"Well, this day has finally come," I thought, walking towards Kuoh Academy, lost in my own thoughts. We had decided to postpone my date with Serefall for a couple of days after the summit, and now Kuoh Academy stood before me. Not ruined as it was on that fateful day, but fully restored down to the tiniest detail. Even the grass had been returned to its original state, which couldn't help but feel unsettlingly unnatural. But in this world, that's generally the norm, though it can still be shocking to realize at times.
Looking around, I didn't spot a single student nearby, but that was to be expected. Following the attack, everyone had been granted a short vacation. The only official statement was that there had been an attack on the school, innocent people had been hurt, and a period of mourning was declared. The specifics, of course, were kept hidden.
How many parents' tears were shed during the funerals? I was present in the distance and it was unbearable to witness the consequences of my decision, the fact that my consent essentially allowed this to happen. I could have acted differently, that much is true, but I didn't. I chose to simply let things run their course. And yet… Why should I be concerned about the problems of ordinary people? I'm a devil now, and I should be looking after my own kind, viewing humans as mere extras and disregarding them.
However, when the question arose about what to do with the surviving humans, their suggestion boiled down to doing what they always did: erase their memories and be done with it. Sort of inhuman and amoral – not only had their child been killed, but now they'd have their memories of them erased? How could people do such a thing?
Still, I decided it was better not to erase their memories. I'd help them financially behind the scenes, and subtly rejuvenate them so they wouldn't realize. Yes, they would grieve and perhaps fall into despair, or maybe they'd accept it and start living again. It wouldn't be up to me. I would simply let things play out.
Approaching the entrance to Kuoh Academy, I saw Rias. Her crimson hair stood out as usual. She was wearing her familiar Academy uniform, which emphasized her figure. She leaned against the wall, arms crossed and eyes slightly closed, but she jumped when she noticed me and opened them. Her blue eyes met mine, and a heavy silence fell between us. There was a hint of the unfamiliar in her gaze, as if searching the depths of my soul, as if looking for unspoken answers.
I wanted to run from that gaze, feeling awkwardness and quite possibly guilt, but I held firm and didn't look away. Approaching closer I was now within arm's reach. The air between us felt heavy knowing I was in the wrong but the silence made things a little more awkward.
Without saying a word, I abruptly pulled her into a hug, pressing her tightly against me. I registered the firmness of her breasts pressed against my chest, but I didn't pay it any mind. Wrapping my arms around her back, I simply didn't want to let go. Rias was clearly surprised by my sudden actions, as I felt her flinch for a moment, but after a short pause, she hugged me back. I could feel her heartbeat quickening, echoing within my mind, and just like hers, my chest began to feel heavy..
"Forgive me, Rias… I failed you…"
The whisper that escaped my lips brushed against her ear. I waited for her response, both fearing it and not knowing what she would say, how she would react to my words and actions. Her breathing hitched, she started breathing heavily, and then I made out her quiet sobs, the sound like she was broken. Through the tears, her voice emerged, fragile and fractured:
"Brother… I was so scared… so… so…"
I could feel how difficult those words were for her to utter. I bit my lip until I tasted blood, and my mood, already darkened, became even gloomier. As Rias cried and poured out everything she'd been holding inside, I gently stroked her back, trying to comfort her, while also sighing heavily.
Life can't always be as bright and wonderful as it is in anime. It's a shame that it isn't, but realizing that doesn't make things worse, because it's also part of growing up. The most important thing is to overcome this and become stronger, so you don't feel so powerless. Rias calmed down, and I broke the embrace and gently smiled while looking into her tear-streaked face and reddened eyes. I touched her head, gently smoothing her hair, and slightly ruffling it, ruining the hairstyle she had worked so hard on. Now her hair stood on end and was more like a lion's mane that had spread out in volume, making the situation more comical.
"Haha…" involuntarily escaped, and I wiped away the tears, unable to contain my laughter.
Her eyes widened in shock, her mouth opened as if she couldn't believe what I had done. When it dawned on her what had happened she puffed out her cheeks, crimson red, and exclaimed in outrage:
"Brother! What are you doing!? Do you to realize how long it took me to fix my hair, just for you to mess it up!"
She turned away, crossing her arms, conveying her unhappiness. I stood behind her, watching her sulk, which only amused and teased me more. Noticing that the tips of her ears had turned pink, I couldn't help but smirk to myself. Rias was still a child, despite all the changes. Yes, she had grown into an attractive and intelligent young woman, but deep down she was still that little girl, and for me she always would be.
My gaze drifted towards the building where the summit was to be held. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself. It was time to move on. I'd already lingered here long enough.
***
I leave Rias alone with her thoughts and head towards the building. Near the entrance, Sairaorg stood frozen, lost in grim musings. But, noticing me, he seemed to snap out of it. He quickly approached, straightened up, and said in an official tone:
"Lord Sirzechs, it's a pleasure to see you. Everything is ready for the meeting."
