The next morning, we gathered at Forestnium's gate.
Trim-san and the soldiers looked refreshed after a night's rest. No surprise—they're built tough.
"Thanks for everything, Urum-san," I said, shaking his hand.
"No trouble at all," Urum replied. "Come back anytime. You're always welcome."
We were headed to Oudiria, where Trim-san's messengers had hopefully arranged a warm reception. Alice's castle is massive—plenty of room for our group.
"Elsa, see you!" Miu said, clasping her hands.
"Yeah, come back anytime," Elsa replied. "This is your home, so don't hold back."
"Okay!" Miu beamed.
They both looked sleepy, probably from talking all night. Must've been quite a chat.
Elsa leaned in, whispering to Miu. "If you like him, make your move fast. Other girls are into him, right? It's first come, first served."
"First come…?" Miu mumbled.
"Just pin him down and go for it," Elsa said. "You know, 'if pushing fails, tackle him.'"
"Isn't it 'pull back'…?" Miu asked.
"Same difference," Elsa shrugged. "You've got this. Go for it."
"Really?" Miu said, uncertain.
"Trust your instincts. Confidence is key."
I caught them glancing at me. What's going on?
Elsa approached, clapping my shoulder. "Like I said yesterday, take care of Miu. Make her cry, and you're done."
"Got it," I said, nodding.
"One more thing," she added, pulling me close to whisper. "When Miu wants you, don't push her away."
"What does that—?" I started, but she cut me off, smacking my back.
Ow! Warrior strength hurts!
"That's the deal, Pervy Hero!" Elsa grinned, walking off.
I had no clue what she meant. Accept Miu? I already have—she's family! I spoil her when she's clingy, though sometimes I'm the one needing a hug.
Miu's face was beet red. What happened?
"Issei-dono, it's time," Trim-san called.
"Right," I said, turning to the demons seeing us off. "We're heading out! Thanks for everything!"
We passed through the gate, leaving the village behind. Time to reunite with Alice and the others!
Riding a carriage to Oudiria, Rias remarked, "They have carriages here, too."
"Yeah," I said. "This world's not that different from ours."
"Interesting," she replied.
After hours of swaying, a town appeared ahead, drawing everyone's eyes.
"There's Central, Oudiria's castle town!" I said, leaning out. "So nostalgic!"
Two years later, it hadn't changed a bit. I couldn't help but get excited.
"Issei-san, you're thrilled," Asia noted. "Got good memories here?"
"Tons," I said, nodding. "Happy ones, sad ones—this place shaped me."
"Exactly," Ddraig chimed in. "This is where you became who you are, partner."
Everyone, puzzled by Ddraig's words, soaked in the scenery.
Minutes later, the carriage reached Central Castle, a grand Western-style fortress—maybe bigger than Rias's mansion. It felt just like old times!
I hopped off, scanning the castle. "Trim-san, lead the way."
"Of course, Issei-dono," he said. "Everyone, this way."
Inside, a line of maids greeted us: "Welcome back, Hero-sama!"
"Back" wasn't quite right, but I let it slide. "Hey, long time no see! You all look great!"
Some new faces, but most were familiar. Then I remembered—last time I was here, I hit them with Dress Break in the forest. Surely they wouldn't pummel me like Elsa did… right?
As I panicked, a maid stepped forward. "It's been a while, Issei-sama."
"Valkyria! You're looking good!" I said.
Valkyria Nome, head maid of the Oudiria household, was a stunning silver-haired beauty like Rossweisse, always calm and caring—but with a sharp tongue like Koneko's, slicing right to your core without blinking. Scary, yet kind.
"Despite having my clothes shredded, I'm doing well," she said coolly.
Ouch. Her deadpan jab hit hard. "Uh, sorry…"
"No worries," she said. "I know how perverse you are, Issei-sama. My fault for not preparing."
Gah! Her words stabbed my soul! That emotionless delivery—terrifying!
I couldn't complain; I earned it.
Valkyria bowed to the others. "Greetings, everyone. I'm Valkyria Nome, head maid. If you need anything in the castle, please ask."
Rias, Kiba, and the others introduced themselves. Then Valkyria turned. "This way. Morris-sama awaits, Issei-sama."
"Yes, sorry again…" I mumbled, half-wanting to bolt.
Footsteps echoed—pata pata pata. Everyone looked toward the sound.
A woman approached: long blonde hair to her waist, Rias's height, in a red dress. A total beauty.
"Big brother!" she shouted, leaping into my arms.
