Waking up was hard. My eyelids, as if a pair of gold ones had been placed on them, refused to rise. I came to my senses with difficulty, rubbing my forehead, where a slight migraine was pulsating. I looked around. A stale smell hit my nostrils - a mixture of sweat, passion and night pleasures. I involuntarily grimaced, but exhaled deeply, driving away the discomfort. My gaze fell on two elven girls sleeping on opposite sides of me. Olga and Chloe. Their even breathing, long ears that trembled cutely in their sleep, made me smile. Last night... it was necessary. Abstinence, as I realized, really did harm to my consciousness. Now I felt rested, full of strength, as if I was ready to rush to save the world again.
I immediately dismissed this thought. Save the world? Seriously? No, that is clearly not necessary, I am actually a devil, not a hero-savior! Damn it! What caught my attention was that fanatic and the dragon that came out of nowhere, which clearly shouldn't be in Kuroinu lore, or should it?
Questions swirled in my head, but there were no answers. I frowned, trying to put it all together, but nothing worked. And then, as if mocking me, a black envelope materialized out of thin air. I mentally clicked.
Of course, you.
Everything fell into place - this wind was blowing from him.
Taking the envelope, I opened it and began to read:
[Hello! How are you? Is everything okay? Well, since it is, I'll be brief. Sorry about your move. It wasn't planned, but you know, the Omniverse is a chaotic place. Anything can happen. A small one missed, but it worked out, right? Here's a gift for your efforts. And finally: are you sure you want to come back? Think carefully and make a choice. Goodbye!]
The letter crumbled into dust, and a rainbow crystal appeared in my hand. I thoughtfully twirled it in my fingers, digesting the words. The Omniverse? A chaotic place? I knew that without him. But his hints... And what kind of plans does this entity have? I felt like a pawn in someone else's game, and it irritated me.
His question: should I stay here?
I glanced at the sleeping elves. Olga, with her dark hair spread out on the pillow. Chloe, peacefully snoring, with a slight smile.
The idea of staying was tempting. Why go back to DxD, where every day is a struggle, intrigue and responsibility? Here, in Kuroinu, you can live like in a fantasy harem. Beautiful girls for every taste, no worries, only pleasure and a peaceful life.
To give in to lust and just forget about other worries in the world - isn't that happiness?
My thoughts were confused, the temptation was clearly growing, but suddenly my chest tightened. My heart began to pound like crazy.
Images popped into my head. Grayfia. She always waited for me, showed sincere care and devotion.
How could I leave her and betray her?
Rias, small, happily twirling around me:
"Brother, give me a ride!"
My friends, my family, those who were waiting for me. Blood appeared on my lip, a drop fell on the sheet. I clenched my fists. No. I can't stay. They need me. This adventure has to end.
But my gaze fell on Olga and Chloe again. Their peaceful breathing, their weakness... Leave them here, unprotected? Volt is just one of the threats. Who knows what else awaits them in this cruel world? Just look at that fanatic and the dragon that crawled out of nowhere.
I thought about how to protect them, how to find a way out.
"A-a-a-a..."
My further thoughts were interrupted by Olga's yawn, who clearly decided to wake up at that moment.
Olga, rubbing her eyes, looked at me half-asleep. Our eyes met. A silent pause hung in the air, as if no one dared to break the silence.
She spoke first, with a mischievous smile:
"The night was fun. The sex, you know, wasn't bad at all."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Not bad?" I asked with a slight sneer, my lips twitching and a mental question: "What do you mean, not bad?"
Olga giggled, leaning closer, her dark hair sliding over her shoulders. She waved her hand:
"Well, if only your dick was bigger…"
My lips twitched.
"Oh, come on," I muttered, and she laughed loudly. Clearly she had decided to have some fun at my expense. What a woman, by God!"
She wiped away a tear and looked at me with a sly squint. I just shook my head imperturbably. At that moment, Chloe stirred. Rubbing her eyes, she stretched, but when she noticed us, she froze. Her eyes widened, her mouth opened and closed like a mute fish. Her face flushed scarlet. Another rabbit, apparently, decided to wake up, right?
"Chloe, is everything okay?" I asked, holding back a smile. Obviously, I was internally amused by her reaction.
"I-it's o-okay!" she stuttered, looking away from me. So embarrassed and cute.
