On the day of the school trip.

At Tokyo Station’s Shinkansen platform, we gathered in a quiet corner, away from prying eyes. The club president came to see us off, while I’d already said my goodbyes to Mom, Dad, and the others staying behind. Akeno-san, Koneko-chan, and Gasper wanted to come, but they had classes.

Alice stayed home, studying this world’s ways. A bustling train station was still too much for her.

“Here, these are for everyone,” the president said, handing us cards adorned with the Gremory crest.

“These are the ones?” Kiba asked.

The president nodded. “Yes, the so-called ‘free pass’ for devils to enjoy Kyoto.”

Kyoto’s temples, sacred and toxic to devils, would normally harm us. But these passes, issued by yin-yang masters and youkai who control Kyoto’s underworld, let trusted devils tour safely. The Gremory name carries weight here.

Oddly, Miu, who isn’t a devil, got one too. Maybe because she’s involved?

“They’re distributed to Gremory, Sitri, heavenly beings, and fallen angels too,” the president added.

“And Shemhazai-sama got them for us,” Reyna chimed in.

…Is Azazel-sensei not trusted?

“The governor completely forgot mine,” Reyna grumbled. “He’s so unreliable sometimes!”

Sensei, what are you doing?! No wonder Reyna’s fuming, muttering complaints.

“Keep it in your skirt or uniform’s back pocket. Don’t lose it, okay?” the president instructed.

“Got it!” I replied, slipping the card into my pocket. All set.

Asia’s phone rang. “Kiryuu-san? Yes, we’re all together. We’re heading over now.”

A call from Kiryuu. Asia hung up, bowed to the president, and said, “Rias-oneesama, we’re off!”

“I’ll bring souvenirs!” Miu added.

“I’m off.”

“See ya!”

“We’re heading out.”

Asia, Miu, Xenovia, Irina, and Reyna said their farewells and left. Kiba bowed, promising souvenirs, and headed to his class.

Time for me to go too.

The president adjusted my collar. “Issei, fix your collar.”

“Oh, sorry.”

As she straightened it, she leaned close. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

“…Honestly, I’ll miss you terribly,” she whispered, a wry smile on her face. “I don’t want to part, but a king can’t be that selfish.”

Akeno-san and the others said similar things. They’re so dramatic.

Still, hearing that feels good, doesn’t it?

Her misty eyes were adorable, a stark contrast to her usual regal self. I patted her head. “It’s okay to lean on me, Rias. You’re still a young girl too.”

She looked surprised. Since my real age came out, she and Akeno-san have been clingier, like Miu. I’ve figured out how to reassure her.

Blushing, she murmured, “You’re unfair, Issei, saying mature things like that.”

“Haha, I mean it. You’re a king, but you can lean on me. I’m older, after all.” I grinned, pointing at myself.

Honestly, I’ve half-accepted it. Sensei keeps saying I’m twenty, Dad offers me sake. Fine, I’m twenty! I’ll live my youth at twenty!

Rias chuckled and made a request. “Then, one favor?”

“What?”

“A goodbye kiss…?”

My brain froze.

A goodbye kiss?!

I told her to lean on me, but this is too direct! Is a kiss even leaning?!

She pointed to her lips. “Hurry, or you’ll be late. So, please♪”

Her eyes were serious. “W-Well…” I stammered.

“You said I could lean on you,” she pouted, cheeks puffed.

God, why’s she so cute?! I can’t say no!

“Okay…” I placed my hands on her shoulders, leaning in.

Thump, thump.

My heart wouldn’t stop racing. I’ve been kissed before, but initiating? This was my first time, and I was nervous.

Our lips drew closer—and touched.

Just for a moment. That was my limit.

I pulled back, heart ready to burst. Was that okay?

I glanced at Rias. “My first kiss from Issei…” she said, touching her cheeks, her expression pure bliss. “I’m so happy.”

She looked so girlish. “Thank you, Issei. This’ll keep me going.”

“You’re so dramatic,” I laughed. “I gotta go. See you, President!”

“Not calling me Rias anymore?” she teased, feigning displeasure.

“I’m seventeen now, so… gotta keep work and personal separate, right?”

She giggled. “Kidding. I get it. Have a safe trip, Issei!”

“Will do, President!”

Ten minutes after the Shinkansen left Tokyo Station, Miu was fast asleep, head on my lap, breathing softly. She was too excited to sleep last night and was exhausted. She’d been hyped for a few minutes but was now out cold.

Our seats were at the back of the car. Matsuda and Motohama sat in front, Xenovia and Irina across the aisle, with Asia, Reyna, and Kiryuu in the row ahead, facing each other.

Matsuda peeked back. “Miu’s out like a light.”

“She didn’t sleep much,” I said. “She won’t wake till Kyoto.”

“Her sleeping face is angelic,” Motohama whispered. “This is my chance.”

“Why the camera?” I asked.

“To capture this rare moment! Miu’s sleeping face is a treasure!”

“You think I’d allow that?”

“Please!” Motohama begged, hands clasped.

I considered it. They’ve helped me with Miu since middle school. “Fine. Make it cute. Give me a copy. If you share it, I’ll confiscate every single one.”

I’ll keep them all in an album. Miu’s photos are too precious to toss.

