novel
| ← Ch.141 | Ch.143 → |
We, the servants of our [King] Rias, stood up from our seats and lined up next to her to welcome the guests. Shinra-senpai also stands behind Sona-kaichou.
Irina is also standing behind Sister Griselda who is sitting on the chair. Akeno-san is on standby in front of her personal push cart so she can serve them anytime. Azazel-sensei is basically the only one who is sitting down casually.
We wait for the guests in a posture where the [Kings] and Boss-class people are sitting down, and their subordinates are standing upright.
And our Vampire-kun, Gya-suke is......
"............"
He's putting on a very complicated expression. Of course. Since the real Vampires that chased him out are coming here.
It seems like the Vampires coming here aren't from Gasper's family, but he still can't hide the fact of being nervous.
After a while, there is a knock on the door.
"I have brought the guests."
Kiba opens the door and brings in the guests in a gentleman's manner.
The one who comes in is a doll-like little girl who is wearing a dress worn by those princesses back in the Middle ages. The reason why I thought she is like a doll is because she has a very beautiful face.
Her eyes, nose, and even her mouth look like those western dolls where she doesn't seem like a human, and her beauty seems like it was made by someone. You can say that she is flowing with a very mysterious atmosphere. She has long wavy blonde hair, and it makes her look like a doll even more. And the colour of her face is really bad that she looks like a corpse.
Unlike Gasper who is pale because he has been staying inside hiding, she has a skin colour which doesn't seem alive.
Her very red eyes are darker than those of Gasper.
Can I presume she is the same age as us from her appearance? Like Devils, Vampires also have a long lifespan, and I hear that they can change their appearance to their liking......
—!
I open my eyes wide after looking at her feet.
—There are no shadows.
...... So she is a real Vampire then. No, that's obvious. It just reminded me once again.
There is a man and woman wearing a suit behind the girl. Her escorts. Are they her bodyguards?
Both of them have a bad skin colour, so they must also be Vampires. I can sense a cold and sharp presence from them.
Ah, I also realised one more thing. I can't feel even a glimpse of their aura. They don't have any kind of lifeforce-like thing around them.
The girl—the guest Vampire greets Rias and us politely.
"How do you do, people of the Three-Great Powers. I'm especially honoured to meet two of the little sisters of Maous and the former Governor of the Fallen Angels."
Being urged by Rias, the girl sits right across from Rias.
She introduces herself before sitting.
"I am Elmenhilde Galnstein. Please call me Elmen."
...... It certainly is a name which sounds so exaggerating. It certainly has a noble ring to it.
Sensei puts his hand on his chin.
"...... Galnstein. If I'm correct, it's one of the two big factions of Vampires, and it's a household which is ranked one of the highest among the Carmilla-faction. It's been awhile meeting a pureblood and noble Vampire......"
Carmilla-faction—
Yes, I had Rias and Sensei teach me about the world of Vampires to a certain degree beforehand.
Vampires are a resident of darkness that have existed since ancient times. They have similar rankings and weaknesses like High-class Devils. But, Devils are residents of the Underworld. Vampires are beings that live in the darkness of the human's world. They may seem similar, but their views and culture differ a lot.
Devils and Vampires have continued living by using humans while not stimulating each other's territory. The Heaven—the part where the servants of God being our natural enemies are the same, but both sides have distanced themselves from each other while not fighting together.
The Devils have settled down on the three-side battle this summer by agreeing to the alliance of the Three Great Powers, but the Vampires aren't even trying to sit down for negotiation.
Because of that, they still have quarrels with the Heaven—the warriors of the Church.
—Well, I will end my basic information about Vampires here, but the problem is about the two big factions.
Apparently, an incident which split the world of Vampires occurred several hundred years ago.
That gave birth to the Tepes-faction and Carmilla-faction. Tepes have the principals of men standing above women, and Carmilla-faction have the principal of women standing above men.
I don't understand it that well, but in order to leave pureblood Vampires, the ones who have been arguing a very long time between choosing a female true ancestor and a male true ancestor have finally split into two groups several hundred years ago after their sides have been splitting away.
If it's just like how Sensei explained, then it makes her, Elmenhilde, a Vampire from the Carmilla-faction who has the principal of woman standing at the top.
Elmenhilde who is sitting on the chair. After confirming that Akeno-san has given her tea, Rias asks her a very straight forward question from the beginning.
"Elmenhilde, I feel bad asking you this from the beginning, but I will ask you. -Can you tell us your reason for wanting to meet us? What is the reason for the Carmilla-faction, who has avoided contact with us, to suddenly come out in front of the Gremory, Sitri, and former Governor Azazel?"
Elmenhilde closes her eyes, and opens her hide slowly after nodding her head.
"—I would like to borrow the Gasper Vladi."
——!?
............ We became speechless at the answer we didn't expect, and can only be shocked about it. Everyone's gaze gathers at Gasper.
...... Gasper is trembling over his whole body. It seems like he didn't expect himself being appointed. No, we also didn't expect that they are after Gasper.
—Then the thing which appears immediately to my head is Gasper's ability which has just awakened...... No no, even so, why are they seeking for it?
I have many questions about it, but Sensei asks Elmenhilde.
"A straightforward answer to a straightforward question. Sorry, but I will have you explain to us by steps. —What happened in the world of Vampires?"
Elmenhilde speaks.
"A certain incident happened in our world of Vampires which can cause the sense of our values to crumble. You may already know it because of the information being leaked out, but a half appeared from the Tepes's side that possesses a Longinus."
...... Ah, that. If I remember right, I was told that a Longinus possessor appeared in the world of Vampires and that it's causing a stir......
So it has to do with that. This will be more complicated than I thought. So it didn't appear within the Carmilla-faction that she belongs to, but from the Tepes-faction huh.
