Back at the Hyoudou residence, we were prepping to welcome the guest lecturer. With enough of us living here, we sent Kiba and Gasper home to rest.
But…
"Master, is this alright?" Diarmuid asked.
"Looks good. Thanks, Diarmuid," Miu replied.
Diarmuid was helping with preparations, efficiently setting up tea and snacks. It's a huge help, but why's a guy infamous in the Hero Faction for being a "freeloader" working so hard?
Curious, I asked him.
"It's only natural to follow my Master's lead when she works," he said.
What's with this guy's loyalty to Miu? Is this the fried chicken effect? If so, her taming skills are top-tier.
Another thing caught my eye. "Uh, Diarmuid… where'd you get that outfit?"
He was wearing—a maid outfit! Black fishnet stockings paired with a frilly maid dress—a perfect combo I'd give 100 points! And somehow, it's kinda sexy!
Not that it's super revealing, but those sleek legs peeking from the skirt, wrapped in fishnets? Incredibly hot.
Diarmuid explained, "Master prepared it for me."
"It suits him, right?" Miu said. "Ignis gave some advice too!"
It suits him too well—it's almost scary! Diarmuid's cool demeanor and long purple hair amplify the charm. And of course, Ignis is behind this. That goddess is a force to be reckoned with!
"These are delicious!" Ignis said, munching snacks.
"Yum yum," Ophis added.
"Don't eat those! They're for the guest!" Asia scolded.
"Eat these instead!" Rayvel offered.
Ignis and Ophis were raiding the guest snacks, with Asia and Rayvel trying to stop them. What a cozy scene.
Just as we finished prepping, Akeno called out, "The guest is here. Let's head to the underground teleportation room."
We descended to greet our visitor.
In the teleportation room, a few members were absent: Kuroka, Le Fay, Ophis, and Ignis. Except for Le Fay, they're prone to causing trouble. Le Fay's keeping an eye on Kuroka in their room, while Ophis and Ignis are probably in mine… doing what, exactly?
Meanwhile, with Ignis…
"Game on, Ophis-chan!" Ignis declared.
"I won't lose," Ophis replied.
"Heh heh heh! You're on! Behold the might of the ultimate goddess!" Ignis raised her hand.
"Rock, paper, scissors—yes! I win!"
"I take off one piece?" Ophis asked.
"Yup! First, the—"
The older-sister goddess and loli Dragon God were playing strip rock-paper-scissors to kill time.
End Ignis scene.
…Yeah, they're definitely up to no good. Should I have put a babysitter on them? I told them to stay out of the VIP room, so it should be fine… right?
The teleportation room's floor glowed with Norse runes, forming a magic circle. As the light intensified, Alice asked, "Who's coming?"
Rias answered, "Rossweisse's grandmother. She's a famous magic user in Asgard, the Norse realm."
Rossweisse's grandma?! That's a shock!
Everyone turned to Rossweisse, who looked conflicted—nervous or reluctant, maybe? The light flared and burst, revealing an elderly woman in a navy robe. She had a stern face, stood as tall as Rossweisse, and carried herself with a rigid, imposing air.
So this is Rossweisse's grandma…
She scanned us and spoke. "Greetings, people of Japan. It seems my granddaughter's been in your care."
Rossweisse pursed her lips, looking uneasy. Was she not thrilled about this visit, or just tense? She's supposedly close to her grandma, even sending her money, so it's not like she dislikes her…
Göndul introduced herself. "I'm Göndul, Rossweisse's grandmother. Pleased to meet you."
We led Göndul to the VIP room, serving tea and snacks while exchanging greetings.
Rias explained, "Göndul-san is attending a magicians' conference in Agares territory."
Apparently, renowned magic users are gathering in the Underworld to discuss magic. Non-demons need special permits to enter, which are hard to get, meaning only top-tier magicians attend. Miu and Alice could visit the Underworld freely before becoming demons, thanks to proper permits and the Gremory name's clout. Oh, and my parents visited for my promotion ceremony—Mom even pops in to have tea with Venerana sometimes.