I placed my hand on his shoulder, causing him to flinch involuntarily, and said:
"Thank you for your work, Sairaorg. You did an excellent job."
My words seem to catch him off guard. Surprise is evident in his widened eyes. He clenches his fist, and I can see that my words have encouraged him, but he also heard a hint of some weakness or helplessness in them. Although the battle passed without any visible losses or serious injuries, it was far from ideal. Perhaps Sairaorg blames himself for this. I don't want to incite him any further, so I fall silent.
"Please, follow me," I said and headed inside.
He nodded shortly and followed me, walking slightly behind. We walked along the deserted corridors of the Academy, which radiated gloom and silence.
Approaching the doors of the hall, I am slightly nervous, though I shouldn't be. I already have a huge responsibility on my shoulders, and it seems that it will only increase. I open the doors, and for a moment the bright light of the room blinds me. My eyes quickly adjust, and I see a large round table, around which those present have already gathered. The first thing that catches my eye is a girl with curly blond hair and a voluptuous figure. Her emerald eyes look at me with interest and curiosity. Our eyes meet, and she smiles sweetly, waving her hand slightly. Involuntarily, I respond in kind, raising my hand in return. My body reacted instinctively.
Suddenly, a jovial laugh rings out, which makes one involuntarily want to cover the laughing person's face.
"Hahaha! What happened, Sirzechs? Has Heaven already conquered you? If so, then the Devil race's affairs are becoming quite sad! Though, I admit, I like such changes. Usually, all we hear from you is about blood, wars, and lustful desires, but this… is amusing!"
Azazel, sitting nearby, laughed, looking at me with a broad grin. His words are tinged with mockery, which involuntarily attracts my attention. I feel myself frown. His smile and nonchalant attitude only fuel my desire to punch his insolent face. Taking a deep breath, I mentally shook my head:
It's Azazel, what else would you expect from him?
Gabriel, who cannot be confused with anyone, blinks her eyes slightly in confusion and seems to not know what to say. Her innocent gaze, like that of a puppy, made me want to pat her on the head, but I suppressed that urge. Next to her stands Dulio, who is smiling as he watches the scene, munching on pizza. Tobio, gloomy and sullen, leaned against the wall and simply observed the situation. Smiling slightly, I walked to the table and sat down on a chair.
We sit around the round table and simply look at each other, like a herd of sheep. God, we don't understand why we're here. Though there is a reason - to end the feud between our sides. We're just waiting to see who will take the initiative and how the conversation will go, who will gain more advantages in the future. I look at Azazel, and he, noticing my gaze, smiles slightly and raises his eyebrows, lasciviously looking at Gabriel, or rather at her impressive cleavage, suggesting that I join him in his staring.
Involuntarily, I shift my gaze and also look at her… rather voluptuous forms.
Are they even legal? How is that even possible? Is it really possible to have such… volumes?
Under our gazes, Gabriel continues to blink her eyes, not understanding why we are looking at her so intently, although our gazes were clearly directed below her eyes. I clear my throat and decide to start first since Azazel is quite the deceiver and clearly wanted me to start first.
What a man, I swear! Ah, damn it, everything always has to be done myself. Why can't someone else do it?
"Well," I began, "we all know why we are here. It is time to put an end to the long-standing feud between our sides. Since we are sitting at the same table, it means that everyone has made a decision to end the conflict and achieve peace. Does anyone have any objections?"
I glance first at Azazel, who leaned lazily back in his chair and closed his eyes. Apparently, he is also ready to escape from here as soon as possible, but we must observe the formality. Besides, we were recording this meeting, and decency was required, at least for the record. Gabriel looked at me with her innocent eyes, and I again suppressed the desire to smile at her. No one objected, and I continued:
"If there are no objections, then let's sign the treaty."
A special paper materialized, shimmering with different colors and clearly enchanted. It split into three parts, and everyone received their own copy. Azazel didn't even glance at the text, simply setting the sheet aside. Gabriel and I carefully scanned through it, each with our own thoughts.
We were supposed to discuss the problem of God and the others, or Kokabaiel, but it was unnecessary. Everything had been decided, discussed, and thoroughly hashed out long ago. Now it was just a formality and a sham, as everything had been planned, reported, and agreed upon in advance. The initial story was merely a performance for the younger generation, to show that everything was serious. This exhibition was more for Issei, as the possessor of the Welsh Dragon, to strengthen his faith and make him a new pillar of their side.
Quickly skimming the text and finding no changes, I placed the paper on the table and looked at Gabriel, who had also set her copy aside.