Her reaction made me chuckle. Olga, getting out of bed, showed off her graceful curves and seductive figure. Putting on her clothes, she fixed her hair and said:
"It's nice to lie down, of course, but there's a lot of work in the Citadel. I'll go and sort it out."
Without waiting for an answer, she left, leaving me lost in thought. Chloe, still fidgeting, suddenly got tangled in the sheet and squealed:
"Ow, that hurts!" she fell face down, hitting her nose. I couldn't help but laugh. She blushed and jumped up, her breasts with protruding nipples jumping up, revealing a seductive view. My device involuntarily reacted. Chloe, noticing my gaze, squealed:
"Where are you looking, pervert?!" and, covering herself with her hands, grabbed her clothes and ran away. Whose speed made me surprised.
I look at her running back, dumbfounded, and think: we spent the night together. What didn't I see there, exactly? What kind of tsundere attack is this? It seems like I've ended up in a scene from a harem anime. Shaking my head, I got up, got dressed, and walked along the corridors of the Citadel. The architecture was as impressive as always: high arches, carved walls, dark stone steeped in history. But my attention was drawn to the monsters - Olga's servants. They crept on tiptoe, falling to their knees at my sight, almost smashing their foreheads on the floor. I grimaced in disgust.
If I had my way, I would have finished them all off.
But since Olga tolerates them, let them live... for now.
***
Sitting at the table, I lazily picked at the food prepared by the monsters. Honestly? I didn't want to eat their cooking. The sight of these creatures alone was repulsive, but the smell… it was surprisingly appetizing. I carefully took a bite. Not bad. Even, damn, tasty. I glanced at the monster, who was staring at me, hiding his eyes, as if he expected me to throw the plate in his face. His fear was almost comical. I mentally chuckled.
How surreal.
I brushed the thought aside and continued eating.
Chloe, already dressed, sat opposite. She glanced sideways at me, but as soon as our eyes met, she abruptly turned away, and the tips of her ears turned red.
Sweetheart.
I notice it to myself, holding back a smile.
At that moment, Olga entered the hall. Her gait - regal, unperturbed - made the monsters freeze. She sat down at the table, took a knife and fork and began to eat with a grace that any queen would envy. We ate in silence, each immersed in her own thoughts.
The silence between us was not forced, but I subconsciously felt some awkwardness and still decided to start the conversation first.
"How are things with the Citadel?"
Olga, without raising her eyes, carefully cut off a piece of meat, brought it to her mouth and, after chewing, answered:
"Everything is successful. I replenished my magic reserves and also powered the cube that you gave me."
I nodded, biting off another piece. We continued to eat in peaceful silence, but suddenly one of the monsters standing in the corner began to shift nervously. His eyes darted around, he clearly wanted to say something, but fear paralyzed him. I frowned and looked at him.
"Wanted something?" I asked, my voice sounding sharper than I intended.
Olga turned around too, piercing him with a look full of contempt. The monster shuddered, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He swallowed nervously and stuttered:
"M-m-monsters… have noticed a group of h-h-humans. They are shouting that they have c-c-come with a m-message. The messenger… There have been some minor skirmishes, b-but we are not attacking… We are notifying you."
I exchanged glances with Olga. Her eyes narrowed. She sighed heavily and ordered in an icy tone:
"Bring the messenger. Alive and well. If anything happens to him, you will go to feed the fish."
"W-w-will be done!" the monster bleated and, bowing, hurried away.
Olga rubbed her forehead tiredly. I chuckled:
"They're tough, aren't they?"
"Not the word," she muttered, returning to her food.
We finished our meal in silence, and then headed to the main hall. Olga took her throne, her dark hair flowing over her shoulders, emphasizing her authority. Chloe stood next to her, fidgeting slightly, but trying to hold herself confidently. I leaned against a column, crossed my arms, and prepared to wait.
Soon the doors swung open and a group of people entered the hall. Their armor was shining, swords, spears and bows were at the ready. A skinny boy walked in front - obviously a messenger. His face was shiny with sweat, his hands were shaking. Seeing Olga, he cleared his throat and, trying to sound respectful, said:
"Oh, great lady Olga Discord! I greet you on behalf of Lady Celestine Lucross! I bring a message of peace and..."
