
Rias started laughing. "I know what you meant, I'm just teasing you."
Issei started to pout now. "Well anyways I wouldn't want you to do that so that plan is a no go too." Issei pondered for a bit then came up with something. "But maybe we can do something like it."
Rias tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
Issei showed a wry smile. "Why don't we start going out?"
Rias stared blankly at him for a moment before responding surprised. "Huh!?"
Issei continued. "We wouldn't be going out for real but we will put up a front that you have found someone you love in the human world and thus would start to make me involved. Not to mention that the person you started to go out with is the Sekiryuutei, I'm sure that would grab their attention." Issei leaned back in his seat. "I'm sure Riser is a prideful person who believes that everyone is below him so I'm sure getting me involved without being a servant wouldn't be a problem. The real trick would be getting my servants involved. We would have to provoke him in a way that would allow them to participate." Issei showed a wolfish smile. "I can't wait to make that pompous rich kid eat dirt."
Rias looked at Issei with a grateful smile but wondered something. "I get saying we're in a relationship but what does that have to do with going out with each other?"
"Simple. If we just say that we're going out it would be easier to pick out that we were lying about it. So the best way to convince others is to actually go out and act like a couple would." He said matter of factly. "We should probably keep it a secret that we are fake going out from your servants so that it will be more believable if they are asked."
"Will Mash-san be ok with this?" Rias asked cautiously.
"She will understand once we explain it to her. I will tell her when we get back home so as not to tip off your peerage." Issei had a somewhat strained look on his face. "This isn't the craziest plan I've ever done so I'm sure it'll work out."
Rias wondered what he meant by that but after his story she was sure he had been through a lot. "Ok then we will start going out to fool the families and provoke Riser, then when the Rating Game is brought up we find a way to convince him to let you and your servants join in. After that…" Rias paused, looking unsure of the match itself.
"Don't worry about the match. If you get me and my servants in you won't lose. I also have a plan in mind for training if we have prep time." Issei said confidently.
"What did you have in mind?"
Issei smiled then looked next to him at empty air. "Hey Da Vinci-chan."
Suddenly a hologram appeared where Issei was looking, surprising Rias. "Need something Fujimaru-kun?" Said Da Vinci.
"Yeah well we have a bit of a situation." Issei said his gaze moving to Rias.
Da Vinci followed his gaze and showed a wry smile. "So it would seem." Issei then proceeded to explain their plan to Da Vinci. Da Vinci sat in thought for a moment before addressing the pair. "As usual Fujimaru-kun, you keep making reckless promises. But you always seem to find a way to pull through so I won't start doubting you now." Da Vinci readjusted herself. "As far as letting you all train here, we would have to finish adjusting the portal so that normal people can come and go between worlds. We still need time to finish it."
"According to the agreement we still have a little over a month before the deadline so we need it done before then." Said Issei.
"Then I will try to direct some more staff to its completion but it won't speed up by any significant amount. We still have to keep our heads down with this." Da Vinci said coolly.
"Thank you Da Vinci-chan. You're a lifesaver." Said Issei happily.
"Well it's not like there isn't anything in it for us, but don't let that stop you from praising me more." She said while puffing out her chest.
As the two were having their dynamic, Rias decided to speak. "Thank you for your help Da Vinci-san. Are you another of Issei-kun's servants?"
Da Vinci looked at the devil with amusement. "No, I'm not one of Issei-kun's servants. Rather I am a free servant that serves Chaldea, and I'm currently the Director of Chaldea. In other words, I'm his Boss."
Rias slightly stiffened at the revelation. She was currently talking to Issei's boss which means she is basically an important person of the same level as a Faction leader in her eyes. "Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't know- uh what I mean is- I meant no disrespect!" She was fumbling over her words.
Da Vinci laughed at Rias' display. "There is no need to be so formal with me. It's fine to talk to me casually, or rather I would prefer if you did. Getting all caught up in political talk is such a drag so it's better to just speak plainly."
