"My business is none of your concern!"
"Akeno, as your father, I—"
"If you really cared, then why didn't you come back when we needed you most? Where was this 'father' when Mom was dying?! You didn't save her! You're the last person who has any right to lecture me!"
"I…"
"You were never there when it mattered. What's the use of talking now?! Mom died right in front of me! Do you have any idea how powerless, how hateful I felt? I refuse to acknowledge you as my father!"
In the quiet grove of Kuoh Academy—where countless confessions had succeeded or failed—today witnessed a painful confrontation between father and daughter.
"…I'm sorry."
After offering only a short apology, Barakiel turned and left. Despite his towering build, his back looked remarkably lonely.
It had been rare enough for them to meet at all, yet their reunion ended disastrously. Even this veteran Fallen Angel commander, known as the "Lightning of God," was visibly shaken.
Barakiel was clearly distressed, but the pain in Akeno's heart after saying those words was equally intense. She stood there alone, looking as if she might shatter at any moment.
Having been driven away, Barakiel wandered aimlessly, lost in despair. It was then that he noticed Jeanne Alter walking toward him.
As they passed, Barakiel spoke softly, his voice heavy and defeated.
"…Did you overhear?"
Jeanne Alter replied calmly, her expression unreadable.
"I'm not interested in your personal affairs, nor would I stoop to eavesdropping. I'm only here because I'm worried about Akeno doing something reckless."
With that, she continued toward the spot where Barakiel had come from, not sparing him another glance.
Barakiel opened his mouth as if to speak, hesitated, then left without another word.
Akeno hadn't moved. Jeanne Alter found her easily.
Having spent a good amount of time around Rias, Kiba Yuuto, and Koneko, Jeanne Alter had learned bits and pieces about their pasts. But Akeno remained a mystery. In Jeanne Alter's mind, Akeno had always been a gentle, perfect Yamato Nadeshiko, who occasionally displayed a hidden sadistic streak.
But now, Jeanne Alter saw a fragile, vulnerable girl—a pale face drained of color, eyes clouded with sorrow, tears silently tracing down her cheeks.
This is the first time I've seen her look this weak.
She appeared as delicate as a glass about to shatter from the slightest touch.
Damn it, what am I supposed to say at a moment like this…?
They say someone grieving might do something foolish if left alone, and needs comforting—but why me of all people? I'm terrible at this sort of thing. Rias or the others would have been far better choices.
Yet it was Rias herself who had urged Jeanne Alter to go.
"In a moment like this, it's awkward for us to interfere. But Jeanne-san, you're perfect for the role," Rias had said firmly.
"Though I hate to let another rival get closer to you, I agree with Buchou," Koneko had added. "Jeanne-senpai, I trust you'll handle this well. I don't want to lose Akeno-san...so I'll lend you to her, just this once."
"But I have no idea how to comfort people," Jeanne Alter had protested.
"It'll be fine," Koneko insisted. "Because Jeanne-senpai is gentle…and reliable."
Despite their confidence, Jeanne Alter now found herself at a loss. Should I just punch her to knock out the memories…? she half-jokingly thought in frustration.
After staring awkwardly at each other, Jeanne Alter finally forced out a question.
"Do you…need someone to vent to? Or perhaps…a hug?"
Akeno embraced her the very next second.
Jeanne Alter imagined she'd catch Akeno gracefully in her arms, but reality struck—Akeno was taller.
Jeanne Alter stood at 159 cm, Akeno at 168 cm. She sighed inwardly—her attempt at a cool image had failed spectacularly.
But feeling the tears soak her shoulder, listening to Akeno's broken sobs, she stopped caring.
Fine, cool or not, I'll take it.
Jeanne Alter awkwardly wrapped her arms around Akeno, patting her back softly. This…is the right thing to do, right? She felt unsure, but held on.
Akeno cried for a long time.
Jeanne Alter lost track, but the sun had noticeably shifted position. A normal human would've long passed out from exhaustion, but as a devil, Akeno's stamina was significantly better.
Eventually, Akeno's sobs quieted down, leaving only the gentle rustling of leaves in the silence.
After a long pause, Akeno whispered softly.
"Jeanne-san…you always show up exactly when we need you the most, don't you?"
Jeanne Alter glanced up at her.
"Hmm? Did you say something, Akeno?"
"…I said thank you, Jeanne-san."
