[Third-Person Side]
Hours after Issei and his group decided to stay overnight in Forestnium, we shift to Audilia, a lush, fertile kingdom in Ast-Arde known for bountiful harvests and a highly skilled Royal Knight Corps, respected by other nations.
A man in his forties or fifties, with streaks of white in his hair, walked the palace corridors. Despite his age, he exuded the vigor of a seasoned warrior. This was Maurice Noah, leader of the Royal Knight Corps, a former companion of Issei who helped him find a way back to his original world—an indebted friend.
Sighing as he watched soldiers train in the courtyard, Maurice muttered, "What a mess…"
Once called the Sword Saint for his unparalleled swordsmanship while journeying to defeat the Demon King, Maurice now faced a new threat: the God of Destruction. He'd witnessed its power during Zemria's evacuation with Alice and Trim, though he didn't fight it directly.
"Even with all human and demon forces, we're outmatched. It's dormant for now, but it'll return. We need to bolster our strength," he grumbled, scratching his head.
While Audilia remained untouched by monster attacks plaguing other nations, Maurice sensed the growing unease among citizens. Involved in national politics, he knew action was needed.
"Damn god's stressing me out. If I go bald, I'll curse it forever," he joked, though his eyes were serious.
After observing the soldiers, he headed to his office. A frantic soldier approached.
"Lord Maurice!" the soldier gasped.
"What's with the panic? Weren't you with Trim in Gailpein?" Maurice asked.
"Yes, sir!" the soldier replied.
"Did those monsters get them?!" Maurice tensed, knowing their strength.
"No, sir. We were nearly wiped out, but everyone's safe. Trim's unharmed, and we repelled the monsters," the soldier assured.
Maurice exhaled in relief. "Had me sweating."
"Trim ordered me to report urgently," the soldier continued.
"Problem?" Maurice frowned. The monsters were defeated, and Trim's group was safe. Issues with demons seemed unlikely—Maurice knew Forestnium's elder and its people well.
"They wouldn't cause trouble, and the injured should be sheltered in Forestnium," Maurice mused.
The soldier's voice brightened. "Issei-dono has returned! With his original world's companions!"
"What?!" Maurice shouted, stunned. The hero who defeated Sirius two years ago, the Red Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou, was back.
He'd thought they'd never meet again. Snapping to, Maurice barked, "Issei's back?! Alert the castle! He'll come here, so prepare to welcome him!"
"Yes, sir!" The soldier dashed off.
Alone, Maurice gazed at the sky, grinning. "Welcome back, Issei! Show me that face soon!"
His joyful shout echoed through the castle.
[Third-Person Side Out]
After dinner in Forestnium, we headed to the baths. The village had a large public bath used daily by residents. Azazel-sensei, Kiba, and Gasper used the men's bath, but I was directed to the women's due to my history with Sirius. Despite the peace treaty, some demons—mostly men—held grudges. To avoid awkwardness, Ulm arranged for me to use the women's bath, with their approval. Even Elza relented.
Now, in the women's bath, Rias and Akeno, the two big-sister figures, were washing me—with their chests! Soap suds mixed with their touch, driving me wild.
"This soap's amazing. My skin's so smooth," Rias moaned.
"It feels great rubbing against Issei-kun," Akeno purred.
Their sweet breaths made my body react. I was in overdrive!
"Ulm's story made me burn inside. You're the best, Issei," Rias said, hugging me, her body pressing close.
"Call me Rias, not 'buchou.' You're older, right?" she pleaded, gazing up at me.
"B-But you're my senior…" I stammered.
"That doesn't matter. Please, call me Rias," she urged, her eyes misty.
Then Akeno hugged me from the other side. "Don't leave me out, Issei-kun."
What was happening?! Both were being so clingy!
"R-Rias? Akeno?" I ventured.
Their faces lit up. "We're so happy, Issei!" they chimed, tackling me to the floor, crawling over me. Their chests were overwhelming. Nosebleed central!
"I want to pamper you tonight," Rias said.
"Is that okay?" Akeno added.
Pamper? What a glorious word!
From the bath, Miu and the others' voices echoed. "They've got total control," Miu groaned. "Lost at rock-paper-scissors too…"
"No beating those two," another said.