So the half-Vampire from the Tepes's side is a Longinus possessor. But the one who came to talk to us is Carmilla's side....... This is troublesome, this definitely is troublesome!
Sensei asks while narrowing his eyes.
"So what is the Longinus that the Tepes's side is in possession of?"
Longinus—
After the monster crisis, I was told about Longinus from Sensei.
Among the total 13 Longinus where the locations are known are the two of them of [Boosted Gear] and [Regulus Nemea] from the Devil's side. In other words that will be me and Sairaorg-san's [Pawn], Regulus.
And in the Heaven's side there is the Joker who is said to be in possession of the second strongest Longinus [Zennith Tempest], and from the Fallen Angel's side there is the [Canis Lycaon] also known is "Slash Dog" who is under Sensei.
And in the magician's association—there is the [Absolute Demise] who is within the organisation of Mephisto Pheles who has a good relationship with the Three Great Powers. Among the group of outlaw stray magicians who have distanced themselves from the Three Great Powers and who are seen as threats from many magicians, there is the [Incinerate Anthem].
Besides that there is the [Divine Dividing] that Vali possesses, and there are the three-types of [True Longinus], [Annihilation Maker], and [Dimension Lost] from the Hero-faction of Khaos Brigade. Except, since the Hero-faction has ceased their actions, the whereabouts of those three are unknown....... What's creepy is that those three Longinus haven't reached the stage where it transfers to a new host despite leaving their bodies......
Those are the ones which are currently known. Even so, they say that they have confirmed the ones mentioned recently, so you can tell how hard it is for them to find the whereabouts of the possessors.
There are three of them where the whereabouts are unknown. —Even the Three Great Powers are having a hard time finding the [Sephiroth's Grail], [Innovate Clear], and [Telos Karma].
...... From what I have heard, it seems like Ajuka Beelzebub-sama has found the whereabouts of [Innovate Clear]...... but, he's still investigating for more accurate information.
With that, there will be two of them that the Three Great Powers don't know about its whereabouts. The [Sephiroth's Grail] or the [Telos Karma]. The ones that the Vampires have in possession will be either of them.
Then Elmenhilde answers like this.
"——It's the [Sephiroth's Grail]."
The moment we heard her answer, Sensei makes an even more serious eyes.
"Out of all things, it had to be the one of the relics, the Holy Grail huh."
Relics—. The holy-spear that Cao Cao possessed is that.
Among the Longinus, there are other relics, and I hear that [Sephiroth's Grail] and [Incinerate Anthem] are one of them as well. The former is the Holy Grail. The latter is the holy cross.
Sensei continues.
"The one used in the Last Supper, the one which received the blood of Jesus. Holy Grail has many legends. But that one which is a Sacred Gear isn't a normal Holy Grail. It's a Longinus, and a masterpiece which can turn around the principal of life....... I think your name was Elmenhilde, but what are the immortal Vampire seeking for by using that?"
"A body which will absolutely not die—. Even if they have their hearts nailed, even having a holy cross put in front of them, even if they don't sleep in their coffins, even if they walk under the sun, those from Tepe's side have gained a body which can't be destroyed. No, to say it more precisely, they have gained a body which is hard to destroy. It seems like the power of the Holy Grail is still incomplete."
She also continues by saying this.
"They are trying to become a being with no weaknesses. They have abandoned their pride as Vampires. Not only that, they are also attacking our side. There have already been casualties. We will not be forgiving their actions. We are planning to execute them as fellow Vampires."
Elmenhilde's irises are dark, and were filled with hatred.
It seems like she finds it really annoying that the actions of the Tepes's side, which rejected the way Vampires have to live, and their assaults. Well, it's an appropriate response since they were attacked.
"So the Carmilla's side doesn't like the ways of the Tepes's side which rejected the living ways of Vampires and the assault they started. Well, anyone would get pissed if they are attacked."
Elmenhilde nods to Sensei's words.
"Yes, that's exactly correct. And our aim is—"
She then moves her gaze to Gasper. The red eyes and red eyes meet with each other.
"To stop the Tepes's side which is causing ruckus by borrowing the power of Gasper Vladi who is standing over there."
............ Like I thought, it's getting messy.
So they are planning to make our Gya-suke take part in the war between Vampires...... !
Rias asks calmly.
"...... Does that have to do with how Gasper is a Vampire from the House of Vladi—the Tepes's side?"
...... She says it in her usual elegant manners, but I can tell. Rias is getting furious about this inside her, bit by bit.
She was asked to have her adorable servant borrowed for the war of the Vampires who never responded to her negotiation. For Rias who has strong affection, there is no way she will keep quiet about this.
But in order to get their true intentions, she is acting calm on the outside to understand about Gasper and so, is trying to ask them about it. Having seen her up close till now, even I started to realise her changes.
Elmenhilde puts on a meaningful smile at Rias's question.
"That will also be a part of it, Rias Gremory-sama. But what we are truly craving for is Gasper Vladi's power. We have heard that the power sleeping inside him has awakened."
——!
From where did they hear that Gasper unleashed an insane power?
No, I still haven't seen it myself, but it must be amazing right? He defeated Georg of the Hero-faction who is a possessor of a high-tier Longinus, who is also a magic user. It's certain that his power is on a different level. They must have thought that they can make Gasper take on the enemy's Longinus possessor.
Elmenhilde continues.
"We are planning to solve the dispute between Vampires by using the strength of Vampires only. For that reason, we would like to borrow the power of Gasper Vladi."
They want to stop the dispute of the Vampires using Gasper's power? I know that they are going through difficulties...... but speaking honestly, there is no direct connection to us.
Gasper is formerly from House of Vladi, but now he is part of the Gremory after being kicked out of his home, and we don't want to get involved in the conflict between Vampires either.
...... Peace is the best. If Gasper will be in danger, then it's a different story. No, judging from this flow, it seems like it will also make Gasper involved......
