I was breaking into a cold sweat myself... So please, Misla-san, lay into her more!
While I was silently cheering Misla on from the sidelines, beside me, Lady Venelana was also offering Rias some pointed criticism of her own.
"Rias, how are things progressing with Issei-san? As you can see from both him and Ikki, powerful men tend to attract many women. Ikki seems to have balanced the dynamics among his female companions rather well, but the women around Issei are all very assertive, aren't they? You must take the reins and manage the situation properly. I trust you've at least been on a date by now? Or perhaps he's even kissed you? Has there been no progress at all since summer break?"
"Well, um... we've both been so busy... we haven't really had the time..."
Rias muttered her excuse quietly, but Lady Venelana's eyes only grew sharper.
"That kind of excuse won't do. While I won't say the fault lies solely with him, part of your role in a relationship is to guide your partner. Perhaps you're lacking a bit in that area? I used to think you took after me with your assertiveness, but it seems I may need to revise that impression."
Rias was getting utterly chewed out, absolutely cornered.
Right before our eyes, the future heads of the Gremory and Bael families were both getting scolded by their mothers.
Even these powerful heirs couldn't raise their heads against such formidable women.
And Issei... you're just watching, but you do realize that part of Venelana's lecture was aimed at you too, right? Actually, it's impressive how much the Gremory family seems to know about the girls around me... I guess it's no surprise; staff at Kuoh Academy probably talk all the time, and I'm sure Rias hears things too.
Once the two mothers finished their lectures and seemed satisfied, they turned back toward us.
"Oh my, I do apologize. With Issei-san and Ikki-san, we tend to slip into the same tone we use at home since we don't feel the need to put on airs... Please continue to look after Rias for us, will you?"
"Sairaorg also seemed to really enjoy his match against you two the other day. While Rias still has a Rating Game coming up, so it may not be right away... do come visit Bael territory sometime, won't you?"
Ooh, she smoothly dropped that invite in there. I shot a quick glance at Rias, silently asking if that was okay. She gave the tiniest of nods in return, just enough to catch if you were looking closely.
"In that case, I'd love to visit, though I won't participate in the game itself. The apples from Bael were absolutely delicious, and I'd like to do another mock battle with Sairaorg if he's up for it."
Trading blows in close quarters is great training for me, after all.
You can get a bit too comfortable only sparring with your own team.
"You're always welcome."
"Indeed. To think I'd get another chance to face you so soon... Ah, no good. I can already feel my fighting spirit rising. I'll need to adjust my schedule when I return home. I'm looking forward to it!"
And with that, Milicas cheerfully added, "I'll be cheering for you both in the game!" before the three of them took their leave. We got changed, met up with the rest of the group, and everyone headed home.
=======
The next day, Ravel officially transferred to Kuoh Academy and joined the Occult Research Club.
Since she was in the same class as Shirone and Gasper, I wasn't too worried. Apparently, according to Gasper, Shirone had been stepping in to support Ravel, who was getting bombarded with questions as the new transfer student.
I suppose it's understandable. Ravel had been attending school in the Underworld, while for Shirone, this is probably the first time she's had a same-age, same-gender friend who knows about her circumstances. She seems eager to get involved.
Right now, we're all busy preparing for the upcoming cultural festival.
Our club's plans? A ridiculously ambitious mix of a café, fortune-telling booth, haunted house, and a research exhibit of "occult studies" (in name only). Basically, we're trying to do everything.
This is going to be chaotic, both in preparation and on the actual day...
Issei and Yuuto were out back sawing wood. The girls were working on sewing costumes and decorations. Gasper and I were painting the wood that Issei and Yuuto had cut.
Just then, Kuroka walked into the clubroom wearing a school uniform, shopping bags in hand.