That afternoon, after the closing ceremony.
We, the Occult Research Club members, gathered in the VIP room on the upper floor of the Hyoudou residence. Professor Azazel and Rossweisse, who had finished their post-ceremony work, as well as Griselda-san, who oversees the Heaven staff dispatched to this region, were also present.
With the available members assembled, Irina, representing the group, stated the main topic of the meeting.
"So, that's why, on Christmas Day, we're going to deliver presents to everyone in Kuoh Town!"
Rias continued.
"This town is a symbol of peace for the Three Factions and one of our important bases. But even before that, it's a precious place for the people who live here. Since we always make use of this town, let's celebrate the residents on Christmas as a way of showing our gratitude."
"Exactly! So, Heaven and the Underworld will team up to deliver presents to everyone in this town! And the members delivering them will be—"
Irina's gaze sweeps over us.
I say.
"Us, centered around 'D×D,' right?"
"That's right! And of course, we'll be delivering them dressed as Santa Claus, fitting for Christmas!"
Many things have happened in this town this year.
Incidents occurred that could have easily wiped out the entire town, and in the rogue wizard incident, students from the academy were actually harmed.
Our presence in this town has caused a great deal of trouble for the residents. You might want to say, "Then just move your base elsewhere," but it's not that simple. Once we've established such extensive facilities here, moving them easily is difficult. Furthermore, under the current circumstances, making a hasty move could leave us vulnerable to attack.
Therefore, the idea arose, primarily among the younger members, that we should at least give presents to the residents for Christmas.
Well, this alone won't erase all the trouble we've caused, but we still want to do something as a token of our daily gratitude and apology. This project was conceived with that sentiment.
The top leaders of each faction readily agreed to this plan, providing full financial support. Since it also serves as a daily apology and thank you, we are all contributing from our pocket money as well.
We wanted to research in advance and list what the residents desired as presents, but unfortunately, there wasn't enough time. So, the gifts will primarily be innocuous yet pleasing items.
For little girls, a magical girl transformation set from a children's anime.
For working fathers, ties or service coupons for a massage parlor.
Giving overly extravagant gifts might cause a stir as a supernatural phenomenon, so under the teachers' advice, we're sticking to safe options.
"Well, something that becomes an urban legend will be good enough."
Sensei adds that, but…
Ignis says.
"For adolescent boys, I'll gift them erotic dreams where an older sister does ○○○ vwoom, or ××× zdoon, or △△△ dogaan!"
"Rejected."
"Eh!?"
"Why are you surprised!? Of course it's no good!?"
"It's a dream, so it's barely safe, right? In truth, I'd love to let them climb the stairway to adulthood, you know? I want them to score a hundred on their health and physical education exam!"
"You're an idiot! You really are an idiot! You perverted goddess!"
"Eros is power! Eros is justice! Eros is part of my power!"
"I've heard that line somewhere before!"
"Issei, you're planning to spend the holy night as a horny night yourself~"
"Guh… If you say that…!"
"Why are you stumped there!?"
Alice's retort echoes through the room.
Yes, let's just ignore this perverted useless goddess! If I engage her every time, we'll never get anything done!
So, anyway, the gift contents were decided in that manner.
Everyone is quite excited about this project. It's not every day you get to be Santa Claus and deliver presents.
Well, Alice, who has never experienced Christmas, is tilting her head in confusion.
There was also the question of whether it was alright for devils to dress as Santa, but everyone agreed with the opinion of "it's fine once in a while." Hmm, they're quite easygoing, aren't they?
"Fufufu, here are the Santa costumes."
Akeno presents samples of Santa outfits. There are men's and women's versions, and the women's come in long-skirted and short-skirted options.
It has to be the mini-skirt, no other choice!
Taking a sample, Xenovia asks Irina.
"Are we preparing reindeer too?"
"Are the reindeer supposed to fly?"
Irina asks Griselda-san, who nods.
"Yes. We will cast magic to make them fly."
Oh, wow, how authentic. That means we'll get to see reindeer flying through the night sky, pulling a sleigh.
"It's an honor to become Santa Claus."
"But I also feel a little bad, like we're stealing Santa's job. Isn't this hindering Santa's business?"
Xenovia and Irina discuss this.
I suddenly thought of something and asked.
"Santa really does exist, doesn't he? I mean, I've never seen him."
I received presents when I was little… but that was my dad. I caught him quietly placing them by my bedside while I was asleep.
…Dad was wearing a Santa costume back then, but now that I think about it, did Mom make it?
After seeing that wedding dress the other day, it makes me think so.
Rias smiles and says.
"Yes, sort of. Well, that's another matter entirely, so I'll omit the explanation."
Hoh, so he really exists.
Well, there are devils and angels, so I kind of figured as much.
I see, he exists… even though I've never met him.
"…Santa didn't come to the perverted children, did he?"
Koneko-chan's piercing retort!
That's right! He wouldn't come to perverted children!
Because what they wanted were hentai magazines and erotic DVDs! Santa would have trouble delivering those! He'd be at a loss for what kind of face to make!
