"Both Akeno and Koneko overcame their walls in this game. That alone is something to be happy about," Rias said.
She smiled as she spoke—soft, gentle, the kind of smile that carried warmth rather than triumph.
"Yes," I nodded earnestly. "I feel like we won the match but somehow lost the game itself. Even so, seeing Akeno-san and Koneko-chan take a step forward… that makes me genuinely happy."
Rias turned toward me, her crimson eyes steady and sincere.
"That's because of you, Ise. Because of you, everyone in my peerage is breaking through the burdens they carry." She paused, then continued quietly, "You've resolved every worry I had. For that, I'm truly grateful."
I shook my head. "I didn't do anything special. Especially not in this rating game."
"You did," she said firmly. Then, after a brief hesitation, her voice softened.
"Ise… I'm glad that you're my servant. Please—stay with me forever."
Her words struck straight through me.
"Yes, Rias!" I answered without hesitation. "I'll always stay by your side!"
Seeing that radiant, highest-rank smile of hers made my chest feel unbearably light.
Kon-kon.
A knock suddenly echoed through the room.
"Yes, come in," I said.
The door opened, and an unfamiliar elderly man stepped inside. He wore a wide-brimmed hat, sported a long white beard, and—most strikingly—had only a single eye.
"…Old man, who are you?" I asked, blinking.
He burst into laughter. "I am the Old Man of the Northern Countryside. Sekiryuutei, it seems you still have much to learn. Still—your devotion is admirable."
…Ah.
So it's you.
"You're Odin-sama, correct?" Rias said politely, offering a formal bow. "This is our first meeting. I am Rias Gremory."
"Oho? Sirzechs' little sister," Odin hummed, stroking his beard. "I watched your game closely. Quite fascinating… quite fascinating indeed."
His gaze drifted in a very specific direction.
To Rias's boobs.
The old man was looking at Rias's breasts with lewd eyes! Heeeeeeeey! You damn old man! Those breasts are mine! No one besides me can look at them with lewd eyes! As I tried to protest ferociously.
"My, my. Truly impressive—"
SMACK.
A beautiful woman clad in armor appeared out of nowhere and snapped a paper fan against his head.
"Honestly!" she snapped. "How many times must I tell you that indecent staring is forbidden? There's an important meeting coming up—compose yourself as the King of the Norse Gods!"
"Tch… such a merciless Valkyrie," Odin muttered, rubbing his head. "Yes, yes. A conference on counter-terrorism. Angels, devils, fallen angels… Zeus of Greece and Indra of Mount Sumeru as well."
He sighed, then turned his single eye back to us.
"Still, Sekiryuutei. Rias Gremory. The world isn't made of trials alone. There is joy as well."
He smiled knowingly. "Move forward while savoring both pleasure and hardship. Recklessness—that is how the young truly grow."
With those parting words, Odin and his Valkyrie turned and left the room.
The door closed behind them.
… What the fuck. Did he just come to act all mysterious and look at Rias's boobs?
•••
After Rias left, the room didn't stay quiet for long.
The door slid open again, and this time Akeno stepped inside, her presence instantly changing the atmosphere. Unlike Rias's gentle warmth, Akeno carried a calm confidence—soft footsteps, a serene smile, and eyes that always seemed to see a little too much.
"Ise~" she said sweetly, walking closer to my bed. "I heard you were awake, so I thought I'd come check on you."
"Akeno-san," I replied, relaxing despite myself. "You did great out there."
She laughed softly and nodded. "Ara ara… I suppose I did something a little reckless." Her expression turned thoughtful for a moment. "During the game, I used my fallen angel side. I finally accepted it—without fear, without hesitation."
That caught my attention. Before I could respond, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around me in a gentle hug. It wasn't sudden or forceful—just warm, reassuring, and very Akeno.
Hearing that, I smiled honestly. "I'm glad. You've always been strong, Akeno-san. You just needed to believe it yourself."
She pulled back slightly, tilting her head as she studied my expression and noticed a tent in my pants. Then, her lips curved into that familiar mischievous smile.
"My, my… You're reacting quite honestly, aren't you?" she teased, her voice barely above a whisper.
I looked away, a bit flustered. "Hey, I can't help it. Some reactions just… happen. That's nature."
"Ufufu~" Akeno giggled, clearly enjoying herself far too much. She leaned closer, her lips near my ear, her voice dropping to a playful murmur. "Such a straightforward boy… that's one of your charms, you know."
She straightened up before I could say anything else, giving me a look full of amusement and affection.
"Make sure you recover properly," she said lightly. "After, we should get a room. Rias didn't need to know about it."
With that, she turned toward the door, paused, and glanced back over her shoulder. Akeno gave me a playful wink and blew a teasing flying kiss.
~~~
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