Jeanne Alter had no idea what the "snake" Ophis suddenly produced was, but she could sense that Ophis bore no ill intent toward her.
However, that wasn't the real issue here. Regardless of whether Ophis held good intentions or bad, Jeanne knew the sudden appearance of such a thing would cause her some minor trouble.
With the kitchen so close to the living room, Toujou Koneko naturally felt the immense magical power surging from the kitchen.
Her typically expressionless face grew tense, and in an instant, Koneko flashed at remarkable speed to the kitchen doorway. Immediately, her eyes landed on the two figures inside and the black Ouroboros serpent brimming with terrifying magical energy in Ophis's palms.
Her golden eyes sharpened instantly. Without hesitation, she positioned herself between Jeanne Alter and Ophis, protectively shielding Jeanne behind her.
Although Koneko's action might seem overly reckless given their difference in power, Jeanne Alter felt touched.
Koneko was, by devil standards, roughly at the level of a middle-class devil. The magic emanating from the serpent in Ophis's hands alone equaled that of an ultimate-class devil. Perhaps Koneko hadn't recognized the strongest being in the world yet, but she surely sensed their immense gap in strength.
Yet her first instinct wasn't to run—it was to protect Jeanne, whom she believed to be an ordinary human.
"Senpai, run! This person is extremely dangerous."
Her voice was low, reflecting genuine tension and fear.
If faced with a weaker or similarly powerful enemy, Koneko would've chosen to fight directly—but this opponent was different.
The disparity was overwhelming, forcing Koneko to remain cautious and defensive, attempting to react as the situation developed.
"Uh..."
Hidden behind Koneko, Jeanne Alter awkwardly scratched her cheek.
"Maybe... you're just a bit too tense, Koneko? Ophis doesn't seem to have any malicious intentions."
As Jeanne voiced this, Koneko spun around, staring at her in disbelief, her expression clearly saying, "I'm ready to fight to the death, so why are you surrendering first, Your Majesty?"
"Jeanne-senpai, can't you see?"
Koneko raised her finger and pointed at Ophis, her voice grave. "This girl isn't human—and she's extremely dangerous. If we fight, I'll likely lose within seconds. Senpai, please stop being naïve and run. Go toward the school and get the president and the others to protect you."
Koneko even mapped out an escape route for Jeanne. But Jeanne knew, even Rias's entire group wouldn't be able to handle Ophis. Even if Rias summoned her brother, Maou Lucifer himself, it would still be useless.
"Why run?"
Ophis tilted her head, puzzled. "I just wanted to give this to Jeanne."
Seeing Ophis's genuine lack of hostility, Koneko remained wary but asked cautiously, "Then... what's that in your hand? Why do you want to give it to Jeanne-senpai?"
"Because... Jeanne gave me lots of delicious things. Ice cream, strawberry daifuku, cookies... I like them very much."
Her deep black eyes blinked slowly, and she continued quietly, "Jeanne told me humans follow rules. If you want something from others, you must exchange something of equal value. But I have nothing to offer except my 'snake.'"
"My 'snake'... embodies my power. Many around me have asked for it before, so I thought it must be very valuable."
The Ouroboros—a symbol originating from ancient civilizations depicting a snake or dragon eating its own tail—represented infinite cycles and eternity. Within alchemy, astrology, and mythology, it symbolized self-consumption and continuous renewal.
In High School DxD, the Ouroboros was the emblem of the Infinite Dragon God, Ophis herself.
The small black snake cupped in Ophis's palm held magic equivalent to an ultimate-class devil, yet Jeanne saw something more remarkable—a perpetual source of magical energy generated through its self-consumption, reminding her of the impossible concept of a perpetual motion machine.
Even a Maou-level being would gain significant power from consuming this snake.
But for Jeanne Alter, this gift had little value.
With five [Holy Grails] already within her body, Jeanne needed no further magical enhancement. Her real need now was methods to efficiently convert her massive magical power into combat prowess.
Jeanne gently patted Koneko's shoulder and stepped forward, passing her by and stopping in front of Ophis.
"Jeanne, you—"
Koneko watched anxiously, her brow furrowing deeper.
"I know what you want to say… Don't worry."
Without turning around, Jeanne waved dismissively.
Seeing Jeanne approach, Ophis assumed Jeanne would accept her "snake" and lifted it higher.
But instead, Jeanne gently pushed it back.
"Sorry, Ophis, I won't accept your 'snake.'"
Though Ophis's expression barely changed, Jeanne sensed her surprise.
"Why?"
"Because I don't need it."
Jeanne gently placed her hand on Ophis's head, stroking her silky black hair softly, like touching fine satin.
Under Jeanne's touch, Ophis visibly relaxed. Closing her eyes contentedly, she leaned into Jeanne's palm, rubbing her head like a comfortable kitten.
"I'm glad you remembered what I said—when humans want something from others, they must exchange something equal in value... but sometimes, there are exceptions."
"Exceptions?"
Ophis's lazy voice carried slight confusion.
"Yes, exceptions. If it's someone I like, even if they offer nothing in return, I'll still give them whatever they desire."
Ophis opened her eyes, seriously gazing up at Jeanne.
"Jeanne... do you like me?"
"I like you, Ophis. That's why even without an exchange, I'll make the desserts you enjoy and feed you ice cream whenever you want."
Ophis's dark eyes flickered thoughtfully, something stirring deep within her.
Slowly, moved by an unfamiliar impulse, she softly admitted:
"I... like Jeanne too."
The misunderstanding cleared.
Though Koneko maintained a fundamental wariness toward Ophis, her outright hostility dissipated.
Still, Koneko believed it was wrong to let Ophis stay beside Jeanne. They lived in entirely different worlds. Ophis's presence would undoubtedly shatter Jeanne's peaceful daily life.
Seeing Jeanne refuse Ophis's snake showed she intended to remain human and uninvolved.
Perhaps... it's time I stop bothering Senpai as well.
After all, I'm a devil. We're also from different worlds.
Senpai's too kind and good-natured. She probably couldn't adapt to our world. With her skills, she could easily open a successful bakery someday, become popular, and earn lots of money. And her academics were reportedly excellent, too—she might even enter Tokyo University and have a bright future.
Taking a bite from the donut, the deliciousness she'd never tire of swept her thoughts away.
Senpai has no more wishes left for me to fulfill... yet, I've still come here repeatedly to bother her.
All because that one time Jeanne told her: "Come anytime you want cake. You'll always be welcome here."
But perhaps it was finally time to put an end to this precious connection.
It wasn't just for Jeanne's sake, but for her own as well.
"Come to think of it... they're late."
Finishing another donut, Koneko looked out the window.
"Why hasn't the president arrived yet?"
Not long ago, Koneko had been investigating with Rias the powerful magic surge near a dessert shop but found nothing useful. Rias would surely remain vigilant after that incident.
Given Ophis's sudden magical outburst in the kitchen, Koneko expected Rias and the others would sense it immediately and rush here.
Believing they would arrive soon, Koneko hadn't contacted them, planning to explain the situation in person. By now, they should've already arrived—but why hadn't they appeared yet?
"I have an idea why your president isn't here."
Jeanne's sudden comment made Koneko glance at her, puzzled.
Jeanne instructed Ophis to stay inside while she brought Koneko outdoors.
Confused, Koneko followed Jeanne, and upon stepping outside, her expression shifted dramatically.
"You felt such powerful magic inside, yet outside, you can't sense anything at all... right?"
Jeanne's words struck like thunder. Koneko stiffly turned her head, golden eyes filled with disbelief, staring at Jeanne scratching her hair awkwardly.
"I apologize for waiting this long to come clean, Koneko. Actually... I'm not an ordinary human."
To demonstrate, Jeanne raised her hand, conjuring a fierce flame effortlessly in her palm.
"Magic...? How could this be?"
With a hurt expression as if betrayed, Koneko bit her lip, glaring coldly at Jeanne.
"Jeanne-senpai, you... you're a magician?"
In this world, magicians were special existences. Originally, magic was exclusive to devils, wielded instinctively. Then a magician named Merlin analyzed and recreated devil magic using rituals and formulas, enabling humans to use magic as well.
Jeanne nodded slowly, accepting Koneko's description.
"I placed a barrier around this house. Ophis's magic was completely contained within it. That's why once outside, you couldn't feel even a trace of her magic. This is why your president hasn't arrived."
"To be honest, I set this barrier recently, because the previous one shattered instantly when Ophis walked in. She forced me to build a stronger one, adding a lot of extra work for me."
Jeanne extinguished the flames casually, turning away and explaining in a neutral voice.
Even without looking, she could feel Koneko's icy glare.
Sigh...
But what else could she say? After all, she had deceived Koneko first.
Koneko had trusted her wholeheartedly, always considering Jeanne's best interests.
"AAAAAHHHH! So annoying, annoying, annoying!"
Jeanne couldn't bear it any longer. The choking frustration filled her chest. Even shouting and stomping couldn't ease her turmoil.
"Hey! Koneko."
Previously avoiding Koneko's eyes, Jeanne suddenly faced her with intense resolve.
"You're angry, right? Frustrated, betrayed—wanting nothing more than to punch me right now. I'm feeling the same! This bottled-up frustration is suffocating! I have so many things to say and apologies to give, yet no idea how. I can't figure out how to earn your forgiveness!"
Under Koneko's stunned gaze, Jeanne placed one hand firmly on Koneko's shoulder, giving her a fiery thumbs-up.
"So… let's go! Let's find a place and have a good fight! When frustrations build up, burning something always helps—that's my personal experience!"