Chapter 9

After Irina and Xenovia left, Miki gathered everyone at the dining table. She began sharing stories about Issei, how they adopted Asia, and how their little family had grown. Dinner was a warm affair, filled with laughter and reminiscing. Afterward, Roxanne said her goodbyes, and Issei accompanied her on her way home. They chatted as they walked through the quiet streets, talking about the past, and catching up on what they'd missed over the years. Soon, they reached Roxanne's mansion.

As Issei turned to leave, Roxanne made a barrier and stopped time within it. Issei froze, oblivious to what was happening, and Roxanne turned her gaze to his left hand, where his Sacred Gear, the Red Dragon Emperor, lay dormant.

Roxanne's voice was calm but firm. "Ddraig, come out now."

A voice echoed from the Sacred Gear, deep and gruff. "To be able to stop only my host in time, just to talk to me... Who are you?"

Roxanne's usual playful demeanor faded. A cold smile crossed her lips, chilling the very air. Her eyes glowed red, a fierce aura radiating from her. "You do not have the right to ask questions, dragon."

Ddraig's fiery surroundings dimmed, swallowed by an overwhelming darkness. Even for a creature as ancient and powerful as he, fear gripped him. Before him stood a figure cloaked in black robes, chains clinking with every movement. The aura she emitted was terrifying, far beyond anything he'd encountered. Battle-hardened though he was, this presence made even him want to flee.

"When Issei seeks power, you will cooperate fully. You will train him, ensuring he can handle more of your power. Do not give him anything half-hearted out of laziness." Roxanne's voice left no room for argument.

Ddraig could only nod vigorously, the weight of her command pressing down on him.

"Prepare him well, and he may even surpass your rival. Speak of this to no one. If you do..." Her aura darkened further, becoming a suffocating force. "...you will learn the true meaning of domination."

The conversation had occurred in the span of a second, thanks to thought acceleration. In the real world, time resumed. Issei blinked, feeling like something was off, but as he turned back toward Roxanne's mansion, he saw her already closing the door. Shrugging it off, he headed home, unaware that his night of sleep was about to be interrupted by Ddraig, who had suddenly decided to take his training far more seriously. Not that the dragon was scared or anything—certainly not of that woman. No, definitely not.

When Roxanne stepped inside her mansion, she was greeted by Luciana, her ever-loyal maid. Roxanne smiled at her. "Did you wait long for me?"

Luciana shook her head. "No, Mistress. I just returned after dealing with some stray devils, fallen angels, and exorcists."

Roxanne tilted her head curiously. "How bad was it for you to come back this late?"

Luciana sighed. "Mistress, some strays had been hiding in this town for almost a year, doing shady business. I had to put in extra effort to clean them up."

Roxanne blinked in disbelief. "You mean to say strays were hiding in plain sight, undetected, for that long?"

Luciana nodded. Roxanne rubbed her forehead in frustration. "Jeez, I knew the town was managed poorly, but this...?"

Luciana remained silent, but Roxanne could sense her agreement.

Roxanne sighed again before perking up slightly. "Hey, want to play some video games?"

Luciana nodded, but added, "Alright, Mistress, but remember—you have school tomorrow."

Roxanne waved her off with a grin. "Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine." Clearly, she wasn't taking the warning seriously.

~ Time skip Tomorrow evening ~

In the Occult Research Club room, Rias and her peerage were gathered to welcome their guests from the Church—Irina and Xenovia. After returning home, Issei had informed Rias about their presence, and a meeting was arranged. Issei, Asia, and the others stood quietly in the background while Rias led the negotiations.

Xenovia stepped forward, introducing herself with a firm tone. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sister of the Crimson Satan. My name is Xenovia, wielder of the Holy Sword of Destruction—Excalibur Destruction." She revealed the sword, still wrapped in cloth, as she spoke.

Irina followed suit. "Hey, I'm Irina, wielder of the Holy Sword of Mimicry—Excalibur Mimic." She held up a sword that transformed from a bandage.

Rias remained composed, her tone regal. "It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Rias Gremory, heir to the House of Gremory. So, what do the followers of 'God' want from a devil like me?"

Irina didn't waste any time. "Out of the six swords under the Church's protection, three have been stolen by fallen angels."

Rias raised an eyebrow. "And what does that have to do with us?"

Xenovia's response was direct. "We don't want any interference from devils. This is a matter between the Church and the fallen angels."

Rias's aura flared in response. "Is that an accusation? Are you implying we are siding with the fallen?"

Xenovia met her gaze without flinching. "Aren't the Holy Swords detestable to you as well? Your intentions could align with theirs."

Rias's anger grew, her demonic energy surging further.

Xenovia pressed on. "If any of you interfere, we will annihilate you without mercy. Even if you are the sister of a Maou."

Rias ceased releasing her energy, her voice calm but firm. "If you know that much about me, then let me make something clear. There is no way I will align myself with fallen angels. I will never tarnish the name of the House of Gremory or the Satans. And let it be clear, I have no intention of siding with you either."

Xenovia nodded in understanding. "Of course. It is enough for us that you promise not to interfere in what happens in this town."

Rias nodded once more.

Xenovia and Irina rose from their seats. "Thank you for taking the time to listen to our request," Xenovia said politely.

Rias offered, "Won't you stay for some tea before you go?"

Xenovia declined quickly. "No, thank you. We're not here to make friends with devils." She turned to leave with Irina, but after a few steps, she stopped and looked at Asia. "I've been wondering... aren't you Asia Argento?"

Asia, startled, answered softly, "Yes."

Irina's memory clicked, and she added, "Oh, you're the former saint who turned into a witch, right?"

Asia nodded, her expression clouded with sadness.

Irina continued without remorse. "I heard you were banished from the Church because you healed fallen angels and devils. But I never thought you'd side with them."

Asia remained silent, her head bowed.

Xenovia's tone grew harsh. "To think a former saint has become a devil. You've really fallen to your lowest."

Tears welled in Asia's eyes, and Issei, seeing this, couldn't hold back. "Hey, that's enough!"

Xenovia ignored him, her focus on Asia. "Do you still believe in God?"

Irina, shocked by the question, interjected. "What are you asking, Xenovia? There's no way she has any faith left!"

Xenovia remained calm, unwavering. "I can tell when someone still has faith in God. And she's one of them."

Asia, her voice trembling but resolute, replied, "Yes. I still believe in God."

Xenovia's eyes sharpened as she pulled a dagger from her pouch. "If you truly have faith in God, then take this dagger and execute yourself. Even if you've sinned, God may forgive you."

At that moment, the tension in the room skyrocketed. Every member of the ORC was livid, and just as Issei was about to shout in anger, a bone-chilling laugh echoed through the room.

"My, my, isn't it amusing to see someone thrown away by the Church saying such things to a little naive saint."

Everyone turned in shock to see a raven perched on the branch near the window, speaking with a sarcastic tone. The raven casually lifted one of its wings, waving as it spoke. "Howdy! I'm just an audience member for your little play. Don't mind me. Carry on."

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