Issei gave Da Vinci a side glance. Should you be the one saying that? He tsukkomied in his mind.
"Well if everything is settled then I should start getting to work. I will contact you with updates or if something happens so until next time, have a good time you two." Da Vinci said, a bit of mischief in her tone at the last part of her sentence.
With that the communication cut off and the pair were left alone again. The two relaxed before Rias broke the silence. "We should call everyone back so that we can explain to them the plan." Issei nodded in agreement and they contacted the others.
After everyone came back they were briefed on the plan and they were surprised by what they came up with. The devils seemed to agree with the plan but Mash and Asia had unreadable expressions on. Issei was breaking out into a cold sweat thinking that they were mad.
Asia was the first to speak and had a determined look on her face. "Rias-buchou, I want you to make me a member of your peerage."
Everyone there had a surprised look, most of all Issei and Mash. Issei was the first to respond. "Whoa! Wait, Asia! Are you sure you want to do that!?" He said panickly.
Asia nodded her head. "Yes. Rias-buchou has helped me a lot, just like you have Issei-san. With the Fallen Angels, getting into school, and giving me a place to call my home alongside you. I want to pay back that kindness." She looked back at Rias. "Please let me help!" She said strongly while bowing.
Rias looked to Issei to see what his reaction was and his expression showed he clearly didn't know what to do. After a bit she finally spoke. "If you're sure about this Asia then I will accept your help."
Asia sat up and gave Rias a grateful smile. Rias pulled out a bishop piece and was preparing to do the ritual when her arm was grabbed by Issei. "I'm trusting you with her safety." He said, a serious look in his eyes.
Rias nodded strongly, knowing that this now added to her responsibility to not betray Issei's trust. Asia lay down on the couch and Rias began the ritual.
"I order, in my name Rias Gremory. You, Asia Argento. I, resurrect back to this soil as my servant, and have you reborn as a devil. You, my bishop, be delighted in your new life."
The red bishop piece entered Asia's body and devil wings popped out of her back, showing that it was successful. Asia looked over to Issei nervously. "This is alright, right Issei-san?"
It's a little late to ask me that now. Issei thought as he smiled at Asia. "If it's your decision then it's fine. This doesn't change anything between us."
Asia smiled in relief and as such the ORC continued to do club activities, but Mash was quiet for the rest of the day.
When Issei, Mash and Asia got home they told everyone about the situation with the devils and Asia becoming a devil. At first Martha and Jeanne seemed sad but as they saw that Asia hadn't changed and was doing it to repay the devil's kindness they decided to watch over her more closely so that she would stay a good devil. Meanwhile Issei's parents were teasing Issei about adding another girl to his harem and the joy of getting yet another daughter. Mash didn't look all too thrilled and Issei noticed her behavior ever since the beginning. Issei leaned over to Mash and whispered in her ear. "Meet me in my room Mashu. There is something I have to tell you." Mash didn't say anything and just nodded solemnly.
As the pair walked in, Issei closed the door behind him and went to sit at his desk while Mash sat on his bed. Issei was about to speak but Mash spoke first. "Senpai, I won't get in your way if you want other women! I just want to be with you so please don't leave me!" Mash said with tears in her eyes.
Issei was both shocked and saddened that she thought he would leave her. "Mashu, I would never leave you. I made a promise to you, remember? We will always be together. I'm sorry I waited so long to talk about this but I had to wait until we were away from Rias' peerage." Mash looked confused but then Issei explained the plan he and Rias came up with.
After a bit of time so Mash could calm down she spoke to Issei slightly embarrassed at her previous actions. "So, you two are just faking it so as to make it more believable. On top of that we're keeping it from the others so that no info about the plan is leaked. It's definitely creative Senpai."
Issei let out a small chuckle, then looked down in thought. He then got up from his seat and sat next to Mash. He wrapped his arm around her and brought her in close. "I'm sorry to have made you worried Mashu. I would never go out with another person without consulting you first. I understand that you may have, misgivings, about my dream so I won't do anything that will upset you."