The conference will cover rare spells, ancient magic, and forbidden techniques—heady stuff. Miu mused, "Maybe I should join…"
She'd probably get it. She's all-in, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
But something bugged me. "Didn't we hear reports about ancient and forbidden magic users going missing across factions? Is this conference related?"
Rias nodded. "Yes. The desire to meet and exchange ideas partly sparked this gathering, given those incidents."
It's unclear if rogue magicians or Rizevim's Khaos Brigade are behind the disappearances, but it's a growing issue.
Göndul, who'd been quiet, spoke slowly. "This isn't public, but the conference plans to temporarily seal our research and signature spells to prevent misuse by unknown threats, at least until these incidents are resolved."
"Seal your magic?" Rayvel asked.
Göndul nodded. "Rather than let our life's work be exploited, we'll entrust the sealing to the Fallen Angels' Grigori. Self-sealing risks being broken under hypnosis or abduction, and trusting other magicians carries theft risks. Grigori's a trusted compromise."
Rayna replied, "Yes, from former Governor Azazel to anti-magic specialist Armaros-sama, we're on it. Leave it to us."
Grigori's reputation is climbing. They've been sharing tech and advocating peace across factions, shedding their old villain image.
Göndul continued, "We'll exchange ideas before the sealing. Some declined to attend, but it'll still be valuable. I'm also here at Sona Sitri's invitation."
Rias added, "That's why Göndul-san's visiting."
So, Göndul's here for the conference and to lecture at Sona's school. We confirmed her schedule: she'll spend a few days in town, then head to the Underworld with us for the weekend.
After the formalities, the conversation lightened.
Rias said, "Göndul-san was once a Valkyrie."
So Rossweisse became a Valkyrie due to her grandma's influence. But Göndul was blunt.
"She's so inefficient, I told her she wasn't cut out for it. She's always been a bit scatterbrained."
Ouch. So that's been Rossweisse's deal since way back. At school, she's called "Rossweisse-chan" instead of "sensei," and she does fumble sometimes—though not in battle.
Rossweisse blushed, looking down in embarrassment. Göndul set down her teacup and addressed her.
"Rose, you know one reason I'm here, don't you?"
Rose, huh? Cute nickname.
"There's only one man here," Göndul said, eyeing me. "He's the one, right?"
Every eye in the room locked onto me. Me?!
Rossweisse stood, took a deep breath, and declared, "Yes, he's my boyfriend, Issei Hyoudou!"
…
…
…
Here we go.
So that's why she confessed in the bathroom—to prep for this! She told her grandma she had a boyfriend to ease her worries about living in Japan!
Göndul spoke. "Rose, you left home without permission, became a demon, and started teaching in the human world. You're a troublesome granddaughter, always worrying me."
"I-I'm sorry…" Rossweisse mumbled, unable to retort.
Rias stepped in. "Göndul-san, I recruited her, so part of the blame is mine. Don't be too hard on her."
"No, Rias-sama, becoming a demon or teaching isn't the issue," Göndul said. "It's her habit of changing her life on a whim that I need to address."
"Words that sting," Xenovia muttered, munching a cookie.
Listen up, Xenovia. You're all about impulse too.
Göndul coughed, softening her tone. "Odin-sama forgetting you was part of it. I gave him an earful, so we'll let that slide."
Yup, Odin got chewed out. Forgetting his Valkyrie attendant was harsh—otherwise, Rossweisse might still be a Valkyrie. That old man's the root of it all.
Göndul turned to Rossweisse. "I've always worried about you. You're skilled in study and magic but so inefficient. I said you'd be fine if you found a boyfriend. Then you said you had one…"
So that's the backstory. She told her grandma she had a boyfriend to ease her worries. Wish she'd warned me! And yeah, she definitely picked me on impulse—her grandma's right about that!
Rossweisse sidled up, grabbing my arm. "I-Issei-kun's reliable! He's the legendary Red Dragon Emperor, an upper-class demon, a-and… a hero in another world!"
Whoa, whoa! That last part! Don't bring up the other world! Sure, all factions know about it, but keep it quiet!
The room's atmosphere grew heavy. Only Miu was grinning, mouthing something.
