~Hachiman POV~
"Everyone's here now, huh?"
After a short while had passed, the remaining members of the club—namely Issei, Kiba, and Asia—gradually walked into the clubroom until everyone was present.
The moment they stepped through the door, all three of their gazes landed and stopped on me almost simultaneously, without any prior agreement.
It was hardly surprising, since right now I wasn't wearing the student uniform.
A meticulously tailored, form-fitting black three-piece suit, a spotless white dress shirt underneath, a neatly tied necktie, as well as black gloves completely covering both hands made my appearance look vastly different from an ordinary high school kid.
"Huh?... Hikigaya, why are you wearing a suit?"
Issei scanned me from head to toe before breaking into a sly, half-joking smile.
"Are you heading to a dance party somewhere or what?"
I let out a soft sigh.
Before lifting my hand to sweep my left bangs toward the back, revealing my sharp eyes much more clearly than before, while unhurriedly adjusting the ends of my suit sleeves into place.
Then, I turned to look straight into Issei's eyes.
"Kindly mind your manners when speaking, you lowborn."
My flat, calm voice didn't rise even in the slightest.
However, the seriousness embedded within those words caused the surrounding atmosphere to fall silent for a moment.
"W-Wh-What the hey!"
Issei's eyes widened before he pointed at my face in shock.
"Did you just insult me!?"
"My apologies."
I replied composedly.
"Right now, I am not in a position to be your friend."
I paused briefly before continuing in a formal tone.
"Therefore, please be mindful of your speech and etiquette."
"..."
Issei stood completely still.
His expression was filled with confusion, as if wondering when exactly the friend who had just asked him for help during lunchtime had been swapped out for someone else.
Even Kiba raised an eyebrow slightly in interest.
As for Asia, she tilted her head in utter bewilderment, not understanding what kind of act the two of them were playing.
Rias, who had been watching the entire scene in silence, let out a soft sigh and stepped in to intervene in the conversation.
"There is something I need to inform all of you about. The truth is—"
Whooom!
Rias's words were cut short when a mysterious magic crest suddenly appeared on the floor in the center of the clubroom without any prior warning.
The massive magic crest glowed with a brilliant golden light, its radiance gradually expanding outward into multiple concentric rings. Countless ancient runes rotated rhythmically, while at the very center of the magic crest, an emblem resembling a phoenix spreading its wings majestically emerged.
The very next second…
Fwoosh!
Reddish-orange flames burst violently forth from the magic crest.
A wave of intense heat radiated throughout the entire room, causing everyone's hair and clothing hem to flutter in the hot wind.
Yet even so, no one backed away.
Every pair of eyes remained fixed on the center of the magic crest, which was slowly dissolving.
And as the flames faded away…
The figure of a young man appeared gracefully in the center of the magic crest.
His golden hair was meticulously styled, his sharp eyes radiated self-confidence, and he wore a luxurious, tailored dark red suit left unbuttoned at the chest to intentionally reveal his physique—as if publicly declaring his pride in his own appearance to everyone.
Just by standing there doing nothing, he exuded an aura of nobility and arrogance that could be felt distinctly.
The owner of the magic crest…
Riser Phoenix... had arrived.
"Phew... It's been a while since I last visited the Human World."
Riser took a deep breath while sweeping his eyes around the room, surveying the atmosphere as if appreciating the place for a brief moment.
Before long, however… his gaze came to a halt on the sole flame-red-haired woman.
The corners of his lips curled into a charming smile full of confidence before he walked toward her without any rush.
"Well now... my beloved Rias, I've come for you."
Ho…
The moment you meet, you jump straight into cheesy romance mode, huh?
Truly fitting for a real deal playboy bad boy young master.
...If it were me, there's no way in hell I'd ever utter such a cringe-inducing line.
...Wait a minute.
Why am I even comparing myself to this guy? It's not like I accidentally thought of using him as an example, right?
...This is insane.
Just because I see a guy making a move on a woman doesn't mean I have to follow suit.
Is it not just my body, but my brain starting to go crazy as well? Right now, I can't even picture what my future self is going to turn out like.
"...."
Rias responded with a knitted brow, signaling that she wasn't playing along with him.
However, Riser didn't seem to care about her reaction before reaching out to grab her hand.
"Now then, Rias, let's not waste any more time. Let's go inspect the venue for the ceremony before the appointed day arrives."
"Don't touch me! Riser!"
Rias immediately slapped his hand away. Her expression clearly displayed her displeasure, without even a shred of hesitation or restraint.
Riser paused slightly upon being rejected, but he didn't show any anger. He merely raised his eyebrow slightly before letting out a sigh, as if dealing with a spoiled bride.
Meanwhile, standing not far away watching the entire scene, I could only sigh inwardly.
Alright…
At this point, it should be the protagonist's turn. Following the standard cliché narrative, when the protagonist sees the heroine being harassed or made uncomfortable by another man, someone obviously has to step forward to block him.
And in this scene…
That person is you, Issei.
Alright, Issei-kun, time to take the stage!
"Hey, you! Can't you see Buchou doesn't like it? You're being rude to a lady, you know!"
Issei's voice boomed as he took a step forward.
Excellent! Exactly according to script!
Issei's expression right now was noticeably serious; despite a hint of fear mixed in, he still chose to step forward regardless.
Riser shifted his eyes away from Rias and turned to look at Issei with a gaze reserved for looking at garbage.
"Huh? And who the hell are you?"
Issei frowned slightly before shouting back at the top of his lungs.
"I am Hyoudou Issei! A servant devil of rias gremory-sama, position: [Pawn]!"
"Hmm, oh, is that so."
Seeing Riser's indifferent response, Issei immediately froze in confusion.
"Huh? What's that supposed to mean? And who are you then?"
Riser put on a slightly surprised face when Issei asked about his identity.
"Oh? Rias, did you not mention me to your servants at all? I mean, is there anyone who doesn't know about me? Even if it's a reincarnated devil."
"I didn't tell them because there was no need to."
"My, my, still as harsh as ever—"
"Ahem, allow me to intrude upon your conversation for a moment."
Seeing the situation starting to loop around the same old topics, I realized that letting the two of them keep talking would lead to no further progress.
Besides, I was beginning to feel that this conversation was wasting time unnecessarily, so I decided to cut right in.
Being interrupted a second time caused Riser's mood to sour, and he slowly turned to look at the source of the voice.
"And you are?..."
"Pardon my delayed introduction."
I raised my right hand to place it over the left side of my chest before bowing slightly in the customary posture of a high-ranking servant to show respect.
"My name is Hikigaya Hachiman, a disciple of Grayfia-sama. I have been assigned to temporarily carry out duties on behalf of Master, serving as the mediator to discuss the final marriage agreement between the two of you."
