Welcome to the next chapter of The Twin Dragons.
The Phenex Arrives
Several minutes before, Issei returned home after finishing his business with the Occult Research Club, and all of a sudden he started to think about his recent success in his job.
"Hah, thanks to Kazuki helping me out a lot, I was able to do receive payment from the jobs," Issei said in a tone, which displayed relief. "I didn't get the best first start, but things are all starting to go alright for me. If things keep on going well enough, then I'll be able to reach my first step toward becoming the Harem King and first become a High-Class Devil."
After returning from his club activities, Issei wanted to enter the bath but stopped after Kazuki said that Asia was the person using it. Befitting his namesake as one of the Perverted Trio, he thought about bathing with Asia, but he then felt a great deal of guilt about it. This was because Asia was a pure and nice girl alongside with her being a girl who liked Kazuki (at least that's what he thought and was true).
Issei couldn't deny that he was exhausted both physically and mentally due to all the work that he had done and couldn't wait to get into the bath. Amid those thoughts entering his head, Issei turned to the side at the same time as a red light shining inside of his bedroom. In response to this, he sat up and noticed that it was a red magic-circle that he recognized.
"Who's teleporting inside of my room? I hope it isn't Kiba."
Issei questioned and hoped, but it was realized as he noticed a feminine and developed silhouette in front of him, which took form as a familiar crimson-haired girl.
"Buchou…?"
He looked and noticed that Rias' expression was similar to what she had inside of the Occult Research Club that displayed concern as if she had been cornered.
"Make love to me."
Rias requested caused Issei's mind to be blown as if he were living one of his long-desired dreams.
Before he could question whether or not he was dreaming, Rias started to unzip her skirt causing it to fall toward the ground revealing her pure white panties and her beautiful long legs and thighs. Moreover, she soon started to undo the buttons on her shirt revealing her ample breasts supported by her matching white bra.
"B-Buchou! This is…!?"
Even Issei who would have jumped at this chance started to become overwhelmed and confused about all of this despite being effectively aroused about this situation, which was noted as blood started to drip from his nose. In response to his concerns, Rias stopped walking forward and seemed to feel disheartened about his refusal from just taking the offer to take her virginity.
"Ise, am I not good enough?"
Rias questioned in a saddened tone as Issei started feeling terrible about his sudden refusal.
"N-No! Absolutely not! Buchou is the best girl that I could hope for!"
Issei had replied energetically as he moved forward in front of Rias taking her hands, which caused both of their cheeks to turn red from embarrassment; Rias from the words and contact and Issei for the same thing. Although, it was due to their closeness that Issei could tell that there seemed to be saddened inside of her eyes.
"I thought about all sorts of things, but this is the only method left," Rias said in a tone that seemed as if she had given up hope on something. "If there is evidence, then they can't complain about it. The only person close to me who can do it with me is you. …Yuuto won't do. He is a pure knight. He would decline it for sure. That's why you were the only one possible, Ise."
Meanwhile, at around the same time inside of Kazuki's bedroom, he found himself in an odd situation, which a lot of people would find to be an amazing situation. In his bedroom, there were two people silver-haired maids, one of them being a mature woman and a beautiful teen his age; the latter had their arms wrapped around his waist from the front causing her breasts to be pressed against his front.
"Waah, I'm a familiar as a maid," the young woman named Lucina said as tears started to stream down her face. "I couldn't even do something as simple as teleporting inside of a house, which was supposed to be something I specialize in. I just know that Onee-sama is going to tease me about this if she were to hear about this!"
"H-Hey, what're you…ahhh!"
As Kazuki was about to question Lucina, he felt her grip starting to tighten around him and thought that she was a lot stronger than she appeared. In response to that, Grayfia placed her hand on her forehead and let out a sigh, knowing this little problem that she had, then glanced toward him.
"I-I don't mind you hugging onto me like this despite not knowing you, but at the very least please at least loosen your grip," Kazuki pleaded as he groaned. "It's not just the fact that I can feel your breasts, but I can feel my back starting to break."
"I apologize for this," Grayfia said as she bowed her head in a calm tone. "Whenever Lucina gets nervous, she at times latches onto the person she's closest to around her and sometimes never let go until she calms down after a while. Lucina, I believe it would be best if you at least loosen your grip. I believe if you continue holding him like that, you'll end up suffocating him."
"Huh?"
Lucina turned toward Grayfia who approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder, she then turned towards Kazuki who seemed to start breathing a little heavier.
"Ah, I'm sorry about that Kazuki-sama!"
"Fuee, it's no problem, Lucina-san, correct," Kazuki said letting a slight breath escape from his mouth with Lucina nodding her head in agreement before he realized something. "Uh, how did you know my name?"
Upon hearing that question, Lucina started blushing almost as if she were questioned something that she didn't expect to hear. It was that question that caused Grayfia to appear a little curious about that since she didn't know who he was at first, but recalled the name.
"Ah," Lucina said trying to think of a response. "Sona-ojousama talked a lot about you whenever she returned to her home. I apologize for not introducing myself before. My name is Lucina, a maid trainee under Grayfia-sama. I know a lot about you since I'm Serafall-sama's Queen."
Hearing that was enough for Kazuki to forget that Lucina was still latched onto him since he knew the mentioned individual and caused him to glance toward her.
"'Serafall-sama'. As in, one of the Four Maou, Serafall Leviathan?"
"Hmm."
Lucina nodded her head in agreement, causing a surprised look to appear on Kazuki's face.
It wasn't the first time that he heard that name before, as, during the time he was learning about the supernatural, Kazuki found out that Rias and Sona were the younger sisters of the current maou after the originals died during the Great War. He didn't know much about Serafall, but Sona did mention that she was unique.
"I apologize for the interruption, but could you please lead me to Ojou-sama?"
"…okay."
Kazuki said as he started leaving his bedroom and realized that Lucina was still holding onto him making it a little bit difficult to walk, but he managed fine.
Inside of Issei's bedroom, Issei found himself in a predicament where his crimson-haired King straddled his waist causing his heart to beat faster as a certain part of himself started to feel excited. He didn't know if Rias noticed it brushing against her white panties, but her face was turning red nonetheless.
"This is your first time, right Ise? Or do you already have experience?"
Rias questioned as she glanced down toward him.
"I-It's my first time!"
Issei replied causing Rias to nod her head in agreement and looked almost bashful due to this experience.
"I see. It's my first time too, so let's do it till the end even if both of us have no experience. It's all right, it's simple. You just have to put it inside here."
Rias stated as she directed her hand toward her most unexplored area, which caused more blood to seep out his nose in response to hearing those words. It continued as Rias took his right arm and placed it on her breast thus causing him to compare the sensation and feel to that of marshmallows.
"I'm also nervous. You can tell by my heartbeat right?"
Issei almost couldn't tell how fast her heart was beating since he was preoccupied with the superior sensation in his hands at the moment. It was at that moment that Issei felt something explode inside of him and he placed both his hands on Rias' shoulders and pushed her down onto his bed causing his King's cheeks to turn red. Both their faces soon started to come closer and closer towards one another.
OPEN!
Before either of them could make a single move, both of them heard the door opening revealing people neither of them expected to see. Rias recognized both of them, while Issei couldn't forget the lone male among them.
"…it seems that I was too late," Rias said before realizing something. "Why didn't you two show up in this room?"
"It appears that Lucina made a minor mistake and entered the room next to this one."
"Please, don't remind her. I can feel her grip tightening."
Kazuki said as he noticed that Lucina was starting to hold onto him a lot tighter than before, but noticed a smug look that appeared on his older brother's face.
"…what?"
"Did my Otouto give in to his little maid obsession and had two women to dress…? Ouch!"
In response to hearing those words, Kazuki picked up a nearby figurine and launched it at Issei hitting him in the middle of his face causing him to fall backward.
"I knew that you were doing to say something like that you oppai weirdo!"
Kazuki looked mortified after having that mentioned in front of these women causing him to direct his finger at his older brother, which caused the three women to glance toward both brothers.
"Right, this coming from the maid weirdo!"
"…does Kazuki-sama like maids?"
Lucina questioned as she glanced in another direction, but she must have forgotten that she was in front of him, meaning that he could at least catch most of what she said.