Mash looked up at Issei in slight panic. "N-no Senpai! It's my fault for jumping to conclusions. I knew that a harem has been your dream ever since you got your memory back, and I knew that going into the relationship with you, it's just…"
"Strange? Unorthodox? Unethical? Horrible?" Issei said, mocking himself with the comments he often heard from others over the years.
Mash looked down. "It's not all that strange, considering who we have on our side with the Heroic Spirits. Plenty of them had multiple women when they lived, so it's not the idea of a harem that bothers me. I just…" She looked up into his eyes. "I just can't help but want to be by your side. The thought of someone else coming and taking you away frightens me."
Issei hugged her tighter. "I feel the same about you Mashu. I almost lost you when we fought Goetia and it's not a feeling that I want to repeat. My time with you changed me. Even if my old desires still exist within me, my feelings for you override all of that. So I'll say it again. If you don't want me to, I won't try to get other women."
Mash smiled at Issei gratefully. "Thank you Ritsuka, but again I don't want you to hold yourself back because of me. You have been working hard to make my dreams come true so I won't stop you from achieving yours."
Issei smiled gratefully at her. "Hey, why don't you sleep here tonight?"
"Sure Ritsuka." Mash leaned into Issei. After that the night ended without incident.
The next morning Issei was standing outside with his eyebrow twitching. Mash and Asia were standing on either side of him with complicated expressions on their faces as well. In front of his house was Rias smiling and a bunch of boxes behind her. "I'm almost afraid to ask but what are you doing here Rias-buchou?" Issei asked, a hand on his temple.
Rias just looked at him confused and responded matter of factly. "We're going out now, right? So I'm moving in so we can spend more time together."
"Don't you think that's something we should have talked about before you just up and moved your stuff here?" Issei said, his headache growing slightly.
Rias continued to look confused as if she didn't understand what the problem was. Mash decided to step in. "Rias-senpai, normally couples move in with each other after they get to know each other a bit. I'm living here because I have nowhere else to go and the same is true for Asia. People who become couples usually don't just move in with each other." Mash said, emphasizing her statement by saying it twice.
Issei just gave a tired sigh. "Well, you're already here so let's go talk to my parents first before you try to make yourself at home." Issei said as he led Rias to the living room. He got Martha to get his parents and they all sat and discussed living arrangements. Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly depending on how you look at it, Issei's parents agreed to let Rias live with them and thus Issei, Mash, and Asia helped Rias move her things into her new room.
After Rias' room was situated, she was introduced to the other residents of the house. Martha and Jeanne were wary of her but kind nonetheless, while the others were equally kind to her. Rias was a bit startled that two Catholic Saints were living in this house but since they worked for Issei she relaxed a bit. Once Rias got a lay of the land she went to Issei. "So, what should we do first?" She asked.
Issei thought about it a bit. "Well, it's almost noon. Do you want to go out for lunch?"
"Sounds nice. Did you have somewhere in mind?"
"Well I figured we could see what's available downtown. I'm pretty much good with anything right now. Any preferences?"
Rias put her finger on her chin as she thought. "Mmmmm… No, not really. I guess we'll figure it out when we get there." She said somewhat excitedly.
"All right, then I'll go get changed and we'll head out."
"Sounds good. I'll change too."
The two went to change and not long after they were both at the front door. Issei turned back to Mash and Asia who were seeing them off. "We'll be back later, so don't wait up for us." He said while showing a kind smile.
"All right Senpai. Don't stay out too late." Said Mash.
"Have fun you two." Said Asia supportively.
With that the pair headed out.
Surprise! Asia still joined Rias. Some of you may be disappointed that I did this but I feel it's within her character to offer help in times of need. Also Issei is gonna do this the smart way and get a head start on preparing for Riser. Alongside that our cute little kouhai is getting jealous of Rias. Wonder what's gonna happen. But in all seriousness this volume could be summed up as the Rias arc since this is gonna be focused on her but things will get interesting once we get to the training chapter. So stay tuned. : )