To tell you the truth... I didn't want to put on a polite, formal act in front of this guy even one bit.
If it weren't for the fact that my current status represents Nee-san's 'face', I wouldn't have bothered wasting time acting like a high-ranking servant to suit the role to this extent.
However, since I am currently performing duties in her stead, every single action of mine will naturally be viewed as hers as well.
That's why, no matter how much I dislike this guy, there is no way in hell I'll let my personal feelings tarnish Nee-san's reputation.
"A disciple, huh? I've never heard that the 'Strongest Queen' had a disciple… and a low-class human at that… It seems she has truly fallen low—"
"Please watch your language, Riser Phoenix."
Swish!
"..!."
Black devil wings swiftly emerged from my back. And due to this sudden reveal, Issei and the others were shocked in unison, except for Rias, who already knew beforehand.
"A half-devil, huh...."
Riser muttered under his breath with a slightly serious tone.
"Even if you are a pure-blood high devil of the House of Phoenix…"
My cold voice and dead-fish eyes showed a plain composure, yet they radiated a strangely quiet atmosphere of pressure.
"But if you cross the line and disrespect my Master, no matter how high your title and noble rank may be, I don't think there is any reason to let this matter pass."
The pressure from my body became even clearer. Everyone else inside the clubroom could feel something indescribably heavy.
And most importantly!… This feeling was something many in the room were deeply familiar with. It was the exact same feeling they had experienced when facing the man wearing the horrifying smiling mask in the church basement about a month ago.
And even though it wasn't entirely identical, the current atmosphere unconsciously brought back those memories.
"Therefore, please retract your words from just now. Otherwise, don't say I didn't warn you."
Riser narrowed his eyes slightly. He stared at me for a long time, as if re-evaluating the person in front of him anew.
Originally, he had intended to teach this low-class human who dared to speak so harshly to him a lesson.
But judging by the current situation, now was probably not the appropriate time. At the very least, he had no need to create unnecessary conflict, especially with someone associated with the Lucifer faction.
Thus, Riser let out a soft sigh before raising his hand rather carelessly.
"Fine. My bad."
He said in a tone that didn't sound even remotely remorseful. His gaze still lingered on me.
"Consider my words from just now as if they never happened. Right now, I don't want to have any conflict with the Lucifer faction either—oh, wait.."
The corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
"My brother-in-law, rather."
That title immediately confused Issei, who was standing not far away. It was clear that question marks practically materialized on his face.
'Brother-in-law?'
It seemed he still didn't understand what those words meant, and neither did Asia.
Oh well. Leaving them to keep wondering would be pointless, so I decided to help explain it to them so they could understand.
I turned toward Issei before gesturing with my hand toward the golden-haired man standing in front of us.
"Allow me to officially introduce this individual. He is Riser Phoenix-sama, a pure-blood devil and the third son of the House of Phoenix."
I glanced at Riser for just a brief moment before continuing unhurriedly.
"And most importantly, he is Rias-sama's fiancé."
"Say what!!"
Issei shouted at the top of his lungs in the room the moment he heard those words, as if his brain had finally finished processing the information.
.
.
"In that case, please take a seat first, both of you. I shall go serve some tea."
Rias said nothing. She quietly walked over and sat down on one of the sofas, then crossed her legs, folded her arms, and closed her eyes.
As for Riser... instead of choosing to sit on the sofa opposite her, he intentionally walked over and sat down on the same sofa as Rias. Furthermore, he moved in close to her intimately, completely disregarding the gazes of the others.
Especially Issei's gaze, which was glaring so intensely it could almost pierce through his body.
I sighed internally.
'...This guy is blatantly trying to provoke us.'
Just as I was about to walk to the adjacent room to prepare the tea, Himejima-senpai's voice rang out from behind me.
"Hikigaya-kun, let me help—"
"It's fine. I can handle it myself."
Having said that, I walked into the room without giving Himejima-senpai a chance to say anything further.
Since I was assigned to fulfill duties on behalf of Nee-san today, I should at least perform my task of entertaining guests in a manner fitting of her disciple.
It didn't take long before I finished preparing the tea. I then picked up the tray holding a teapot and two teacups and walked back to the table.
I carefully set the tray down on the table, picked up the cups, and poured tea for the two of them one by one.
"Here is your tea."
I said, sliding the teacups in front of each person before stepping back slightly to maintain a proper distance according to servant etiquette.
Riser said nothing. He picked up the teacup almost immediately and brought it close to his lips.
A thin steam rose from the surface of the tea, accompanied by the subtle scent of flowers that gradually diffused.
He paused for a moment, inhaled the fragrance, and then took just a single sip of the tea.
"Hmm..."
Riser nodded slightly. His expression, which was originally indifferent, began to show satisfaction.
"A pleasant fragrance... and the taste isn't bad at all."
He rotated the teacup in his hand slightly before flicking his gaze toward me.
"Quite impressive."
The corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
"It seems you weren't lying about being her disciple."
I merely closed my eyes and gave a small nod in acknowledgment.
The others standing inside the room had numerous questions popping up in their minds, especially regarding the relationship between me and Grayfia, as well as my status as her disciple.
However, no matter how curious they were, no one thought of speaking up to ask at this moment. Everyone could tell that the situation in front of them was not the right time to inquire about personal matters.
Furthermore, with Riser and Rias sitting right in front of them and the discussion about the marriage about to begin, nobody wanted to be the rude person who arbitrarily interrupted the conversation.
Therefore, the only thing they could do right now… was keep all their questions in their hearts and wait until the appropriate time.
"Not to waste any time, as I have been entrusted with the duty of acting as the facilitator for today's final discussion, allow me to report the details assigned by Master and the information confirmed by both of your houses first."
I paused for a moment to ensure that both of them were listening attentively, even though they already knew, before continuing in a calm and formal tone.
"According to the joint resolution of the heads of the House of Gremory and the House of Phoenix, both sides have mutually agreed on moving up the schedule for your wedding, shifting from the original agreement which specified waiting until Rias-sama's graduation.."
"However, since the aforementioned resolution has already been established through the mutual consent of both house heads, today's meeting is held to listen to the opinions and concerns of both of you before proceeding according to the new schedule."
I turned toward the golden-haired bad boy who was touching Rias's body, before asking in a polite tone.
"Riser-sama, do you agree with moving up the wedding schedule?"
"Of course. As for me.. the sooner, the better."
Riser replied almost instantly without the slightest hint of hesitation, as if this matter didn't even require wasting time to think about.
'Well, of course. After all, the root cause of all this trouble this time is you.'
I averted my eyes from Riser and turned toward Rias, who was sitting nearby.
"And Rias-sama—"
"No!"
