GHK DXD Chapter 19 Rias Finds Out About Issei (Patreon)

12:00 AM, Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Kuoh Academy, Occult Research Clubroom

The antique clock on the wall of the Occult Research Clubroom ticked rhythmically in the quiet evening air. Soft moonlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the velvet-lined sofa and polished tables.

Rias sat at her desk, her hands clasped delicately under her chin. Standing around her were the members of her peerage, Akeno leaning gracefully against the desk, Yuuto standing attentively with his hands behind his back, and Koneko sitting quietly on the sofa while nibbling on a sweet.

Rias called for everyone’s attention, her blue-green eyes unusually sharp. "I wanted to discuss what happened earlier today during our trip to the bookstore."

The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly. Rias had been keeping an eye on Hyoudou Issei for a while, considering him as a potential candidate for her peerage due to the dormant power sleeping inside him. However, learning that he was suddenly surrounded by a large group of mysterious women had caught them completely off-guard.

"In the bookstore, we were in a public, human setting," Rias continued. "Since that group wasn't causing a scene or making any aggressive moves, we had no reason to intervene or cause trouble. But the sheer variety of signatures around Issei was... concerning, to say the least."

Kiba was the first to speak up, crossing his arms in thought. "I managed to observe discreetly while I was talking to them. The young girl with blonde, Asia, distinctly possessed a trace of holy aura. She might be affiliated with the Church. Then there was Henrietta; the volume of magical power latent in her body suggests she was a highly capable mage. And Yukina clearly gave off the distinct signature of a Youkai." He paused, frowning slightly. "As for the one named Kaguya... her presence felt completely strange. I couldn't properly categorize it."

Akeno hummed softly, a playful yet cautious smile touching her lips. "Fufu, indeed. And don't forget Run and Nyaruko. I tried feeling out their aura, but I couldn't tell what they were at all. The only thing I can say with certainty is that neither of them was human."

Koneko swallowed her bite of food before speaking up in her usual calm, monotone voice. "The one wearing a blue coat, Furina, smelled and radiated a heavy amount of magic power. She might also be a high-class magician. On the other hand, Karura felt and smelled like a normal human... but her stance and movements show she's intensely trained in combat."

Rias nodded slowly, piecing together their observations. "Lala and Shiraori both felt reminiscent of Youkai to me at first glance, but there was an underlying strangeness to their presence. Interestingly, a strong draconian aura is lingering around Issei now as well as the tall, white-haired woman, Priscilla."

Koneko then lifted her head to look towards Rias. "Issei-senpai smells much more like a dragon now than before. His scent is also starting to mirror Priscilla’s."

"A dragon..." Rias mused aloud, tapping her finger against her desk. "That raises the question of whether he has finally awakened his Sacred Gear, or if his proximity to the woman named, Priscilla is altering his physical essence."

"There's more," Akeno added, her expression turning slightly more serious. "While we were near them, I noticed that both Priscilla and Lala had layers of transformation magic active over their bodies. When I briefly used my spirit vision to pierce through the glamors, I was quite shocked. Lala’s true skin is entirely blue, while Priscilla’s true form is far larger, possessing heavy draconic features such as horns, scales, and a tail."

Silence fell over the room as the peerage digested the information.

"A member of the clergy, mages, youkai, unknown entities, and an actual dragon..." Kiba murmured. "That is an exceptionally colorful and dangerous mix. I've never heard of any faction or stray group composed of such wildly different origins, especially one harboring a dragon that matches Priscilla's description."

"What should our next move be, Buchou?" Koneko asked, looking over at Rias.

Rias leaned back into her chair, letting out a soft sigh. "For now, they aren't harming anyone or disturbing the peace in Kuoh Town. It would be unwise to provoke a group with that much unknown firepower without understanding their motives. It’s best to leave them alone for the moment."

She stood up from her desk, her crimson hair catching the moonlight. "However, we cannot ignore this entirely. I will request a meeting with Sona tomorrow to see if the Student Council knows anything about this unexpected group. If Sona is as clueless as we are, then I will speak directly to Issei himself. He is clearly aware of the supernatural world now and we need answers."

—--------------------------------------

Morning, Tuesday, April 15, 2008 

Kuoh Town, Hyoudou Hidden Castle, Issei’s Room

Morning light crept gently through the tall, arched stained-glass window of Issei’s bedroom, casting long shadows of crimson and gold across the spacious chamber. 

Inside the room, Issei was sleeping soundly, buried beneath a heavy comforter. His breathing was deep and rhythmic, enjoying what felt like a peaceful dream.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! WAKE UP OR I KICK YOU BAKA! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The shrill, piercing screech of his alarm clock along with the audio of a girl shattered the silence and peace.

