It had been a little while since it had come to build the shrine for Ophis. One morning, I found myself listening to what was less a complaint and more of a consultation from Issei.
"So let me get this straight—you're saying girls keep sneaking into your bed while you're asleep, and sometimes you wake up on the floor because it's too crowded?"
Honestly, I'm not really one to judge, but if any other guy heard Issei complaining about this, there'd be a bloodbath of jealous rage in no time.
"Yeah, I mean... I'm not complaining about getting to sleep next to cute girls. That part's great. But when I wake up, the bed's packed tight, like a can of sardines. I can't get back to sleep once I wake up mid-way. And Xenovia's got terrible sleeping posture—she's kicked me off the bed more than once. It's technically my room, but I'm the one ending up on the floor. Doesn't that sound backwards?"
I get where he's coming from—he's not wrong. But he definitely picked the wrong person to talk to about this.
"I spent all three years of middle school and the first year of high school sleeping on the floor, wrapped in a blanket, because Kuroka took over my bed. Even in winter."
Starting around the end of our school trip, Kuroka began inviting herself to sleep next to me. So honestly, those last two years were partly a battle of wills.
"Are you serious?"
"Dead serious. Look, Issei, sleeping on the floor is just another test of a man's resolve."
"No offense, Ikki, but that sounds like a weird form of chivalry."
Issei gave me a pitying look, like he was watching a stray dog in the rain.
Hey, don't look at me like that!
"If we're being practical about it, maybe the best solution is to just expand your bed? You know, connect a few together. The girls want to be close to you, sure—but if the bed's bigger, at least you won't get kicked off."
I mean, if they're sneaking in without asking, assigning turns on a schedule would be pointless.
"Yeah, I guess. Maybe I'll ask Rias about it later. Luckily, thanks to my 'Oppai Dragon' gigs, I've got a bit of cash saved up. Do you think Grayfia would let me pull some funds as a 'necessary expense'?"
Oh right, speaking of which—the Gremory peerage basically lets Grayfia handle the purse strings, don't they?
Even though they all make decent money, their allowances are set to about what a normal high school student might get. Something about preparing them for the future, or not spoiling kids with too much money too early.
Me, on the other hand—no one's managing my finances. Maybe that'd be different if I had a history of blowing cash recklessly, but fortunately, I've got a good dose of common sense when it comes to money.
Still, hoarding cash forever isn't good for the economy. When it's time to spend, you've got to be ready to pull the trigger. Maybe on a car? I don't plan on collecting a fleet like some car otaku, but even I'd pass on a compact kei car—I mean, they're practical, sure, but now that I've got a girlfriend...
Before I could dwell on that thought, Matsuda and Motohama approached from behind Issei, and I quickly dropped the perception-blocking spell so it'd sound like a normal conversation.
Then, without warning, both of them slammed their fists into the back of Issei's head.
"OWWW!! What the hell, guys?!"
"Shut it, Issei! It was already bad enough hearing that a hot, blonde transfer student named Ravel joined the Occult Research Club—but then we found out you walk to and from school with her?! Don't tell us she's another Akeno-style homestay situation! Swear to us it's not true!!"
"Damn it, Matsuda! Stop jumping to conclusions and hitting me every time! Yeah, I've known Ravel for a while, even before she transferred, but she doesn't live at my place, alright?!"
"You're not lying, right, Issei?"
"Of course not, Motohama! Ravel's living at Ikki's place! If you wanna be suspicious, go hound him!"
"Issei!! You didn't have to say that!!"
He did that on purpose, didn't he? He wanted to deflect the heat onto me!
"Whaaaat?! That reaction means it's true! DAMN IT! Why do all the school's goddesses flock to you two?! Especially all the new girls—they all end up in the Occult Research Club, and the babe ratio keeps going up! Let us join already!!"
Crap. My silence just confirmed it for them... not that it would've mattered. The moment Issei opened his mouth, it was game over.
"You guys never get tired of being jealous, huh? From an outsider's point of view, it's starting to feel pretty repetitive."
"Shut it, Kiryuu! This is serious business! We just want to be popular with girls, toooo!!"
Matsuda's heartfelt wail echoed through the classroom—earning only cold, pitying glances from the girls.
"Well, I get why Arima gets attention, but if we're talking about the pervy trio, Hyoudou's the only one who's even remotely decent-looking. Some of the girls say he's been working out and that he's got a kind of rugged charm now."
"For real, Kiryuu?! Has my time finally come? Am I entering the legendary Popular Phase?!"
Issei… if this isn't your popular phase, then what even is?
Look, the guys in the class just heard you and now they're emitting murderous intent...
"Well, if you two really want to get popular, maybe try doing something about the whole pervert thing. Although even in your next life, it probably won't help."
Kiryuu snickered, and Matsuda and Motohama were left sobbing in frustration.
"Oh yeah, Arima—so is it true Ravel's living under the same roof as you?"
I spent the rest of the day being mercilessly chased around by those two.