Maybe instead of the Carmilla's side, the Tepe's side will come and say "Gasper is originally from our household. Return him. We will use him in the dispute!"...... ?
...... Since battles which gave me bad impressions have been continuing, my brain has adapted to think in a negative way.
Rias asks while narrowing her eyebrows.
"...... What is that power? Do you know what that is?"
She got right to the point. The truth we want to know. Now, how will you answer?
Our gaze gathers at the Vampire girl.
"...... There are very rare times when those born from our kind are born with the ability to surpass that of normal Vampires. We mostly see this from the half Vampires in this era. Gasper Vladi will also be one of them. We, who are from the Carmilla, don't have enough information to investigate about it. But there may be information which may become a hint in the Tepes's side."."
So even from the Vampires, Gasper's ability is abnormal.
Rather, if we want to know more about it, looks like we have to visit the House of Vladi.
Elmenhilde continues.
"Now, about the Holy Grail which is the problem. Of course the possessor is those we despise—a half, but her name is Valerie Tepes. She was born from the House of Tepes."
Hearing that name, one person makes a response. -It's Gasper.
He has a face where he looks like he is about to cry.
"...... Valerie...... ? L-Lies! Valerie wasn't born with a Sacred Gear like I was!"
Gasper who has been trembling with fear until now, argues against Elmenhilde as soon as he heard the name Valerie like a different person.
...... Is it an important person for this guy?
Elmenhilde answers.
"Even if it doesn't activate when you are born, Sacred Gear can activate with a certain trigger. You should also know that, correct? Valerie—she was no different. We can presume that she awakened her powers recently, and attained the ability."
Certainly. I also had my Sacred Gear activate this year. Sacred Gear can be a thing which awakens without you realising it, and I heard that the age of the time it awakens will differ by each person.
Sensei narrows his eyes, and crosses his arm.
"I can presume that they hid it before we and the Heaven's side have observed and confirmed it. Geez, they are pathetic. For the Vampires who detest holy power to not abandon the relic Longinus, the Holy Grail, and not even handing it to us but hiding it."
"I also have the same opinion."
Elmenhilde agrees to Sensei's words.
Elmenhilde looks at Gasper. This time Gasper looks straight at her while feeling scared.
"Gasper Vladi, don't you hold a grudge against the House of Vladi—the Tepes's side which exiled you? With your current power, I think it will be possible."
"...... I-I'm satisfied just being able to stay here. Just being able to stay with Buchou and everyone—"
"—Hybrid."
Soon as he heard that, Gasper starts to gradually put on a gloomy face. Seeing that, Elmenhilde continues.
"—Mixed breed, the hated child, a fake, what kind of name were you called when you were living in Vladi's household, I wonder? The only one you were able to exchange your emotions with is the half from House of Tepes, Valerie, correct? Inside the castle where the House of Tepes imprisoned the half they have gathered for a temporary amount of time, I was told that you and Valerie worked together, and helped each other. Don't you want to stop Valerie?"
Sister Griselda who was silent till now speaks.
"Your kind detests and hates the children who are half, but wasn't it the selfish action of Vampires that originally took humans, used them as their pleasure, and made them bear a child? The ones who had our people eaten, and made counter measures for it while having regrets were us, the people from the Church. If it's possible, I will prefer for your kind to not get involved with humans as mere hobbies."
Even though she is saying it in a gentle manner, her words have so much hate in them. She's saying it without breaking her smile! To be expected from Irina's boss and Xenovia's former guardian!
Elmenhilde puts her hand to her mouth, and smiles.
"I'm sorry about that. But hunting humans is the true nature of our kind, Vampires. I think Devils and Angels are the same, correct? To attain a price by granting human's wish, and having the need for the beliefs of a human. Aren't we supernatural beings, "the weak", which can only live by using humans as our source?"
Yes, Devils aren't justice. Since there are those who are made into a servant by unreasonable trade.
But I quit being a human. I can only live as a human....... But I'm going and coming back between the life of a human and Devil.
This Vampire girl is completely from the supernatural being's side. She's very sure that humans are sources. So it's not an equal trade, but a one-sided slaughter!
...... I don't like this girl's eyes. The eyes she is looking to other beings with besides them looks very discriminating.
She even calls Gasper who is a half, "a hated child" and "mixed breed"......
If I remember right, pure Vampires have stronger obsession towards bloodline and rankings than Devils. I see, I can understand that very well by looking at this Elmenhilde.
—To them a world is a place where there are only two species of "Pure Vampires" and "others".
Elmenhilde calls the Vampire who is acting as her bodyguard standing behind her, and she takes out something that looks like a document.
"I didn't come here empty handed. I have prepared a document."
Elmenhilde hands the document to Sensei.
Sensei who received the document, sighs after looking through the document.
"...... A peace conference with the Carmilla's side, huh."
[——!?]
Everyone who is gathered in this place become shocked with Sensei's words!
...... So they brought a trump card up their sleeve for having a diplomatic relation...... ! They didn't respond until now, and they make an action like this at this timing!
Sensei puts the document on the table, and then asks Elmenhilde.
"So then. This meeting today is for diplomatic reasons, and you were dispatched to us as a special envoy, right?"
Elmenhilde shows her smile at Sensei's question.
"Yes. Our Queen, Carmilla-sama, is saddened with the war we have been having with the Governor-sama of the Fallen Angels and the Church that has been going on for a long time, and she is saying that she wishes to have a truce."
Sensei has veins appearing from his cheek because of the way Elmenhilde is handling this.
"You are getting the steps wrong, Missy. Normally the treaty for the peace comes first, and the thing about Longinus comes after that. This just seems like you are saying that you won't agree to peace unless we help you out."
Sister Griselda who narrowed her eyes mysteriously continues after that with a calm behaviour.