Issei’s eyes slowly snapped open. He blinked rapidly at the cavernous stone ceiling above, his brain slowly booting up to register that it was morning and time to prepare for school.

"Ugh... already?" Issei groaned, his voice raspy from sleep.

He threw his head back against the pillow and went to push himself upward, only to realize that his upper body wasn't budging. His limbs felt completely locked down, bound by an unexpected and suspiciously heavy pressure on both sides of his torso.

Confused, Issei tilted his head down to investigate and his heart instantly skipped a beat.

To his right, sleeping soundly with her head nestled right under his shoulder, was Karura. Her long, jet-black hair was spilled luxuriously across his chest with her attire causing a stir to Issei’s hormones as she was clad in a loose, pitch-black silk kimono that dipped precariously low at the neckline. One of her shapely legs was hooked over his thigh, and her arm was wrapped tightly around his torso, pinning his right hand directly against the generous, plush curve of her oppai.

To his left, curled around him like a silver-haired octopus, was Nyaruko. She was wearing her favorite pair of bright yellow pajamas, plastered end-to-end with cartoonish, multi-eyed elder horrors. Her signature ahoge twitched lazily in her sleep, resting right beneath his nose, while her long silver locks tangled around his left arm. Just like Karura, she was also clinging to him with her terrifying strength, the only comfort was that her soft oppai were pressed flush against his side.

Issei went stiff as a board, his entire face flushing a deep crimson. ‘W-WHAT IS THIS?!’ His mind screamed in joy. ‘When did they get in here?! I’m so happy! But I sweared I locked the door before going to sleep!’

For a brief, dangerous moment, his perverted teenager brain tried to take control. Trapped between two insanely attractive women, feeling their undeniable warmth and soft curves pressing into him through their sleepwear... it was a divine fantasy come true. He felt a deeply conflicted internal battle raging: part of him wanted to stay frozen forever, basking in the bliss of being smothered by two gorgeous girls.

Then, his physical body reminded him of a critical, inescapable reality. Nature was calling. And it wasn't just a polite knock. It was an urgent, emergency-level pounding on the door.

"Uh... g-girls?" Issei squeaked out, trying to wriggle his shoulders. "Hey... wake up..."

Neither moved. Karura merely let out a soft, breathy sigh against his neck, while Nyaruko snuggled her nose deeper into his collarbone, humming contentedly in her sleep.

"Hey! Nyaruko! Karura!" Issei tried again, shifting his weight more forcefully. "Wake up! Please!"

Slowly, two pairs of eyes began to flutter open. Nyaruko’s brilliant green eyes blinked sleepily, her ahoge popping upright like an antenna, while Karura’s golden-black eyes unsteadily focused on Issei's red, panicking face.

"Mmm... good morning, Darling~" Nyaruko purred in a drowsy, melodious tone, rubbing her cheek against his chest. "Mnn, you smell so nice in the morning..."

"Morning, Issei," Karura muttered, her voice laced with husky morning drowsiness as a confident smirk slowly formed on her lips.

"G-Good morning! Now please, let go!" Issei pleaded nervously. "Why are you two even in my bed? I thought everyone went to their own rooms last night."

Nyaruko giggled mischievously, tightening her hold rather than loosening it. "Well, officially, we did go to our rooms! But obviously, once the castle went dark and everyone else fell asleep, I couldn't resist sneaking in here to claim my rightful place beside my darling husband!"

"And I wasn't about to let this alien have you all to herself," Karura added smoothly, pulling Issei closer to her side with effortless strength. "A true warrior marks her territory early."

"Wait, don't pull—WOAH!" Issei gasped as the two girls simultaneously tugged him inward, squeezing him tightly between them in a morning cuddle. The double press of soft oppai hit him deeply, making his face burn even hotter and even more reluctant to leave. "L-Listen to me. I really, really need to get up right now!"

"Nonsense! Just five more minutes, Darling!" Nyaruko whined playfully, rubbing her face into his cheek. "High school can wait! Romantic morning snuggles are far more important!"

"For once, I agree with the alien," Karura chuckled softly, resting her chin on his chest and gazing up at him with amusement. "You're surprisingly comfortable, Issei."

"No, you don't understand!" Issei squirmed, his eyes wide with desperate panic as he practically wept. "I don't have five minutes! My bladder is about to EXPLODE! Let me go, please!"

Seeing the genuine desperation written across his face, both girls finally broke out into amused giggles.

"Fine, fine~" Nyaruko sighed theatrically, reluctantly unwrapping her arms and legs from his left side. "Duty calls the Harem King!"

"Go on then," Karura grinned, shifting back and loosening her grip from his right arm. "Wouldn't want our husband ruining his sheets."

The second the pressure eased, Issei scrambled out of the bed like a man escaping a burning building. He practically shot across the room, nearly tripping over his own feet, and darted straight out the door toward the bathroom.

