A few days later, after school
"Seriously! Issei is driving me crazy!" Rias pressed her finger to her forehead and vented to Akeno in an exasperated tone. For several days she'd been fuming over Issei's laziness and sloppy attitude. It wasn't just that. Even though she'd told him to call her "President," he still insisted on "Gremory‑senpai." The Gremory clan is known for being indulgent toward their servants even among devils, but his behavior was far too careless to deserve any indulgence.
"Rias… calm down for a moment…"
"You'd understand if it happened once or twice! But this is too much!"
"Rias, I'll talk to him today, so try to relax. The juniors will be here soon."
No sooner had Akeno finished speaking than Koneko and Yuuto arrived, and a few minutes later Issei opened the door. Watching him walk in, Akeno approached with a gentle smile.
"Ufufufu… Issei‑kun, how are the flyers coming along?"
"Uh… they're going fine… not too hard."
He brushed her off and tried to walk past, but Akeno stepped in front of him with that same smile. Issei sighed.
"Sigh… what is it, Akeno‑senpai?"
"Issei‑kun, you can skip passing out flyers today. Have a seat on the couch and reflect on your behavior."
"Why should I?"
"I don't know what's going on with you, but acting cocky toward your seniors is not a good look. It's actually pretty bad. You have a lot of good qualities, but your arrogant behavior often buries them. It would be nice if you spoke with a little more respect."
Akeno spoke seriously, staring straight at him. Issei looked back with a "why are you even lecturing me?" expression. After all, whatever he did had nothing to do with Akeno; she was practically a stranger. Yet she was truly concerned, admonishing him with sincere eyes. He couldn't fathom why she cared… or why she looked at him so earnestly. But he had the distinct feeling that if he didn't answer, she might cry.
"…I'll try. I'll… try my best."
"Thank you, Issei‑kun."
"…Akeno."
….
"Ugh, Akeno this, Akeno that… who does she think she is?" Having been scolded, Issei sat on a bench in a nearby park, grumbling in a way that was uncharacteristic for him. The Red Dragon Emperor let out a snort of laughter.
(Who knew there was a woman you couldn't handle… and you agreeing so quickly was not like you.)
I know… but for some reason I felt like making her cry would be bad…
(…I see.)
"More importantly, I'm hungry. I should grab something to eat—"
"Hawaw!"
"Huh?"
When Issei turned around, a sister was rolling on the ground. The moment he saw the nun, he had the sudden thought that he shouldn't get involved and tried to walk past as if he hadn't seen her.
"Why did I trip…? Oh!"
A sudden gust of wind blew the veil from her head straight at Issei, who caught it. The nun stared at him.
Tch. Just my luck, Issei muttered, walking the veil back to her.
"…Here."
"Thank you soooo much!"
…What a clumsy nun. In Matsuda's words… is this a blonde bishoujo?
"Um, excuse me? Is there a church around here?"
"As far as I know, aren't nuns supposed to be at a cathedral, not a church?"
"Oh… you're right. Hawawa… I'm sorry."
…She really is a clumsy one.
Without a word, Issei pointed to the church on the hill behind her. The nun's face lit up with a grateful smile.
"Th‑Thank you so, so much! This must be God's guidance!"
"…Right. All thanks to that guy…"
"Pardon?"
"Ah… it's nothing."
"Waaaaah!"
At the sudden sound of a child crying, the nun jumped up and hurried toward the source of the sobs. She knelt beside the crying boy and gently patted his head.
"Are you okay? A boy shouldn't cry over a scratch like this."
They couldn't understand each other's words, but the warmth in her expression was clear. Issei watched and shook his head. But when she slowly placed her palm over the boy's wound, his eyes narrowed.
…That green light… it isn't magic… Twilight Healing… a Sacred Gear?
"There, the wound is gone. You're all better."
"Thank you, Miss!"
The boy didn't know what she said, but he understood enough to thank her. The nun smiled and waved as he left. Then she turned back to Issei and stuck out her tongue with a little laugh.
"Sorry about that."
"…Whatever."
"This power is the power of healing. It's a wonderful gift from God."
I don't care! What are you, an NPC?!
"Ah… is that so? Then you can find your way to the church by yourself, right? I'm off."
"Oh, yes! But… as thanks for showing me the way…."
"Sorry, but I'm in a hurry…"
"…Still, that's not right."
I'm telling you I don't need it!
Even though Issei indirectly refused, the girl insisted on thanking him. Looking annoyed, he scratched his head and addressed her.
"Hyoudou Issei…"
"Yes?"
"That's my name. I'll come by for your thanks when I have time. See you later."
"Oh, okay! Ah… my name is Asia Argento. Please call me Asia! Issei‑san! It's a promise! Please stop by the church!"
What a troublesome girl.