"Well," Grayfia getting back to the business at hand. "Are you trying to break the agreement by doing something like this?"
"If I don't go this far, both Otou-sama and Onii-sama won't listen to me right?"
"Both Sirzechs-sama and the master will become sad after they find out that you tried to give your purity to some lowly person like this."
"Grayfia-sama, I don't think that it's nice to refer to Kazuki-sama's older brother in that manner in front of them."
Lucina pointed out as she glanced toward the direction of the older women.
"You're correct, Lucina," Grayfia replied, not seeming to mind that being pointed out as she recalled her previous statement, which caused Lucina to feel more confident. "I'm a maid that serves the House of Gremory. My name is Grayfia. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Grayfia bowed her after head noticing that her words might've been a little too harsh since she didn't know either of them. Although, Kazuki who normally would've defended him was still a little irritated about the comment about him having an obsession for maids in front of them like this.
"My purity is mine and mine alone," Rias declared to Grayfia in a strong voice "What's wrong with me giving it to someone whom I acknowledge? But, more than that, I won't forgive anyone who calls my servant lowly, even if it's you, Grayfia."
Issei felt uplifted after hearing his King defending him like this.
"Anyway, you are the next heiress of the House of Gremory, so please don't show your skin to a man recklessly. Even more so if you are in the middle of this situation."
As if understanding Rias' words, Grayfia started picking up her discarded clothing and spoke in a tone that seems to be a lot more caring showing a certain familiarity between above a normal maid. The silver-haired women then started handing them over to Rias as she started getting dressed much to Issei's dismay. Although, Issei started to glance toward Grayfia noticing the beautiful looks of the silver-haired maid, which gave off a great atmosphere.
PINCH!
"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!"
"You're looking at another woman when you were just with me, huh," Rias asked with a jealous look pinching the cheek of her lone pawn. "Grayfia, did you come here of your own accord? Or because the household sent you? …Or was it Onii-sama?"
"All of them."
"Is that so," Rias questioned as if she were giving up. "You, who is Onii-sama's Queen, came to the human world personally. So it can only be one thing. I understand."
"'Onii-sama's Queen'," Kazuki recalled the words that Rias said before as he glanced towards Grayfia who stood up in a professional posture. "Then she is also the Queen of the current Lucifer, huh?"
Kazuki looked noticing that Rias stood in front of Issei who still looked confused about the current satiation and a somber expression appeared on her face.
"I'm sorry, Ise. Let's make it so that the thing from earlier never happened," Rias requested as she also glanced in Kazuki's direction as if signaling that he does the same thing, which he agreed. "I wasn't thinking straight either. Let's forget about today's incident."
After hearing his name, Grayfia realized that she had heard that name before over a month ago form the crimson-haired girl herself.
"Ise? Wait, is this person?"
"Yes, Hyoudou Issei. My Pawn. The user of the Boosted Gear."
Grayfia seemed surprised about the fact that Issei was the holder of one of the thirteen Longinus, Boosted Gear, which Issei himself was surprised about the fact that she changed her stoic expression.
"…Boosted Gear, the one possessed by the Red Dragon Emperor," Grayfia recalled something else, in particular, and glanced toward Kazuki and could sense something from him. "…I believe that I can sense Divine Dividing in his younger brother. For two twin brothers to have the Red and White Dragon Emperors, what will be in store for this generation?"
Kazuki could hear Grayfia mumble that last part to herself
"Grayfia, let's go back to my room. I will listen to what you have to say over there. Akeno can also attend, right?"
Rias questioned.
"The 'Priestess of Thunder'? I don't mind at all. It's a must for High-Class Devils to have their Queen by their side at all times."
"Very well. Ise."
Once she and Grayfia came to an understanding, she approached Issei, and much to his surprise, she kissed him on his cheek causing an immediate reaction from him.
"Please forgive me for today with this. I troubled you a lot. Let's meet again in the club room tomorrow."
Those were Rias' last words as she walked towards Grayfia who activated a magic circle to transport the two of them to Rias' room in either the Underworld or Human World. However, Kazuki caught Grayfia's attention in an attempt to ask a question.
"Uh, shouldn't you be taking her back too?"
Kazuki questioned not because Lucina was annoying him or anything, but because it would be odd for her to just remain in the home of some stranger. Though Grayfia shook her head much to his confusion as she directed her finger toward the younger silver-haired woman.
"As I said before, Lucina usually never lets go of someone until she calms down, but most of the time that person would be those she's already closer to. I'm having a hard time believing that someone of her caliber would fail in teleportation since it among her specialties," Grayfia pointed out causing Lucina to let out a groan. "Though, this particular situation doesn't concern you, could you please come to Ojou-sama's club room tomorrow together?"
"I don't mind, but are you sure," Kazuki questioned. "I mean, it's kinda weird just leaving your family member with someone you don't know. Also, I'm just assuming that you're related since you two look alike."
"I believe that you're someone to be trusted," Grayfia replied much to his surprise. "Also, I believe that there isn't a person in this residence or town who could pose a threat to her."
That last part wasn't showing rudeness or arrogance, but it was just confidence in the abilities of the silver-haired girl who was still holding onto him. Without a single look of concern on her stoic face, Grayfia activated the magic circle underneath her taking both herself and Rias from the Hyoudou Residence.
"Well, this was an interesting experience," Kazuki said placing his hand on his face and let out a slight sigh then he glanced toward his older brother who seemed to be in a trance after getting a kiss from Rias. "Well, let's go to sleep Lucina-san, I guess."
Kazuki said as he started heading outside of Issei's bedroom to head toward his own.
Having stepped inside of his bedroom, Kazuki took a seat on his bed with Lucina switching from holding onto his waist to his arm.
"I apologize if I'm putting you in an inconvenient situation, Kazuki-sama."
"No, it isn't that, but I didn't at all expect all of this to happen after things quieted down compared to last month."
Kazuki gave out an ironic laugh as he thought about the events that happened just a mere couple of minutes ago suddenly. It was something that he wouldn't have thought possible or would occur even occur under even normal circumstances, but the supernatural world just opened several possibilities in front of him.
"Uh," Lucina tried to think of something to talk about. "So, aren't you curious about the reason that we arrived?"
"Hmm, I believe that I can take a guess. Well, this is just a guess, but the situation with high-class devils after the Great War losing most of their numbers. There must be a lot of families wanting to maintain their purebloods and choose to marry into other families to continue their line while strengthening them at the same time. Seeing how Rias-senpai was talking about choosing up to surrender her purity to someone of her choosing, I think she's paired with someone she doesn't want to be with."
"That's amazing, Kazuki-sama. You guessed what the problem perfectly."
Lucina clapped her hands with a joyful look that he would expect to see from Asia, which caused him to become a bit bashful about the praise.
"That was due to Sona-senpai teaching me about the Three Factions beforehand."
Kazuki replied as he glanced toward Lucina, but stopped after staring at the silver-haired girl for a moment, which caused a sudden reaction from her.
"U-Uh, is there something on my face?"
"Uh, Lucina-san. Have we met before?"
"…h-huh?"
Hearing his question caused Lucina to neither agree nor disagree with him, which caused him to become far more curious about that initial thought.
"I-I have n-no idea what y-you're talking about?"
"Are you sure because…?"
"I'm back Kazuki-san. I'm prepared to do our homework"
Kazuki was stopped after hearing Asia at his front door, then she opened his bedroom door revealing the work in her hands smiling dressed in a green nightgown. Just as always seemed to be excited about doing anything with Kazuki. But, that smile soon turned into a frown as she realized that there was another woman inside of the room causing Kazuki to smirk wryly.
"Due to all of the things that happened I somehow forgot that Asia-san was coming in my room to do homework," he thought realizing that Asia was pouting and in the end, nothing came out of his mouth aside from a classic excuse, which wouldn't be the truth in most situations. "Uh, this isn't what it looks like, this is…."
"Muuu, Kazuki-san, you're already together with another girl."
Asia pouted as she glanced toward him wearing a sad look causing Kazuki to feel as if he did something wrong despite not doing anything.
"Asia-sama, this isn't what it looks like."
"Yes, Asia-san, this isn't what it…how did you know her name?"
Kazuki questioned as he glanced toward Lucina who just like before looked flushed as she realized that he didn't say what her name was.