"We, the Three Great Powers that have been asking and agreeing for peace with each faction without any discrimination will certainly have a weaker persuasive power towards other factions if we don't agree to this term. They will think that "So even if they are asking for peace with each faction, they untie the tension with those they choose". And instead of ceasing war, it's to have a truce. It feels like they have come under our weakness."
............
W-What a bunch of cowardly guys...... ! They came to ask for Gasper by using the negotiation as their shield...... ! If we don't agree, not just Rias, but her brother Sirzechs-sama will also lose trust from others! Rias has increased her meritorious deeds by being a Switch-princess and by fighting terrorists. If she is to decline this offer, won't it be weird if it affects our actions from now!?
Rias' body is shaking with rage. Sona-kaichou holds Rias's hand, and she shakes her head to calm her down.
Elmenhilde says it while lifting her mouth as if she is truly happy.
"Please be rest assured. The fight between Vampires will be solved only with Vampires. If you lend us Gasper Vladi, we won't ask for more. We will also prepare a connection with you and the House of Vladi along with taking part in the truce."
I wasn't able to hold myself, so I ask.
"Hold on. Even if we hand Gasper over to you, are you even going to return him back to us safely? No, we still haven't said we will hand him over to you! But still, I want to ask about that!"
Of course. If there isn't any insurance that they are planning to return Gasper safely after we send him to the dispute, I won't...... there's no way I will allow that...... ! He's my precious junior, damn it...... !
Elmenhilde looks at me with discriminating eyes.
"You are the servant of the High-class Devil Rias Gremory-sama, ―Sekiryuutei, correct? Do you have the right to speak to me who is a special envoy? Even if you are the Sekiryuutei, a mere servant that doesn't have any qualifications has no right to question me, correct?"
――!
My rage explodes inside me. I want to shout out "Don't screw around!" right this moment! But if I do that, everything will be a waste...... !
S-Shit! This bitch...... ! Just how much...... ! Well, I don't have any qualifications! But Gasper is...... !
―They are saying "We will agree with the truce, so hand Gasper over!" while looking down on us, you know!?
Kiba stops me with his hand, and looks at Rias. Rias makes a deep sigh, and is trying to calm herself down. Sensei says it on behalf of Rias.
"Having a truce with the Vampires by sacrificing one of the servants of the next heiress of the House of Gremory, huh. If I have to sum up what you guys from the Carmilla's side are trying to say, this is what you are saying, right?" Sensei says what Rias wants to say by understanding how she is feeling about all of this.
"It's not decided that he will be sacrificed. There is nothing better but to have this settled immediately."
Elmenhilde starts saying some crap.
"You don't want us to interfere right? How about acting as the middleman or helping one of the sides? You need Gasper because you are lacking power, right?"
Elmenhilde shakes her head to Sensei's suggestion and answers.
"No, we will settle our problem with our own hands. If you want to be an advisor, then be my guest."
...... They are doing as they please. They really are selfish. So this is a pureblood Vampire. They don't care about the world besides theirs. And if it's a half, they will even use them despite being someone born from the enemy's side. Even if they persecuted them, they will still use them if they are half Vampires.
...... They are so consistent. It's unfair...... !
She looks around us, and Elmenhilde stands.
"This is all I have to say. It was fortunate that I was able to meet you tonight. Above all else, I thank your great kindness of allowing a Vampire into your territory, Rias Gremory-sama."
Rias puts on a mad expression at Elmenhilde's cold smile which looks so fake. Her eyes are filled with rage.
"...... Yes, I'm glad that I was able to have this precious meeting. After all, I understood very well about your kind."
"Then, farewell. I will leave my servant in this area. If something happens, please consult that person. ―Now then, I will be waiting for your good reply."
She didn't even flinch with Rias's last sarcasm, and the resident of darkness left this old school building――
Part 5
The meeting ended, and about 10 minutes have passed—
The one who bursts out by smacking the table is Xenovia.
"...... I sure can't come to like the Vampires like always......"
She endured it well, Xenovia that is. She was clearly giving out hostility towards them besides me.
Sister Griselda drinks from the cup, and then says it.
"If it was you in the past, you would have gone cutting at them with Durandal. You endured it well. You sure have grown."
Having the Sister praise her, Xenovia puts on a complicated expression.
But what Xenovia said is appropriate. Vampires, I can't come to like them! What, is that! I can't think of them as the same beings as Gasper! This guy is a lively guy who spends his time with a box brightly, but they...... are just an embodiment of weird pride and sarcasm!
Sona-kaichou who was the only one capable of remaining calm asks Buchou.
"What will you do? You probably won't be able to ignore their cooperation. If that happens, you will end up having to send Gasper-kun off. If that happens...... at the worst case, you might lose him."
Gasper puts on a complicated expression towards Sona-kaichou's clear answer.
Of course. He probably didn't think that he will be used for a diplomatic reason. But it's a situation where it is hard to decline. I don't want to say it but since we are spreading word about making peace, we can't possibly decline the offer of the Vampires that are willing to take part in it.
Even from the world's perspective, being able to have a truce with half of the Vampires by having Gasper alone as the requirement for it, it must be a bargain which is cheap and yet still gives a substantial benefit......
I'm feeling mortified, and if possible I want to decline this. But this happens to be the worst situation for the Gremory since there isn't a reason to decline this.
Gasper takes a big breath, and spits it out with trembling voice.
"I-I'm going."
——!
For this guy to say that he's going by himself...... But his eyes are filled with determination.
Gasper continues.
"...... I'm not planning to return to the world of Vampires once again, because to me this is my home. B-But I want to save Valerie! She...... I am indebted to her. Thanks to her, I was able to escape from the castle and was able to reach this place....... I have died once, but even so I have a kind master, a senpai I can rely on, and friends whom will play with me...... I was able to become this happy, but thinking that she is the only one continuing to receive a painful experience is...... I am sure she is receiving unreasonable treatment!"
