In Kuoh Town, at Izumi's house, the living room was unusually lively.
On the sofa, Ophis and Avrora sat quietly, nibbling on snacks with identical blank expressions.
Beside them, Himejima Akeno watched with an amused smile, as if babysitting two adorable pets who just so happened to be world-ending beings.
When Rias Gremory heard that Ophis was currently in Izumi's house, she had absolutely not remained calm.
She dragged Akeno along and paid a visit immediately.
After hearing an explanation from Asia, Rias understood roughly what had happened.
And when Asia pleaded with her to help look after the two girls, Rias accepted on the spot.
In fact—she had gone so far as to tell Akeno to move into Izumi's house for the week.
Izumi had been gone for about a week, and during that entire time, Akeno had taken care of Ophis.
Seeing the petite dragon girl eating so happily, Akeno giggled softly.
"Ophis-chan, do you want more?
If you do, I'll prepare some extra."
After a week of living together, Akeno had already grasped Ophis's personality.
She was easy to please—just feed her good food.
She had no desires, no greed, and often stared off into space for long periods of time.
Once Rias and Akeno realized this, their fear of Ophis's identity had finally eased.
She was a being beyond comprehension—
but also, somehow, a strangely gentle child.
Normally, at Akeno's offer, Ophis would have nodded.
But this time, she didn't.
Her eyes fixed on an empty spot in the living room—
specifically, the location where Izumi had vanished last week.
"He is coming."
Akeno paused mid-movement.
"He… is?"
Before she could ask, a large magic circle unfolded across the room.
A moment later, Izumi and several women appeared.
Akeno blinked.
"Ara~ Izumi-kun, you've returned?"
So that's what Ophis sensed—
Izumi had finally come back.
Avrora immediately leapt from the sofa and rushed over.
"Oh! Izumi-chan, did you bring me presents?"
She dove into his arms without hesitation.
It had only been a week, but she acted as though it had been years.
Even Ophis rushed over and grabbed his hand tightly—
as if terrified that he would disappear again.
Izumi couldn't help but smile at the familiar duo.
He ruffled their hair affectionately.
"I'm home."
The two girls nodded simultaneously.
Behind him, Le Fay peeked out with a bright grin.
"Ophis-chan, Avrora-chan, we're back~!"
Even the little homunculus seemed delighted to return.
Artoria Pendragon glanced at Ophis, surprise flickering in her emerald eyes.
"A dragon?"
With her own lineage tied to the Red Dragon, she could recognize such creatures instinctively—
and she recognized Izumi's mixed blood as well.
Beside her, Scáthach narrowed her eyes.
What a terrifyingly strong child.
Ophis looked up at Artoria briefly, then looked away.
She had no interest in the blonde knight.
Izumi was the only one who mattered to her.
Especially now that she sensed—
Izumi had grown stronger again.
Her wish was inching ever closer.
"What adorable children!"
Irisviel von Einzbern's eyes sparkled the instant she saw Ophis and Avrora.
Beside her, Matou Sakura was overwhelmed by the sheer number of pretty girls in the house.
So many beauties… I'm going to suffocate…
Tohsaka Rin, on the other hand, remained composed.
She had visited once before—
she had already been shocked senseless back then.
Today barely registered as surprising.
The only unfamiliar face to her was Akeno.
Akeno folded her hands with a graceful smile.
"It seems Izumi-kun returned from another world with more beautiful women."
"As expected of you."
Izumi rolled his eyes.
"Don't make it sound like I went out specifically to pick up girls."
He gestured toward the newcomers.
"Let me introduce them.
This is Artoria Pendragon, and this is Scáthach."
"This is Irisviel."
"And these two are Rin and Sakura."
"They'll be residing in this world from now on."
Akeno froze.
Artoria and Scáthach.
Legends in this world—
and Izumi brought the originals home from another world.
She swallowed hard, then bowed deeply.
"It is an honor. I am Himejima Akeno."
"Please treat me kindly."
Artoria and Scáthach greeted her politely in return.
Scáthach stepped forward, eyes glittering with anticipation.
"This world is fascinating. I would like to explore."
"Especially the ones fighting this world."
Battle lust burned in her voice.
Izumi nodded.
"Go if you want. But you'll need Ophis to adjust your aura first."
"If you walk around with an otherworld stench, you'll get swarmed immediately."
Rin had almost been killed on her first day.
He did not want a repeat incident—
especially not with Scáthach.
Ophis didn't speak.
She simply raised a finger.
A faint violet light spread out and sank into each of the newcomers.
"It is done.
They will not be troubled."
Her aura cloaked them.
Even the Great Red wouldn't complain.
The group thanked her.
Scáthach, impatient as always, left immediately—
eager to find strong opponents.
Izumi watched her storm out.
"…Well, good luck to whoever picks a fight with her."
His gaze turned to Artoria.
"And you? Going out as well?"
Before she could answer, Le Fay raised her hand energetically.
"I'm taking Ancestor-sama home!"
"I want to show my family our ancestor from another world!"
Izumi face-palmed.
"She really believes Artoria is her ancestor…"
Artoria simply sighed.
But—
she didn't reject the idea.
"Very well. Let us go, Le Fay."
The girl cheered.