Several Days Later
Issei and the others were deep in training for the upcoming match with Diodora, and finally, game day arrived.
Apparently, Diodora had fallen suddenly ill, so badly that he wasn't taking visitors. Instead of going to a proper hospital, he shut himself inside the Astaroth mansion, and there were even concerns the game would be canceled… When I heard that, I got all kinds of anxious. Kuroka? She just whistled nonchalantly.
With only a little time before the game began, Kuroka and I, along with Azazel-sensei and Irina-san, had already arrived in the Underworld. We were now in the VIP viewing area. It looked like a standing buffet party, with several floating screens in the air and various dignitaries gathered, demon nobility, of course, and even Odin himself, who was chatting with Sirzechs. Since he's here, Serafall is too, along with that green-haired guy and the bald one… I'd seen their pictures before: Ajuka Beelzebub and Falbium Asmodeus. The Four Great Satans are all here. That's a first.
Good thing Odin showed. If he hadn't, and I couldn't enter because of Dimension Lost, I was ready to slash through the space with Ittou Rasetsu and entrust everything to Kuroka and Izuna.
Kuroka, ever the glutton, had already made a beeline for the feast table. Koneko-chan also eats a lot, which must be a racial thing.
Seeing how prepared everything is… I can't help but feel thankful for Azazel-sensei's consideration and my status as Kunou's fiancé. I guess I'm just as opportunistic as anyone.
Just as I was thinking that, someone called out to me from behind.
"Oh… It's been a while, hasn't it, Arima Ikki-sama?"
I turned to see Ravel Phenex. Apparently, she'd come to spectate too.
She was wearing a purple dress, with Phenex-feather-like decorations around the waist. It looked elegant.
I didn't expect her to speak to me, but we did indirectly cross paths during the Riser Rating Game, and I've been getting more coverage in the Underworld recently. So I guess it's not that strange.
Still… what should I call her? With all these bigwigs around, "Ravel-san" probably isn't formal enough.
"It's been a while, Ravel-sama. Have you been well since then?"
…Ugh! Saying "Ravel-sama" makes me cringe. Like that time I called Kuroka "Kuroka-san."
While I was internally groaning, she offered a suggestion:
"You remembered my name even though we didn't properly greet each other before, that makes me quite happy. But I heard you come from humble origins, Ikki-sama. Are you not uncomfortable using such stiff language? I give you special permission to call me just 'Ravel.'"
Oh thank god. That really helps. Speaking naturally is best.
"Then… Ravel, are you here alone today?"
"Yes. After the peace conference incident, Rias-sama and her peerage became the center of attention in the Underworld. Sairaorg Bael is considered the No. 1 young prodigy, but in terms of popularity, the Gremory peerage is unmatched. Of course I'd be curious too. Also, since then, I've resigned as my brother's bishop and swapped to my mother's unused 'priest' role. I never expected someone in a Rating Game to use such indecent techniques… If that had been broadcast on live TV, I don't even want to imagine the consequences. My mother doesn't compete, so I'm effectively a free agent priest now."
She trembled slightly, her face pale. Honestly, that's probably the normal reaction.
"Yeah… I mean, only Issei would come up with something like that."
"I understand… but accepting it is another matter entirely. And if my brother had taken that defeat as motivation to improve, I would have supported him. But ever since then, he's shut himself in his room."
Ravel sighed and shook her head. "Honestly…"
So Riser did hole himself up, huh?
He's probably wrapped in a blanket muttering "Dragons are scary… dragons are scary…"
"Actually, he's muttering 'Humans are scary… humans are scary…'"
Wait… humans?
"Humans? Not dragons?"
"Yes. At first, he was terrified of the Red Dragon Emperor. But once news of you defeating Kokabiel, Cerberus, and the White Dragon Emperor reached him… he started fearing you, and humans in general."
"…How does that lead to him being scared of me?"
Also, isn't being afraid of humans a bit problematic for a devil who makes contracts with them?