Rias's voice immediately cut in sharply. She stood up abruptly from the sofa. The calm expression she had maintained until now completely vanished, leaving only eyes filled with unyielding defiance.
"I do not agree with this! Riser! I told you already! I will not marry you!"
Rias stated in a harsh tone, her eyes clearly filled with displeasure.
"Yes, I've heard about that before."
Riser replied calmly before looking at her with a slightly more serious expression.
"But Rias... that argument won't work. I think the situation of your family right now is quite severe."
"That is none of your business! As the next heiress of the House of Gremory, I should have the right to choose for myself who will become my husband! Otou-sama, Onii-sama, and everyone in the family are rushing this matter far too much!"
"Rias..."
Riser let out a soft sigh.
"Otou-sama and Sirzechs-sama are also worried about you. They are concerned that if things continue like this, your family might face the risk of losing its bloodline."
"In the last Great War, we lost a vast number of pure-blood devils. Even though the war has ended, the conflict between us and the fallen angels, as well as the gods, has not truly come to an end."
"Because of that, it is not at all impossible for an heir of a pure-blood devil family to be killed in an unnecessary battle against them."
Riser swept his gaze across Rias before continuing firmly.
"And that is the very reason why many devil families that served as main pillars have perished throughout the past."
"Therefore, for us high pure-blood devils, uniting our families is one of the clearest ways to preserve our bloodline and reinforce the strength of the devil faction."
This guy actually makes a good argument...
I honestly admit that it's hard to argue back, because what Riser said wasn't just a baseless excuse. Looking at the current state of the Underworld, his reasoning is reasonable to a certain extent.
The loss of pure-blood devils from the previous Great War still leaves lingering effects. And since conflicts with other races haven't completely ended, preserving the numbers and authority of ancient families is naturally an important matter.
Thus, a marriage between two families is no longer just a matter concerning two individuals. It extends to the interests, power, and stability of both houses as well.
...Damn it.
It turned out to be a plausible reason after all. But even so…
A plausible reason doesn't mean that everything being done is right. Because in the end, the person who has to live with this decision is Rias, not the heads of the house sitting far away, and not Riser standing here eloquently explaining his logic in front of us.
A marriage for the benefit of the family is one thing, but telling a person to accept their fate without having any right to choose at all—isn't that a completely different matter?
"And reincarnation Devils... those like your servants—their power and influence are steadily growing."
"Of course, we cannot deny that they will be equally vital to the future of the Devil race. Among them, some possess power so great that it rivals, or even surpasses, that of certain head families from the main bloodlines."
"Because of this, they have increasingly become a key force shaping the balance of power and political structure of the Underworld."
"And that is yet another reason why we, the pure-blood nobles, must preserve the strength and influence of our long-standing houses. Otherwise... in the future, the authority of these ancient families might very well be supplanted by the rising power of reincarnation Devils."
"Rias... you and I were chosen to prevent pure-blood Devils from going extinct. My house is safe because I have an older brother, but your family has only two siblings. Your brother has already separated himself from the house, leaving only you, Rias, to inherit the House of Gremory. If you refuse to marry, the Gremory bloodline will die out in your generation. Are you truly trying to destroy a lineage passed down through countless ages? Due to the past war, the Devil population has plummeted to less than half. For the sake of those known as the '72 Pillars,' the future of all Devils is at stake in this marriage."
In truth, the whole matter wasn't complex at all. It was merely the obstinacy of old-fashioned traditionalists refusing to accept change, clinging desperately to the concept of "pure blood."
Reincarnation Devils were steadily increasing in both numbers and influence. Furthermore, among their ranks were individuals whose outstanding capabilities allowed them to surpass even the ancient high-class families.
To the old houses, this was no different than watching the very foundations of their power crumble away bit by bit.
Thus, pushing for the marriage between Rias and Riser was devised as one method to safeguard the status of the noble families.
As for Riser's claim that "the future of all Devils is at stake"... to be blunt, he wasn't entirely wrong.
However, if one were to ask Sirzechs directly, I doubted he held such an extreme view.
As a new-generation Maou, he naturally understood that the Underworld was changing, and that reincarnation Devils were an essential part of its future.
The real issue was that Sirzechs didn't possess the freedom to decide everything based solely on his own thoughts.
His position was one of the Four Maou, and his most important duty was to maintain the balance of the Underworld.
Therefore, even if he didn't fully agree with the ideology of the old pure-blood faction, he was still obligated to listen and compromise with them.
Because if he chose to stand clearly on one side, what was meant to preserve balance might instead become the creation of division.
...Good grief, politics truly are annoying.
My dear Nee-san... I sincerely hope you don't plan on pushing me to stand in a position like this in the future.
Otherwise... I fear the pure bloodline everyone is trying so desperately to protect will truly come to an end.
"I will not destroy my own family... and I am more than willing to marry and have a husband of my own."
"Yeah! That's it! That's more like Rias!"
Riser instantly broke into a smile, as though understanding her answer as acceptance of what he wanted.
"Well then, let us depart—"
"However, I will not be marrying you, Riser."
"...What did you say?"
The smile on Riser's face froze solid.
Rias maintained her unwavering gaze upon him before continuing to speak with absolute clarity.
"I will only choose to marry someone I personally accept!"
"Rias..."
Riser's tone shifted instantly.
He finally stood up from the sofa, stepping forward to face Rias head-on. The expression that had been overflowing with confidence vanished, replaced by a seriousness laced with explicit anger.
"I, too, am a Devil who bears the reputation of the House of Phenex upon my shoulders. I cannot allow the reputation of my house to be tarnished over a matter like this. Truth be told... I didn't want to come here from the very beginning anyway."
His gaze swept across the room, displaying disgust without hiding it.
"A filthy human world like this—if not for you, I wouldn't think of enduring staying here for even a single second."
He turned back, glaring intensely at Rias once more.
"But since you reject me... I no longer have any reason to endure staying here."
Riser stared at Rias with harsh eyes before continuing in a fierce tone.
"I will take you back to the Underworld, even if I have to burn all of your servants here to ash!"
"Just try it!"
Rias shot back immediately, without showing even a trace of fear.
RUMBLE!
In an instant, demonic aura erupted from both of their bodies simultaneously. The pressure generated by the power of the two high-class Devils collided in the center of the room, triggering a vibration. The surrounding air warped and rippled intensely, as if the surrounding space was being compressed by an invisible pressure.
Neither of them said another word, merely locking eyes—
Yet their hostility and intent to clash were conveyed with absolute clarity. Neither side intended to step back.
The atmosphere inside the room instantly grew heavy in a flash, as though a battle could erupt at any moment.
Issei and Asia, who were still novice reincarnation Devils, both felt that pressure clearly.
Their bodies trembled unconsciously.
Their breath began to hitch while their hearts pounded wildly from their biological instincts warning them of the danger right in front of them.
