"Phew, another hard day's work," Miu sighed, stretching her arms as she leaned back against my chest.
We were soaking together in the underground bath at the Hyoudou house, having just washed each other's backs. Now, we were enjoying a cozy dip.
Ever since Miu started taking on contracts, she's been racking them up like a pro, surpassing my rookie days with ease. Like me, she has clients fill out feedback forms, and hers are glowing:
"So friendly and cute!"
"Really listens and cares."
"Adorable and kind!"
"I'd hire her again in a heartbeat!"
Apparently, she's a hit with introverts, like shut-ins who struggle with socializing. She even helped Gasper take a step forward when he was still holed up.
I wrapped my arms around her from behind. "Getting the hang of demon work?"
"Yup," she said, smiling. "It's mostly listening to people's problems, but it's rewarding to help. Feels good."
"Nice." I ruffled her hair, grinning.
At first, I worried she'd get roped into weird stuff, but she's handling it like a champ. Seeing her praised makes me proud—my cheeks can't help but loosen up.
"How's Alice doing?" Miu asked.
"Uh… she's managing, I guess," I said, scratching my head.
Alice has been taking contracts too, pulling in numbers that rival Miu's. But there was a little hiccup recently. Apparently, a client proposed to her on sight. She turned him down, but he was so persistent she ended up throwing him over her shoulder. I rushed to the scene to smooth things over—talk about a mess. The client was at fault, so it resolved quickly, but Alice felt bad for troubling me. Calming her down was the real challenge.
Other than that, she's been fine. Rayvel, meanwhile, is killing it as our team's de facto manager. She handles every issue, big or small, with lightning speed. Man, what a star. Her management skills keep our whole crew running smoothly.
As I marveled at Rayvel's awesomeness, Miu tilted her head. "Hey… was there always a door there?"
"Huh?" I followed her gaze to the far end of the bath. Sure enough, there was a door. Was that there yesterday? I don't think so…
We were puzzling over it when someone entered the bath.
"Oh, Issei, Miu, you're already here," Rias said, stepping in.
Behind her came Alice, Akeno, the Church Trio, Rayna, Rayvel, Koneko-chan, and Ophis, filing in one after another. Perfect timing—I turned to Rias. "Hey, what's with that door over there?"
She glanced at it, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "Oh, that? Let's check it out. I bet it's something fun."
A New Bath
"No way there was a place like this…" Miu gasped, looking around in awe.
Beyond the mysterious door was a massive new bath, even grander than the one we'd been using. The ceiling, walls, and fixtures sparkled with opulent designs, like something out of a fantasy. Lush tropical plants gave it a jungle vibe, and a dragon-shaped statue poured hot water into a small waterfall. Intricate carvings adorned the pillars, with the Gremory crest etched prominently throughout. It felt almost divine.
Everyone except Rias, Akeno, and Rayvel stood slack-jawed. Rias smiled. "This house was designed by an architect under Ajuka Beelzebub. He loves hiding surprises, just like Ajuka."
"So there's more stuff like this?" I asked.
"Probably," she said. "Lots of hidden features waiting to be found."
Seriously? This house still has secrets I don't know about? I'm dying to explore!
Rias dipped into the water. "It's likely set to unlock over time. It's winter now, so maybe that triggered this new bath."
Time-activated features? The house was renovated last summer, but how many hidden goodies are there?
For now, I pushed that aside to enjoy the view—not just the bath, but the girls. Naked beauties everywhere! Sure, I see them all the time, but this never gets old.
The Church Trio was washing each other's backs, their movements making their assets bounce delightfully. Xenovia and Irina's curves are as stunning as ever, and Asia's growing fast! Nearby, Alice and Rayna were chatting—a rare but fun duo. Koneko-chan and Rayvel were soaking in a smaller tub, talking like besties.
Speaking of Rayvel, our… situation got out, naturally. Rias somehow sensed it after the hot spring trip and grilled me with questions. Koneko-chan was a bit pouty at first, but she came around, saying, "If I grow bigger boobs, then I'll ask you."
Big-boobed Koneko-chan? Apparently, her "Shirone Mode" transforms her into a bombshell rivaling Kuroka. Damn, I missed it! Gotta see that someday, even if it's taxing for her.
It's heartwarming to see my juniors getting along. Oh, and I need to talk to Rayvel about Lufei's contract later. Since the anti-terror team "D×D" formed, Kuroka and Lufei have officially moved in. Not much has changed—Kuroka's as free-spirited as ever.