"You provoked my brother into accepting the match with Rias-sama, didn't you? And you were the one who planned that horrifying opening move using the Red Dragon Emperor's power. To learn that a 'lowly human' had played him like a fiddle… that realization broke him. He now sees you not as a human, or a Devil King… but something more fitting for our kind… a Dark God, perhaps?"
A Dark God? What is this, Angra Mainyu?
"…So, does that mean he's okay with dragons now?"
"Yes. Somehow, his dragon-related trauma is gone."
Maybe he thinks the Red Dragon was just my servant and I was the true mastermind?
…Well, I guess being scared of humans and dragons would be worse.
"Oh! I almost forgot, here, please accept this as a token of friendship."
She handed me a slender, elegant black container. In its center was a Phenex emblem.
"What's this?"
"It contains Phoenix Tears. Our family produces them, and they're often given as gifts to high-ranking devils to strengthen ties. Since humans like you are more fragile than devils, please accept it gratefully."
Phoenix Tears?! Damn… I kind of want to ask the price, but I also don't want to know.
Even with Asia around, more healing options are always better. I'll take her up on the offer.
"Thanks, Ravel. I'll use it carefully… But, um, about this whole 'Ikki-sama' thing, can we drop the '-sama'?"
She stepped forward dramatically, her face close.
"No! This is very important!"
…Okay?
"Listen, Ikki-sama. I'm a noblewoman from the Phenex family. True, I'm not the head of the house or a working member like my brothers. I'm just a child. But even so, I find it only natural to show respect to someone like you, a fellow young person who's earned the title of the Nine-Tails' fiancé and contributed so much to peace. Isn't that obvious?!"
"O-Oh... Right..."
Pushed back slightly by the girl's overwhelming energy, I was trying to process the conversation when Kuroka approached with a plate of food.
"Come on, Ikki. Talking is great and all, but the food here's actually pretty good too. I'll give noble society credit where it's due... Oh, by the way, who's the kitten?"
"Hmm? Oh, right. You haven't met her yet. This is Ravel Phenex, younger sister of Riser Phenex, you know, the one who played that game with President Rias. She participated too, technically."
Kuroka had only been briefed on the result and hadn't seen any of the footage, so it made sense she didn't recognize Ravel.
"Ravel, this is Kuroka, real older sister of Koneko Toujou, Rias' 'Rook.'"
"And also Ikki's girlfriend, nya"
...Was that a warning shot, Kuroka?
"G-Girlfriend!? But Ikki-sama is already engaged, isn't he? Then... are you the second wife?"
The fact that her immediate assumption wasn't infidelity but second wife really drives home her noble upbringing.
"Well, I guess that's how it would look publicly, nya? Still, Ikki doesn't rank or compare his lovers, so I'm not too bothered... Though for the record, I was his first."
"I see... Well, as long as there's no dishonesty involved, I suppose I can accept it."
...I got forgiven somehow. Honestly, I'll take that over a dramatic "How indecent!" any day.
Just then, Sirzechs' voice rang out over the venue.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to begin. Tonight's match is the first Rating Game since every team has fought at least once. Please enjoy watching how these young talents have grown, whether they win or lose."
The countdown began on the floating screens all around the hall.
And just as it hit zero, the stage wall behind the platform exploded.
"What's going on!?"
"We're not sure! Reports say teleportation has been blocked and communication with the outside is severed! The entire venue and the Rating Game field are enveloped in an unidentified fog!"
As security scrambled, dozens of devils poured in through the blasted wall.
"You accursed false Satans! And you pitiful fools who dance to the tune of peace, puppets of lesser mythologies! We are those who have pledged loyalty to the True Satans. In their name, you shall die here!"
The leading devil boldly declared war.
"A large-scale terror attack from the Old Satan Faction, huh... Figures it was only a matter of time."
"So Shalba and Creuserey finally made their move... I had hoped diplomacy would work."
Sirzechs' calm words were answered by the invading devil with a sneer.
"Fools! There was never any room for talk between us. But don't worry, we've prepared a little something for you. Look at the screen!"
The footage shifted, Asia had been captured by Diodora, and Issei's team was surrounded by countless devils.
"...That foolish brother of mine. Looks like he's the traitor who helped them."
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