"Nina!?" I gasped.
"I missed you!" Nina squealed, rubbing her cheek against mine.
No way! She's changed so much! Two years ago, she was like Asia, but now she's Rias-level gorgeous! How does someone grow this much in two years?
"You've grown," I said. "I barely recognized you!"
"Hehe, I'm all grown up!" Nina spun, flashing a peace sign.
Yeah, grown in all the right places—those bouncing curves…
"Issei-sama, your eyes are glued to Nina-sama's chest," Valkyria said. "Two years, and no progress."
"Issei-senpai's perversion transcends dimensions," Koneko added.
Double whammy! Their synchronized jabs were brutal yet oddly refreshing.
"Koneko-sama, perfect timing," Valkyria said.
"Your quips are sharp, too," Koneko replied.
What's this? A bond forming over roasting me!?
"You haven't changed, big brother," Nina teased. "Still love naughty stuff, huh? How about this?" She leaned forward, accentuating her chest.
Spurt! Nosebleed alert! She went from a shy kid trailing me to this? Human growth is a miracle!
Valkyria sighed, scolding Nina. "Nina-sama, please. As royalty, act with dignity."
"It's fine," Nina said. "I only do this for big brother."
"Still unacceptable," Valkyria insisted. "And Issei-sama, stop bleeding—it's a hassle to clean."
"Yes, ma'am…" I stuffed tissues in my nose, thankful Mom made me bring four packs.
"Let's go," Valkyria said. "Morris-sama's waiting."
"You coming, Nina?" I asked.
"Duh!" she said, clinging to my arm.
Her softness pressed against me—dangerously soft! Another nosebleed loomed.
Miu stared, teary-eyed. "Big brother…"
Don't cry, little sis! I'm just as confused!
"But you're loving it, right?" Ddraig teased.
Hell yeah, it's amazing!
"Sigh…" Ddraig groaned.
Valkyria led us to a grand wooden door with intricate carvings, used for foreign dignitaries.
Knock knock knock.
"Morris-sama, I've brought Issei-sama and his friends," Valkyria announced.
"Come in," a voice replied.
She opened the door, revealing a white-haired man on a chair, grinning at me. "Long time no see, Issei. You've gotten tougher."
"Morris!" I exclaimed.
The Sword Saint, Morris Noah—my mentor, travel buddy, and unforgettable friend—welcomed me with a warm smile.
Valkyria served tea, which I sipped, relaxing after the long carriage ride.
"Delicious," Akeno said. "I'd love to learn your technique."
"My pleasure, Akeno-sama," Valkyria replied. "When you have time."
"Thank you," Akeno smiled.
Everyone was bonding fast—impressive. Gasper, still shy around strangers, moved awkwardly, but that's our shut-in for you.
Morris sipped his tea. "I was shocked when I got the news. Never thought you'd return."
"Didn't expect it myself," I said. "But I'm glad to see you."
"Same here," he said. "You brought a bunch of beauties. Harem King dream achieved?"
"Uh, well…" I faltered.
He smirked, reading me. "Still weak to advances, huh?"
Azazel-sensei chimed in. "Was he always like that?"
"Oh yeah," Morris said. "He was famous back then. Strong, honest—aside from the perv part—and not bad-looking. Plenty of girls came onto him, but he'd fumble every time."
"No growth there, huh?" Azazel-sensei teased.
I had no comeback. I love when girls get close, but they come on so strong! It starts nice, then gets intense, and—bam!—chaos.
How do I handle them better? That's my top priority.
"What's he like in your world, Azazel?" Morris asked.
"Pretty popular," Azazel-sensei said. "Everyone here is. Oh, and he loves breasts so much, they call him 'Oppai Dragon.'"
Hey! Why bring that up!? You made that nickname!
Morris burst out laughing, slapping the table. "No way! Oppai Dragon!?"
"My partner's crying already!" I said.
"Hey, Ddraig, how's it feel being the Oppai Dragon's dragon?" Morris called.
"Don't ask!" Ddraig wailed. "You know what you're doing, Morris!"
"Damn right!" Morris grinned.
"Why me, even in this world!?" Ddraig sobbed, louder than ever.
I didn't sign up for this either! Being mocked across dimensions sucks!
Azazel-sensei added, "Kids love the Oppai Dragon. He gets called that everywhere."
Stop! I got that in the Underworld and hospitals, but don't spread it!
"Seriously?" Morris asked.
"Yup," Azazel-sensei confirmed.
Their laughter echoed through the castle. Ddraig wept.