This was not a power they could compare to anything encountered in ordinary battles at all.
Simply standing amidst the pressure of two high-class Devils was enough to make them feel as though they were being stared at by wild beasts.
"That is enough, both of you. Absolutely no fighting will take place here, especially while I am presiding over this meeting."
I interrupted their clash, my voice remaining polite and calm, yet laced with a firmness that caused the surrounding atmosphere to instantly freeze.
"Therefore, please show some restraint, out of respect for Sirzechs-sama and so that today's discussion does not end in an event that no one desires."
"However, if you two still refuse to stop... I will have no choice but to intervene myself as well."
I looked at both of them with an indifferent gaze.
"I hope it will not be necessary to do so, as my duty today is to conduct the discussion, not to step in and restrain meeting participants who are brawling with each other."
"Therefore, if you two still choose to continue colliding, I will have no choice but to end this matter myself."
This was no longer a request, but a final warning.
"Hoh... You think you can stop me, you lowlife?!"
Riser sneered, his eyes still brimming with contempt while golden flames continued to blaze around his body.
"Naturally, I can."
Hummm RUMBLEEE—
A new wave of magic power began to spill forth from my body. There was no violent explosion; it simply flowed out, like water gradually overflowing from a container before rapidly expanding across the whole room.
In just a few seconds, that massive magic power covered the entire space.
The air inside the room instantly grew heavy. The clashing pressures of Rias and Riser that had collided violently earlier were suppressed until hardly a trace remained.
"...!"
Riser's expression changed immediately. He clearly felt that his own aura was being pressed down.
And what shocked both Rias and Riser even more... was the nature of the magic power enveloping the room.
'This is...'
Rias murmured softly in her mind.
She remembered the touch of this power. It bore an amazingly uncanny resemblance to the power of a certain person.
'The Strongest Queen.'
Grayfia Lucifuge.
Riser noticed that matter as well. His eyes narrowed before the confidence on his face slowly faded away.
'What on earth is this guy?!'
Because a matter like this was not normal in the slightest.
Everyone naturally has their own unique characteristic of magic power.
Even for Devils from the same family, each person's power still has distinct characteristics.
Emitting power with characteristics identical to someone else's was virtually impossible.
Unless it was power inherited directly through bloodline—but Hachiman was not a blood heir of Grayfia.
At least, that was what everyone understood.
Rias stared at me silently, many questions starting to pop up in her head.
'Hikigaya Hachiman... what are you, really?'
Meanwhile on the other side, Riser clenched his fists tightly. It was the first time since appearing in this room that he was no longer looking at me with the eyes of someone beneath him.
Instead, it was the gaze of someone evaluating a threat he did not yet understand.
"...."
The reason I chose to release the demonic power belonging to Nee-san was not because I intended for it to come out like this from the start.
It was simply because I had no choice.
One month ago, when I collided with Rias's group inside the church basement, I accidentally released my own unique magic aura without being careful.
And that was a problem. If I allowed them to remember the touch of my magic power, concealing my identity later on would become increasingly difficult.
Therefore, to avoid suspicion, I chose to use Nee-san's power instead. At least it was a power that some people were already familiar with.
And the more I was her disciple, being able to use power with similar characteristics could still find some reasoning to support it.
...At least, I hoped it would be like that. But maybe this method wouldn't work on Toujou Koneko.
Why, you ask? Because that lowerclassman girl kept glaring intently at me non-stop.
Her gaze was not like that of a normally suspicious person; it was more like she was trying to catch me making a mistake on something.
Once before as well. Could it be that I've really been caught?
If it's like that, it's a bit troublesome. Looks like after this, I'll have to find a chance to have a serious talk with her.
At least I need to know what exactly Koneko is suspecting about me.
"Tch!"
Riser clicked his tongue in annoyance before slowly pulling the demonic power radiating around his body back into his body.
The pressure inside the room gradually decreased, and the atmosphere that was previously so tense it was hard to breathe began to relax slightly.
"Then what do you expect me to do? Things are difficult on my side as well!"
Riser frowned while retorting, his voice full of frustration.
"You need not worry about that matter."
"The event that occurred today was anticipated by your houses in advance. And from joint discussions, both families have already reached a conclusion to have both of your sides use a competition method to decide this matter."
"What competition?"
Riser asked back immediately with a suspicious look.
"With a Rating Game. This is the guideline that Maou-sama drafted, so that both sides have equal rights to choose and stake their desires."
"The rules are very simple... only the winner will have the right to choose their desire."
"As for the losing side..."
I looked back and forth between Rias and Riser.
"Must accept the result of the competition and proceed according to the agreed agreement."
"And allow me to emphasize first that this Rating Game competition will not be considered an official competition, since Rias-sama's side has not yet reached full maturity as a Devil, but will be considered merely a temporary competition held to serve as a method to resolve the issue that occurred this time only."
"Therefore, I ask both of you... do you accept the conditions of this competition?"
"Hahaha! Worthy of Maou-sama indeed! Creating fun matters second to none!"
Riser laughed out boisterously, his face full of satisfaction upon hearing the Demon Lord's proposal.
"Agreed! I accept!"
I then turned toward Rias.
"And what about Rias-sama?"
Rias remained quiet for a moment before clenching her fist slightly tight.
"Agreed... I accept!"
She replied firmly, inside her mind thinking of only one thing.
'This is my only chance to break free from all of this. If I win, I can choose my own future with my own hands. That's why I absolutely cannot lose!'
"And to make this competition fair, I propose giving Rias-sama's side a preparation time of half a month, or fifteen days before the match day."
"Since Riser-sama's side has extensive experience in Rating Game competitions, while Rias-sama's side is just starting to enter the competitive arena seriously, giving additional preparation time is therefore considered reasonable."
I turned to look Riser directly in the eyes, before speaking in a polite tone, yet choosing my words deliberately.
"What do you think of this proposal, Riser-sama?"
I smiled faintly.
"It is only fifteen days... Surely, you do not feel that I am taking advantage of you, do you?"
It was a question that proved quite difficult to refuse. Because even if Riser realized that I was trying to create an advantage for Rias's side, rejecting a proposal supported by such clear reasoning would be akin to implicitly admitting that he did not want his opponent to have an opportunity to prepare.
And for someone who placed such high importance on the pride of the House of Phenex like him, there was no way he would allow himself to be looked at in that way.
Riser went silent for a moment before raising the corners of his mouth in confidence.
"Very well."
He accepted easily, as if he did not view those fifteen days as making any difference at all to the competition.
"I hope that the preparation throughout these next fifteen days will make this competition a bit more entertaining... Rias."
"Are you trying to look down on me?"
Rias glared back in dissatisfaction.
"Well, think whatever you like."