Lufei's contract will be for five years. She's a great girl, as talented as Miu says, and a one- or two-year deal felt too short, while ten years was too uncertain. Rayvel suggested five years as a sweet spot, with an option to extend if it works out. I'm just glad it's Lufei—she's cute!
"Mixed bathing is the best, isn't it?" Akeno said, sliding up beside me with a giggle.
"Totally," I blurted, my true thoughts slipping out. How could they not in this paradise of giggles and curves? Akeno's plush assets looked as tempting as ever.
I glanced ahead to see Ophis swimming on her back, gliding through the bath. "Ophis-san, no swimming!" Miu called, but Ophis just floated by. Dragon God's gonna do what she wants.
I'd told Ophis about Lilith, her clone we met in vampire territory. Her reaction was muted, but she said, "If she's your enemy, I'll deal with her. Don't want to trouble friends."
I appreciate her caring, but I don't want to see Ophis fight herself. If Lilith's like Ophis at heart, maybe we can win her over. We'll see.
Then I noticed Rias, looking unusually somber. Normally, she'd be doting on everyone or clinging to me, but…
"Grayfia?" I asked.
She flinched, then gave a wry smile. "Sorry, you saw through me. Yes, I was thinking about her."
Grayfia's in a tough spot since her brother Euclid showed up. She's practically under house arrest at Gremory Castle, banned from aiding Sirzechs or working as a maid. The current demon government suspects her of hiding Euclid's survival and colluding with Rizevim.
It's ridiculous to us—Sirzechs loves her, so no way she'd betray him. But to old-school demons, anything tied to the original Lucifer is a threat. They're taking this seriously, which is why they're sidelining her.
"No word from her?" I asked.
"None," Rias said. "With everything going on, the higher-ups are harsh on her. She can't even contact Onii-sama. My parents say not to worry, but…"
At least she's at Gremory Castle with family, so she's not alone. Still, she's probably shaken, knowing her "dead" brother is alive and a terrorist.
Why did Euclid join Rizevim? I can't wrap my head around it.
"Euclid Lucifuge…" I muttered. "He'll probably show up again."
Rias nodded. "He's got a replica Red Dragon Emperor armor."
Crafted by Bel, one of Asem's minions, it's a souped-up version with Heavenly Arms and Heavenly Strike. And Euclid seemed way too interested in the Red Dragon's power.
I pulled Rias close. "I'll take him down and drag him to Sirzechs. That'll clear Grayfia's name. Don't worry—I've got this."
That jerk's gonna pay for disrespecting the Red Dragon Emperor and hurting his sister.
"Issei…" Rias's cheeks flushed, her eyes misty as she leaned closer—
Mmph! A soft, heavenly sensation hit my back. Akeno hugged me, her skin clinging to mine. "Your face just now was so dreamy, Issei-kun!"
Oh no, I'm getting too excited!
Rias protested. "Akeno! That was my moment!"
"Oops, gotta stay sharp," Akeno teased. "I'm after Issei-kun too, you know."
"Read the room!" Rias huffed.
I laughed awkwardly. They're back to their usual selves, but since the hot spring trip, their intensity's been dialed up.
"I want to get close to Issei too, but you keep stealing him!" Rias said.
"I'm the same!" Akeno shot back. "I want Issei-kun to hold me!"
"Whoa, whoa!" I said. "Calm down, not in front of everyone!"
I'm all for it—I'm not the wimp I used to be—but their timing's awful.
Miu stepped in. "Hey, you two, chill. Onii-chan's always up for it, so no need to rush."
"With everyone crossing that line with Issei-kun, I'm feeling left out," Akeno said.
"You've been with him plenty, Miu," Rias added.
Miu grinned. "Exactly, so I can give pointers. Here's how to handle Onii-chan—"
She started giving advice to Rias and Akeno, who nodded eagerly. The Church Trio and Koneko-chan joined in, and across the bath, Alice, Rayna, and Rayvel were dishing about our nights together.
I stared at the ceiling. Miu's orchestrating a harem plan, huh? Come to think of it, she's been the catalyst for me, Alice, Rayna, and Rayvel getting closer.
Then someone approached—Rossweisse, wrapped in a bath towel. Rossweisse in a mixed bath? That's rare. She's usually strict about this stuff, only joining by chance a few times.
Her figure was stunning, even through the towel. But her expression was serious as she spoke to Miu. "Miu-san, may I borrow Issei-kun?"
"Sure, if he's okay with it," Miu said.
Rossweisse turned to me, her cheeks red but her gaze steady. "Issei-kun, I have a request."
"A request?" I asked, puzzled. She came to a mixed bath for this?
Blushing harder, she said, "Please… be my boyfriend."
Time froze.
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