"There's no opening. We wait," a third added.
"It'll never end," another sighed.
"I hate myself for choosing rock," one lamented.
"I'll fall if I keep watching! Michael-sama, save me!" Irina cried, her wings flickering.
So that's what the rock-paper-scissors was for? Irina, you okay?
"They ignored the 'no lewd stuff' rule. Nothing reaches them now," Rossweisse sighed, her towel-clad figure stunning. Brain-saved!
"Look at us, Issei," Rias said, grabbing my face, her nose inches from mine.
Too close! I'd bleed out, but dying like this? Worth it.
They washed every inch of me. As they eyed my lower half, the others stopped them.
Post-bath, I cooled off alone on the giant tree's trunk, still buzzing. Azazel-sensei approached.
"Yo, Issei," he said.
"How was your bath, Sensei?" I asked.
"Great. Ulm gave me killer booze. Yours? Never mind, I can guess—Rias and Akeno went wild?" he smirked.
"Haha…" I laughed.
"You've got a tough road ahead, but man up," he said, sitting beside me.
Tough, yeah. Their aggressive moves threw me, but I liked it. Sexy invitations? Yes, please!
"Your past got them fired up. Ending a war and being called a hero? Natural," Sensei said.
"I never called myself a hero. Others did," I said.
"That's how it works. Heroes don't claim it; people do. The Hero Faction—got thoughts on them?" he asked.
"Yeah," I admitted. They called themselves heroes' descendants, but their actions? Questionable.
"They don't get what a hero is," I said.
"No clue what drives them, but the God of Destruction's the issue now. Rias said we lack info. Leaving for Audilia tomorrow?" he asked.
"Yeah, where I was helped. My old travel buddy's there—a princess, Alice," I said.
"Saved my ass on and off the battlefield," I added.
Sensei stroked his chin. "Another one? This'll be wild…"
What's he mean? Time to sleep. "I'm off to bed. You?" I asked, stretching.
"Gonna explore with Ulm, then sleep," he said.
Typical Sensei. Ulm agreed to that?
I headed to my room.
In my room, ready to sleep, I saw Xenovia and Koneko-chan on my bed.
"Hey, Issei," Xenovia said.
"Senpai, I'm intruding," Koneko added.
"Why are you here?" I asked. They had their own rooms.
"We won rock-paper-scissors. Sleeping here tonight," Xenovia said proudly.
"This bed's too small for everyone," Koneko noted.
True, it was barely bigger than normal—fit for three at most. Why rock-paper-scissors? I'm thrilled, though.
Miu's sleeping with Elza, catching up with her friend.
Xenovia patted the bed. "Come, Issei. Watching Rias and Akeno made me want your warmth. We'll cuddle tonight."
Why's that sound ominous? I'm tired from this world, so I flopped onto the bed, Xenovia and Koneko on either side, using my arms as pillows.
"Your arm's nice. Always monopolized by Rias or Miu. I get why," Xenovia said.
"Really?" I asked.
"Yeah, it's close to you. Planned more, but this is enough," she said.
More?! What was she planning? She's dangerous—but I love it!
"Nya… Issei-senpai's scent…" Koneko curled up, grabbing my shirt.
Her cat-like cuteness killed me!
"I'm sleeping. Night, Issei," Xenovia said, leaning in.
Kiss.
Our lips met. My brain froze, then registered it. Another sneak attack!
Xenovia slept, smirking. Koneko was out too. They were exhausted.
Everyone's been so forward here. Sensei said it's my past, but I don't feel I did much.
"Only you think that. Your deeds are legendary. You're just numb from too much action," Ddraig said.
Really?
"Yeah. It's why you're loved," he added.
Loved, huh? I feel it, but their intensity overwhelms me. Harem King's a long road.
"Haha! You're a pervert but weak to pressure. Hilarious!" Ddraig laughed.
Shut up! I want to move forward! I've tried, but the timing's always off!
Does God hate me?
"The Biblical God? He's gone," Ddraig said.
I know, just venting!
I'm beat. Night, Ddraig.
"Night, partner."
I closed my eyes, feeling their warmth, and slept.