“I vote for a maid café!”

That day, our club was discussing what to do for the school festival.

With the final battle against Loki looming, school life still matters. Gotta settle these things early.

So, I was able to head to school today.

Here’s the deal: I want a maid café! With everyone—known campus-wide for their beauty—wearing maid outfits, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

“A maid café… not bad, but it needs something more,” the club president said, scribbling on the whiteboard.

“I was thinking a busty maid café, but then other guys would see everyone’s… you know,” I muttered.

“…Is that what you’re thinking about, you perv-senpai? Want a cookie?” Koneko-chan quipped, offering me one despite her sharp tongue.

“Thanks, Koneko-chan!”

Man, moments like these are so refreshing! By the way, Koneko-chan’s currently sitting on my lap. Her… ahem… feels amazing!

“Haha, classic Issei,” Kiba said, sipping tea. “But a plain maid café would just blend in with what other clubs are doing.”

He’s right. Lots of clubs are planning maid cafés. Ours would probably stand out, but it’d still feel… ordinary.

Maybe we should do something else entirely? Like last year’s event? Nah, the president hates repeating ideas.

This is tough.

The president asked each member for suggestions, but nothing groundbreaking came up.

“How about something fitting for the Occult Research Club?” Miu suggested, though occult themes might not draw much attention.

The real draw would be our members—everyone’s super popular, except for me, the resident perv.

Wait, that’s it!

“How about a popularity contest for the Occult Research Club? Excluding me and Kiba, of course—Kiba’d win hands-down.”

The girls exchanged glances at my casual remark.

Gaspar raised his hand. “Why am I included?!”

“Well, you’re a guy, but you look like a total cutie, so… you’re kinda in a gray area,” I said. He’s got fans among the guys too, after all.

“But it’d be fun to see which of our two big sisters is more popular,” Miu added.

“”I’m obviously number one!””

The president and Akeno-san spoke in unison, locking eyes with fierce smiles—ones that didn’t reach their eyes. Yikes, this is intense!

“Oh, President, did you say something?” Akeno-san asked sweetly.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that, Akeno?” the president shot back.

Crackle, crackle!

Sparks practically flew between them!

“M-Miu…” I stammered.

“S-Sorry…” Miu mumbled, sweating as she realized her mistake.

“Too late,” Koneko-chan whispered.

Yup, she’s right.

Still, seeing Akeno-san back to her lively self is a win, I guess.

And so, the big sisters’ verbal sparring derailed the meeting. The festival planning was postponed.

Will we settle this before the school trip?

After school, we held our final strategy meeting at the Hyoudou residence.

The showdown with Loki is tonight.

Right now, we’re doing last-minute prep for the battle. Gathered in the meeting room are the Occult Research Club, the student council, Vali’s team, Azazel-sensei, Barakiel-san, Tia, Tannin-ossan, Odin-jiisan, and Rossweisse-san.

By the way, Tannin-ossan’s currently a tiny dragon floating in the air.

I scanned the room… someone’s missing.

“Sensei, where’s Saji?”

Saji, who’s supposed to join this strategy, isn’t here. I haven’t heard from him in days, actually. Is he… alive?

“Saji’s still at Grigori,” Azazel-sensei answered, writing on the whiteboard. “Adjustments aren’t going well. Shemhazai’s handling it. Hopefully, he’ll make it in time.”

Sounds like Saji’s alive, at least. “Adjustments” is a weird word, but I’ll trust he’ll show up. (Probably!)

“The magical chain Gleipnir will be sent to the battlefield later,” Azazel-sensei continued. “Barakiel, focus on restraining Fenrir. Neutralizing it will shift the tide significantly.”

“Understood,” Barakiel-san replied.

The meeting wrapped up with final confirmations.

“We’re not letting Ragnarök happen yet,” Azazel-sensei said gravely. “We stop it here.”

“Yes!” we shouted, pumped.

“Alright, I’ll call you when it’s time. Until then, do whatever you want,” Azazel-sensei said, dismissing us.

It’s 5 PM. The operation starts at midnight, so I’ve got time.

The president’s chatting with the student council president, and Kiba and the others plan to stretch later but are chilling for now.

What should I do? Homework? Nah, doing homework before a life-or-death battle feels wrong.

Screw it, I’ll dive into bed and read the new ero-manga I bought today.

As I thought that, I caught sight of Barakiel-san leaving the room, with Akeno-san following, her face set with resolve.

…She’s made up her mind, huh?

“Akeno-san,” I called out.

She turned, and I gave her a thumbs-up with a grin. “You’ve got this. I know you can do it.”

All I can do is cheer her on.

“Thanks, Issei-kun. I’m off,” she said, leaving the room.