Gasper puts on a manly face, and then tells Rias.
"I want to save Valerie! And I will not die! I will save Valerie, and come back here!"
...... Good reply. He has a manly look in his eyes and face, this Danball Vampire that is.
He knows how to finish it in a good way now.
I pat Gasper's head without saying anything.
My junior. Like I thought, you are a guy from the Gremory.
Hearing Gya-suke's determination, Rias stands up.
"—I will be going there. This time I will be planning to sit down and talk with those from the House of Vladi. First I will go personally and see the situation over there with my own eyes. I think it won't be late if the dispatch of Gasper comes after that."
There are flames inside Rias' iris. So our master will be visiting them personally huh.
Gasper's words must have lit a flame inside her. Yeah, a fire lit inside me as well! To save a girl who took care of him in the past! For a guy, there isn't a more serious situation than this!
"Then we will also—"
I try to make a suggestion, but Rias shakes her head.
"No, I want Ise and everyone to stay on standby. There might be a case if something happens."
"...... And what do you mean by that?"
Rias puts two fingers up to my question.
"For the precondition, it's appropriate for me who is Gasper's master to visit them personally, and it won't be rude towards the other party. And there will be two main reasons why I'm having all of you stay on standby here. First reason is having all of you being able to take action without me if an incident were to occur. There might be those who would attack this place so members who can handle them should stay here. For the second reason......"
Rias looks at all of her servants.
"If something were to happen to me over there, I will need reinforcements."
Kiba asks.
"So Buchou, you are predicting that something might occur or that you might get dragged into something over there, correct?"
"That's right, Yuuto. It will be the best if nothing happens, but judging from the past events, there is a chance that we will get dragged into it judging from the problems the Vampires are having. So it won't be weird to take actions while anticipating it."
"Then isn't it better for all of us to go with you from the start...... ?"
I ask her once again, but like I thought, Rias didn't shake her head vertically.
"They will be on alert if we were to go there with all of us. Are they trying to solve it by using force? -They will think like that and it will be harder to negotiate with them, so it will be appropriate for me to go there first....... It was them who didn't even try to listen to our words, so it is a must for me to go there....... Am I being naïve?"
She tries to get confirmation from Azazel.
"No, it's not a bad way of thinking for a [King] from the brute-power group. Except, I feel uneasy if you are going there alone. For this incident, it seems like the secrets of both the Tepes and Carmilla's side will be connected. And the discussion we had before had many unexplained parts."
"Of course, I will keep as minimal a force for my guards as I can. I'm planning to take only my [Knight]. Okay, Yuuto?"
"Yes, please leave it to me."
So Kiba will be escorting her. Yeah, then it won't be a problem.
"I can feel relieved if Kiba is going."
That's my answer. I know this guy's strength more than anyone. I have exchanged fists with Kiba many times, you know? He is Rias's genuine knight.
Sensei says it while making a sound with his neck.
"—I will also go then. I will meet Carmilla first. I will at least make sure that we can dispatch several members of the Gremory group for the dispute of the Vampires. I'm planning to take several souvenirs. Instead Rias should head to the House of Vladi directly. If Rias shows up in the Carmilla's side, they will be on more alert."
He's trying to grant their requirement by taking a souvenir with him. To be expected from Sensei. He won't fall without doing anything!
If several of us are able to take action, then this will become a different story. We can reduce the danger that will fall on Gasper, and we might be able to save that Vampire woman who has the Holy Grail.
"But won't they become more cautious if Sensei were to meet them personally? You are an important person from the Fallen Angel's side."
Shouldn't you bring someone with you? -That's what I thought.
"It will be much better than to have the Heaven and the Church—the Angels, who are still fighting against them go. Rather, for me who is knowledgeable about Sacred Gear going there will be a better key for the negotiation."
"Ah, you mean about the Holy Grail!"
"Yeah, that's it. Even for the guys who came today, the main person they came to talk to is me."
Sensei then tells the Sister and Irina, the staff from the Heaven.
"Irina, Sister Griselda, tell Michael what happened here. The Holy Grail and the Vampires, it smells too fishy."
Sister nods.
"Yes, I understand. Michael-sama said we will be sending our Joker if something happens, and I hope we can avoid the worst case scenario. '
Sensei becomes a bit shocked at Sister Griselda's words.
"...... The Joker, can you send him off so easily like that? Rather, the way you cope with us has increased. Well, it's normal since outrageous guys have been after us. Since the Holy Grail will be involved, we might ask help from the Joker. The Holy Grail and Vampires. Normally, it's the holy and darkness which can't coexist. Most likely, something not good will happen. I want to make sure the casualty rate remains as low as possible."
"Yes, for that reason it is the intention of the Four Great Seraph-sama wanting to use the man of leisure, Joker, as much as possible. Seriously, that child always wanders off somewhere when he has time to find delicious cuisines and we can't contact him at all. He is a child who is more troublesome than Xenovia who is standing over there."
The Joker, I haven't met him, but is he an acquaintance of Sister?
Well, leaving that aside, I need to put everything that happened together in my head.
It's decided that Rias, Kiba, and Sensei, will be going to the Vampires side. The other members including Gasper will be on standby in this town. If something happens to Rias's side, it's made so that we will join them.
Though I hope nothing happens...... From what Sensei said, it seems like a battle will occur. And we will be placing ourselves in there...... ?
I'm hoping there will be no casualties, but it seems like it won't be that easy......
What I can do is to shake off all the danger which will fall on Rias and my comrades with all my strength.
My spirit is heating up, but it's a meeting which took place late at night which I have started to feel uneasy about—
Part 6
Finishing the meeting, I'm having Azazel-sensei look at my gauntlet in another room of the old school building after everything ended.
After the battle against the Hero-faction in the Underworld, Ddraig has increased his time to sleep, and the true power of my Sacred Gear can't be unleashed.