"Uh, Sona-ojousama talked about a blonde-haired nun that you saved a month ago."
Lucina replied as she seemed to stammer a bit with her words, Kazuki didn't take her for the type of person who would lie, but that sounded almost like a lie. Though before another word could leave his mouth, he felt a little bit of pressure on the bed next to him and noticed that Asia had wrapped her arms around his other arm.
"Uh, is there something wrong, Asia-san?"
"I'm not losing."
"Losing what, exactly?"
Kazuki questioned, but instead of an answer, he felt Asia hugging his arm tighter into her growing breasts, which he couldn't openly admit felt good. He later noticed that Lucina was also hugging onto his arm a little bit tighter as if in response to Asia doing the same thing.
"W-Well, Asia-san why don't I…attempt to help you with your homework," he asked since if these two continued to be linked to him like this, then it would make helping Asia with her homework difficult. "Uh, Lucina-san not that I don't mind, but wouldn't it be difficult to sleep dressed like that?"
"Huh, I believe that you're correct. Give me a moment."
Kazuki thought that Lucina was going to let him go so that she could get dressed, but she continued to hold onto his arm without showing signs of moving. She instead smiled, then glanced forward glancing downward before a single word left her mouth.
"Apport."
The moment those words left her mouth, a purple light washed all over her causing both Kazuki and Asia to take their eyes off her for a moment. Once the light vanished, both of them turned their attention back toward Lucina but were surprised to find her pressed in a distinct silver nightgown, which puts more of an emphasis on her slim yet developed figure.
"Uh…."
"Huh, is there something wrong?"
Lucina glanced toward Kazuki who seemed to be staring at her with flushed cheeks, but this was soon stopped as he felt an intense pressure on his cheeks.
PINCH!
"Ouch ouch ouch ouch, Ashia-swan!"
Kazuki felt Asia pinching his cheek causing intense pain, which made surprised since Asia wasn't the physical type, so this kind of strength wasn't possible.
"Muuu."
After letting go of his cheeks, Asia turned to the side puffing her cheeks and pouting, which despite the pain that he felt on his cheek caused him to think that it was a cute reaction. Though it was difficult, he was able to assist Asia with her homework and later found himself sleeping in the same bed with both a beautiful blonde and silver-haired woman.
The next morning, Kazuki had found himself walking to school with a blonde, raven, and silver-haired woman walking beside him. Lucina was able to calm down the next morning, but to avoid any troubles with his parents, the silver-haired left outside further from his home to avoid his parents. Though, as the three of them walked toward Kuoh Academy, Raynare was taking several glances toward Lucina who walked patiently near Kazuki.
"Uh, so where did you meet your new friend?"
Raynare question, but Kazuki could tell that there was a slight hint of aggression in her tone.
"Well, she just arrived the other day after some…business happened at our house last night after we returned. I don't think that I have the right to talk about all of it since most of it wasn't my business since it does involve Rias-senpai's clan."
"Ah, I see. But, I'm more interested in hearing about this maid."
Kazuki could tell Raynare was pushing for more and more info about the young silver-haired maid walking next to them, with Lucina glancing toward Raynare.
"My apologies, but I can't discuss business involving either the Gremory Clan and of course, my King, Leviathan-sama to someone from Grigori."
Lucina said in a calm down that didn't sound hostile, which Raynare couldn't refute since both sides were still at odds with one another. But, Raynare was surprised about hearing that mention of her King and even seemed to be a little shaken after hearing that.
"S-So, you're the famous young queen of Serafall Leviathan," even Kazuki could tell that the original hostile tone in her voice vanished. "I didn't think that I would run into someone like you in this town."
"Why do you sound scared, Raynare-san?"
Asia asked feeling a little bit concerned for Raynare, she was in a similar situation after hearing that Lucina was a Maou's queen. Raynare waved off her concern using her hand as she glanced to the side.
"Ah, I'm fine."
Kazuki and Asia could still tell that Raynare still sounds a little scared of Lucina, which caused the former to recall what Grayfia told him before she left. 'I believe that there isn't a person in this residence or town who could pose a threat to her'. He thought about all the people that were in town including him and his brother, which wasn't that much of a surprise since neither of them had the same experience as the others despite having Longinus.
Although, the others were Rias and Sona, two high-class devils who each have a high amount of demonic power, which meant that neither of them could match the silver-haired maid. After recalling that, Kazuki became curious about the past of Lucina who seemed to be taking subtle glances toward him before looking away.
"Hey, Lucina-san," hearing him call her name caused the silver-haired maid to glance toward him. "I was curious if you belonged to another household like Rias-senpai and Sona-senpai. I'm just asking since I didn't get your last name last night."
"Oh, well I am a descendant of one of the extinct households among the 72 Pillars that died off in the Great War," Lucina replied causing him to be surprised. "But, I come from a different household apart from them. I share the same name as Grayfia-sama, Lucifuge."
"Is that somehow connected to Lucifer?"
Kazuki thought that there was some connection between "Lucifer" and "Lucifuge" since both names sounded too similar to one another. But, that could just be some speculation since there were a lot of names that sound alike without there being connections between them. Though much to his surprise, Lucina nodded her head.
"Well, you aren't wrong Kazuki-sama. But, I believe that it would be better to talk about that on a later date."
Lucina politely said wearing a small smile on her face as the four of them arrived in front of the school gates, but as soon all of them walked passed the gate.
[Nooooooooooo!]
[What the hell?!]
There were screams from both women and men after seeing Kazuki walking into school with three beautiful women following behind him. Kazuki groaned as if forgetting to expect this kind of reaction, but the three girls, on the other hand, were laughing to themselves.
"Nooooo, our White Knight has been also taken by a maid."
"And she's the definition of beautiful!"
"How're we supposed to compete with that?!"
Those were was just some of the responses from the girls who were stunned about his company.
"How the hell does the brother of a pervert have that much luck with women?"
"Even his older brother is around Rias-senpai and Akeno-senpai!"
"How is this fair?!"
And those were the responses from the men who were angry to see him with another beautiful girl.
"Well, this place appears to be quite festive."
Lucina pointed out as she looked at all the expressions from the people around them, almost all the teenage men had their attention directed toward her.
"I felt the same way after coming here. I don't think that there's another school who students as active as this out there," Raynare added as she recalled her first day. "But, it's always fun here."
"Well, I know someone who could enjoy the attention."
Lucina added letting out a dry laugh as a particular person entered her mind before a certain scene had caught her attention and caught Kazuki's attention.
"Kazuki-sama, isn't that you're older brother?"
"Hmm."
Upon hearing those words from Lucina, he followed the direction of her pointed finger and realized that Issei was on the ground after being given a joint lariat from both his best friends, Motohama and Matsuda. Despite seeing his brother on the ground didn't faze Kazuki who just shrugged his shoulders as if he wasn't concerned at all.
"It's probably nothing, those three mostly ever fight about almost every perverted topic most of the time," Kazuki stated as all four of them began heading in their direction. "This happens more times than you could count, don't concern yourself about them. But, I don't know what they're arguing about."
After the four of them were close enough to the perverted trio, they were able to get a better understanding of their conversation pertained to. Though both Motohama and Matsuda seemed to have gone through something a little bit too traumatic as the two of them were crying their eyes out talking about it.
"Not only that! He also brought some friends! He made a gathering of some sort! There were a couple of those who looked like 'Mil-tan'! I was so scared! I thought I was going to get killed!"
Motohama cried out as he removed his glasses so that he could wipe away the tears.
"They were going on all about the world of magic! Whaaaaaat the fuck is the 'World of Magic Serabenia'!? I don't know any shit like thaaaaaat!"
Matsuda added on wiping away his tears.
Seeing them act in such a manner caused Issei to realize that it was worse than he thought that it would be.
"Nii-san, what're they talking about?"
Kazuki decided to question as he arrived in front of Issei who started to stand back up on his feet placing a hand on his throat to rub it after being struck.
"Motohama and Matsuda wanted me to introduce them to a cute girl."
"And…."
"I introduced them to Mil-tan."
Kazuki stopped for a second recalling 'that' name, in particular, which belonged to one of the clients Issei went to whenever he had to do his devil business.