“Deal!” Motohama said. “I’ll keep it in my beauty collection, unseen by others. As thanks, I’ll lend you Busty Hot Springs Tour: Ultra Super, the rarest masterpiece!”

“That legend?!” I gasped.

“Took time and money, but I got it!” he boasted.

Motohama’s dedication to this stuff is unreal. He snapped the photo, and it was adorable. A family heirloom.

“I’ll print it when we’re back,” he said.

“Countin’ on you,” I replied, giving a thumbs-up.

Matsuda chuckled. “Your sis-con is intense, Issei. I was shocked when you got a sister, but your change? Wild. Though your pervy side’s the same.”

“What would you do with a sister like Miu?” I asked.

“…Dote on her,” he admitted.

“Exactly.”

A few minutes later, Matsuda and Motohama were asleep too. I wasn’t tired, having slept early, so I stared out the window.

Xenovia leaned over. “Issei.”

“Yeah?”

“I heard you’re acting king if something happens on this trip.”

“Yup.”

If an emergency—like a Khaos Brigade attack—hits, I’m to lead Gremory and Sitri. I wasn’t sure I was right for it, but the president, chairman, and sensei appointed me. Practice for becoming a high-class devil, I guess?

“Just so you know, I don’t have Durandal. I’m unarmed.”

What?! “Why?”

“An alchemist from the Orthodox Church found a way to suppress Durandal’s aggressive aura. It’s been sent there via Heaven.”

Makes sense. Xenovia struggles to control Durandal’s power. “Got it. You want Ascalon if something happens? You use it most anyway.”

“But you can’t use your gauntlet’s power either, right? Is it okay if I borrow it?”

“No problem.” I showed my fist. “Renkan Keikikou lets me fight without weapons.”

“Got it. I’ll use it if needed.”

“Cool.”

She resumed chatting with Irina. With Matsuda and Motohama asleep and Miu on my lap, I couldn’t move. Plenty of time till Kyoto.

Might as well dive into my Sacred Gear.

I closed my eyes, focusing inward.

Through the darkness, I reached the white space. A table sat with the past hosts, expressionless as always. Talking to them never works, so…

“Elsha-san! Belzard-san! It’s me!” I called.

A man with slick black hair and a dandy air appeared, alongside a woman with long, wavy blonde hair. Unlike the others, they had expressions.

“Hey, Issei-kun. Back again?” Belzard said cheerfully.

“Just here to chat,” I replied.

Elsha smiled. “You’re so odd. No Red Dragon Emperor ever came to talk with residual thoughts.”

“No harm in it, right?” I said.

“True,” she agreed.

These were Belzard and Elsha, the strongest past hosts who helped during the Rossweisse incident. Behind me, a red dragon appeared—Ddraig.

[“Didn’t expect to see you again, especially Belzard, who was fading,”] Ddraig said.

Elsha nodded. “I was shocked too. Regaining consciousness? Unthinkable.”

“Thanks to Issei-kun,” Belzard said. “Watching him through the Sacred Gear was fascinating. It sparked my awareness.”

My actions helped him? Cool.

Elsha teased, “Weren’t you hooked on Oppai Dragon? That did it, right?”

What?! Belzard, really?!

He laughed. “It was hilarious! So stimulating!”

Elsha burst out laughing too. “Ddraig’s face when the name stuck? Priceless!”

[“Ughhh! Even they bring it up?!”] Ddraig wailed, tears streaming.

Poor guy. His old partners are brutal.

Are these two really like the other residuals? They’re way too lively.

“It’d be nice if the others talked like you,” I said.

“They’re lost to the darkness,” Elsha said. “Small stimuli won’t reach them.”

Stimuli, huh? The Juggernaut Drive was lively, but it’s too dangerous. There’s gotta be another way.

As I pondered, Elsha screamed. “Kyaa!”

I looked over—Ignis was groping her chest from behind!

“Why are you here?!” I shouted.

“Simple. We’ve got a connection path, remember? I used it,” Ignis said.

Huh? I tilted my head.

[“The Sacred Gear links to your soul. Since she’s connected to you, she can enter,”] Ddraig explained.

[“Basically, Ignis can slip in via you.”]

Seriously? That’s possible?

“That’s right!” Ignis grinned, groping Elsha more. “This is fun♪”

“What are you doing?!” I yelled.

“F-Fuah! N-Not there!” Elsha gasped.

Ignis slid her hands under Elsha’s clothes, targeting her chest. “How’s this?”

“Ngh! T-That’s… nooo!” Elsha collapsed, trembling.

Is Ignis… that kind of person?

My nose bled. Mental worlds do that?!

“Satisfied!” Ignis declared, smirking at the flushed Elsha.

She’s a god, right? This is just pervy!

“Not pervy. Just pent-up,” Ignis said. “I was alone forever. Sirius was too stiff for this, and you don’t visit enough.”

Stop! You’re ruining your image! Or is it too late?

She glanced at the other hosts. “More cute girls over there~”

No way…

Ignis darted to the female past hosts, groping them. “Here we go!”

What is she doing here?! Too much to handle!

Belzard pointed. “Issei-kun, look.”

The girl Ignis was groping—her expression was changing. From blank to… blissful.

No way. After all my talking did nothing, this works?!

[“Unbelievable,”] Ddraig muttered, stunned.

———————————————

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