The room was quiet, wrapped in a gentle stillness that only came late at night. Asia lay beside me beneath the covers, her head resting against my shoulder while my hand moved slowly through her hair. Each soft breath she took brushed faintly against my chest, steady and calm, as if the world outside had finally loosened its grip on her.
For a while, neither of us spoke. There was no need to. Just being there—sharing warmth, sharing silence—felt enough.
Then Asia shifted slightly, her fingers tracing a small, uncertain circle over my shirt.
"Ise-san…" she said softly.
"Hm?"
"I heard from Rias-san that someday… you want to form your own peerage."
I nodded, still looking up at the ceiling. "That's the idea. Someday. But it's far off. I still have a lot to learn and a lot to prove." I turned my head slightly so I could see her face. "I'm not leaving Rias's peerage anytime soon."
Her shoulders relaxed at that, just a little. I realized then how tightly she'd been holding onto that worry, afraid she might be left behind without warning.
"That's good," she said, smiling faintly. Then she hesitated, gathering courage the way she always did—quietly, but with resolve. "Then… when that day does come… could I join yours?"
I blinked, surprised—not by the question, but by how seriously she asked it. There was no childish impulse in her eyes. Just trust.
"Asia," I said gently, "you don't have to decide your future around me."
"I know," she replied quickly. "This is my choice. I want to grow stronger. I want to stand beside you—not behind you."
I felt something tighten in my chest, warm and heavy at the same time. I rested my hand over hers.
"When that day comes," I said, meeting her gaze, "I'd be honored. But only if it's truly what you want."
She nodded once, then leaned closer, content—no more doubts between us, at least for tonight.
•••
The second half of August had arrived before I realized it.
In front of the station near the Gremory main residence, we stood lined up, receiving a send-off that felt far too grand for someone like me. The air itself felt heavy with ceremony, servants standing in neat rows behind the nobles, and banners fluttering softly as if even the Underworld was acknowledging our departure.
"Well then, Issei-kun," Rias's father said warmly, his voice steady and dignified. "I look forward to the day we meet again. You may return here anytime without hesitation. Think of the Gremory household as your own family."
"…Thank you very much!" I replied, scratching my cheek with an awkward smile. "But honestly, this feels a little too much for me…"
Rias's mother stepped forward with a gentle smile that somehow carried more pressure than her husband's authority.
"Not at all, Issei-san. Please take good care of Rias when you return to the human world. She can be quite selfish at times, so I do worry."
"M-Mother! W-What are you saying!?"
Rias's face instantly flushed crimson, her horns practically radiating embarrassment. It was adorable—dangerously so.
"Yes! Of course!" I said quickly, thumping my chest with confidence. "I'll take care of her!"
"...Uuuh, I'm truly moved," Rias's father sniffed, tears welling in his eyes. "The future of my family is bright…"
Beside him, Rias's mother sighed, placing a hand on her temple.
"Dear, isn't this the part where the father says something like, 'I won't give up my daughter yet'?"
"Well, Issei-kun has already surpassed me in strength," he replied honestly. "So isn't it fine? I think it'd be no problem if they settled down soon."
"Please at least wait until Rias graduates high school before discussing retirement," she said flatly.
Why did it sound like wedding plans were already being drafted!?
"Rias," Sirzechs said, holding Millicas in his arms, "make sure to write us during the rest of your summer vacation."
"Yes, onii-sama," Rias replied warmly. "Take care of yourself too, Millicas."
"Yes, Rias-nee-sama!" Millicas waved enthusiastically.
Soon enough, we boarded the train, waving back through the window as it began to move.
At that moment, I noticed. Grayfia waving at me. Seeing that, I also waved back. Man, I am happy. Damn it, I should have gotten close to Grayfia while we were in the Underworld.
Ahh… damn it.
Why didn't I talk to her more while we were here?
As the Underworld slowly disappeared from view, one thing was clear—this place wasn't just a battlefield or another world anymore. It had become a second home.
~~~
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