"Why would you do that to them," Kazuki seemed to seem almost sympathetic toward them. "I don't like your odd friends, but why would you introduce them to that person of all people."
"They wanted to meet someone and Mil-tan was the only person I could think about."
"Nii-san, after meeting Mil-tan for the first time you looked almost as if your spirit was close to breaking."
Hearing that from his little brother caused Issei to recall his first encounter with Mil-tan, which caused a slight chill to run down his spine.
"I don't what you did Ise-san, but you were cruel for doing this to your friends."
Asia spoke to him in a gentle yet angered (as much as possible) tone coming from Asia, resulting in a sensation that felt like a knife stabbing him in his heart.
"Why would you do this to your friends?"
Raynare added causing another stabbing like sensation in his heart.
"Issei-sama, I believe you were in the wrong here."
Even Lucina, who he didn't even know spoke to him in a serious tone resulted in the final knock out causing Issei to fall onto the ground holding his chest.
"All your words cut deep."
"Asia-chan, you're an angel."
Matsuda said wiping away his tears, with Motohama nodding his head before looking forward and realizing that a new woman was in front of his eyes.
"Ahhh, there's a silver-haired maid!"
"What?!"
Motohama and Matsuda seemed to recover from their sadness induced state after realizing that Lucina was now in front of their sights causing their perverted spirits to be ignited.
"…huh?"
Lucina seemed almost stumped about their sudden boost in vigor from just her presence alone.
"She's an unnatural beauty dressed in a maid cosplay."
Matsuda declared as he stood back onto his feet, with Motohama directing his glasses toward Lucina who at this point felt a little bit uncomfortable as his glasses seemed to gleam.
"She also has the perfect B, W and H…nothing too bit or nothing too small."
"Uh, Kazuki-sama."
Lucina seemed to have become a little bit uncomfortable about the looks that both of them were giving her.
"It's fine, Lucina-san. I wish that you guys wouldn't make every single girl that you meet uncomfortable, this is the reason that no girls come near you guys."
"Oi, Kazuki don't get involved with this!"
"Yea, not all of us can be popular with girls like you! Bastards in this school like you should just die!"
Both Motohama and Matsuda said in a strong tone, which displayed almost a hint of contempt toward people like Kazuki who were well-liked by girls in general. This comment sparked a reaction from Kazuki who seemed to be a bit annoyed at their response and the same thing could be said about Issei.
"Hey, guys look…."
Issei was about to say something but was stopped after feeling a sudden chill crept up his and their spine. And it came from Lucina who was staring at the two of them with a more serious look.
"I don't believe Kazuki-sama is the person to blame for your inability to attract the attention of the opposite sex. I believe that the only person that either of you would need to blame is yourselves. I've just met the two of you, but I can tell that all three of you have done nothing, but objectifying every single woman that you're eyes have come across. We are all living beings who have our own opinions about who we fall in love with and who our attention will be directed toward and that has nothing to do with what either of you thinks."
Lucina started talking to them as if she were lecturing children, though Issei was unsure about why he was even being brought into this conversation.
"Why am I being brought into this?"
"Issei-sama," Lucina started. "I am someone who Souna-ojousama talks to with whenever she returned home aside from her peerage and she mentioned three students who always pull perverted acts against all the female students attending this school. If it wasn't for someone as open-minded as Rias-ojousama and the others, then I believe that you would be in the same position as before. If either of you wants to gain the attention of girls within this school, then you should take a step back and think about yourself."
""Yes, ma'am!""
Both Motohama and Matsuda replied as the two of them turned around appearing terrified of the silver-haired girl in front of them, then started to proceed toward their class.
"…Well, shouldn't all of you be in class? …huh, what?"
Lucina was confused about the reason for Kazuki, Issei, Asia, and Raynare to be staring at her with a surprised look on their faces. Neither of them was expecting that Lucina could talk to someone in such a manner, but she was correct if all of them remained there, then they would be late for classes. However, there was an issue about Lucina's presence in class, but that was solved due to her using demonic power on all of the students and teachers.
As such, Lucina remained watching from the back of the class as classes continued on….
Once classes ended, Issei, Kazuki, Asia, Lucina, and Kiba, the latter was surprised about the presence of Lucina and greeted her accordingly. Due to Raynare's connections with Grigori, Raynare couldn't join them and returned home to hear about any possible details from Kazuki. Although Kiba did have personal issues about all fallen angels and exorcists, he wasn't too critical about her anymore…at least after a while.
Having gone passed the new school building, all of them walked towards the old school building, which acted as the base for the Occult Research Club. Upon entering the old school building, Issei asked Kiba if there had been issues with Rias related to her house, keeping his promise about not mentioning what happened last night.
"Akeno-san would know, right?"
Having heard that question from Issei, Kiba nodded his head in agreement.
"Akeno-san is Buchou's most trusted servant and one of her closest friends, so she obviously would know."
"Should I ask her? I mean, if Buchou doesn't want to talk about it, then would it be alright to ask Akeno-san."
"Don't know. The world of High-Class Devils and upper echelon is still too complicated and after all this time, it's still a little difficult for me to fully understand. Why does it matter to you so much?"
"I-I mean, last night…I mean, Buchou has been acting out of character for a couple of days."
"Wow, Ise-san is showing such concern for Rias-san."
Asia pointed out sweetly finding it wonderful that Issei was showing so much care for Rias, but hearing that from her caused him to scratch the back of his head embarrassed.
"I mean, she looked sad last night and Buchou isn't Buchou if she's sad."
Issei replied in a more caring tone.
"You keep mentioning last night. What happened last night? Does this have anything to do with why Lucina-san was with you all?"
Kiba asked realizing that there was something Issei, Kazuki, and Lucina were keeping from him. Kiba was able to guess that Asia didn't know what it was. Once the five of them headed toward the front door leading into the club, Kiba reached his hand out to open it but stopped after noticing something.
"…For me to finally realize the presence here…."
Kiba spoke in a low tone that displayed a more serious expression, then opened the door without telling either of them the reason, but Lucina knew who was standing inside of the room.
Inside the Occult Research Room, it didn't have the usual cheerful atmosphere, instead, there was a more cold and serious atmosphere wafting around all the people inside. All of them consisted of Rias, Akeno, and Koneko, as well as Grayfia who remained standing close to Rias in a professional manner. But, for the first time, the maid glanced in the direction of the people entering the room and her attention went toward Lucina.
"Lucina, have you finally calmed down?"
"Y-Yes, Grayfia-sama."
Lucina replied as she returned to the side of Grayfia who almost seemed to have a smile on her face before she returned to her usual calm demeanor.
Not knowing what else to do, Issei, Kazuki, Asia, and Kiba walked toward Koneko who was sitting in the corner in what seemed to be an attempt not to get involved. Due to the atmosphere, Asia reached her hand out grabbing hold of Kazuki's hand out of her sudden nervousness.
"…Kazuki-san."
"It's alright, Asia-san."
Kazuki grasped Asia's hand tightening his grip in a reassuring manner, which seemed to have worked a little. In an attempt to ensure that she wasn't uncomfortable, he received a seat from elsewhere and pulled it over for her, which she seemed surprised about.
"A-Ah, I'm fine, Kazuki-san."
Asia said in an embarrassed manner while waving her hands in front of him.
"It's fine, Asia-san. I wouldn't want to see you getting uncomfortable due to the atmosphere here."
Kazuki replied gently wearing a smile to match causing Asia's cheeks to be dusted red as she took a seat, which was presented to her.
"Ah, this is almost like a husband taking care of their wife."
Asia said quietly placing both hands on her cheeks as she smiled.
"…what did she just say?"
Kazuki was confused as he couldn't hear what she said exactly due to her speaking so lightly, but he could see a lot of people looking at both of them with an interesting look. Rias and Akeno seemed to be almost assumed, as well as Kiba. Koneko seemed to have expected him to do such a thing and nodded her head. Issei seemed to be both happy and a little jealous, which was seemed to also be similar to Lucina who seemed to be pouting.
"Hmm, what's wrong, Lucina?"
"…n-nothing."
Lucina replied softly as if she were on the brink of tears.
"Ojou-sama, do you want me to explain the situation?"
In response to her question, Rias shook her hand and raised her head to wave off her question.
"No, that fine. The truth is…."