[Akeno Side]

After speaking with Issei-kun, I chased after him—my father—who’d left the room.

I raced down the stairs and saw him at the front door, hand on the knob.

“Wait!” I called out, my voice desperate, unlike my usual self.

It has to be now. I have to tell him how I truly feel. No logic, just instinct.

If I let this chance slip, I might lose my nerve again.

“A-Akeno!? What’s wrong, rushing like that?” Father looked startled, seeing me breathless, shoulders heaving.

And no wonder. Until recently, I’d shut him out whenever he tried to talk. Now here I am, chasing after him.

He must be confused.

“Calm down first,” he said. “You came to me, so you must have something to say. I’ll listen. Take a deep breath.”

I did, steadying my breathing. But my heart pounded harder.

I’m so nervous. Facing him like this, the tension just keeps building.

Will he forgive me? Accept me as his daughter again?

My thoughts swirled.

“I don’t want you to have regrets, Akeno-san…”

Issei-kun’s words echoed in my mind.

Regrets… If I back down now, I’ll regret it forever.

I’ll say it. My true feelings, in my own words.

“Father…”

He froze.

It’s been so long since I called him that.

“I’m sorry… for everything,” I said, bowing deeply.

I had to apologize for all the pain I’d caused him.

“I always knew… Mother’s death wasn’t your fault. It was mine. But I couldn’t accept it. I was too weak… and I took it out on you.”

Father was always kind, always loved me. Yet my weakness made me blame him for Mother’s death.

Drip.

Tears hit the floor. I hadn’t realized I was crying.

“I’m so sorry, Father…”

I kept apologizing. No matter how much I did, it might never be enough. But I had to.

“Akeno, that’s enough,” Father said, placing his hands on my shoulders, lifting my face. “You’re not to blame. I’m the one who should apologize. I failed to protect you and Shuri.”

His voice trembled, as if forcing the words out. “I was weak too. Too scared to face you properly. If I’d been braver, I wouldn’t have made you cry again. I’m so sorry.”

“No… you tried to reach out. I was the one who pushed you away. You’re not to blame.”

He shook his head. “No. A father should keep trying, no matter what. I’ve failed as a father.”

That’s not true! You’re not a failure!

“Akeno, can you forgive me? Can I… be your father again?”

“There’s nothing to forgive. You did nothing wrong. I’m the one who should ask—will you accept me as your daughter?”

“Of course!” he said, nodding fiercely, tears streaming down his face. But his expression was bright, relieved.

I’m so glad… he accepted me.

Relief washed over me, and I nearly collapsed.

“Akeno!?” Father caught me, panic in his voice.

“I’m fine,” I reassured him. “Just… relieved.”

“Good! If I lost you too, I…” He trailed off, dramatic as ever.

I stood slowly, with his support. “Hehe, thank you, Father.”

His eyes welled up again, tears pouring like waterfalls. “Akeno smiled at me…! I’m so glad I’m alive!”

“Father, you’re being way too dramatic!” I laughed.

They say his voice echoed through the whole neighborhood that day.

Later, in my room on the fourth floor, Father was looking around.

“Well-kept room. Azazel says you’re good at cooking too. You’ve grown into a fine woman, like your mother. I’m relieved.”

“Sit anywhere. I made tea,” I said.

“Thanks,” he said, and we sat facing each other.

He smiled softly. “To think I’d talk with you like this again… I owe him my thanks.”

“Him?” I asked.

Father nodded. “The current Red Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou.”

My eyes widened. Had Issei-kun spoken to Father too?

“Just recently, he told me, ‘When Akeno-san reaches out, please listen to her. Accept her feelings.'”

Issei-kun said that…

He’s just so kind, isn’t he?

“Akeno… do you, uh, like him?” Father asked.

“Yes. I can’t imagine anyone else,” I said firmly.

“I see…” He took a stiff sip of tea, muttering, “(She loves him that much… What’s a father to do!?)”

What’s with that reaction?

“Well, as long as you’re happy,” he said. “But… when I spoke with him, his eyes stood out.”

“His eyes?” I asked.

“Yes. He’s close to your age, but his eyes… they’ve seen trials, overcome them. I don’t pry, but I wonder what he’s been through.”

Issei-kun… My junior, brave yet somehow adorable. That’s what I love about him.

But sometimes, he does seem older than he is. Like when he gave me the push I needed.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about his past.

But no matter who he is, my feelings won’t change.

“Hehe,” I giggled.

Father tilted his head, a question mark practically floating above him.

[Akeno Side Out]

Next time: The final battle with Loki begins!

Note: New story is out, if you want to check it out.

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep