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Perspective returning to the meeting room.
With Akeno and others' arrival, the meeting room atmosphere immediately gained subtle tension compared to before.
After all, previously everyone inside the meeting room held their own firm positions.
For example, Rias, Sona, and others undoubtedly stood on the Underworld's side—including Sirzechs and Serafall as well. Bokue purely existed as a witness representing the fourth party. Kuroka's position depended on where Bokue stood—wherever he was, she'd be there.
Only Irina Shidou, Xenovia, and Asia were different.
They'd been the Church's Holy Sword wielders and saint. Should've stood on Heaven's side. Yet now stood beside devils.
Simultaneously, Archangel Michael—who'd just sat down earlier—suddenly stood up. His gaze turned toward the three at tableside, smiling.
"So the conference hasn't officially started yet, right?"
"Of course~"
Before the other two could speak, Serafall propped up her cheeks to answer for them.
"After all, Azazel's side hasn't arrived. Since it's a Three Factions conference, naturally all three sides must arrive before starting... what, want to use the bathroom before the conference starts?"
"Hehehe, of course not."
Facing the Four Great Maou's teasing, Michael showed absolutely no anger. Just chuckling lightly, he walked down from the meeting table toward Rias and others standing against the wall by the meeting room entrance.
More accurately—he looked toward Asia, Xenovia, and Irina who'd arrived earlier following Akeno Himejima.
Then deeply bowed his head.
!!!
Completely not expecting such development, Asia's mouth opened slightly. Shocked nearly speechless.
Michael maintained this bowing posture, using extremely sincere tone to speak words everyone present could hear.
"Asia Argento-san, regarding what happened to you previously... I truly am... deeply sorry."
This...
Asia froze completely.
"Before this, I explained this matter to Keikain-san. But though having countless reasons, ultimately it's still because my abilities as administrator were insufficient—causing your misfortune, Asia-san."
Completely unlike his usual gentle relaxed tone, current Michael's voice carried full self-blame and regret.
"Of course, the same applies to Irina Shidou-san and Xenovia Quarta-san."
"Eh?"
"Why us too..."
Completely not expecting even they'd be included, the two former Holy Sword wielder girls who'd been merely shocked were also slightly startled.
Michael continued explaining: "In the Kokabiel incident, learning God had died must have dealt you considerable shock as well. That was likewise because my insufficient managerial abilities forced this inferior strategy."
"Since God's death, no one could adjust the faith system. With my abilities, I can only barely maintain stable operation. But once the world learned God had died, it would inevitably cause massive faith upheaval. The entire faith system would completely collapse."
"So to avoid the above situation, as Heaven's new leader I could only be forced to suppress news of God's death. Truly... deeply sorry."
Words settling, the meeting room fell silent.
Michael spoke these words completely without evasion—publicly revealing Heaven's confidential secrets that by his position absolutely shouldn't be disclosed.
This was Michael's way of demonstrating sincerity. Simultaneously a huge gamble. Moreover, a method with no alternatives.
Without Biblical God's dominance in the present, Heaven could no longer birth new pure-blood angels. He himself, exhausting all effort, could only barely maintain the faith system's operation.
From a long-term perspective, Heaven's combat power would only continue weakening with time.
Of course, the same logic applied to Fallen Angels.
Even compared to angels led by Michael, Fallen Angels—unable to receive faith system enhancement—faced even more awkward circumstances.
In other words, without finding methods to revive Biblical God, the Underworld's sole dominance afterward was nearly inevitable.
So he must demonstrate sincerity here. Finalize this Three Factions conference's peace agreement.
This was the only thing he could currently do as Heaven's leader.
"So that's..."
"I see..."
Not until long afterward did the three girls gradually recover from massive shock.
Xenovia covered her forehead, sighing lightly.
"I... originally came today wanting to use this opportunity to return the Holy Sword I'd forgotten to give back to the Church."
"Holy Sword?"
Michael first showed confusion, then immediately reacted.
"Oh, is Xenovia-san talking about Holy Sword Durandal?"
"Yes. Because I could never perfectly control Durandal's flames, for a long time it's remained locked in alternate space. After storing it too long, I almost forgot its existence..."
"I see. Then please continue holding it, Xenovia-san."
Michael smiled faintly.
Eh?
Not just Xenovia—even Rias and Akeno beside her froze.
"Continue holding? But I've already..."
"May I ask, after leaving the Church, has Xenovia-san used Holy Sword Durandal for evil?"
"That... of course not."
"May I ask, after leaving the Church, has Xenovia-san still used Holy Sword Durandal to uphold justice?"
"That, I have done..."
The blue short-haired knight girl seriously recalled how last week at the supermarket she'd used the Holy Sword to knock out a demonic creature harassing a young female clerk, successfully escorting him to police.
Barely counted, right?
"Then may I ask—if in the future someone Xenovia-san cares about needs your help, would you be willing to assist?"
"I would."
This time Xenovia answered quite quickly. But after answering, she immediately glanced at Bokue still at the meeting table, seemingly hesitant to speak.
She'd once sworn to him that from now on her sword would only be wielded for him. But later discovered this guy was ridiculously strong—completely didn't need her help.
"Having that heart is enough."
Understanding the girl's thoughts at a glance, Michael smiled faintly.
"Holy Swords weren't created for you to serve the Church. As long as you still walk justice's path, you still possess qualifications to continue holding it. The same applies to Irina Shidou-san."
"Eh? Me... me?"
The twin-tailed former Holy Sword wielder girl froze.
The next second, Michael opened his palm. Lying quietly in it was a silk girl's armband.
"This is... Mimic Holy Sword?"
Irina recognized at a glance this was the Holy Sword she'd once used. After the Kokabiel incident, she'd returned it to the Church. Never expected it now back before her.
Though after that, Bokue had already made another armlet similar to Mimic Holy Sword for her.
If accepting Mimic Holy Sword now, then...
"Since it was brought, just accept it."
Just then, Bokue sitting at the meeting table—propping up his cheek while watching the entire scene—spoke.
"Refusing gifts specifically delivered is quite rude. Plus, this is Heaven demonstrating sincerity to us."
Incidentally... let's see what sincerity the Fallen Angel side has afterward?
Mmm, feels slightly like receiving tributes.
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