At around the same moment, a magic circle appeared on the floor near them, which shined with bright orange light. Noticing the familiar pattern engraved on the magic circle, Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko seem to scrunch up realizing the identity of the individual arriving. Although, neither Issei nor Asia seemed to have recognized the pattern on the magic circle.
"Wait, I think that I recognize that pattern…isn't that from?"
"…Phenex."
Kiba replied to Kazuki's unanswered question, which caused him to glance toward forward with narrowed eyes.
"…I guess that answered my question on who Rias-senpai's marrying."
At the same time, flames appeared from the magic circle soon enough turning into a swirling flame, resulting in a lot of the people in the room to cover their faces as the heat from the flames touched their skin. Both Grayfia and Lucina seemed to be a bit nonchalant about the situation. Inside the flames was the silhouette belonging to what seemed to a young man based around their figure alone. From the flaming twister appeared a single hand, which then was used to brush away the flames revealing the individual.
Standing amidst the scattering flickers of flames was a young man in his early twenties' with short blonde hair and blue eyes dressed in a red causal suit without a tie and his white dress shirt opened showing off his chest. There was a question that he was handsome, but he seemed almost like a bad boy, unlike Kiba who was a gentle type.
"Fuu, it's been a while since," the blonde-haired devil used his hand used to distinguish the flames to run a hand through his blonde hair and the other hand was placed in his pocket. "I came to the Human World."
"Well, that was a little dramatic," Kazuki thought with a blank expression on his face. "This guy looks almost like a character from Ouran High School Host Club."
After looking around the room filled with people, his attention was soon caught toward Rias who was still sitting in her usual seat and seemed to glance to the side.
"My lovely Rias. I came to see you."
The blonde-haired devil had said in a gentle enough tone, but there was something deeper about it that reminded Kazuki of someone else. Based on the extended sigh that escaped from Rias, she didn't like this person at all. As if either not noticing or caring about either the sigh or look that she was giving him, the blonde-haired male began to walk toward her in an almost jovial manner.
"Now then, Rias. Let's go and take a look at the ceremony hall. The date of the ceremony is decided so we need to check it before then."
In an almost rude fashion, the blonde-haired man reached his hand out toward Rias in rush manner grasping her hand, which sparked an immediate look of disgust from Rias. This reaction also sparked something within those among her peerage who had been together with her much longer, but all of them restrained themselves, but Issei, on the other hand, seemed to be prepared to act.
"…Let go of me, Riser."
Rias said in a low tone and snatched her hand from him, which didn't even spark a single negative reaction from the blonde-haired devil now named Riser. Issei who seemed to have had enough about the rudeness of Riser approached him without hearing the responses or signals from the others who tried to stop him.
"Hey, you. You are being rude to Buchou. Actually, what's with that attitude towards a girl?"
"Nii-san that would sound better from someone who doesn't spy on them changing."
Kazuki thought as he gave a wryly smile as he glanced to the side.
In response to seeing Issei approach him in such a manner, Riser looked toward him in a different manner, which he was looking at Rias. It instead looked as if he were staring at trash.
"Ah? Who are you?"
Riser questioned in an equally uncaring tone to match his expression.
"I am the servant Devil of Rias Gremory-sama! I'm the Pawn, Hyoudou Issei!"
Issei said proudly and coolly Riser who remained standing in the same position as before, but Riser stared at him with a blank expression on his face.
"Hmm. Ah, okay."
In response to Issei, Riser replied in an uncaring manner as he glanced to the side, which caused Issei to almost slip off his feet before he returned to his usual posture.
"Who the heck are you?"
"…Oh," Riser seemed almost genuinely surprised that Issei didn't know him. "Rias, you haven't mentioned me to your servant? I mean, are there guys who don't know me? A reincarnated Devil? Even so."
Kazuki could tell from his speech and mannerisms that Riser was too overconfident\.
"I didn't tell them because there was no need."
Rias spoke in such a cold tone that the temperature also seemed to lower at least a little bit, but Riser still wore a nonchalant look on his face.
"Oh my, harsh like always. Hahaha…."
Issei didn't receive a single response to his question from Riser, which sparked a great deal of annoyance, but a calm voice intervened in their conversion.
"Hyoudou Issei-sama."
"Y-Yes."
"This person is Riser Phenex-sama. He's a pure-blood high-class devil and third son of the House of Phenex," he received a response from Grayfia and recalled hearing that his household's name Phenex sounds familiar to the name Phoenix, the immortal bird. "And he is the husband of the next heiress of the House of Gremory."
"Eh."
Issei said in a stomped tone realizing that there was only a single heiress that he knew about among the House of Gremory, which caused Rias to glance toward the side.
"He is engaged to Rias-ojousama."
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!"
Issei screamed realizing that was the reason for everything that happened.
"The tea made by Rias' Queen is superb."
"Thank you very much."
It had been some time since Riser introduced himself as Rias' fiancé, in that short period, Akeno had brewed up tea for their conversation and served it to the two High-Class Devils. Although Akeno gave her thanks, she didn't seem to be in her usual cheerful mood and also showed distaste toward the blonde-haired devil. Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, and Issei took seats far from them alongside Kazuki and Asia who remained in the room.
Issei appeared to be annoyed the more he looked at Riser as he continued to caress Rias' hand, shoulder, and thighs without her permission despite the crimson-haired devil removing his hand each time.
"I swear, this guy is like a more confident perverted version of Nii-san."
Kazuki thought to himself as he could feel Asia's shaky hands grasping his due to the nervousness that she was feeling at the moment. As a nun, she wasn't used to being in the presence of devils, but she had been able to get used to Rias and the others to where she could consider them all friends. Although, there was something about the current situation that was unnerving her.
It was then that Kazuki glanced toward Issei who seemed to have been thinking about something perverted due to the drool. Issei was thinking about all the times that he was able to wake up in the same bed as Rias a multitude of times naked with her consent.
"U-Umm, Ise-san. Did something good happen?"
"…Indecent thinking is prohibited."
Koneko glanced towards Issei with her usual blank expression on her face and stoic tone after Asia had finished asking him her question. It was then that Issei wondered whether or not Koneko was able to read his mind or that he was just that easy to read. Kiba laughed wryly as he handed Issei a handkerchief, which he had on his person the same moment that Issei was just going to wipe away his drool using his sleeve. Although Issei was going to turn him down, he instead decided to take the offer and started wiping away all the drool.
"Stop it already!"
All of them stopped after hearing that Rias who had gotten tired of being touched against her will by Rias and she stood away from him.
"Raiser! I told you before! I will not marry you!"
"Yeah, I heard that before," Riser replied waving off her distaste about the entire situation. "But that won't do, you know? I think the situation of your household is quite serious."
"That's none of your concern," Rias declared strongly. "If I'm the next heiress of the Gremory Household, then I'll choose my husband! My father, brother, and everyone in the clan is just rushing things! It was also promised I'd be free until I graduate from college in the Human World."
"That's right," Riser replied again. "You're free. You can go to college and you can do whatever you like with your servants. But, your father and Sirzechs-sama are just worried. They are just afraid that your household will become extinct. We lost a great deal of pure-blood devils in the last war. Even if the Great War ended, our longstanding rivalry with both the Fallen Angles and God hasn't yet ended. There are times when either the heirs or heiresses of a certain household dies in worthless fights against them, which led to their household becoming extinct. So far, pure-blood devils who happen to be high-class devils being placed together would be the obvious solution. I'm sure you know these children will be important from now on, right?"
Kazuki heard the explanation from Riser and could understand the basic reasons behind it. It was something that occurred even in the human world to maintain a certain lineage through using someone from another high ranked lineage. Although, there was one thing that was wrong with that.
"If the two people pared together don't love one another, then doing that will being misery onto either one or both of them just to make the higher-ups happy. I can tell that Riser is fine with this since Rias-senpai is beautiful, but I can tell that Rias isn't alright with this and wants to find someone she loves instead. And seeing Riser's mindset about the entire thing and overall nature, I can kinda understand why she doesn't like him."
Kazuki correctly surmised, but Issei who a newer devil wasn't able to understand a thing about all this, but he still knew that Rias wasn't alright with it so that was all he needed to know.
"I'm not going to crush my house. And I am willing to take a husband."