Olga raised her hand, cutting him off:
"No pleasantries. To business."
The boy swallowed, wiped his sweat with a handkerchief and, throwing nervous glances at me, continued:
"I have a letter from Lady Celestine Lucross."
Olga nodded to one of the monsters. He, bowing low, approached the messenger, took the letter and handed it to her. She unfolded it, her eyes running over the lines. Her brows furrowed more and more with each passing second. Finally, she crumpled the paper, throwing it on the floor. The group tensed, the messenger turned as white as a sheet. Olga stood up, her voice thundering:
"There will be no peace! Our war will continue as always!"
I frowned. War? That's the last thing I needed. The group of warriors moved toward the throne, their hands on their weapons. I stepped forward, my footsteps echoing in the hall. Olga looked at me in surprise when I stopped in front of her.
"Maybe we should step aside? Let's talk," I suggested quietly.
She frowned, but nodded. Telling the group to wait, we went into the private room. I activated the barrier so no one could overhear. Olga crossed her arms, her eyes irritated.
"What's the matter?"
I exhaled heavily.
"Why do you need this war? Maybe it's time to stop the feud? To agree on a truce?"
Her face twisted in disgust. She spat:
"Mind your own business!"
I applied light pressure from my aura. Her eyes widened, clearly realizing that she had overdone it with her arrogance and that she shouldn't overdo it. Seriously, almost sternly, I said:
"Watch your words, Olga."
She swallowed nervously, but stubbornly continued:
"What are you trying to achieve? This is our conflict. Our decision. You're interfering in the wrong place."
I nodded, acknowledging her rightness, but then stepped closer. She froze in surprise when I gently hugged her. My voice became quieter:
"I'm worried about you. We haven't known each other long, but I can't leave you in danger. I want to help."
Her cheeks turned pink. She clearly hadn't expected such concern. I continued:
"Why not meet Celestina in person? Just talk. Maybe we can find a solution?"
Olga thought about it. Her gaze softened, and, exhaling, she muttered:
"Okay, you win. We can try negotiations."
I smiled, and we returned to the hall. Olga, having taken the throne, looked at the group and the messenger, who was already biting his nails from nerves.
"I agree to negotiate," she announced. "Name the place and time. I will come."
The group breathed a sigh of relief. The warriors relaxed, the messenger almost collapsed from happiness. They bowed, thanked and left. Olga gave the monsters the order not to touch them, and they obeyed without question.
I stood to the side, fingering the rainbow crystal in my pocket.
***
A cool wind touched my face, ruffling my scarlet hair. I stood slightly to the side from Olga and Chloe, watching the scene. A pair of monsters loomed in the distance, keeping a respectful distance. Opposite us is Celestine Lucross, an elven queen with golden hair and a curvaceous figure, surrounded by a group of girls - the heroines of Kuroinu. They are accompanied by knights, whose armor gleamed in the sunlight. Celestine glances at me every now and then, her cheeks slightly pink, and her fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of her dress. I raised an eyebrow.
Why is she so interested in me?
My gaze slid over her companions. Each is a beauty in her own way: from a stern warrior to a gentle priestess.
For every taste and color.
I notice to myself, looking at them.
But then one of them, a blonde in light armor, caught my eye. Her eyes narrowed and she gave me such a murderous look that I couldn't help but smile. This only made her angrier, and her hand went to her sword.
The atmosphere was heating up. Olga, with a stony face, looked at Celestine. She responded with a slight smile, but her eyes betrayed the tension. Finally, Olga sighed:
"What do you want, Celestine? Don't pull a goblin by the... indecent place. To the point."
Celestine narrowed her eyes slightly, her voice was soft but firm:
"What's the hurry? We can discuss everything slowly, casually."
Olga snorted:
"This is not our first meeting. We've known each other for a long time. You, Celestine, don't just arrange these meetings for nothing. You always come with your own ideas. How will this meeting be different?"
Celestine glanced at me briefly. Olga intercepted it, tsked and narrowed her eyes:
"So that's how it is."
Celestine smiled awkwardly:
"Maybe this time we can come to an agreement?"
Olga chuckled, her voice turning icy:
"I won't back down. All the people will die."