Rias looks around at us and says.
"Christmas is also a peak earning season for devils. We'll have a separate meeting about that later, so all my peerage members, please gather."
"Understood."
Well, my Red Dragon Emperor peerage will probably be working separately. After discussing with Rias and the others, we'll need to discuss it among ourselves again.
Kiba says to me.
"Devils are busy during Christmas for work too."
Christmas season isn't just busy for Santa. Devils are also quite busy.
Apparently, during Christmas, many requests come in from lonely residents. Sometimes, ten or even dozens of times the usual amount.
Summoning a devil on Christmas is a strange thought, but it just goes to show how bored or how lonely people are.
"We must go to the customers who specifically kept this day open for us."
Rias says with a smile.
Well, I wanted to relax with everyone like last year, but it looks like that will be put off this year. The Christmas project and devil work alone will fill up my schedule.
"By the way, are Sona and the others still at Auros Academy?"
I suddenly remember and ask Sensei.
Sona and the Sitri peerage couldn't participate in this project's discussions until the very last minute. From what I hear, they'll probably have to go in without much preparation.
"Ah, yes, Auros is currently undergoing repair and renovation. Even if we can fix the physical form with magic, an incident occurred, so preparations against future ones are also necessary. Since we stole Agreas, it's unlikely Rizevim and his group will attack there again, but they're reportedly redrawing renovation plans from scratch for future contingencies."
Due to the Qlippoth's attack, Auros Town suffered extensive damage. The town's entire defense system needed reevaluation, and soldiers are currently stationed there for security. Furthermore, anti-terrorism magical barriers have been reinforced, making it more robust than before.
Given the enemy, there are still worries, but… as Sensei said, the possibility of them attacking that town again is low.
By the way, after that incident, applications for trial enrollment at Auros Academy have reportedly surged even more than before.
According to Saji, it's already booked years in advance.
"That incident was widely reported throughout the Underworld. 'Young Devils Play Major Role Against Terrorist Group, Fiercely Defend School of Dreams and Hope!' When headlines like that circulate in newspapers and media, it inevitably draws attention. Especially you, the reincarnated devils, and Sairaorg, who has little magic, rampaging against a legendary evil dragon. For low and mid-class devils, it's akin to an epic tale. Well, the higher-ups probably aren't too pleased."
As Sensei said, the parents who survived that battle and witnessed the live combat spoke excitedly about the scene to the media. Because of this, Auros Academy's renown skyrocketed, and now there's no one who doesn't know about it.
One reason the Sitri peerage couldn't participate in this project's discussions wasn't just the town's renovation, but also being swamped with media interviews and application responses.
Raynare sighs.
"We've also received interview requests, but we've declined them all for now. It would be problematic if we became unable to move while Sona-sama is already incapacitated."
Besides Sitri, we, the involved parties in that incident, also received interview requests… but as Raynare said, we've declined all of them.
The reason is that as 'D×D' members, we don't have time to spend on interviews.
And Raynare, our capable manager and peerage member, is handling all those rejections. She really is a brilliant individual.
Scene Break
After the meeting about the project, it was time for costume fittings. The women, in particular, happily exchanged opinions on the Santa outfits.
Watching this scene, Sensei smiles wryly and says.
"You guys are really hardworking, you know. You put your bodies on the line, go to school, participate in projects like this, and still diligently carry out your own duties. As young as you are, I commend you greatly."
"If you think so, please work yourself, too? Look, you have this many documents piled up."
Then, Raynare deploys a magic circle and summons a mountain of documents onto the desk!
Isn't that a bit too much!?
"Hey, hey! There are clearly some here that aren't mine, aren't there!? What's going on!?"
"You threw them at me the other day, didn't you? Didn't you? You threw them at me, didn't you? I'm busy with this over here, so please take care of my documents too, okay?"
"Huh!? You—"
"—The other day, you were building a weird robot with Grigori funds, weren't you? I'll report that to Shemhazai-sama, you know?"
"Sorry, my bad. I'll gladly take care of it."
Ah, that Sensei succumbed to Raynare! That Raynare-chan threatened Sensei!
Wait, he built a robot with organization funds!? What is he doing!?
Sensei slumps his shoulders in dejection.
Leaving Sensei to his woes, Raynare heads to the changing room.
A little while later, Raynare emerges, clad in a Santa outfit.
"Hey, hey, Issei-kun. How does this look? Is the mini-skirt version cuter after all?"
Asked that, I examine her carefully from her feet up.
Slender legs!
Dazzling thighs peeking out from the mini-skirt!
No fabric around her waist, her belly button completely exposed!
Her cleavage is clearly visible too!
Hmm, this is cute!
"Yeah, yeah! It suits you really well! You're cute!"
"Really? So, this is the one for the actual day, then? It's a bit cold, but I can manage that with magic."
Saying that, Raynare approaches me and whispers in my ear—
"…After this project is over, perhaps I'll become Santa Claus just for you, Issei-kun? Again, in the 'break room'… okay?"
A slight blush on her cheeks, looking up at me!