Everyone signed the papers, and they glowed brightly before disappearing. The treaty had come into effect, and silence returned to the room once more. This time, it was broken by Azazel, yawning loudly and rubbing his eyes. He lazily stretched and said:
"Well, thank goodness that was quick, eh? I suggest we celebrate the success, Sirzechs, are you with me?"
Without waiting for an answer, he produced a bottle of whiskey from somewhere and, to my surprise, skillfully distributed glasses. Instantly dropping ice cubes into them, he generously filled them and handed one to Gabriel, who involuntarily grasped it with both hands.
"Gabriel, you absolutely have to drink up! Without you, there's definitely no fun to be had," he said with a saccharine smile.
Was he seriously trying to get Gabriel drunk and take advantage of her immediately after signing the peace treaty?
Azazel, you old pervert, never change, I mentally berated him.
Gabriel looked at me, and in her emerald eyes was a mixture of hope, a request for help, and perhaps an expectation of my advice. Since when had I become an authority figure for her? Sighing, I approached Azazel, placed my hand on his shoulder, and said in a calm but firm tone:
"Don't pressure the lady, Azazel."
My hand slightly squeezed his shoulder, hinting that I wasn't joking.
"Hahaha! Sirzechs, you're all seriousness!" With these words, he raised his hands with a sly smile in a feigned gesture of surrender and added: "Well, if you insist, so be it."
To my surprise, he backed down so easily, immediately throwing back his glass and exhaling with relief:
"That went down well!"
The corners of my lips twitched involuntarily. I glanced at Gabriel, who was holding the glass up to her eyes, peering intently at the contents. Sniffing it lightly, she grimaced, causing me to chuckle involuntarily.
And yet, I also took a glass and drank it in one gulp. A slight bitterness and burning sensation scorched my mouth, but quickly reached the bottom, and I felt warmth that instantly swept through me from head to toe. My eyes widened, and I grabbed the bottle, eagerly reading the label.
With each word, my reproachful look at Azazel, whose cheeks were already flushed, grew stronger.
How dare he?! Damn it, he took this bottle from Dionysus!
You didn't need to be an expert to understand the effects that god created his wines with for Greek feasts, where drunkenness and debauchery always reigned. And he was going to offer that to Gabriel?
I looked disapprovingly at Azazel, swaying slightly, feeling my gaze becoming sluggish and my mind clouded.
Damn it, which one of us is the devil? Azazel?
I stepped back, my legs faltering slightly, and suddenly Gabriel caught me, causing involuntary surprise.
Through my blurred vision, I saw her worried face, her eyelashes fluttering sweetly. Her gaze showed concern and care.
Why are you looking at me like that, Gabriel?
We've technically only just met, and this shouldn't be happening, but apparently, I had caught her attention somehow.
She gently touched my chest with one hand, while supporting me with the other, seating me in an armchair. I glanced to the side and saw Azazel was already asleep and snoring away. Tobio facepalmed and shook his head in annoyance, while Sairaorg and Dulio were chatting amiably, smiling broadly. They had clearly already become friends, judging by their pleasant atmosphere.
I settled into the armchair, and suddenly Gabriel's face approached mine, she began examining me closely, causing me to be embarrassed and blush.
It's definitely because of the wine.
The scent of lavender hit my nostrils, causing me to breathe rapidly, my eyes widened, feeling her breath so close that I involuntarily became aroused. Gabriel touched my hand and asked with sweet awkwardness:
"Are you all right, Sirzechs?"
Her gaze showed genuine concern. Damn it, I can't seem to gather my thoughts! That damned Azazel, what a foul trick he played on me! How could you do that to me, get an innocent devil drunk and make an angel worry about me?
That damn old man!
I seethed inside. Why did I fall for his trick? And suddenly her voluminous breasts pressed up against me, causing me to swallow saliva, my breathing quickened. I touched my face with my hand, trying to collect myself, and muttered:
"I am… alright… Thank you for caring, Gabriel. But, please, don't drink it."
"Really? But if you need help…" she said softly. Her voice was warm and soothing, and I wanted to listen to it again and again. There was a great temptation to hug her, kiss her on her pink lips, bury my nose in her neck, and enjoy the warmth of her body, but I shouldn't do that.
She smiled her dazzling smile and nodded, agreeing with me, stepped back slightly, and simply started gazing at me with some kind of interested look. Her gaze made me feel uncomfortable, as if I was being examined like a strange creature in a cage. It was quite awkward and embarrassing.
We sat across from each other, gazing, each immersed in their own thoughts. It seemed like it could continue indefinitely, but a sudden rumble made me jump and fall to the floor. The building shook. I saw Azazel wake up, jump up briskly, and start adjusting his clothes, his gaze was sober and clear. And only I was in a state of intoxication.
Damn it, Azazel, were you not drunk and asleep?! You damn pervert! Just go and die, man!
My outrage was limitless.