Just like this, I'm having Sensei look at the condition of my Sacred Gear regularly.
"...... The glow of the gauntlet's jewel is still lacking. It means he used that much power to recreate your body."
"...... U-Umm, Sensei. Will his condition continue to stay like this?"
"No, if he can recover the power which he used to resurrect you, he can revert back to his former self. It will be okay to think that he is just sleeping and is replenishing his stamina. More than that, I need to talk to you about your life force."
"...... You said something which isn't comprehensible is occurring right?"
Sensei nods to my words.
Yes, by using the section of Great-Red's body and the power of Ophis and Ddraig, I have attained a new body.
Because of that, it seems like my life force which had been reduced on my old body can't be analysed with the current data.
"The power of the two; Great-Red and Ophis who are the legendary Dragons among legendary dragons has been mixed after all. The response of your life force either becomes zero or turns into infinite which isn't measurable is happening, so I can't tell what is going on at all. The zero probably represents illusion, —Great Red. The infinite will obviously means infinite which is Ophis."
"Does that mean my life force is going back and forth between dying and reviving?"
"Even that isn't known. There has never been a case like this. The current you is a reincarnated Devil who reincarnated from a humanoid Dragon. Except, there is a way to stabilise it. Rather, there has been result. You understand that yourself, right?"
Like Sensei says, I'm still having Rias and Akeno-san scatter the Dragon's power inside me and am still receiving the healing treatment with a senjutsu from Koneko-chan, and for an unknown reason the response of my life force returns to normal for a temporarily time.
Sensei continues.
"Anyway, I'm not sure what will happen with the response of zero and infinite. Suddenly your life force can become empty and it can even overheat by increasing drastically. In other words. Having Rias and others bringing back your life force to normal is the best."
In other words, I have to get treatment from the girls like before.
Gufufu! I'm so glad! I'm glad that a wonderful time like that won't have to disappear! Yeah, having Rias and Akeno-san suck it with their mouths, and hugging the small Koneko-chan. I even want to thank the True-Dragon and Dragon-God because I won't have to lose that time of happiness! No, I will put my hands together and pray in front of Ophis once I return home!
The sucking techniques of Rias and Akeno-san are improving daily...... and Koneko-chan also became daring since she says "Not wearing clothing and having our bodies directly touching each other might improve the effect"!
—! Then that phrase comes back to my mind...... Great-Red-sama, please give me a break! Will it make a similar cry when I see it again!? It will be embarrassing!
Sensei is making a bitter smile when he is looking at me who is having a hard time with hallucination.
"You have to stay even more calm and fight. You can do it if you try, you know? It's your weak point to lose your calm and act differently. You know how you did a thing which totally wasn't like you in the Bael-match against that [Queen] by being pissed? If it was the usual you, wouldn't you have used Dress Break on her and observed her naked body? You probably got heated up with having your comrades being taken down...... but if you do that against someone who is stronger than you, you know that you'll get killed?"
I got a warning from Sensei....... Yeah, I have a habit to lose my calm and go forward sometimes. It's my bad habit....... So I should have defeated the Bael's [Queen] with Dress Break? When I think like that, I suddenly got depressed because I couldn't see her naked body...... That was the best thing I was capable of doing at that time.
"Well, you are a kid who's only 17 years old. Rias, you, and everyone else in the group are still young. If you say it's normal for you guys to still be incomplete, then it's a normal thing."
So will I be able to calm down if my sexual desire also becomes that of an adult? I can't even imagine it! I also want to be lecherous even ten years or hundred years later! It's certain that Rias's breast will become beautiful after ten years!
Ugggh. I should think about that later and ask Sensei.
"Sensei, when are you planning to leave?"
"For now, I will discuss it with Rias first. This is a good opportunity, so I will negotiate with the Vampires side or else it will become troublesome."
If it's possible, I want to pray that nothing will happen.
Since Kiba and Sensei will be with her, Rias probably won't be dragged into the worst situation...... Even so, I'm still worried.
Rather, I hope this meeting with the Vampires will head towards the most peaceful direction there is.
Actually, we still have the thing about the pact with magicians, but it seems like the Gremory group always encounter troubles.
...... Ddraig, please return to your usual self. Like I thought, I won't be able to give my all without you.
My partner—. Let's go straight ahead together again!
When I was staring at my gauntlet as if I'm speaking to it, Sensei sighs.
"Take care of the legendary Dragon, okay? Even if what's left is his soul, you do know that he is a valuable legendary Dragon-sama right? Do you know just how many Dragons there are that haven't even been sealed into a Sacred Gear and even the whereabouts of their soul is unknown?"
E-Even if you say that...... Of course, I will take care of Ddraig! W-Well, I did trouble him quite a lot with all that Oppai Dragon stuff!
Sensei pounces his fist on the palm of his other hand as if he remembered something.
"...... Oh, I should tell you this as well. I received some information from Vali."
"From Vali?"
"You do know that he is travelling around the world investigating mysterious things right?"
Just like Azazel-sensei who raised him, I hear that the Hakuryuukou-sama who takes interest in and investigates things is travelling around the world and looking at mysterious things.
"It seems like he encounters the members of the Khaos Brigade quite often at his destinations."
"But that isn't to execute the Vali-team who became "wanted" right?"
Vali is in a situation where he is being chased from the Khaos Brigade for the crime of sending Ophis to us without any permission. Rather, he was originally on bad terms with the other factions of Khaos Brigade, and I heard that they didn't like him.
Sensei continues.
"What Vali was searching for was...... a variety of brutal monsters that are thought to be extinct. It seems like he was searching for them with uncertain evidence of them being alive. If his journey to find strong foes even exceeds to that level, even I start to think of them as a group who is very bored with nothing to do. -And this is where it starts. Among the extinct monsters, it seems like besides Vali and his group, the members of Khaos Brigade who are the groups of magicians seems to be mainly coming to the region where the extinct Dragons originally lived....... It's not once or twice that they encounter each other, so it isn't a coincidence."