==========
Later That Day, in the Clubroom
Rias called everyone together with an announcement.
"We've received word from the vampires. They didn't disclose the details, but a messenger will be arriving soon."
Hearing that, Gasper's expression darkened a bit. Understandably so—he's had a rough history with vampires.
"That's troubling... Those isolationist vampires refusing contact for so long, and now suddenly sending a messenger? Smells like trouble," said Rossweisse.
"What do you mean, Rossweisse-san?" Issei asked.
Azazel-sensei stepped in to answer.
"There's a rumor coming from vampire territory. Apparently, someone there has awakened a Sacred Gear of the Longinus class. Right now, there are three Longinus that we haven't been able to locate—'Innovate Clear,' 'Sephiroth Graal,' and 'Telos Karma.' They're not direct combat types, but that makes them even harder to deal with if misused."
"I see... I guess something that dangerous would be enough to push even the shut-in vampires to reach out," murmured Xenovia, who's had her fair share of clashes with vampires.
The fuse on that bomb is already lit...
"Nothing's confirmed yet, but it's highly likely this'll turn into a headache. And it's worth noting—they didn't request the Three Factions. They specifically chose us to talk to."
"Well, no point stressing over it now. We don't have enough info. Just be ready," Azazel concluded.
Rias moved on to the next topic.
"It's about time for us devils to begin contract season with the mages."
"Contracts with mages?" Issei asked.
In this world, mages devote their entire lives to researching a specific theme—kind of like the magi from Fate. Though in their case, it's more about inherited family themes, and... they're all kind of nuts by default.
"This happens when a devil reaches a certain age. And now, all of you, my peerage, will start forming contracts as well."
Rias continued, glancing around the room.
"There are three main reasons mages seek contracts with devils. First—protection. Having a powerful devil as backup helps avoid conflict or resolve disputes more easily."
"Sounds like the mafia," Issei muttered.
Rias gave a wry smile but didn't deny it.
"Second—access to devil knowledge, skills, and rare materials. Some things are nearly impossible to acquire legally. For mages researching forbidden materials, our help is crucial."
So it comes down to money. Some things never change.
"Third—it boosts their status. A well-known devil partner makes your words carry weight. If trouble arises, devils can open doors mages couldn't on their own. Devils offer knowledge in exchange for something valuable—that's part of our core identity. It's not just business; it's our role as devils according to the Bible. So these contracts are both our job and our duty."
I see... Even though devils have their own researchers, they still make these deals to reinforce their identity and gather spiritual faith. For people in the supernatural world, that faith is literal nourishment.
Maybe if everyone in the world suddenly became Christian, the system would stabilize and angels would get a power boost?
"Never thought I'd be on the summoned side of a mage contract."
"Well, yeah. Normally, devils, spirits, and monsters are the ones getting summoned. That's why I want you all to choose your partners carefully. Contracts aren't easy to break, and picking the wrong mage could reflect poorly on your reputation as devils. Choose wisely—we'll help as much as we can."
"Actually, Rias, speaking of that—I'd like to introduce someone who can advise you. Rossweisse is the only one here with deep magical knowledge, and that's a lot to ask. I've already called someone in—at least hear her out."
Azazel snapped his fingers, and a magic circle appeared on the floor. A magician in a light blue outfit and pointed hat stepped out, alongside a gray wolf.
"Hello, everyone! It's been a while. I'm Le Fay Pendragon, and I've been asked to act as your advisor for this. I know we've technically been on opposing sides, but I hope we can get along!"
It was Le Fay (and Fenrir) from Vali's team. Everyone looked unsure how to react.
They didn't hate her, but she was still part of a terrorist group...
"Azazel... why her?"
"Vali—well, Arthur, really—asked me. Arthur follows Vali seeking strong opponents, but Le Fay only tagged along to watch over him. She's not a fighter. I want to give her a chance to slowly build goodwill and maybe rejoin the public side of society someday."
"My brother's always been overly protective... I chose to follow him of my own will, but still—this time, I'm also here because I wanted to visit the 'Oppai Dragon's' house, and..."
Le Fay paused, then suddenly ran over and hugged Ophis, who had been sitting on the couch.
"I wanted to see you too, Ophis-sama. It's been so long!"
"Mmm. Long time, Le Fay."
Even Ophis, normally emotionless, seemed a little happy to see her again.
"Oh! Of course, I'll do my job as your magical advisor properly. Please take care of me!"
Rias sighed, watching the scene.
"You helped us during the magical beast incident, and Ophis clearly likes you. Alright. I'll allow you to stay for now—but keep a low profile, understood?"
And so, Le Fay became a temporary resident of the Hyoudou household during the mage contract season. Though during mealtimes, she teleports back to Vali's team to cook—because apparently, none of them are trusted in the kitchen.
Just as things were settling down, Rias glanced at the clock.
"It's almost time. The head of the Mage Association should be contacting us soon. Let's be on our best behavior."
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100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
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