Rias declared caused a big smile to form on Riser's face believing that she was finally coming to terms with their engagement.
"Oh, to be expected from Rias! Then let's…."
"But, I won't marry you, Raiser. I'll marry the one I acknowledge. Even the Devils from the old noble house have the right to choose."
Having heard those words, Riser's expression fell for the first time into one that displayed great distaste and also made a single sound using his tongue.
"…You know, Rias," Riser said in a low tone that displayed anger. "I'm a Devil who holds the name of the Phenex Household behind me and I can't let that name get tarnished. I didn't want to come to this small old building in the Human World. I don't even like the Human World that much since the fire and wind of this world is foul. And for a devil-like me who commands fire and wind, I can't stand it!"
Flame!
Flames appeared all around Riser in small flickers but held enough heat that all the people in the room were able to feel unnerved aside from Grayfia and Lucina. Lucina looked serious about the entire situation and then glanced in the direction of Grayfia who remained calm.
"…Grayfia-sama, this was meant to be a calm discussion," Lucina spoken in a low enough tone that just Grayfia would be able to hear her. "A little yelling was expected at first, but Riser-sama is becoming too hostile."
"I know, Lucina," Grayfia replied thinking the same thing. "But, unless it's in the defense of the honor of your King or if you're certain that those involved will become injured, then you cannot get involved. If things get worse, then we will get involved.
Lucina heard the advice from Grayfia and took in her exact words, then continued to survey the situation.
But, it was as Lucina stated, after being rejected again, Riser was becoming too hostile about the situation as his flames started becoming stronger and stronger.
"I will take you back to the underworld, even if I have to burn all of your servants."
"This guy isn't messing around!"
Kazuki felt the killing intent and pressure that filled the room, then stood up in front of Asia feeling her grip on his hand was becoming tighter from fear. He brought out his Divine Dividing and placed the light wings in front of Asia to act as protection. Kazuki wasn't planning on fighting, especially since he wasn't strong enough to even be a match against Riser, but he couldn't forgive himself Asia gets injured. Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko got in a stance meant for a counterattack if need be with Issei prepared if something happened.
"I'd like to see you try."
Rias said in a low tone, which Issei had only heard against the stray devil.
A red demonic power began to radiate from Rias that represented her Power of Destruction as things around her started breaking down into nothingness. Both crimson-haired and blonde-haired high-class devils stood in front of one another with their eyes shining from their respective demonic powers. Amidst the tensions in the air, just one silver-haired woman stepped forward without a single hint of demonic power radiating from her.
"Ojou-sama, Riser-sama, please calm down. If both of you continue this, then I won't remain quiet. For Sirzechs-sama's honor, I won't hold back."
Grayfia declared in a low tone, her eyes seeming to be slit and presence alone being enough to be able to deter both high-class devils who seemed prepared to start a fight. It was more than that, Rias and Riser seemed to be completely afraid of the silver-haired maid.
"…To be told that by the Strongest Queen, even I would be scared. …I wouldn't want to fight against the people from Sirzechs-sama's peerage, which is known to be made up of monsters."
Riser said in a composed tone, which didn't hold even the slightest amount of malice like before and Rias sighed out of relief as she glanced to the side. Everyone in the room was able to calm down once all of it was settled by Grayfia, with Lucina and Akeno having stars in their eyes in the presence of the silver-haired woman.
"Master, Sirzechs-sama, and those from the Phenex Household realized that it would turn out like this. To tell you the truth this was to be the last discussion meeting. Everyone knew that it wouldn't be solved, so they decided to make a last resort."
"Last resort? What do you mean, Grayfia?"
"Ojou-sama, if you wish to push your opinion forward and abolish the engagement, then how about you settle the disagreement by having a Rating Game against Riser-sama?"
Hearing those words sparked a surprised expression on Rias' face, while a snide one appeared on Riser's. All of them aside from Asia understood what a Rating Game was, but it was not surprising for Asia who remained in an almost isolated lifestyle.
"…Kazuki-san, what's a Rating Game?"
"It's a kind of competition between two High-Class Devils who have peerages of their own by pitting their servants against one another. I heard that it's a popular competition among the Underworld and even other factions who's able to view them. But, Sona-senpai told me that only mature devils can perform in Rating Games."
Kazuki explained to Asia who hasn't heard of the Rating Games before, with the conversation between both Rias and Grayfia continuing after that.
"It's as Kazuki-sama explained, only mature devils can participate in official Rating Games. Although, if it's an unofficial match between pure-blood devils, even immature devils can participate."
"In other words, Otou-sama and the others decided to have a game as a last resort if I was to decline, right," Rias sighed out of annoyance that this decision was made behind her back to ensure that she would marry Riser. "…Just how far are they intending to interfere with my life to feel satisfied…!"
Her peerage alongside Kazuki and Asia noticed that Rias was miffed about the situation since there was no other option aside to prove herself in a fight that immature devils like herself couldn't perform in yet.
"Then Ojou-sama, you are saying you would also decline to participate in the game?"
"No, I won't, since this is a chance. Alright then. Let's settle this with a game, Raiser."
Riser smirked at the provocative words from Rias showing no concern about the Rating Game being brought up as if he didn't have a single worry in the world.
"Hee, so you're accepting it. I don't mind. But I'm already a mature Devil and I have already participated in the official game. Right now I have won most of the games. Even so, you still want to play, Rias?"
"I will. I will blow you away, Raiser!"
"Fine. If you win, do whatever you like. But if I win, you will marry me immediately."
Riser displayed more confidence the more Rias continued with her brave almost fearless behavior.
"Understood," Grayfia nodded her head as she stood between them. "I, Grayfia, confirmed both sides' replies. I'll be in charge of the Rating Game between the two households. Is that okay?"
"Yes."
"Yeah."
Both Rias and Riser agreed to Grayfia's suggestion.
"Understood. I will inform the two households then."
"Hey, Rias. Would the ones here be your servants?"
Riser asked after Grayfia gave her response, then looked towards Issei and the others wearing an arrogant look on his face, which sparked more of a reaction from Issei.
"Neither those two over there are part of my peerage," Rias pointed out directing her attention toward Kazuki and Asia before snapping back toward Riser. "So what?"
"Then this match will be a laugh," Riser laughed placing his hand on his forehead before immediately pointing towards Akeno. "There's no one among them, but your Queen, the Priestess of Thunder can fight on par with my adorable servants."
Riser snapped his fingers causing an orange magic circle to appear behind Riser who positioned his hand before all of them at the same time that fifteen silhouettes appeared from the light.
"Well, these are my cute servants."
Appearing from the magic circle were fifteen girls lined up behind him, which meant that Riser has a complete set among his peerage. More than that, all of them were beautiful young women dressed in different clothes a lot of them being around the same age as a second-year such as one dressed in a Chinese dress, a one dressed as a knight, and a wild-looking one carrying around a large sword. In response to seeing them appear, both Issei and Kazuki were wearing a shocked look on their faces, but for different reasons.
"T-This guy is a serious pervert like Nii-san," Kazuki surmised as he felt his eyebrows began to twitch as the side of his mouth twitched. "Did he handpick his peerage based on their looks and not just their talents or potential? I can see that almost all of them has a specific theme that often appears in an anime from the Onee-sama, Loli Twins, the Shrine Maiden, the Knight, the Stoic Swordswoman, the Chinese girl who looks almost like Chun-Li, and even an Imouto if that's his sister…no, based on the blonde hair and eyes that's his sister."
Issei, on the other hand, looked as if he was seeing his dreams standing in front of his eyes as a look of jealousy and appreciation, which brought him to tears.
"…H-Hey, Rias," Riser for the first time seemed unnerved as he directed his attention toward Issei who had both eyes trained on him. "This Servant-kun over here is crying a lot while looking at me."
"This boy's dream is to have a harem," Rias explained after placing her hand on her head thinking what she was going to do with Issei while sighing. "I think he was moved after looking at your servants."
Seeing the expression that Issei was making at the moment caused a spooked reaction from the loli girls among Riser's peerage.
"Gross~."
"Riser-sama, this person is freaking me out~."
That comment alone caused Issei's expression to falter into an aggressive one, as he glared toward the two girls who said that. But, Raiser calmed them down through petting them on top of their heads, before placing his hand on their waists and pulled them toward him.