Her words caused a chaotic chaos. Celestine's companions began to whisper angrily, their gazes blazing. Chloe, who was standing next to Olga, touched the hilt of her sword, her posture becoming threatening. The tension reached its limit, and I already thought that a fight was about to begin. But then Celestine said something that stunned everyone, including me:
"How about going to another continent, destroying all the people there and just ruling yourself? We will never cross paths."
Dead silence. Celestine's companions stared at her in shock, their mouths slightly open. Even Olga's impassive face trembled in surprise. I myself was dumbfounded.
Celestine, according to the lore, all righteous and pure, is suggesting this?
She bit her lip, and a thin stream of blood flowed down her chin. Exhaling, she continued:
"I won't save everyone. I can't keep track of everyone. But the world is huge. Why not split up? Live without interfering with each other?"
Her words made Olga think. I saw doubt flash in her eyes. It was time to act. I stepped forward, attracting attention. Celestine's knights tensed, their hands resting on their weapons. Celestine, on the contrary, beamed, her smile became almost childish.
What's wrong with her?
A thought flashed through my mind, but I waved it away and, smiling, said:
"An excellent suggestion. This could put an end to your conflict."
Olga cast a displeased glance at me. I narrowed my eyes, and she turned away, tsking. But then, to my surprise, she nodded:
"There's sense in her words. The conflict can be resolved."
Celestine's face lit up with joy. But Olga immediately added, her voice turning steely:
"If you, Celestine, dare to invade my land and carry out your 'just cause', there will be no peace. Never."
Celestine's smile faltered, but she answered seriously:
"I agree. And I demand the same from you."
It was time to seal the deal. I summoned a magical contract, a golden scroll floating in the air. Olga and Celestine nodded. I handed them copies, and they read the terms carefully. After a couple of minor edits—clarifications about the boundaries and penalties for violating them—they signed. The scroll flared, activating. Violating it meant losing your magic, or, in the worst case, destroying your personality. I breathed a sigh of relief. It was done.
Celestine and her group were about to leave. She gave me a last long look, her eyes shining. I just shrugged, not understanding what was going on in her head. They left, leaving Olga, Chloe, and me. Silence hung between us, heavy as a thundercloud. I looked at Olga, and my chest tightened. Our romance was short, but bright. A moment of weakness, passion, closeness… But I knew: it would not last long. My home is in DxD.
It's time to say goodbye.
Olga, as if reading my thoughts, quietly asked:
"Are you leaving already?"
I nodded:
"Yes. I stayed here longer than I planned. It's time to go home."
Her face darkened. I stepped towards her, gently lifting her chin. Her eyes widened in surprise. I leaned down and kissed her. Our tongues intertwined in a greedy, passionate dance, as if clinging to each other, not wanting to let go. But the kiss ended. Olga was breathing heavily, her cheeks turned pink. I smiled:
"It was a good time. I will remember it. Maybe we will meet again. Fate is an unpredictable thing."
She smiled sadly:
"If the stars align."
I nodded and activated the rainbow crystal in my pocket. The world exploded into a kaleidoscope of colors. My mind spun, and for a moment I found myself in limbo. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a huge red dragon. Its gaze slid over me, and I involuntarily swallowed.
Great Red?
But I was already drawn further.
A flash - and I was standing in the middle of the wasteland, where a sudden attack had occurred. The area was scorched, but I returned. Using teleportation, I was transported to my estate. I took out the brooch I left for Olga and tried to activate it. It lit up, but did not work. I exhaled heavily.
Farewell forever.
Time flows differently in worlds. For me, years will pass, and for her, a lifetime. Perhaps we will not see each other again.
At that moment, I noticed Grayfia. Her silver hair, scarlet eyes, strict, but so beautiful posture. She narrowed her eyes, clearly displeased. I smiled awkwardly and approached. We stood opposite each other, silence hanging between us. Finally, she sighed:
"Where have you been? A few hours - and I was already starting to worry. Did something happen?"
I broke into a wide smile, stepped closer and hugged her. She froze in surprise.
"Nothing happened," I said, chuckling. "What could possibly happen to me?"
I pulled away, looking into her eyes.
"It's good to be home."
Grayfia raised an eyebrow, her gaze full of bewilderment.
"What's wrong with you?" she asked, but I just waved her off and walked on.
I felt her gaze on my back, but I was busy with other thoughts and reflections on what to do next.