"Thank you!" Issei yelled back over his shoulder as the door slammed shut, leaving Nyaruko and Karura laughing softly on the bed, already plotting how they'd execute their sneak attack again tomorrow night.

—----------------------------------------

Hyoudou Hidden Castle, Dining Hall

Morning sunlight streamed through the tall stained-glass windows of the castle’s dining hall, casting warm, golden light across the long polished wooden table. The rich, savory aroma of freshly prepared breakfast filled the air, steaming miso soup, freshly baked bread, grilled meats, fluffy rice, and sliced fruits.

Moving with practiced sync and grace, Raynare, Kalawarna, and Asia made their way around the table, dressed impeccably in their matching maid uniforms.

Asia carefully placed a freshly filled teacup in front of Issei, her green eyes shining with earnest dedication. “Here you go, Master Issei!”

“Ah, thanks, Asia,” Issei smiled warmly, taking a gentle sip.

Behind her, Kalawarna adjusted a tray with a quiet bow, while Raynare stood nearby with her posture perfectly straight, keeping a watchful eye to ensure everyone was served properly.

Around the long table, the room buzzed with lively chatter as the girls discussed everything they had seen and experienced during their outing in Kuoh the day before.

“Honestly, this world’s technology is nothing short of miraculous,” Henrietta remarked, setting her utensils down with noble grace. “To turn a simple switch and instantly summon light, heat, or running water… back home, such conveniences required elaborate spells or tireless labor”.

Priscilla nodded gently in agreement, her golden-green eyes bright. “Indeed. Even the simplest mechanisms here make daily life so much gentler. It is a very peaceful world.”

Further down the table, Run’s pink eyes were practically glowing as she bounced in her seat. “Forget the appliances—did you see those girls on the big screens during karaoke?! The way they danced and sang with all those flashing lights and cheering crowds… Issei called them ‘idols’!”

Furina puffed out her chest, crossing her arms with a lofty, dramatic smirk. “Hmph! Naturally, a stage of such grandeur is only fitting for someone of my divine presence! With my natural dramatic flair and unmistakable charisma, dominating the Japanese idol industry would be trivial!”

“Wait, you want to be an idol, Furina?!” Nyaruko chimed in, leaning over the table while waving a slice of toast. “Because if we’re starting an idol group, I’m definitely the lead center! The Cosmic Space Idol Nyaruko-chan!”

“In your dreams! I'm the center” Run huffed playfully, sparking another round of back-and-forth banter.

“Hah! As if anyone could be a match for me. Of course I would be the lead center.” Furnina arrogantly said as she chimed in for the center role. 

Nearby, Lala gloomily flipped through a colorful volume of manga she had picked out, her golden black eyes wide as she hid her true thoughts. ‘The sheer volume of imagery available here is interesting. These ‘shonen manga’ stories carry such fierce passion and explosive energy! My heart resonates with every battle!’

Nyaruko gasped, her face lighting up as if she instantly knew what Lala was really thinking. “Right?! The power of friendship, the secret transformations, the shouting out move names at the top of your lungs—it speaks directly to the soul of a true warrior of justice!”

Yukina nodded quietly beside them, holding her own book close to her chest with a shy smile. “I… I like the stories too. They’re very full of life.”

Meanwhile, Kaguya calmly sipped her tea as she watched everyone talk of their outing. “Hmph. While I would prefer going  somewhere more refined and cultured, I suppose the creativity of commoners are not entirely without merit.”

Karura smirked, propping her chin on her hand. “Personally, I’d prefer a place with a bit more action, but… seeing everyone so happy isn't bad either.”

Though neither the Lunarian Princess nor the martial artist expressed it outright, a faint, contented warmth rested in their eyes as they enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the morning.

Sitting comfortably at the head of the table, Evangeline listened quietly to the chaotic chatter, a subtle, amused smirk resting on her face. 'Listening to them go on and on… makes me wonder if I missed out by not wandering around town with them yesterday,' The vampire thought, swirling her tea idly.

Taking advantage of a brief lull in the chatter, Henrietta turned toward the only boy at the table, voicing the question on everyone’s mind. “Issei… when do you think we might be able to go out together for another day like yesterday? It was truly wonderful.”

A dozen pairs of bright, curious eyes immediately locked onto Issei, waiting in eager anticipation.

Issei froze mid-bite, a cold sweat breaking out on the back of his neck. He looked at all their hopeful, smiling faces, feeling a heavy wave of guilt crash over him as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, letting out a helpless sigh.

“Ah… well, about that…” Issei started, scratching his cheek nervously. “To be completely honest with you guys… we’re pretty much out of funds right now.”

The room went quiet.

“Out of… funds?” Furina blinked, tilting her head.