Santa Claus just for me…!?
And in the 'break room' again!?
Just how much "resting" does Raynare-chan plan to do!?
I'll end up pushing her down again!
By the way, the Red Dragon Emperor Peerage Agency's 'break room' is open twenty-four hours a day!
Beside me and Raynare's exchange, Sensei was talking to Rias.
"Rias, how is Grayfia?"
"…It seems the situation is difficult to describe."
Rias narrows her eyes and replies.
Currently, Grayfia-san is interrogating the captured Euclid. It's not normal for a real older sister to do this directly, but apparently, Euclid himself requested it.
Naturally, the Underworld's higher-ups opposed this offer, but thanks to Sirzechs-san's permission, the interrogation between siblings came to pass.
"I heard he's in a very good mood. He must be really enjoying talking with his older sister. However, I've also heard that my sister-in-law's interrogation methods are surprisingly harsh for her own brother."
Rias tells me this, but…
He's still happy even with that…?
As expected, he's a massive siscon… no, a massive pervert.
"I'm a siscon too, but I don't want to be associated with him…"
"He just said it himself…"
"Because I want to have fun conversations with my older sister or younger sister, right!? Doesn't Sensei understand that!?"
"How could I understand that, you heavy siscon! Go have your sister-talk with Sirzechs and Serafall!"
"I will! Don't underestimate the 'Siscon Alliance'!"
"What kind of alliance is that!?"
"It's a club I, Sirzechs-san, and Serafall-san started, solely dedicated to doting on our younger sisters! Oh, and I invited Arthur too!"
"The members are completely insane! That's practically a whole faction! And you invited Arthur!? You guys are idiots, complete idiots!"
Shut up! What's wrong with doting on my sister!
Right now, we don't have time for sister-talk, but someday!
When peace returns, we'll have our discussions! We decided that!
Sensei sighs.
"Well, putting the siscon talk aside. Information from Euclid, who has started speaking in dribs and drabs, suggests that Qlippoth has several hidden bases. Each faction has already sent agents there. Full-scale surprise attacks will probably begin soon. I also received a report from Shemhazai that he issued a 'annihilation' order."
"But Rizevim won't be captured that way, will he?"
"Of course not. Those in the hidden bases are the organization's lower ranks. The main force should have already moved to Agreas. And Agreas itself is currently missing…"
…So, their current hideout is that floating island, huh?
Since an entire city was stolen, a considerable amount of food, equipment, and weapons must have been taken. Adding what they brought in, including the mass-produced evil dragons… it's beyond just "troublesome."
"Where could such a large island have gone?"
"They're probably camouflaging it, making it blend into the scenery. They've likely set up magical formulas to make it undetectable by our sensors."
"Perhaps it's even hovering directly above this town."
"That's a plausible theory. They say the darkest place is right under the lamp. …Regarding the details of Agreas, we can't get in contact with Ajuka and his peerage, who know about it. The word is that they're entangled with some troublesome individuals on their end too."
Troublesome individuals, huh. Does that mean Devil Kings have a lot of enemies too?
"…Sensei, don't you have an idea about Agreas?"
When I ask, Sensei grins.
Ah, that's the face of someone who's figured something out.
"Well, yeah. But what I say now would just be my speculation. I'll tell you my theories after I receive Ajuka's official report."
…I wonder what secrets that floating island holds. Since Rizevim wants it so badly, I'm sure a great many things are hidden there…
At this point, Griselda-san checked her watch and then spoke to everyone.
"First, we will all be taken to Heaven after this. There, we will confirm the project details and receive greetings from Michael-sama before the New Year."
Oh, right, we were going to Heaven after this.
Devils going to Heaven. That would normally be impossible, but it's all thanks to the peace among the Three Factions!
I'm curious about what Heaven is like.
"Alright then, say hello to Michael for me."
"Huh? Aren't you going, Sensei? No, in this case, shouldn't I ask if you're not returning?"
"Do you think I can just return now? Well, if they'd let me clean up my old research facilities, I might go. I'll cooperate with the project, but I'm leaving the rest to you young folks."
Sensei left the room after saying just that.
If Sensei isn't going, then it's just the Occult Research Club members.
We're supposed to go to Heaven using the underground magic circle, but—
"Issei, I tried it on, but what do you think?"
I was called out, so I turned around to see—
The older sister duo, Tiamat and Ignis, standing there in Santa costumes!
When did Tiamat even get here!?—is what I wanted to retort, but my thoughts were already far beyond that!
Because the Santa costumes they were wearing were so ecchi!
A red tube top with a completely exposed belly button and a red mini-skirt!
Santa costumes with minimal fabric!
Where did they find those costumes!? Were there samples like that!?
As if reading my question, Tiamat speaks.
"This is your mother's creation. She made it in an instant… Is she some kind of ability user?"
My mother, suspected of being an ability user by a Dragon King.
-----------------------------
I've just uploaded up to 30–40 chapters in advance on Patreon!
If you enjoy this story, please supporting me on Patreon!
👉 [patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your amazing support!