"The extinct Dragons...... What kind of famous Dragons are there among them?"
"I'm not sure if you know them, but I guess it would be the "Crescent Circle Dragon" Crom Cruach, "Diabolism Thousand Dragon" Aži Dahāka, and the "Eclipse Dragon" Apophis. It sure brings back memories. They were quite dangerous. -They were either sealed or killed for being too brutal. Other than them there are Níðhǫggr from the Norse, and the ferocious Grendal that is said to be slain by the original Beowulf. There was Ladon who was protecting the legendary fruit who was also a Dragon but was defeated by the original Heracles. And in Japanese there was Yamata-no-Orochi."
They are mostly names which I haven't heard before. The ones I have heard of are Yamata-no-Orochi and Crom Cruach though I've only heard the names. So there are that many extinct strong Dragons huh.
"...... Especially Crom Cruach, Aži Dahāka, and Apophis, whom are "Evil Dragons" that are now extinct. Vritra is also an Evil-Dragon, but he's cute if you compare him to the three I just named."
Evil Dragons—. Just hearing it scares me. But they are extinct huh.
"Those three, were they that dangerous?"
"Even Vritra had his soul cut into many pieces and was sealed into the Sacred Gears right? Evil-Dragons were so powerful where you would have to do at least that much in order to completely annihilate their existence. Vritra regained consciousness by having the Sacred Gears merge. It makes me wonder just how tough those Evil-Dragons are. And among them, the ones which were the most brutal and were standing at the top were Crom Cruach, Aži Dahāka, and Apophis."
Wow, even Vritra-san gives me the creeps but they are above him huh....... They seem scary.
"...... Are they stronger than the Two-Heavenly Dragons?"
"The red and the white one in their primes will definitely be stronger. But all of the Dragons did try to avoid fighting the Evil-Dragons as much as possible. I heard that they found it really troublesome to fight the Evil-Dragons and those affiliated with them. So that means they are bad news if you confront them."
...... Touching an Evil-Dragon will bring misfortune huh. Sensei continues while putting his hand on his chin.
"But it's been a while talking about the extinct Dragons, especially the "Evil-Dragons". But you understand it right? -Dragons that have strength and that like to go around wild were eliminated without exception. Tiamat who is said to be the strongest among the Five Great Dragon-Kings must have a good point then. It seems like she has blended in well with the current world and is living as she likes."
Dragons which go wild huh. Ddraig and Albion were also one of them. And they went around too wild that they were taken down by the Three Great Powers.
"I prefer a Dragon to stand tall and with dignity like old man Tannin. He seems like a Dragon-King, and I think he looks cool."
Yeah, old-man Tannin seems like the king of Dragons the most out of all the Dragons I have met. I have respect towards him when I see his posture of using his body to protect those Dragons!
Sensei also agrees to my opinion.
"Yeah, you are right. It won't be a waste to hang around with that guy among the currently active Dragons. That's what a king of Dragons is supposed to be. A Dragon like that doesn't exist anywhere else, so observe him very well."
Yes sir! In the future I will become a splendid Dragon like old man...... no no, I will become a Harem-King Dragon!
"Either way, it seems like the terrorist group is plotting something behind the scenes....... Something bad might happen again, so just be prepared."
"Yes."
Sensei then rests his hand on my head.
"Sorry. I might end up having you guys get the bad end of the bargain again."
"Seriously, it sure does tire me out. But if they are to come at us, we will have to overcome them. We have always been going straight ahead like that."
I'm not Koneko-chan, but we will just have to defeat them if they are to come at us. In order to survive, we will get even stronger, and I feel that we have to continue breaking all obstacles. That is the Gremory group! No, that is the Occult Research Club of Kuou Academy!
"Well, I'm also busy with my own business in the Underworld as well."
"Did you start something?"
When I asked, Sensei suddenly puts on a lecherous smile. Ah, that's the expression when he is plotting something.
"Yeah, I'm selling some territories."
Territories huh.
"Even you know that the Underworld is split into two sides of the Devils and Fallen Angels right?"
"Yes."
"The truth is, comparing the Fallen Angels side to the Devils side, there are many free areas if you were to compare it with the number of residents. The ones living in the Fallen Angels sides are the pure Fallen Angels, the races which have a relation to the Fallen Angels, and the halves born between Fallen Angels and other races."
That's right. Sensei and others who are the part of the Grigori decided not to make the reincarnation system intentionally. They can make one if they try, but they chose not to.
According to Sensei, "The evil Angels can just end with us".
"—And, so. By using the free lands, I'm making a resort area for the factions who made an alliance with us. We have a major plan for building businesses and casinos as well. We have already received an order from celebrities of different factions that want to have a mansion. I'm sure this will turn into quite a big industry. Well, the Fallen Angels also need a budget, the money, for many things so we have to make business."
I-I see...... The Fallen Angels, the Grigori, have started to do business huh. I also hear that the majority of the source of income for the current Grigori comes from their research.
Sensei seems like he will be suited to becoming a sales person.
—Then there is a knock on the door. The one who enters is Rias.
"Azazel? Did you finish examining Ise? Let's make a schedule for leaving Japan."
"Oh, that's right. Rather, if we are going afar, there's something I have to tell Asia personally...... Can Asia join?"
"Yes, I don't mind. It's about that right? I'm glad it's going smoothly. Looks like having Ophis acting in the middle of it made it succeed."
Asia's case...... ? It really makes me wonder. Is Ophis related to it?
Like this, the discussion about the departure of Rias, Sensei, and Kiba begins.
Part 7
"......"Even if you are the Sekiryuutei, a mere servant that doesn't have any qualification has no right to question me, correct?" huh."
