[Azazel Side]
Right after the school festival, Vali opened a private line to me.
"Seriously, Vali?" I asked.
His smug face appeared via the magic circle. "Yeah, he—or she now—wants it. I'm curious, so I'll make it happen."
His proposal left me stunned. It could shift the entire power balance.
"There's more to it, isn't there?" I pressed.
"Sharp as ever. No wonder factions distrust you," Vali teased.
"Spare me."
"I hear your 'meddling' stirs trouble," he said.
I know I'm not popular with the higher-ups. A "Fallen Angel Governor" preaching peace? Suspicious.
"It's my nature. If they target me, I'll deal," I said.
"Same old Azazel," Vali smirked.
"Shut it."
He muttered, "Someone's after her."
"No surprise. Countless want her power but can't touch her," I said.
"It's from within. They might strike," Vali added.
My mind flashed to the kid with the holy spear. Cao Cao.
"You're flushing them out?" I asked.
"Just confirming if they're my enemy. Probably are," Vali grinned. "Time to settle it."
Battle maniac, as always. Maybe he needs a girlfriend like Issei. Meddling again?
[Azazel Side Out]
I woke to Alice on one side, Miu on the other, both sleeping peacefully. No Rias or others. Wait—this isn't my room. Pink curtains, women's magazines—Alice's room?
Why am I here with Miu?
"You up?" Miu stirred.
"Morning. Why'm I here?" I asked.
"You forgot? Alice and I called you here last night to ask a favor. We talked, got sleepy, and crashed," Miu said.
Right. Their request was flattering, promising, but… uncertain timing.
Miu snuggled closer, smiling. "You're so warm. Can we stay like this?"
Adorable! I hugged her, feeling her heartbeat, her hair's sweet scent. So calming.
She looked up. "Morning kiss?"
She used to peck my cheek after I woke her, but post-school trip, she's bolder. I can't resist her.
"Okay, Miu." Our lips brushed lightly, filling me with bliss.
"Ehehe, love this," she giggled, angelic.
Pure happiness. Peace is the best.
"You two… so early," Alice's voice broke in.
We froze. She was awake, blushing, avoiding eye contact. She saw?!
"Y-You saw?" I stammered.
"Hard to interrupt your vibe," she said.
Busted! Embarrassing!
Miu flushed red. "S-Sorry, Alice," I said.
"Don't! Makes me feel bad!" Alice waved off.
It's just bad timing.
Let's get up and head to the living room. Clear the awkwardness.
As I moved, Alice hugged me from behind. "Wait."
"Uh, what?" I froze.
"I… want a morning kiss too," she mumbled.
Brain halt. "Huh?"
"I don't wanna be left out! Turn around!" she demanded, grabbing my face, pulling me close. Her teary eyes sparkled. "Or… you don't want me?"
Too cute! I can't hold back! "Alice…"
I kissed her softly. She stiffened, then relaxed. Pulling back, she covered her mouth, shy. "Since when are you this bold?"
"Haha… you kinda forced me," I said.
"Alice-san…" Miu murmured.
Crap, I forgot Miu! "Miu, I—"
Alice panicked. "Miu-chan, sorry! I didn't mean—"
Miu shook her head. "I know you feel the same as me." She paused. "Next time… let's do it together."
"WHAT?!" we both yelped.
At breakfast—egg rolls, miso soup, grilled salmon. Classic.
"Delicious. Meals are fun with everyone. Great cooks. 'Grab a man's stomach,' right, Issei?" Dad said.
"Totally," I grinned. Surrounded by beauties, eating their food, chatting—perfect!
Rias set a bento before me. "Your lunch!"
Lunch is a rotation, and Rias's turn means gourmet. "Thanks!"
I noticed Ravel packing a bento—not hers. "Whose is that?"
"Gasper's. He's doing morning training," Ravel said.
"Gasper? Training?!" I gaped.
Rias sat beside me. "After the Bael match, he felt weak. He's started extra training to rebuild his body."
"He wants to master his power and reach Balance Breaker," Akeno added.
Gasper's not strong yet, but he fought bravely. If he's determined, I'll support him. A buff Gasper, though? Hard to picture.
"Koneko, you look pale," Ravel said, concerned.
Koneko's face was red, strained. "…Nothing," she said.
Ravel touched her forehead. "You're flushed. Not a cold? I'll make Phoenix-family apple sherbet with fresh apples!"
Koneko brushed her off. "…Unwanted kindness."
"Denying my help?! Cats are so free-spirited!" Ravel huffed.
"Birdbrain," Koneko shot back.
"Birdbrain? That means forgetful, right?" Ravel asked.
"Well-studied. I'll praise you," Koneko said.
"Ugh, this cat-girl!" Ravel fumed.
I laughed. Their bickering's routine—friendly rivalry. Koneko helps Ravel adjust to the human world; Ravel relies on her.
Ignis spoke up. "Heard you and Miu slept in Alice's room. What happened~?"
"What's that sly look?" I asked.
"Wondering if you three merged," she teased.
I spat water. "DIDN'T HAPPEN! Why ask?!"
"Your parents are waiting for grandkids," Ignis said.
Dad and Mom nodded. "Make babies with Miu," Dad said.
"Show us grandkids!" Mom added.
They know about Miu and me. Post-school trip, we confessed everything, and I bowed, "Please let me have your daughter!"
Dad said, "Take care of her." Emotional, but awkward since we're technically family.
Our relationship's parent-approved, but… "Grandkids? Too soon!" I protested.
"You're 20, Miu's 17. Marriage is legal," Mom said.
Household-wise, I'm 17! They forgot!
"Devil world allows polygamy. Lots of grandkids!" Mom beamed, planning names.
Too fast! "Hold off on grandkid talk!" I said.
"Okay, we'll quietly plan names," Dad said.
Not listening! Miu started pondering baby names too!
"Wait, let's think later!" I said.
"Don't make girls cry. That's all we ask," Dad said.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Mom added, clearing dishes.
I nodded. "Never."
Koneko and I locked eyes. She looked down, mumbling, "…Grandkids… babies…"
She's off. I'll check on her later.
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