“Yeah,” Issei said sheepishly, wincing slightly. “I’m just a normal high school student, so my allowance isn't exactly built to cover shopping sprees, arcade games, and meals for an entire household. Yesterday used up almost everything I had saved up.”

Seeing the disappointed shifts in their postures, Issei quickly waved his hands reassuringly. “B-But don’t worry! I’m definitely going to look for a part-time job as soon as I can! So even if we can’t go out right away, I promise I’ll find a way to make sure we all have a great time again!”

Despite his best efforts to reassure them, a heavy, somber mood washed over the dining room.

The girls exchanged quiet, guilty looks. They hadn't realized how much pressure they were putting on him or how much of his own money he had spent just to make them happy.

“We… made things difficult for Master Issei…” Asia murmured softly, clutching her hands in her lap.

Run lowered her gaze, pouting gently. “He worked so hard for us yesterday…”

The energetic atmosphere of breakfast vanished, replaced by a quiet, subdued air of reflection as everyone felt terrible for putting Issei in such a tough spot.

Breaking the awkward silence, Raynare stepped forward gracefully from the side hall, holding Issei’s school bag firmly in her hands.

“Master Issei,” Raynare called out gently, her tone smooth and professional. “It is time for you to head to school. I have prepared all your things in your bag.”

“Ah! Right!” Issei exhaled, relieved for the sudden change of topic. He quickly finished the last bite of his meal, swallowed his tea, and stood up from the table. “Thanks, Raynare.”

He reached out to take his bag from her, intending to head straight for the front doors, but Raynare stepped directly into his path, blocking his way. Before he could ask what was wrong, her slender hands reached out and began carefully straightening his rumpled collar and smoothing down the lapels of his uniform jacket.

“W-Wait, Raynare, it’s fine!” Issei stammered, his face flushing slightly at her sudden closeness. “I can fix it on the way!”

Raynare’s violet eyes looked up into his, her expression stubborn yet undeniably warm as she gently brushed a stray lock of his spiky brown hair into place. “It is not fine, Master. As your head maid, it is my absolute duty to ensure you leave this house looking impeccably presentable. You represent this household, after all.”

Kalawarna nodded in agreement from the side, a tiny smirk tugging at her lips. “She’s right, Master. Let her do her job.”

Issei sighed in defeat, letting Raynare finish adjusting his uniform with meticulous care. Once she smoothed down his jacket one last time, she stepped back with a satisfied bow. “There. Perfect.”

Issei cleared his throat, holding his bag over his shoulder. He turned back toward the table, looking at the girls who were still watching him with soft, apologetic eyes.

He gave them a bright, reassuring grin. “Alright, I’m heading off! I’ll try to come straight home after school so we can start our Japanese reading lessons, okay?”

The heavy mood instantly broke, replaced by soft smiles and brightened expressions.

“Have a safe trip, Issei!” Henrietta smiled warmly.

“Study hard, darling~!” Nyaruko cheered, blowing a kiss.

“Do not be late returning,” Kaguya said softly.

“Have a good day at school, Master Issei!” Asia called out happily.

With a final wave and a chuckle, Issei turned and walked out the grand doors of the hidden castle, heading off to Kuoh Academy as his harem warmly saw him off.

—-----------------------------------------------

Library

With the Master of the house officially gone, the castle’s vast reading room transformed into an emergency summit. The long, towering shelves, once barren when Evangeline first conjured the gothic fortress, now held rows of colorful books, manga, magazines, and light novels freshly brought home from their outing to the Kuoh shopping district. 

Gathered around it in different seats were all fourteen members of the household: Nyaruko, Kaguya, Evangeline, Priscilla, Lala, Furina, Run, Henrietta, Shiraori, Yukina, and Karura, along with their dutiful trio of maids: Raynare, Kalawarna, and Asia.

The atmosphere was uncharacteristically heavy. The reality of Issei’s earlier confession had finally set in.

"Alright, everyone," Henrietta began softly, her hands folded neatly over her lap as she stood near the head of the table. "We all heard Issei earlier. While our daily necessities are taken care of, he spent almost everything he had saved just to give us a wonderful day out. He works hard and cares for us deeply, but as a regular student, his resources are limited. We cannot simply rely on him to carry this burden alone."

"She is correct," Kaguya said, resting her chin gracefully on her hand. "As our husband it is our duty to support him in whatever endeavors and situations arise. We must find a means to generate revenue in this modern era. The question is... how?"

It is then that silence fell over the room as it quickly became apparent that while the group possessed enough magical, physical, and cosmic firepower to level a continent, practical workforce skills were dangerously scarce.

"Well, what about basic labor?" Karura asked, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back against a bookshelf. "A day job?"

"A day job?!" Kaguya’s fan snapped shut with a sharp crack, her crimson eyes widening in offense. "You dare suggest that I, royalty, lower myself to common servitude?! I have never labored a single day in my eternal existence!"

"Nor have I," Henrietta admitted with a small, embarrassed blush, rubbing her arm. "In my kingdom, royalty does not engage in commercial employment..."

"I was raised as a noble ruler as well," Run added, pouting slightly as she smoothed out her dress. "But being royalty isn't as effortless as people make it sound, you know! Managing court politics and public affairs is exhausting work! But... actual manual labor? I wouldn't even know where to begin!"

Evangeline scoffed loudly from her plush armchair, resting her cheek against her palm. "Expect me to clean dishes or take orders from mortal weaklings for pocket change? I am the Dark Gospel. I would freeze the entire establishment into solid ice within five minutes."

"And I..." Shiraori mumbled faintly from the shadowed corner of the library, practically melting into her seat while pulling her white hood down. "...don't do people... would rather die."

Nyaruko, who was lounging upside down over the back of a sofa, let out a loud, dramatic snort. "Look at you two! A couple of absolute Hikikomoris! Total shut-ins, unwilling to help out!"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU BRAINLESS ALIEN?!" Evangeline roared, small icicles instantly forming in the air around her head as her fangs elongated. "I'll turn you into a frozen popsicle!"

"Eep! Bring it on, vampire!" Nyaruko giggled, pulling her crowbar out of nowhere.

Shiraori didn't even flinch, merely shrugging her shoulders with a quiet, sigh. 'She's not wrong...' The spider-girl thought to herself.

"Please, calm down!" Henrietta pleaded, waving her hands nervously.

"What about the rest of us?" Karura asked, ignoring the squabbling. "I was trained purely as a warrior and an assassin. Unless Issei needs someone quietly eliminated for cash, my skill set isn't exactly resume-friendly."

"I was sheltered within the church my entire life," Asia murmured softly, looking down at her hands. "I don't know anything about how the outside world works..."

"As was I," Yukina offered quietly, her gentle voice carrying a hint of melancholy.

"I spent my existence locked away in the Painted World," Priscilla added, her long white tail swaying nervously behind her. "Modern society is still very confusing to me..."

Lala tilted her dullahan head, resting it in the crook of her arm thoughtfully. "In my world, I collected souls as a Dullahan. But I doubt I can do that here."

"And my grand talents belong on the grandest stages of Fontaine!" Furina declared, puffing out her chest dramatically. "Performing in street corners for spare coins would be a travesty to my artistic integrity!"

"So basically, none of you have useful job experience!" Nyaruko announced, suddenly flipping right-side up and puffing her chest out with an unbearably smug grin. "Unlike all of you amateurs, I actually hold an official, high-paying job in the intergalactic workforce! As a Planetary Defense Agent of the Space Police, my qualifications are top-tier!"

The room stared at her blankly.

"Nyaruko..." Evangeline sighed, rubbing her temples. "Every story you tell us about your time as a 'space cop' sounds like a fever dream or a bad cartoon. No earthly company is going to hire someone who fights cosmic horrors with a crowbar."

"Besides," Raynare pointed out primly, adjusting her maid apron , "a lot of you, Nyaruko, Run, Henrietta, Yukina, Karura, and Asia—are going to be enrolling in Kuoh Academy soon thanks to Lady Sona. You won't even have the time for full-time work."

Kaguya then let out a long, irritated huff, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "Ugh! This absurd Gacha System is utterly defective! Why was I summoned without my royal treasures and sacred heirlooms?! If I had brought even one of my Five Legendary Treasures, we could sell it and live like an emperor for ten lifetimes!"

That statement immediately resonated with several of the girls.

"I know how you feel..." Lala sighed softly, looking at her empty hands. "I deeply miss my scythe. It feels strange not having it."

"My Life-Hunter Scythe as well," Priscilla murmured gently. "Though perhaps it is for the best... its curse is far too dangerous for a peaceful world."

"My soul-scythe..." Shiraori muttered under her breath, hugging her knees.

"Wait a minute," Run suddenly realization struck, her pink eyes snapping toward the silver-haired alien. "Nyaruko! You were the only one summoned with all your things! Don't you have anything valuable stored away?!"

Every single eye in the library instantly locked onto Nyaruko.

But Nyaruko simply blinked, sweating slightly under the sudden intense hopeful stares. "Uh... well..." She reached into the tiny pockets of her dress, her arm sinking impossibly deep, as she rummaged through her pocket dimension.

She pulled out a strange glowing green cube, a half-eaten donut, a strange whirring gadget covered in spikes, and a comic book written in an unreadable alien language.

"Ehehehe.. I... honestly don't really know what's in here," Nyaruko chuckled nervously, scratching her cheek. "Most of this stuff is either high-grade planetary military tools, highly illegal black-market alien tech, or cosmic bio-hazards... Selling any of it to humans would probably end the world or cause a spacetime collapse."

"USLESS!" Kaguya shouted, slamming her hand against the table. "How can you possess an entire pocket dimension and fill it with nothing but dangerous junk and trash?! You have no organization whatsoever!"

"Hey! It's not my fault!" Nyaruko whined defensively, shoving the items back into her dress. "Whenever I see something cool or interesting, I stash it away! How am I supposed to remember what I put in there after a week?!"

As the girls groaned in collective disappointment, Yukina stepped forward timidly. She wrung her hands together, her gentle red eyes looking around the room before settling on a quiet resolve. "Um... if I may speak..." Yukina began softly.

The room quieted down, turning to the gentle snow-woman.

"Before I came here..." Yukina confessed, her voice trembling slightly with the weight of painful memories , "I was captured by a corrupt, wealthy man named Gonzo Tarukane. He held me captive because... because of what I am. As a Kōrime, a Ice-Apparition or a Yuuki-onna as Issei calls me, my tears do not fall as water. The moment I cry, my tears solidify into priceless, legendary gems called Hiruiseki."

The girls gasped softly, listening intently.

"He subjected me to terrible cruelty, trying to force me to weep so he could sell the stones and become rich," Yukina continued, holding her hands against her chest. "I learned to lock my heart away, to be strong-willed so I would never give him a single tear. But... but now, it's different. Issei is so kind to us. If it is for his sake... if it will help our household... I am willing to cry. I can make as many gems as we need." Yukina offered a brave, gentle smile, waiting for the group to celebrate the solution.

Instead, a heavy, uncomfortable silence washed over the library.

Evangeline’s eyes narrowed, her tone dropping into a cold, protective edge. "Absurd. We are not forcing a sweet girl like you to relive your trauma or hurt yourself just so we can have spending money."

"I agree," Karura said firmly, crossing her arms. "That's despicable. We're not going to exploit you like some greedy mobster."

"Indeed," Kaguya said, her expression softening into genuine warmth. "A princess does not fund her household on the sorrow of her companions. Keep your tears for joy, Yukina."

"You are far too kind-hearted," Henrietta smiled gently, walking over to place a reassuring hand on Yukina’s shoulder. "We would never allow that."

Seeing the heartwarming moment, Asia’s eyes brightened, and she stepped forward enthusiastically. "Then... then what about me?! My Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, can cure any injury or illness! We could open a clinic or offer my healing services! People would pay us, and I could help Issei!"

"Absolutely not, Asia," Raynare spoke up immediately, her voice full of protective senior-maid authority. "The Church already used and discarded you for that power. We wanted you here so you could live a normal, happy life, not be overworked as a human miracle generator." 

"She's right," Priscilla nodded gently, her massive, soft tail curling slightly toward Asia. "You and Yukina should focus on enjoying your daily lives, making friends, and going to school. You shouldn't bear such heavy burdens."

"Besides," Nyaruko added, putting her hands on her hips , "if Darling ever found out we made Yukina cry or forced Asia to work her fingers to the bone, he'd be utterly heartbroken and furious with all of us! Do you really want to see Issei looking at us with disappointed eyes?!"

The thought of Issei looking at them with sadness or disappointment hit every girl like a physical blow.

Yukina and Asia stood frozen. Overwhelmed by the fierce, unconditional love, protection, and acceptance from the group, a feeling neither had experienced in their pasts causing their chest tightened with pure happiness.

"Everyone... thank you so much..." Asia squeaked, her lower lip trembling.

"You are all... so kind..." Yukina whispered, emotion swelling in her throat.

Before anyone could stop them, big, bright tears of pure relief and happiness spilled over Asia’s eyelids. A second later, tears streamed down Yukina’s pale cheeks—and the moment her teardrops hit the carpet, they clinked, solidifying into breathtaking, glowing Hiruiseki gems that rattled across the floor!

"W-WAIT! NO!" Nyaruko shrieked in absolute panic, throwing her hands over her head. "THEY'RE CRYING!"

"Quick! Stop them!" Run yelled, flailing her arms. "We just promised not to make Yukina cry, and now we made BOTH of them cry!"

"Ahhh! Asia, sweetie, please don't cry!" Henrietta panicked, pulling out a handkerchief and trying to wipe Asia's face. "We didn't mean to make you sad!"

"I-I'm not sad!" Asia sobbed happily, hugging Henrietta tightly. "I'm just so happy!"

"I am fine as well..." Yukina wept softly, a beautiful smile on her face even as more priceless gems clattered onto the table. "These are... tears of joy..."