Riser slowly swept his gaze around the room, starting from Rias's servants before bringing his eyes back to rest on her once more.
"Rias... are these all of your servants?"
"If so, what of it?"
"Hehehe... My side has every position filled."
Riser laughed out with confidence before snapping his fingers lightly.
Snap!
In an instant, a Phenex crest magic circle appeared in the middle of the room's floor, at the exact same location where Riser had first appeared.
VOOOMMM—
The light from the magic circle flashed brightly before the figures of several young women gradually materialized, one by one.
Each possessed a distinctly different appearance and atmosphere, as though they had been specifically selected to perform their respective roles.
There were fifteen in total, ranging from young women dressed in the attire of swordsmen with personal weapons at their waists, to fighters with sturdy physiques and postures ready for battle.
Mikos, maids, as well as a young woman with cat ears.
Yet the one who drew the eye the most was a purple-haired woman wearing a tight skirt dress revealing her curves prominently, especially around her chest, which plunged down to reveal deep cleavage clearly. It was obvious that she was likely the [queen].
They stood lined up in neat order before him, like a force specifically prepared for this competition in particular.
Riser swept his gaze across his servants with a satisfied smile.
"...Sniff... Urk..."
Suddenly, the sound of faint sobbing echoed from somewhere, causing me and the other people in the room to turn toward the source at the same time.
It was Issei himself.
He was sniffling while staring mournfully at Riser's newly appeared young women, before slowly shifting his gaze away from them to look back at Riser.
"Hey... Rias, your servant is crying heavily, and he keeps staring right at me."
Riser turned to look at Issei with an uncomfortable expression, feeling uneasy with the eyes the other party was using to stare at him.
Rias raised a hand to press against her forehead while letting out a weary sigh.
"This boy's dream is to become a Harem King. I think he probably feels envious after seeing your servants."
The moment they heard that reason, the young women turned to look at Issei with expressions of disgust.
"Eww! How repulsive."
"Riser-sama, I don't like his eyes at all... He makes me feel frightened."
When bombarded by various harsh words, Issei was rendered speechless for a moment, able only to stand frozen right there.
Riser looked at the situation before him with a satisfied expression before speaking in a tone akin to comforting his servants.
"Don't say that, girls~ He is merely a pitiful low-class person."
He glanced at Issei with contemptuous eyes before continuing.
"For someone of his status, being able to look at all of you—who are my servants—with such eyes can probably be considered quite normal."
A sly smile surfaced on Riser's face as he thought of something fun.
"In that case, let us show them just how much dedication we truly have..."
"Yubelluna."
"Yes, Riser-sama."
One of the young women stepped forward humbly. She walked close to her master, before the other party grabbed her chin, leaning down to press his lips firmly against hers.
It was no ordinary kiss, but a French Kiss.
Rias, seeing that, made a disgusted face. She knew instantly that Riser deliberately intended to provoke Issei.
"Mmh~... Nnn~... Smack"
The sweet, provocative moans of the young woman sounded periodically. Riser then grabbed her breasts to knead and play with them as a display, while looking over at Issei, who stood stunned with a bright red face, staring at the two of them without blinking.
As for the others around Issei, they all closed their eyes, and I was no exception.
Surprisingly, I had to admit that the action made me feel more aroused than expected, even though I should have felt disgusted instead. That was why I had to close my eyes as well, to reduce the emotion surging up in my chest.
But once I closed my eyes, due to the effect of the kissing sounds, a certain image from the past popped up in my thoughts—an image of another girl, who was no stranger, gasping heavily for lack of air.
'....'
Sigh... that should be enough already, shouldn't it?
Whether it was because my wish came true or not, Riser uttered a certain sentence that set Issei off.
"Damn it! Boosted Gear!"
With his voice ending, a red gauntlet materialized on Issei's left arm. He then pointed it at Riser.
"I won't accept this! Is someone like you worthy of being beside Buchou?!"
"Shouldn't you be admiring me a bit instead? Since your dream is to become a Harem King~"
"S-Shut up! What's at stake with Buchou is different!"
Issei shouted back immediately, his face flushed red with anger.
"If it stays like this, even after marrying Buchou, you'll still go around flirting with other women anyway!"
Oh, Issei...
That sentence shouldn't have slipped out of your mouth at all. Even if what you said had a grain of truth, blurting it out in a situation like this makes it sound more like you're just looking for a reason to support your own frustration.
Instead of protecting Buchou, you're making yourself look like a jealous person venting emotions at a rival instead.
Sigh... he was never a brainy protagonist to begin with anyway. Can't really blame him, I suppose.
"What are you talking about? For Devils, such matters are considered normal, aren't they? Isn't it the same in the human world? Stories of heroes bestowing love upon multiple young women?"
Hmm? Is there?
How could this guy use the story of a single person to judge the overall picture of the human world?
"Besides, for these girls, they merely share a close relationship with their master. Isn't it true that you yourself receive love and affection from Rias as well?"
"Urk... I don't care! Either way, I still can't forgive you! A Phoenix, huh? Hahaha! You're just a kuso yakitori!"
The instant he heard those words, Riser's expression changed visibly. The smile on his face vanished in a flash, his eyes flashing with severe anger.
It was obvious that Issei had just stepped heavily on a point he shouldn't have.
"K... Kuso yakitori!? You low-class Devil! Don't get ahead of yourself! Those are not words to be used with a high-class Devil! Rias! What happened to the discipline toward your servant!?"
Rias merely turned her face away, replying indifferently.
"I don't care."
"Hey! Kuso yakitori!"
Issei leaped forward with a determined posture.
"We don't need to play games! I'll handle all of you with Boosted Gear right now!"
[Boost!]
The dragon gauntlet emitted its unique sound.
"You started it first. Go ahead, Mira."
"Yes."
'Sigh... Here we go again. Just great.'
The blue-haired young girl stepped forward. She held a long wooden staff, which was likely her personal weapon, before taking a stance preparing to attack.
In that split second, my eyes happened to lock with hers.
Then she dashed forward rapidly, while thrusting with her staff toward the target.
What happened next was—
"Aargh! Ow, ow!!"
Issei's scream echoed, followed by—
Grab!
"What are you doing!? Mira!"
Riser's voice, filled with complete confusion.
Why was he so confused and bewildered? That was because the target Mira had lunged to thrust at happened not to be Issei, but himself.
Fortunately, Riser noticed in time and reached out to catch the tip of the staff before it could reach his body.
"Eh? No, Riser-sama... wait?... How!? Just a moment ago, I was certain the person I was attacking was that man... so why?"
Mira backed away with an equally confused expression.
Riser looked at his servant's condition before immediately understanding that the whole matter had to be someone's doing.
And the person he suspected most right now was using one hand to hold the head of Rias's servant from behind.