"Don't say that, my cute girls. Looking up to upper stream folks is what a lowly people do. Let's show them how passionate we are."
After saying those words, Riser started tongue kissing one of the twin girls on his side in front of everyone inside of the room. In response to that, Rias placed her hand on her head as if it was starting to hurt, with Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno averting their eyes. Kazuki placed his hand on his head similar to Rias while sighing at what going on in front of him. Issei, on the other hand, was staring at the entire situation tightening his fist out of jealously.
"Nn…afu…."
The girl was letting out a sweet voice as she was being kissed by her King, as the people in the room could hear the sounds from them. Among the people apart of his peerage, the blonde-haired girl who Kazuki had presumed to be his sister sighed and placed her hand on her head sighing.
"Hauhauhauuu…."
"It's alright, Asia."
Kazuki was comforting Asia whose mind was close to burning out due to the scene in front of her while placing a hand on his head in a comforting manner.
"Waaah! Kazuki-san, if that's what being intimate entails, then I wouldn't mind…?"
"…huh? Did you say something?"
Kazuki was unable to hear Asia due to her saying those words in a low tone despite being next to her.
"….n-no!"
"You will never be able to do this."
Riser said taking his mouth away from the girl, causing a sliver of saliva before going to the other girl beside him.
"Don't say what I think you were saying! Damn it! Boosted Gear!"
Unable to handle it anymore, Issei raised his left arm, which emitted a bright red light and summoned Boosted Gear before pointing it toward Riser who stared at it in wonder moving from the girl. Seeing this caused Kazuki to move from beside Asia, then went toward Issei to keep from doing anything reckless.
"Nii-san, don't get heated from this guy's taunt," Kazuki said in an attempt to calm him down. "Don't think just because you have one of the Longinus that you would be able to fight this guy without more training. I know that's what you were thinking after you stepped up to him. If you want to fight him, then wait for the Rating Game."
"Huh? Aren't you supposed to be on my side?! A womanizer like him isn't good enough to be with Buchou!"
"Huh? Weren't you looking up to the so-called womanizer?"
"He's got you there Nii-san," Kazuki pointed out causing Issei to glare toward him. "I know how you feel, but you can't get heated up each time someone insults you since that'll put you into more trouble in the future."
"B-But, I can't just let this guy get away with doing that! At this rate, he'll continue flirting with other girls even after getting married to Buchou."
"Nii-san, I think that you're contradicting yourself without knowing," Kazuki had pointed out causing Issei to stare at him confused. "Nii-san the rules are different in the Underworld and even people who are married as a harem. Also, another thing, if you do plan on becoming the Harem King, then wouldn't that mean you would end up flirting with other girls after marrying them. If you think about it like that, then it'll put you in the same category as Riser."
"…."
Issei was unable to come up with a single response and was left staring at Kazuki silently knowing that he was in a way correct.
"Hahaha, to be told that by your little brother is hilarious," Riser laughed causing Issei to glare toward him. "I think that there is a phrase in the Human World that says Heroes love Women. It's a good phrase indeed. But, this just a close relationship with my servants. Aren't you also getting adored by Rias?"
Once again Issei was unable to come up with a single response and was left stumped, with Kazuki thinking about the phrase that Riser just said.
"I think that phrases Women loves Heroes."
Kazuki added, but Riser ignored him.
"Hero my ass! You are just a bird guy! Firebird? Phoenix? Hahaha! That's the same as Yakitori!"
Issei laughed pointing toward Riser, causing the blonde-haired devil to become furious about the comment, while a lot of people in the room at least on Rias' side chuckled about that.
"Yakitori!? Y-You Low-Class Deeeeevil! Don't get ahead of yourself! That's not the way you talk to a High-Class Devil! Rias, what's going on with your discipline towards your servants!?"
In response to that Rias just glanced at the side and sighed "As if I care."
"Hey Yakitori Guy! I will just beat the crap out of you with my Boosted Gear!"
"Nii-san weren't you just listening to me? Even if you double your power, you won't…."
Kazuki questioned causing a sigh to escape from his mouth after noticing that Issei just ignored him.
"We don't need to have a game! I will just take you all down, right here, right now!"
[Boost!]
Issei shouted activating Boosted Gear causing his power to be doubled, thinking that if he defeated a fallen angel in the past, then he should be able to defeat Riser. In response to Issei's fighting spirit, Riser just sighed and then looked toward another girl among his group around the same height as Koneko wielding a staff.
"Mira. Do it."
"Yes, Riser-sama."
The girl started approaching Issei spinning around the staff in her hands in an expert manner, causing Kazuki to believe that she had definite experience and training. But, Issei was thinking that since Mira was a little child, then she wouldn't pose a threat if he took her staff. At the same time that the girl was going to take a stance against Issei who was still underestimating her, Mira vanished causing Issei to be surprised.
But, in the next couple of moments, Issei felt himself falling backward and realized that the staff that the girl held in her hands was sailing just inches underneath his head.
Thud!
"Ouch!"
Issei fell onto the ground backward landing on his butt, it was then that Issei realized that Kazuki swept him off of his feet using a single kick. That act alone depending on the situation caused the attention of some of the people inside the room. Although, Issei soon stood up to his feet and approached Kazuki who was glancing the side as Mira continued to hold her staff in her hands
"What was that for, Kazuki?!"
"I don't know whether you're stupid, stubborn, or arrogant…or all of the above. Riser is a mature devil who fought in the Rating Games and that means his peerage has fought several times, meaning that all of them have more experience than you. So, what makes you think that you can defeat her when fighting against a fallen angel took you doubling your power three times."
Kazuki replied saying that last portion so that no one else could hear it, but Issei realized that Kazuki was correct in this situation. Riser soon started to approach Issei and Kazuki with a snide look on his face, then placed his hand on top of Mira's head.
"He's right, it seems that your brother has more sense than you. The one who you just fought is my Pawn Mira. She's the weakest out of my servants, but Mira has far more battle experience and talent as a Devil than you do. Boosted Gear? Huh."
"This is certainly one of the invincible and dangerous Sacred Gears. By how you use it, not only me, but you can also defeat a Maou and God. Other possessors had that before. But there haven't been any cases where it defeated a God or Maou. Do you know what this means?"
Riser questioned as his arrogance began showing more and more as he continued to talk, causing both Issei and even Kazuki to become annoyed.
Riser continued much to their dismay.
"It means that this Sacred Gear is imperfect, and the possessors were also a bunch of weaklings that couldn't use it! You are no exception! How do you say this in the human world again? …Yes, Pearls before swine. Fuhahaha! Yeah, pearls before swine! It's about you! Rias' Pawn-kun."
Riser reached his hand out to slap Issei on top of his head, but Kazuki intervened brushing his hand aside before it could even reach Issei.
"…huh."
"The same could be said about you, Riser," Kazuki stated as Riser glared at him with an annoyed expression on his face. "You shouldn't be too confident and arrogant all the time since it tends to be those kinds of people who fall the hardest. I don't think that everyone who's born with a Longinus should be obligated to kill a maou or god unless there's a reason to and that doesn't mean that you would be able to defeat them."
Hearing that from Kazuki caused Riser to become angered as shown by the flames sparking around him, but the people in the room felt something from his words.
"Who do you think you are? For a meager human to think he has the right to talk to me like that?!"
"Kazuki Hyoudou," Kazuki introduced himself. "The possessor of Divine Dividing, the Hakuryuukou."
"Divine Dividing, eh? Hah, how does it feel to be destined to kill your brother."
"How does it feel to be a High-Class Pervert no better than the Low-Class Devil you just insulted?"
That was the last comment from Riser that struck a nerve in Riser, who covered his fist in intense flames causing others to believe that he was going to kill Kazuki.
"I'll burn you to ashes, you damned human!"
"Kazuki!"
Riser pulled back his fist, then aimed it toward Kazuki who stood in attention causing a tear in space pulling out a light gun and started to point it toward Riser. However, before Riser's fist could make contact with him, Riser had noticed that his flame-covered fist was stopped from hitting Kazuki in his face since it came into contact with the palm of someone's hand.
"Please calm down."