"JOYFUL OR NOT, ISSEI IS GOING TO THINK WE'RE BULLING YOU!" Karura yelled, frantically trying to catch the rolling gems.

"Issei is going to walk through that door any minute and think we set up a sweatshop!" Kaguya panicked, her royal composure completely breaking as she fanned the crying girls frantically. "Calm yourselves at once!"

As the library descended into a chaotic storm of comforting hugs and flustered shouting, the girls could only hope they could get the crying under control.

—----------------------------------------

Kuoh Academy, Student Council Room

The mid-day sun streamed softly through the glass windows of the Student Council office, casting long golden rectangles across the polished hardwood floor. The room, usually a sanctuary of quiet authority, was hushed save for the steady, methodical scratch of a fountain pen against official school documents.

Sona Sitri sat behind her grand mahogany desk, her false glasses catching the sunlight as she meticulously reviewed budget proposals for the upcoming cultural festival. Her posture was impeccable, stiff, focused, and utterly composed.

Clack.

It is then that the quiet sound of the office door opening broke the silence. Sona didn't immediately raise her head, expecting Tsubaki or one of her peerage members returning with an administrative report. However, the distinct, confident rustle of a blazer and the unmistakable faint scent of roses made her pause.

Stepping through the door was Rias. Her iconic crimson hair cascaded down her back, and her striking blue-green eyes carried a look of sharp, unyielding curiosity.

Sona set her pen down with a quiet click, folding her hands neatly over her desk as she adjusted her glasses, peering up at her childhood friend. "Rias. This is an unexpected visit during lunch. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Rias crossed the room with graceful, measured strides, stopping just in front of Sona’s desk. "I came to talk to you about something that happened yesterday," Rias began, leaning against the edge of the desk with an intriguing smile. "My peerage and I were taking a trip to the bookstore in town when we ran into someone... interesting. Hyoudou Issei."

Sona’s eyes flickered slightly behind her lenses, though her face remained a mask of polite neutrality. "Issei Hyoudou? The student you’ve been expressing interest in recruiting into your peerage?"

"The very same," Rias confirmed, her eyes narrowing as she studied Sona's face. "Except he wasn't alone. He was accompanied by a massive, remarkably strange group of foreign girls. Powerful mages, youkais, individuals with presences so bizarre I couldn't even identify them... and two women layered in heavy glamors that I suspect conceal very dangerous, monstrous forms."

Sona didn't speak immediately. A faint, almost imperceptible shift occurred in her expression, a microscopic tightening of her jaw, and a sudden stillness in her breath.

Rias, a master of reading her friend, caught it instantly as her smile broadened into a sharp, knowing smirk. "You know them," Rias stated flatly, crossing her arms under her chest. "The moment I mentioned his company, your face shifted, Sona. You know exactly who those women are, something you clearly haven't shared with me. As the co-ruler of Kuoh Town, I believe I deserve to know what kind of group has set up shop in our territory."

Sona pinched the bridge of her nose beneath her glasses, letting out a long, heavy sigh. The composed student council president looked, for a brief second, deeply tired. "I was planning on telling you eventually," Sona admitted, her voice calm but measured. "I merely wanted to gather a complete profile on them before raising unnecessary alarms. How exactly did you come across them?"

"Pure coincidence," Rias replied, waving her hand casually. "We were simply browsing for books, and there they were, an entire parade of supernatural anomalies following an ordinary high school boy around like ducklings. Now, stop stalling, Sona. Tell me everything."

Sona adjusted her glasses, leaning back into her leather chair. "Very well. I learned about their presence only recently myself. If it weren't for Reya from my peerage spotting a massive event, I might have been kept in the dark even longer. On Saturday night, that very group was forced to defend themselves against a coordinated ambush right here in Kuoh."

Rias’s playful demeanor instantly vanished, replaced by the sharp intensity of a Devil King's sister. "An ambush? In our territory? Who attacked them?"

"A joint squad of excommunicated rogue exorcists and Fallen Angels," Sona explained, her tone grave. "Over thirty armed combatants led by three Fallen Angels."

Rias frowned deeply, her mind racing. "Rogue Fallen Angels and Church defectors operating freely in Kuoh? Why were they targeting Hyoudou Issei?"

"There was a survivor from that battle," Sona revealed, her eyes steady on Rias. "A Fallen Angel named Kalawarna. Rather than being executed, she was... forcibly subjugated and converted into a housemaid for Issei's group. From the intelligence gathered, those Fallen Angels were originally sent by their superiors to monitor Issei. However, they went rogue, deciding to murder him, to steal his latent power before anyone else could react or at least that is what I believe."

Rias let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. "To completely wipe out a thirty-man hit squad without raising major panic in the city... their combat efficiency must be high. They must be remarkably strong."