"Hey! Let go of me, Hikigaya! It hurts! Aaargh!"
Issei clawed and squirmed while using both hands to try and pull my hand off his head with all his strength.
Regrettably, no matter how much strength he exerted to pull, my hand still pressed down on his head firmly without moving in the slightest.
The more he thrashing around, the more my pressure rendered him almost unable to move.
"H... Hikigaya-kun... um... could you please let go of Issei-san?"
The trembling voice laced with fear belonging to the saintly girl sounded from behind me.
It was truly admirable that she still gathered the courage to step forward and help the man she loved, and those words happened to save Issei's life.
I gradually loosened my hand from his head.
"Issei-san, does it hurt a lot? Let me help heal you."
"Ow..."
The moment I released my hand, Issei collapsed down onto the floor, while raising his hands to hold his head, which was still aching, before Asia rushed over to help him immediately.
"As I warned earlier, as long as you are under my proceedings, no fighting shall take place within this location."
"That lowlife started it first!"
"Yes, and for that reason, I have already punished him accordingly."
"Tch! How irritating."
Riser clicked his tongue in frustration before turning toward Rias with a dissatisfied expression.
"Rias, prepare to train your servant well... especially that guy."
His eyes shifted to stop at Issei, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
"I hope that red dragon gauntlet makes the battle look a bit more interesting. That way I can crush it completely right in front of you."
"I won't let you do such a thing to my cute servant."
"Hmph... Such confidence is good, but I hope you can still speak like that after the battle begins."
"Because I myself want to know as well... just how long that lowlife holding the Red Dragon Emperor's gauntlet can endure before me."
Then Riser turned back toward me, his gaze changing to clear provocation.
"As for you... I will settle the account with you later, after finishing handling this matter. Prepare yourself well."
"I shall look forward to it, Riser Phenex-sama."
I replied in a welcoming tone, along with a smile that looked naturally happy.
Yet to Riser, that smile did not look like joy in the slightest; it looked far more like a deliberate provocation.
He clenched his fists tightly before turning around to walk back to the spot where he had first appeared, with his servants standing to welcome him.
Whooom—
"Rias, see you next time at the battleground."
—Fwoosh!
Having finished speaking, Riser and all of his servants disappeared in the bright light of the teleportation magic circle.
.
.
"Whew... I'm exhausted."
I let out a weary sigh before slumping onto the sofa immediately after the hectic mission came to an end.
"Would you like some cookies, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Ah... thank you."
I reached out to take a cookie from the plate Akeno-senpai offered, popped it into my mouth, and chewed lifelessly.
"Give me a break, why did you stop me back there?"
A dissatisfied complaint echoed from the opposite sofa. Issei was clearly still hung up on my previous actions.
"You should be thanking me, Issei."
I replied nonchalantly before swallowing the cookie.
"If I hadn't stopped you, right now you'd be lying there clutching your stomach, and ended up being humiliated even more by that guy's insults."
"Senpai is right. Issei-senpai should be grateful," Koneko agreed seriously, nodding her head while chewing a cookie in her mouth.
"Even Koneko-chan is joining in? Am I really that untrustworthy?"
"Issei, it's not a matter of trust. But right now, you're simply not strong enough to fight them."
"Gah! Even Buchou too!?"
"As for me, no matter what happens, I trust you, Issei-san!"
"Inhale... Thank you, Asia. Your words heal my heart so much."
I leaned back against the sofa cushions and closed my eyes listlessly, waiting to hear some sentence that would be enough to force me to open my eyes once again.
And when it came to things I didn't really want to happen, it truly never disappointed.
"How truly surprising. To think that Hikigaya-kun is a half-devil, and even a disciple of Grayfia-sama as well."
Himejima-senpai's voice sounded from beside me. It seemed that just a moment ago, she had sat down next to me after finishing serving the cookies.
I slowly opened my eyes, casting a slightly weary glance at her.
...There it is.
"It's... not really that big of a deal."
"Like hell it isn't! Why didn't you tell us from the start? So we wouldn't have to be on guard!?" Issei questioned suspiciously.
"Sorry about that. A lot of things happened, so I wasn't in a position to reveal it."
"Hmph... Saying it like that means there's more, right? Things you're still hiding from us."
Don't go acting smart all of a sudden, you damn oppai-devil.
"Aha... Everyone has their own secrets. Especially when it comes to certain matters that one isn't ready to reveal to those around them. It's not out of a lack of trust, but because sometimes, speaking the truth doesn't always make things better."
"Some things, even if spoken and understood by the other party, result in changes that can never be turned back to the way they were."
I glanced at everyone in the room.
"Relationships... feelings toward one another, including the way others look at us. So sometimes, keeping certain things to oneself isn't a bad thing."
"It might sound like lying, that's true. But if that truth has no necessity to be revealed yet, and speaking it out would only create unnecessary trouble... choosing to remain silent is an option just the same."
I shrugged slightly.
"In the end, secrets aren't valuable just because they're secrets. They're valuable because the owner gets to choose who should know, when, and for what reason."
"If one day the time is right, I'll probably tell you myself. But if that day hasn't come yet... the fact that you don't know won't make the world collapse, right?"
"T-That's true, though."
Even if Issei didn't want to admit it, my words made quite a bit of sense. He himself had noticed for a while that besides me, the others were keeping secrets as well.
"I suppose so..."
Himejima-senpai murmured softly in response to my words, gazing absentmindedly at the teacup in her hands.
Seeing her reaction, I immediately realized I had accidentally touched a tender nerve in her heart.
"Is something wrong, Himejima-senpai?"
"Oh... No, nothing. I just think that Hikigaya-kun is really amazing."
Amazing? From which angle of me did she see that as amazing?
"No, not at all... But even so, thank you for the compliment."
"Of course. Because it truly is a compliment." She replied with a faint smile that looked gentler than usual.
'....'
Himejima Akeno.
She was one of the main heroine characters of the story. That was all the information I knew about her before getting to actually know her.
And from what I had observed over this past period of time, she was a sadistic woman—or simply put, an S.
During battles, I often saw her face flush red every time her lightning shocked an opponent, and it seemed that the more the other side screamed in agony, the more satisfied she became.
Thinking about it up to this point, I was starting to feel sympathy for Issei.
I glanced at Himejima-senpai, who was still sitting beside me sipping tea. That fake smile of hers still looked as gentle as ever.
If one had never seen her in battle before, no one would ever believe that this woman could smile while electrocuting enemies until they shrieked at the top of their lungs.
The most terrifying thing about a person isn't when they display their scary side, but rather when they can hide it so seamlessly.
Woooosh—
While everyone was sitting, eating cookies, and chatting, a familiar teleportation magic circle suddenly appeared in the middle of the room.