Her voice was raspy from crying. Yet she didn't release Jeanne Alter immediately, instead hugging tighter and lightly nuzzling Jeanne Alter's hair. The sensation reminded Jeanne Alter of her old fluffy white stuffed animal, one she'd hugged tightly while whispering her daily worries and sadness.
Jeanne Alter felt strangely like a plush toy or a pillow—but she didn't mind. If this helps her calm down, being treated like a doll isn't bad. Being hugged by a beauty—I might not be gaining, but I'm certainly not losing out!
Finally, Akeno reluctantly let go. Noticing the wet patch she'd left on Jeanne Alter's clothes, embarrassment painted her tear-streaked face pink.
"I'm sorry…"
"Hm? You mean this?"
Jeanne Alter casually tugged at her clothes. Suddenly, a magic circle glowed beneath her feet, instantly drying her outfit, removing even the faintest speck of dust until it looked brand-new.
Seeing Akeno's surprised expression, Jeanne Alter twirled around playfully, wearing a smug grin.
"Pretty convenient, right? Magic that instantly freshens your clothes."
Staring at that bright, dazzling smile, Akeno momentarily felt mesmerized.
"…Yes."
...
"Do you want to know what happened between me and Akeno?"
The next day, in a quiet café in Kuoh Town, Jeanne Alter and Barakiel sat facing each other at a secluded table, each with a cup of coffee.
"Yes, but you'd better hurry—I might regret meddling soon," Jeanne Alter groaned, covering her face. "Getting involved in someone else's family issues—my past self would probably mock me endlessly…"
"If you're so reluctant, why did you approach me?" Barakiel asked, confused.
"Because I was asked. Ignoring it would disappoint people I care about." She lowered her hand, revealing a serious expression. "Besides…Akeno's state worried me."
"…Can you really help us?"
"First, tell me what exactly happened."
Barakiel stared quietly at Jeanne Alter, then slowly took a sip of coffee. After setting down the cup, he began to recount the past.
"I failed Akeno and her mother miserably. It's understandable she hates me…"
Through his narrative, Jeanne Alter learned the tragic story.
Akeno's mother, Shuri Himejima, had been a shrine maiden at a famous Japanese temple. When Barakiel, severely injured by enemy factions, collapsed near her shrine, Shuri tended to his wounds. The two soon fell in love, and from their union, Akeno was born.
Wanting to stay with them, Barakiel settled nearby. Life was simple yet happy. But peace didn't last long.
The Himejima clan misunderstood, believing Shuri had been brainwashed by Barakiel. They sent exorcists after them, intending even to kill Akeno, whom they saw as a disgrace. Though Barakiel repelled the initial attack, the defeated exorcists sold out his location to enemy factions.
When their home was attacked, Barakiel was away. Shuri died protecting Akeno. Blaming Barakiel and despising her Fallen Angel blood, Akeno refused his protection and fled. Eventually, Rias found and made her a devil servant.
"It's all my fault," Barakiel said bitterly. "I could have returned sooner. I couldn't even protect my own family—I'm a failure as a husband and a father."
Seeing him spiral into guilt and self-loathing, Jeanne Alter sighed irritably.
"And here I thought Akeno was the most mature among them, yet her true nature is childish after all…"
"Hm? Jeanne-san, did you say something?" Barakiel asked, confused.
"First of all," Jeanne Alter raised a finger seriously, "I'll say something that might ease your self-pity. Akeno might not hate you at all."
"What—!" Barakiel nearly jumped, quickly regaining composure. "Impossible…after what I did—"
"Are you doubting me?" Jeanne Alter's eyes flashed angrily. "As an Avenger, I'm quite familiar with hatred. And I'm certain Akeno's feelings aren't hate. Explaining it would be troublesome, so just trust me."
"You can't just gloss over something this important—explain clearly!" Barakiel pleaded desperately.
Despite his reputation as a powerful Fallen Angel, he now resembled a clumsy father. Jeanne Alter stood up, prepared to leave, making him even more frantic.
"Shut up already!" she snapped impatiently. "Forget that—shouldn't your priority be fixing your relationship?"
Her bluntness silenced him immediately.
"Then…do you have a way to mend things between us?"
"Hmph, who knows?" Jeanne Alter shrugged irritably. "It's impossible to wake someone pretending to sleep or reason with a stubborn woman. Seriously, she can't even figure out who she should be hating. Stubbornness should have limits."