"Stronger than you think," Sona corrected firmly. "When I held a formal meeting with them in this very office, I analyzed their magic signatures. Most of them weren't even displaying a fraction of their true power. They possess high-tier magic, weird entities, and at least one draconic being. A clash with them would be devastating for both of our peerages."

Rias leaned in, her interest fully piqued. "Which brings me to the most vital question... Why are they here? What is a group of multi-faction entities doing surrounding an ordinary human boy in a peaceful town?"

At that question, Sona’s dignified composure utterly broke. An unmistakable, deeply irritated scowl crossed the Student Council President’s face. Her eye twitched behind her black frames, and her lips pressed into a tight, exasperated line.

"You want to know their reason?" Sona said, her voice dropping into an annoyed, dry monotone. "Because according to them, Issei Hyoudou is 'quite the catch.' They claim that destiny and fate called out to each of them, decreeing that Issei was their destined husband. So, without a single shred of logic or hesitation, these women traveled from every corner of the world and beyond, to meet him, move into his residence, and marry him."

Sona threw her hands up slightly in rare, uncharacteristic exasperation. "A completely absurd, illogical excuse! As if anyone with a functioning brain would actually believe such absolute nonsense about 'cosmic destiny' binding them to a perverted high school student!"

Rias stared at her childhood friend in absolute shock for a second before bursting into a soft, melodic laugh. Seeing the famously calm, cold-headed, ultra-rational Sona Sitri visibly undone and genuinely annoyed by such a ridiculous explanation was a rare treasure.

"Fufu~ Oh, Sona, don't be so harsh," Rias teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she decided to push her friend's buttons a little further. "Who knows? Maybe Hyoudou-kun is actually a wonderful, charming boyfriend, and we just haven't realized his hidden potential yet."

Sona’s head snapped up, shooting a razor-sharp glare at Rias that could have cut through steel.

"Rias Gremory," Sona said icily, narrowing her eyes. "Do not tell me 'destiny' is whispering in your ear to marry Issei Hyoudou as well."

A sudden, bright blush erupted across Rias’s cheeks. She quickly raised her hands defensively, clearing her throat to regain her composure. "W-What?! Of course not! I was merely joking! I would never accept a man forced upon me by some arbitrary 'destiny.' I intend to choose my own partner through my own terms and my own strength, thank you very much!"

Sona huffed softly, adjusting her glasses as the room settled back into a serious atmosphere. "Good. Because I have enough headaches as it is."

Taking a breath, Sona continued her report. "During our meeting, Issei assured me that his group has no intention of causing trouble or disturbing the peace in Kuoh Town. In fact, until that ambush, they were entirely oblivious to the existence of Devils being in this town. Based on my assessment, as long as we do not provoke them or trespass on their sanctuary, they are not a threat to us."

Sona paused, her expression turning cautious. "However, exert extreme caution if you ever interact with them directly. Among their numbers, they also harbor an actual Angel. Though they told me they weren’t affiliated with them, we don't know the truth and if a stray conflict breaks out, Heaven might take notice."

Rias nodded, taking in every piece of information. "I understand. I'll make sure my peerage keeps their distance and doesn't provoke them unnecessarily. Thank you, Sona. This was extraordinarily helpful."

Rias checked the time and gasped softly. "Ah, look at the time. Lunch break is almost over. I should head back to the Occult Research Clubroom before Akeno starts wondering where I vanished to."

She turned toward the door, taking a step—

"Wait, Rias." Sona’s voice was low, heavy, and still.

Rias paused, glancing back over her shoulder. "Hmm? Is there something else?"

Sona placed both hands flat on her desk, her eyes locking onto Rias with absolute seriousness. "There is one final detail you need to know," Sona said slowly, letting every word carry immense weight. "During my meeting with them... Issei Hyoudou showed me that his Sacred Gear was awakened."

Rias’s eyes widened slightly, her interest reignited. "Oh? A Sacred Gear? What kind?"

Sona took a slow breath. "It isn't a common one, Rias, and is one of the Thirteen Longinus."

Rias froze in her tracks, her breath catching in her throat.

"The Boosted Gear," Sona stated plainly. "He is the current possessor of the Heavenly Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig."

Silence stretched across the Student Council room.

Rias’s blue-green eyes blew wide with pure shock, a sudden, powerful spark igniting deep within them. The mystery surrounding Issei’s strange harem was overwhelming, yes—but the realization that the boy himself carried the power of a Heavenly Dragon, a force capable of shaking the heavens and slaying Gods, changed everything.

A slow, brilliant, and ambitious smile spread across Rias Gremory's lips. ‘The Red Dragon Emperor... ‘ She thought, her heart thumping with renewed determination. ‘Now more than ever... I MUST have him in my peerage.’

Done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. What do you think should happen next?