Silver light from the magic circle shone brightly for a moment before magic power swirled and radiated outward.
—Fwoosh!
The figure of a familiar woman gracefully stepped out from the center of the magic circle, dressed in a maid uniform.
She was none other than my Nee-san, Grayfia Lucifuge.
"How were the results, Ojou-sama?"
Grayfia's tone remained as polite and calm as ever.
The meaning behind that question wasn't just about the outcome of the discussion, but also included the performance of the disciple she had sent in her place this time.
"Yes, the results turned out quite well," Rias replied, before casting a slight glance in my direction. "Thanks to Hikigaya, I have enough time to prepare before the day of the game."
"Hmm?"
Grayfia raised her eyebrow slightly. She seemed intrigued by Rias's phrase 'enough time', so she turned to look directly at me.
"Hachiman, how many days of preparation time did you propose?"
"Just fifteen days, Grayfia-sama. That amount of time isn't even considered much."
Upon hearing my answer, the corners of Grayfia's lips curled up slightly into a faint smile that clearly displayed her satisfaction.
"No, I had only anticipated ten days."
She looked at me with eyes full of both admiration and evaluation at the same time.
"I didn't think you would be able to negotiate for five more days than I had anticipated."
"..."
Isn't it just five days?
Perhaps for someone who had to deal with a situation where the opponent possessed both experience and the advantage, gaining five more days of preparation time was no small matter.
Grayfia nodded gently.
"Using the appropriate choice of words and timing made the demand sound reasonable enough that the other party could not refuse without ruining their own image."
"For a first negotiation as an operator, I consider that you did very well, Hachiman."
...Getting praised in front of others like this feels kind of weird.
Blushing slightly, I scratched the back of my neck before replying normally.
"It wasn't really that difficult."
"It might not be difficult for you,"
Grayfia smiled faintly.
"But for others, it might not be that easy."
Issei stared back and forth between me and Grayfia in disbelief, as if he was seeing another side to us that he had never known before.
In Issei's mind, ever since he met Hikigaya, aside from the frightened expression he had just seen last night, he had never seen the other party blush from embarrassment even once.
Therefore, the scene before his eyes was a huge surprise for him.
And Grayfia-san… even though he had only officially met her last night, that first encounter and introduction were enough to make Issei remember her as a cold and approach-resistant woman.
Moreover, the atmosphere around her looked strangely dark and pressuring, like standing in front of a woman one shouldn't even think about messing with.
Most importantly, she had insulted him directly. But now, the Grayfia standing right in front of him was an entirely different person.
A faint smile appeared on her face, and her eyes clearly looked gentler, while the cold and pressuring atmosphere from last night was barely visible at all.
What's with the Grayfia-san standing right in front of him? Who on earth is she? Why can she smile like that? Isn't it completely different from last night!?
On the other side, Rias, who was leaning against the edge of the desk, noticed that change as well.
Her sister-in-law was smiling.
More than usual.
Hmm... saying it like that wasn't quite right, because in reality, Grayfia almost never smiled at all.
Ever since Rias was little, she had always seen her sister-in-law like that—whether in front of others, or even in front of her own older brother.
Grayfia always composed herself, remained cool and detached, and kept a straight face to the point where hardly anyone could read her emotions.
But now, Rias had no choice but to look at the scene before her with feelings of disbelief. Every time Hikigaya was near, Grayfia's mood would change.
Just by talking to him, her expression looked more relaxed. Just by him saying something, a faint smile appeared on her face as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
It was completely different from the Grayfia that Rias had always known.
Rias narrowed her eyes, observing the two of them thoughtfully.
She didn't really want to believe her own thoughts, but the image right in front of her made it impossible not to think so.
It was as if Hikigaya were the important person Grayfia had been searching for all this time.
It was a feeling difficult to put into words.
However, every glance, every action, and every time Grayfia looked in his direction, all made Rias feel that way.
"Rias, from now on, there's no need for me to stay in this club anymore, right?"
"Why?"
"Since proving my identity has been settled, there's no reason for me to remain in this club any longer."
"Hmm... That's true, as you say."
"Hikigaya, are you serious!?"
Issei asked with a shocked face.
"Is there something strange about it? Originally, I only joined this club temporarily to prove to you all that I'm someone who can be trusted."
"Even so! Aren't you sad or regretful about the time we spent together at all!?"
What the hell is he talking about?
It's like I'm transferring to another school or something.
"Er... well—"
"Hachiman, come with me for a moment."
Out of nowhere, Nee-san called me before turning around to walk toward another room—a small kitchen inside the clubroom.
'What happened?'
Even though I was still a bit confused, I got up from the sofa and followed behind her. As for the others, despite feeling curious and wanting to know what was going on, they ultimately chose to let it pass.
.
.
"Is something wrong, Nee-san?"
After entering the room, I did not forget to deploy a soundproof barrier first, just in case there were things I wouldn't want others to overhear.
"Hachi, regarding what just happened earlier, could you reconsider your decision once more?"
Nee-san turned to look at me with expectant eyes.
"Huh? You mean about me leaving the club?"
"Yes."
"Umm... is there something wrong with me leaving the club?"
"Not at all. I just want you to continue staying by their side."
"Why is that? Is there a reason?"
Has something serious occurred? Why is she being so persistent about wanting me to stay?
To be honest, I really don't want to get involved with the protagonist's group for much longer. I feel that my previous interference has already begun to run quite deep, which honestly shouldn't have happened in the first place.
The more I am unaware of which direction the original storyline of this anime will proceed, the less I should mess with it any further.
Because there is no way for me to know how much a small change caused by me will affect the story hereafter.
However, there is one exception. Even if I don't want to do it... I still have to.
Nee-san stepped closer before reaching out her hand to touch my cheek. She looked at me with affectionate eyes before speaking.
"The main reason is, if Hachi stays with them, then I will get to see you more often. Otherwise, I'll have to drag you back to the Underworld with me."
This is it... the exception I mentioned.
Every request that comes out of her mouth, I have actually never been able to refuse. In the end, no matter what she expects of me, I always end up doing it.
If you ask why?
...I don't know.
It's pretty laughable. Someone who constantly questions everything like me, yet ends up unable to find an answer for my own matter just like that.
Or perhaps, the answer might not be difficult to find at all—I just don't want to look at it directly.
The only thing I know is: every time she smiles, every time her eyes display expectation, or even when her expression dims just a little bit…
I will immediately begin to hesitate about my own decision.
As if her emotions and feelings have become a compass pointing out which path I should choose.
And what's most peculiar is.. I have never once thought of resisting it.
"I understand, Nee-san. If that's the case, I will stay.. I'll inform Rias and the others later."
My response held not the slightest hesitation. There was no reason to reconsider anymore once I became aware of her true reason.