Riser heard a soft and serious tone, then realized that Lucina appeared in the same place as Kazuki blocking his fist using the palm of her hand. Despite coming into contact with intense flames, Lucina's hand wasn't burned in the slightest and Riser seemed scared of the silver-haired girl before him. Almost all the people inside the club room seemed surprised about the situation since Lucina stopped Riser's fist without much trouble at all.
"Riser-sama," Lucina spoke in a tone that people thought was like Grayfia. "I believe that it would be shameful if the third son of the Phenex Household continue to act like a child due to simple comments being directed toward him. And even took it a step further by threatening to kill Rias-ojousama's peerage in front of us. All those actions are unbecoming for a high-class devil and a member of the Phenex Household."
"But, this lowly human…."
"Also," before Riser could finish, Lucina shut him down giving off a presence that caused him to shutter. "Kazuki-sama, is an important friend of Sona-ojousama, the younger sister of my King, Serafall-sama. And if I were to let a single thing happen to him and sadden Sona-ojousama, then that would be a disservice to my King."
From both the tone and stare that Lucina was giving Riser, she was serious and it surprised people to see beads of sweat forming on the forehead of the blonde-haired devil. But, in an attempt to maintain his appearance, Riser just laughed it off and brushed his hand through his hand was Lucina let go of it.
"Hahaha, to be told off by Serafall-sama's Spatial Queen, who currently highly rated as one of the best queens of the Underworld. I certainly wouldn't want to anger Serafall-sama who is known to dote on her precious sister."
"The Spatial Queen?"
Kazuki thought as he placed his light gun back inside of its dimensional storage, recalling last night when Lucina used something named Apport, which replaced her maid outfit with a nightgown without even needing to change physically. This meant her magical abilities were related to using space.
"Rias, how about we have a match in ten days? We could do it now, but that wouldn't be interesting to see how a Longinus user fights after training."
"…Are you giving me a handicap?"
"Are you against it? Is it humiliating? Rating Games isn't as something so simple that you would be able to win by using your feelings. If you can't use your servants' powers to the fullest, then you will lose almost immediately. It is weird for you to train your servants for your first Rating Game. I've seen Devils who lose without being able to use their power to the fullest countless times, no matter how great their potential and power was."
"…."
Rias couldn't speak a single word in response since she knew that Riser was correct in every single way as there was no chance that her peerage could face Riser without training first.
"Ten days. If it's you, then you should be able to improve your servants," Riser said as he walked towards all his servants who stood to wait for him before turning toward Issei who remained next to Kazuki. "Don't be a disgrace to Rias, Pawn-kun. Your blow is Rias' blow."
Much like Rias, Issei couldn't response since Riser was correct about that fact and it annoyed him that if it wasn't for Kazuki, then he would've been laid out by the girl he underestimated. Using a single motion of his hand, there was bright orange like that shined under him.
"Rias, the next time we meet will be at the game."
Having said those final words, Riser and his peerage vanished from the Occult Research Club in a flash of bright orange light leaving most in the room with a lot to think about.
"Thanks for saving me back there, Lucina-san."
Kazuki was the first to speak up amid the silence inside of the Occult Research Club and glanced towards Lucina who seemed flustered by the compliment. She even waved both her hands in front of him in a panicked state and a blushing mess.
"I-I didn't do anything spectacular I just didn't want Kazuki-sama to get injured."
"What do you mean it wasn't spectacular? I mean, there isn't hint of burns on your hands."
Kazuki pointed out after noting that there wasn't a single burn mark on the palms of her hands, but all the praise caused Lucina's face to turn redder.
"Uh, I don't think that it was appropriate for a Maou's Queen to act like that," Lucina said as she started pressing both her fingers together nervously. "I'm still in the middle of training to become a proper queen and maid for my King, but I don't think that this was the right situation that I should talk in such a manner to a high-class devil from one of the well-known families in the Underworld."
Kazuki listened in as Lucina continued talking more and more about the situation that she caused with Riser with the former being unable to come up with a single response. But, it was then that Grayfia appeared there around Kazuki and Lucina, with the latter believing that she was going to be reprimanded, but instead….
"You're already doing excellent as a Queen as you're able to deal with someone as flamboyant as Serafall-sama while remaining your composure. In terms of using the traits provided by your Queen Piece, you're exceptionally well-balanced whether it's in the Rook, Knight, or Bishop aspects. That alone is something that not even queens who're your age or older can accomplish. Your actions concerning Riser-sama were justified and I have nothing to complain or criticize you about."
Grayfia said in a soft almost affectionate tone wearing a genuine smile on her face, causing Kazuki and Lucina to be surprised.
"Grayfia-ob…sama."
Lucina replied appearing on the brink of tears, but it seems as if she was going to say something else.
It was their interaction, which caused Kazuki to believe that they had a deeper connection aside from being from the same household. Grayfia soon turned towards Rias and bowed her head.
"Rias-ojousama, Lucina and l will be returning to the Underworld to inform Sirzechs-sama and the others about your decision."
"Alright, Grayfia. My peerage and I will be using my families' mansion inside the mountains to train," Rias replied as she turned to face her peerage and give commands. "Club activities will be canceled for today. Akeno will you remain to go over all the preparations for training and the upcoming Rating Game."
"Ufufufu, alright Buchou."
"Everyone dismissed."
And with those words, the members of the Occult Research Club, Kazuki, and Asia started leaving the club room leaving Rias and Akeno. Both the silver-haired maids transported to the Underworld using a magic circle leaving them to make preparations for the Rating Game against Riser Phenex.
Meanwhile, inside the apartment belonging to Raynare, she was inside the living room talking to Azazel over the phone who seemed interested in the situation that was occurring.
[Huh, that's interesting so Sirzechs' little sister is going to be training for ten days to fight against Riser Phenex. I would like to see how the current Sekiryuutei will fight against the Phenex using Boosted Gear. Well, at this point, he won't be able to wield his sacred gear correctly without proper training.]
"Yes, it seems things are going to be getting difficult for them."
[Yea, the parents from the Gremory and Phenex Clans must want this marriage to go through if they're putting an immature devil up against a mature one with far more experience in the Rating Game. But, I've seen situations in which sacred gear users were able to turn the tables on their enemies several times.]
"Azazel-sama, I don't believe it'll be possible to view this Rating Games since this is more or less a serious issue between the families."
[Ah, don't worry about it. I can pull a few strings with Sirzechs since that guy's more reasonable than the previous Lucifer. But, this situation does bring up a great opportunity for some growth for our current Hakuryuukou.]
"Huh, what do you mean?"
[I think that Kazuki would be interested in some training as well. And I believe that would make Vali happy since he views the current Hakuryuukou as a rival for himself.]
"Azazel-sama, please don't think about putting Kazuki-kun against Vali?"
Raynare was concerned about knowing what kind of person Vali was like in either fighting or training.
[What? Are you worried about your little crush.] Azazel had teased causing Raynare to become embarrassed. [I'll make all the arrangements, but I need you to ask Kazuki if he'll be alright with it. And besides, it's not like Vali would do anything that'll endanger his life even if he has 'that' thing sealed within him.]
"Alright, Azazel-sama. I'll ask Kazuki-kun."
[Good, I feel that things are going to get interesting from now on.]
Having said those last words, Azazel hung up the phone with Raynare soon calling Kazuki afterward.
A/N: And there goes chapter nine of The Twin Dragons, this was a long chapter, which showed the intro of Lucina whose origins will be revealed in the future. Of course, things when on as expected, but there were a lot of scenes with Lucina more so than in the original and it showed just how adorable Asia can be when she gets jealous and Lucina showing that she isn't a pushover.
Alright, there have been several people who said that Ravel should be with Kazuki and I can see that since there are a lot of things that the two have in common. One of them is that their smart and second that the two are the younger siblings of perverts. If there are people who feel that Ravel should be with him in the reviews, then I guess that I could add Ravel into Kazuki's harem. But, I want everyone to know that I wanted things to be well balanced.
I hope that you liked the chapter, until next time.
Issei's Harem: Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Ravel, Lucia, Tsubasa, Kiyome, Elmenhilde, Roygun, Aika, Yasaka, Ingvild.
Kazuki's Harem: Sona, Raynare, Asia, Irina, Lucina, Mariah, Kuroka, Ophis, Rossweisse, Kunou, Le Fay, Gabriel, Bennia, Jeanne, Lint.