Compared to everything else, this was the one thing that irritated Izumi the most.
This was why he had once said that—if he truly had to choose between Rias and Akeno—he would pick Akeno without hesitation.
…Though only children make choices, anyway.
Seeing her club president fall into existential despair, Akeno couldn't help letting out a sly, mischievous laugh.
Rias getting scolded by Izumi was rare, but Akeno honestly hoped this would wake her up.
She had known Rias for a very long time; she had witnessed every bit of her growth and every shift in her behavior.She simply never pointed it out.
Izumi saying it aloud… honestly relieved her.
Even though Rias cherished her servants like family, the way she treated normal people had indeed worsened. As Izumi said—she judged others by strength first.
If Rias could recognize that now, it would be good for her in the long run.At the very least, she might learn to be more approachable.
Thinking that, Akeno gave Izumi a little wink of gratitude.
Izumi noticed her tiny gesture and chuckled. Then he opened his mouth and said:
"Anyway, if you want me to train you, then bring me something worthwhile as compensation. Something concrete.Don't talk about becoming my girlfriend or whatever. I don't need that right now."
He smirked."But if you ever improve yourself, even without you asking… I'll snatch you up, little demon.So—let's talk about actual profit instead."
…
Rias stared at him, speechless.
She shot him a glare but didn't argue.Quietly making the resolution to reflect on herself later, she reached into her magic circle and pulled out a thick book.
"This is a grimoire containing various magic techniques," she said. "Is this acceptable payment?"
Izumi's eyes sparkled instantly.
"Oho? That's pretty nice. Then I accept. I'll train you guys."
"But not today," he added quickly. "We'll start after the Three-Faction Meeting is over."
Without hesitation, Izumi snatched the magic book like a bandit.
He had a wealth of magic power but barely any spells.A book like this was gold—actual techniques he could learn and add to his arsenal.
Not just offensive spells but defensive formations and enhancement magic too.This would deepen his foundation and make future breakthroughs even easier.
Rias rolled her eyes as he hugged the book like treasure.
"Fine. Then we're heading back for today. Don't forget tomorrow's meeting at the school.There'll be plenty of humans attending as well," she reminded him.
With that, she gathered her servants and began walking away.
Koneko glanced back at Izumi as she left.
She had heard everything he said earlier.
…What a greedy guy.
He wanted everyone?!Pervert. Hentai. Absolute womanizer!
With a tiny, silent huff, Koneko hurried after Rias.
Xenovia also kept watching Izumi with interest.She hadn't spoken, but she had been observing him the whole time.
She knew his strength—she had seen his battle against Kokabiel with her own eyes.
Xenovia was honestly curious:What kind of man was Izumi?
But since she didn't know him well, she stayed silent.And unlike the original timeline, she wasn't going to request "a child" from him—she barely even knew the guy.There was no way that would happen here.
When everyone finally left, Asia turned to Izumi and puffed out her cheeks.
"Izumi-san… you're really such a flirt. You already have Asia…"
Her voice trembled slightly, as if she was genuinely hurt.She might be innocent, but she still knew jealousy.
Izumi burst out laughing.
"Asia, Asia… you still don't understand."
He leaned in with a smug look.
"This isn't being a flirt—it's called being broad-minded.Jealousy won't work on me~ And besides… you're not escaping."
His lips curled into a playful grin.
The little nun had grown up—a bit too much, actually.She even knew how to get jealous now.
Asia's cheeks swelled even more, almost big enough to hang a vinegar jar on.
After teasing her a bit longer, Izumi finally opened the grimoire.
Inside were numerous spells—magic bullets, magic cannons, simple barrier spells, and even basic body-enhancement techniques.
It was incredibly useful.
If he learned these, his combat style would gain more variety and versatility.
"Rias actually did me a huge favor," Izumi muttered as he flipped through it eagerly.
Asia watched him study with intense focus and returned to her own training.She didn't want to drag him down in battle.
Izumi always protected her—always.Though she was just a healer, she still wanted to help him more.
So she trained. Hard.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The Next Morning
After a night of… "vigorous activity," patched up several times by Asia's "Holy Mother Smile (Magic)"—both Izumi and Asia woke early, full of energy.
Since today was the Three-Faction Meeting, they couldn't afford to be late.
They had a simple breakfast together before leaving.
Izumi wanted to bring Megumi, but she politely refused—she didn't feel like she belonged in such an event.
So, with Asia at his side, Izumi headed to the school.
The campus was sealed off today.Only the student council, the Occult Research Club, and security were allowed inside.
Magical wards were already being set up by guards from all three factions.
They recognized Izumi, so they let him through immediately.
Izumi walked straight toward the old school building.
Many people—well, demons—were already there.
Sitting calmly were Sirzechs-oniisama, Rias's father, and Serafall.
When Rias's group saw Izumi enter, their eyes brightened.
"You must be Izumi-kun," Sirzechs greeted warmly. "Nice to meet you. I am Sirzechs. Please take care of us."
Despite being a Super Devil—one of the most powerful beings in the Underworld—Sirzechs was incredibly easygoing.
And with that, the meeting was about to begin…