On the morning when the sun still hasn't risen.
I'm having a shower in the big bathroom located in the basement of the Hyoudou residence. I, who have woken up early, left my room and came here without waking up Rias and Asia.
What I was recollecting in my head is the thing the Vampire from the Carmilla faction, Elmenhilde, said to me yesterday.
...... A mere servant, the Sekiryuutei who doesn't have the right to speak......
She's right. Despite being called "Oppai Dragon" in the Underworld, I am just seen as the "Sekiryuutei who is the servant of Rias Gremory" from the other factions. That is the reality and I have no comment regarding it.
But when a diplomatic thing like this is involved, I'm useless.
I made a good relationship with Odin the geezer from the Northern Europe and the Youkai in Kyoto, but they are special. Normally, from the perspective of those from the other factions, I'm just a mere Middle-class Devil that doesn't have any right to speak.
...... It's not like I was getting elated. But I'm really frustrated that I can't become of any use for Rias and Sensei in situations like that.
...... Damn it.
My precious junior...... even if I want to protect my precious Gasper from the front, I need something besides strength.
...... No, I shouldn't get ahead of myself. I...... should just protect my comrades when I have to. The diplomatic affairs are Sirzechs-sama and Sensei's job. I should just do what I can do.
I bite my teeth due to frustration. The warm shower makes me comfortable.
"I'm such a small guy....... Shit, I will definitely become a High-class Devil...... No, I made a promise with Kiba."
That's right. He and I made that promise before the Middle-class Devil test.
—That we will become Ultimate-class Devils.
"He will become the strongest [Knight], and I will become the strongest [Pawn]—."
When I said the words of my determination.
The door to the bathtub opens. When I turned around—Ravel who just entered and is naked is standing theeeeeeeeeere!
"...... Ise-sama."
"Ah, sorry! Since it's early in the morning, I didn't think anyone was going to use it!"
I can't do anything to help myself but apologise! That's because the girls are basically using this bathtub! I use it as well, but I have the girls use it first! Of course, I do encounter them at times and bath together!
This will be rude to Ravel who is a guest and who is also my junior! I should get out now!
B-But the naked Ravel! Even though she has a small body, I can only say that she has a proper body of a woman...... ! Her oppai are quite big! Since she has her usual drill-like hair down, I have a different impression of her! No, this isn't the time for it!
I was thinking hard and Ravel says to me.
"...... I-I will wash your back!"
—!
My mind went blank at the words I didn't expect to hear.
"...... How is it?"
"Ah, yeah. I think it's okay......"
Like that, I'm having my back washed by Ravel. I'm having her rub my back with a towel.
...... I thought she would have burned me with her wings of fire while saying "Ise-sama you ecchi!"...... And she happens to be quite daring this morning! I'm getting confused!
I didn't want it to be silent while she's washing my back, so I started a conversation about the Vampires from yesterday.
"...... That was my first time meeting a pure-blood Vampire...... but there are still things I'm not sure about...... I was able to become friends with Gasper-san right away......"
Ravel must have mixed feeling as well.
"...... It's also because they appointed Gasper-san who is my friend as the requirement for the deal, but also their ways of not caring about anyone besides them...... But this may also be part of their politics....... This certainly is a hard issue. Of course, I think it's not a good idea to hand over Gasper-san recklessly to them....... But Devils are also logical, and we put purebloods above everything else. I'm also a pureblood Devil."
That's right. Ravel is a princess from the House of Phoenix. She's also the only daughter. She is a pure High-class Devil who has been living in the upper echelons of society.
"Even pureblood Devils are able to choose their own friends. Koneko-san, Gasper-san, and my classmates, are also treating me well. Though, I'm sad that I have to hide my identity from them...... I think it will be a wonderful thing if you can choose friends despite being from a different race."
She usually acts sharp, but she is actually an innocent good girl.
But hiding your identity, huh.
I can't tell Motohama and Matsuda that I became a Devil, and telling them will bring them into danger. At least, I want a peaceful time while I'm at Kuou academy.
"But I realised just how small a person I am. I'm frustrated that I wasn't able to talk back. I will become a more splendid Devil and make them acknowledge me. That is what I have started to think this time."
I thought of aiming for the top once again. I won't allow it to end with them looking at me with those scornful eyes.
After having my back washed away with hot water, Ravel asks me.
"Ise-sama...... h-have you decided about your future servants?"
"Servants? Ah, you mean when I become a High-class Devil? No, I still haven't decided yet."
You can have 15 servants at most with Evil Pieces right? I might end up using several of them depending on the person.
"Asia and Xenovia are saying that they will follow me, so there is a talk about having a trade with Rias, but even doing that isn't decided. When I become independent, taking Asia and Xenovia with me will allow me to take actions right away, and it will become easier to do our job. But that will mean that 3 members will leave from Rias's group right? How to fill those missing holes, even those parts aren't clear yet."
I then have a thought after saying that much.
That having Ravel remaining as my manager even in the future will be a strong support.
Ravel says it as if she responded to what I was thinking.
"...... I want to continue being Ise-sama's manager."
"Yeah, I'm happy. That will sure be reliable."
It happens when the atmosphere became good.
Splash! There is someone who got out from the bath!
"I, went under for 30 minutes."
...... It's Ophis. Dragon-God-sama got out from the bath. And did you go under there for 30 minutes!?
And Ophis's clothes weren't in the changing room, you know!?
Did you perhaps come from your room fully naked!?
Give me a break, Dragon-God-sama! Being naked inside the house isn't also allowed! You are a former Uroboros Dragon after all~!
"Fufufu, I can never win against Ophis-san."
Ravel is also laughing.
You are right. We sure are no match against our Mascot-sama, also known as Ophis-chan.
| ← Ch. 141 | Ch. 143 → |