"And there is one more thing. After this, I would like to ask Hachi to help—"
"Don't worry. You can leave that matter to me."
Her expression paused slightly, clearly not expecting me to accept before she even finished speaking. But before she could ask anything further, I cut in first.
"Nee-san wants me to help with their training, right?"
"Mm, yes. Judging by the recent performance of Riser Phoenix... even with more preparation time, there is still no guarantee that Rias will have a chance of winning. So I want you to lend another hand with their training..."
Her eyes dimmed slightly. Anxiety began to appear clearly on her face as she looked toward me.
"Am I making things difficult for you, Hachi?"
Her mood was turning for the worse, and I didn't like it at all. It felt as if my heart was yanked, falling headlong into a deep abyss.
"No. Compared to what I did to you, this isn't even considered much."
"Are you still overthinking about that matter? I wouldn't mind at all if you were to refuse this time."
"It's fine. I made a promise to myself."
"Huh? What promise?"
Without realizing it, I raised my hand to hold the back of her hand that was touching my cheek, before locking eyes with her directly and speaking in a serious tone of voice.
"I promised myself that hereafter... 'I will absolutely never let Nee-san down.'"
Her eyes widened, those eyes trembling slightly before flashing brilliantly for a moment, like light striking the surface of a mirror and reflecting back.
"I will absolutely never let Nee-san down."
My voice echoed within her ears, and in that very moment, the exact same voice overlapped with a certain image from the past.
An image so hazy it was almost forgotten... yet upon hearing those words once more, fragments of memories that had once sunk away gradually emerged little by little.
That image was not yet clear enough to be called a complete memory, but the feeling attached to it was strangely vivid.
Nee-san didn't say anything immediately. She merely took a step toward me before wrapping her arms around my body, resting her face on my shoulder, both hands placed gently flat against my back.
The distance between us vanished in an instant. Her unique, faint scent drifted into the tip of my nose from being so close.
"Ah... thank you, Hachi. For that promise."
Her voice softened slightly before she continued with a smile I couldn't see.
"It really means a lot to me... It won't be long now, my cute and reliable Otouto~ And after that, we will..."
Then her arms tightened around my body even more than before, as if not wanting to let that promise slip away anywhere.
'...Will what?..'
What is up with her again? Why won't she finish her sentence, why leave me hanging like this?
Lately, I feel that her mood has been quite volatile. Sometimes she says things that even I myself don't understand.
Ever since last night, Nee-san left a certain riddle for me, to the point that I could barely sleep last night. I tried to piece together everything I could think of, connecting various stories together time and time again, but in the end, I still couldn't find a clear answer anyway.
Besides, the more I overthink it, the more it only gives me a headache.
Sigh... whatever.
Even if I were to confront and ask her directly, I wouldn't get an answer anyway. In the end, I probably just have to wait until the day she once promised... the day she will be the one to tell me herself.
And for now, I probably have to play along first.
"I think with my current state, the word 'cute' probably isn't suitable, Nee-san."
I could feel a slight vibration from her body.
Was she holding back a laugh?
"Fufufu, why wouldn't it be suitable? I'm not judging by your handsome and cool appearance at all. An otouto who is exerting effort for his older sister is just like wanting love from his older sister. To me, it's very cute… and also,"
Then she moved to hold my shoulders while standing on her tiptoes high enough to whisper beside my ear.
"...If the outcome after the match turns out well, I'll give you a 'reward', Hachi~"
A coaxing tone of voice whispering beside my ear, accompanied by warm breath touching my skin, caused me to pause for a moment. A flash of heat surged from the base of my neck down along my back, the fine hairs around the back of my neck standing on end uncontrollably.
Just the word 'reward', combined with a deliberately provocative tone of voice, was enough to make my heart beat rapidly all of a sudden. Blood pumped until my face flushed red, especially around my ears, which seemed to grow noticeably hotter.
After standing frozen for a few seconds, I hurriedly backed away two steps from her, while raising my hand to cover the ear that was whispered into, before speaking to her with a face that was still bright red.
"Nee-san! Didn't I warn you not to mess with my ears! And as for that reward stuff, it's unnecessary. I wasn't going to help just expecting something in return anyway!"
"My~ You really don't want it? A reward from your Onee-san, no less~"
She spoke while deliberately touching her own chest, narrowing her eyes at me with a look that was hard to describe. If I were to express it in words, it would probably have to have the word [CENSORED] plastered over it already.
"Enough! Stop teasing me already!"
"I'm sorry, Hachi, but I really can't help it. My Otouto is expressing such passionate love for his older sister to this extent, how could I just stay still without repaying anything at all?"
"Don't add the word 'passionate' on your own! I haven't shown anything like that physically yet! If you want to repay me, just stop teasing me, that's enough!"
"That's impossible, because that is my happiness."
My head dropped as I let out a weary sigh.
"Where is there an older sister who likes teasing her own younger brother until his face turns red?"
"Right in front of you, Hachi—the older sister who loves her younger brother the most in the world~"
How can she say a sentence like that out loud without feeling embarrassed at all?
"Yeah, yeah, so I ended up becoming the younger brother who is loved the most in the world by his older sister instead."
"And you don't like it, Hachi?"
"No."
"Then, do you want a kiss?"
"Wait a minute! How did it get to that point!?"
"Hahaha!"
It was once again that I recorded that image into the memory of my brain. The image of the woman I value most in the world, laughing happily.
An image like this is very rare to see, if you knew who she was.
Therefore, every second she is in that state, I will absolutely not interrupt.
On the contrary, I will engrave it as deeply as possible, engraving her smile, her laughter, and these moments into the deep recesses of my mind.
No matter how much time passes, I will absolutely never let it fade away from my memory.
Nee-san laughed for a while before gradually stopping, then looked at me with affectionate eyes.
"Then how about this..."
"Huh?"
She opened her arms moderately, accompanied by a gentle smile on her face.
"Do you want to hug me?"
"...."
The embarrassment and the red that had once painted my face instantly faded away, as if those words caused all chaotic thoughts to stop for a moment.
I looked at her for a moment before quietly taking a step toward her.
When I got close enough to be right in front of her, I slowly slid my arms into the spaces between her arms, before reaching my hands to touch her back, which radiated warmth.
Then, I gradually pulled her toward myself, letting her body enter inside my embrace naturally.
The warmth from her body gradually radiated through our clothes to my palms and arms. That touch was soft and gave a surprisingly comfortable feeling.
Her unique, faint scent drifted closer until it became clearly perceptible as we were close together.
I gradually tightened my hands resting on her back, before pulling her into my embrace more than before, as if answering her question through action instead of words.
"I'll leave the rest to you, Hachi."
"Yes, leave the rest to me, Nee-san."