"Your bride count's up, huh?"
I slumped. Yup, my sister's pushing the harem plan. It's thrilling but complicated! She's even giving me a thumbs-up!
"I-I'll get more tea!" Akeno said, standing with a pained expression.
"There's tea here," Diarmuid said, stopping her in his maid outfit.
He's blocking her escape?! And he's actually doing maid work?! Where's the "Hero Faction freeloader" now?!
As I mentally screamed, Göndul pulled out an old Underworld newspaper and spread it on the table. There, in bold print, was a photo of me and Alice kissing!
"Eeeeek!" Alice and I yelled in unison.
McGregor mentioned that photo—taken by Azazel-sensei! Why does Göndul have it?!
"Red Dragon Emperor, don't you already have a beloved?" Göndul said, pointing at Alice. "She's your 'Queen,' correct? Yet you're Rose's boyfriend. Explain."
Yup, saw that coming. With that photo out there, calling me her boyfriend is tricky. Göndul seems strict—probably thinks harems are "impure"!
Rossweisse faltered. "Ah… uh…"
Didn't think this through, huh?
Just when it seemed hopeless, Miu raised her hand. "It's fine! Onii-chan's gonna be the Harem King!"
Boom! Dropped a bomb! I mean, I am aiming for that, but read the room, Miu! You're putting Rossweisse in a bind!
I panicked, but Miu continued. "All the girls here adore Onii-chan. I love him too—I've given him my all. But I don't want to monopolize him."
"Why not?" Göndul asked calmly. "Don't you want your beloved to look only at you?"
Miu answered firmly, "Because he's too big."
"Big?"
"His heart's huge. Even all the girls here might not fill it. He's a perv but kinder and cooler than anyone, always worrying yet protecting so many with his straightforward heart. If he cares for me, that's enough to make me happy."
Alice stood too. "I agree with Miu-chan. That's why I fell for Issei Hyoudou. Everyone here—and Rossweisse-san too, surely."
They're probably bailing Rossweisse out, but their words are so sincere. I'm embarrassed, thrilled, and… my chest's burning.
Damn, I might cry.
Göndul fell silent, then spoke. "They say heroes love many, but only if they're truly charming."
She looked at me. "He must have that charm for such heartfelt words."
Wait… She folded the newspaper away. Is she okay with the harem?
Sipping her tea, Göndul asked Rossweisse, "How long have you been dating?"
"T-three months!" she blurted.
"So, you've already been intimate, I presume?"
Straight to the point! Rossweisse froze, blushing furiously.
"N-no, we're not married yet!" she stammered. "A-and my sense of chastity comes from you, Grandma!"
"I never said not to be intimate before marriage," Göndul said. "I said don't waste yourself on unworthy men."
Then—
"I wanna do naughty stuff with a guy too!" Rossweisse cried.
"Then settle down already!" Göndul shot back.
Whoa! Dialect alert! Both grandma and granddaughter slipped into dialect!
Noticing the mood veering off, Göndul coughed. "Boyfriend."
"Y-yes!" I replied.
"Can you cherish her? Love her with all your heart?"
Another direct hit! Rossweisse and I aren't actually dating—it's her plan to ease her grandma's worries. But lying would be too obvious.
So, I spoke my truth. "I'll protect what I've sworn to, no matter what. That includes Rossweisse—with my life."
She's my comrade, like family living under this roof. I'll protect her, no lie.
Göndul gave a gentle smile. "I approve of your relationship."
"...Huh?" Rossweisse let out a dumbfounded squeak.
"No 'huh.' I said it's fine. Now you can be with the man you love. Go on a date or something."
"B-but—!"
"I'll ask you both about it next time. Thank you all for today—I'll take my leave." Göndul headed to the lodging Sona arranged.
After she left, an awkward silence hung in the air. Rossweisse grabbed my hand, her face red, pleading, "I'm so sorry… please, just play along for a bit. I can't back out now!"
"Uh… sure," I said.
And so, Rossweisse and I were set to go on a date.
Later, she bowed deeply to Miu and Alice, thanking them for their support.
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