But, she wasn’t in her adult form, rather, it was the girl version of Ophis. Upon seeing that someone had arrived, Kunou also welcomed them. “Oh, Phis-dono! Have you returned from the shrine on the rooftop ?”
“Sunbathing, done.”
Oh, from time to time, Ophis goes to the miniature shrine that was built specifically for her on the rooftop. She really likes sunbathing up there. Everyone here also goes there occasionally to visit, and puts some money into the donation box. This is treated as pocket money for Ophis to spend. I looked at Ophis, and muttered quietly. “…I didn’t think that it was possible to revert back to this appearance.”
It was exactly as I said. In order to save me, Ophis’ figure and many other factors had been restricted, but…. Irina quietly told me
(This is a specially-made change that was done so that Kunou-san isn’t surprised. Also, I usually find this appearance to be more calming.) A change huh. A body transformation into a loli. Kunou would indeed be very surprised if she saw an adult version of Ophis. We were also more accustomed to her current appearance. Seeing Ophis and Lilith stand side by side — it was really hard not to laugh. Including Kunou, this was kawaii times three! “…Also, having Ophis and Lilith stand together like this makes it feel as though nothing is out of place.”
Just while I was in the midst of talking to myself as I watched this laughable scene, a magic communications circle next to Ravel’s ear was deployed. “Ara, it’s a message from the tournament’s coordinators.”
Oh, it’s a message from the tournament. “—Hmm. We were so immersed in our discussion that we even forget about the pairing.”
Ravel quickly took out a tablet, and then logged on to the organiser’s site. What was shown there was — the date of our next scheduled match, and our opponent. “…The opposing team for our next match has already been decided.”
We were all surprised upon seeing it! Ravel said
“—The team’s name is [Lightning]. An entry from the Grigori…and the [King] is Barakiel-sama. …This was the international tournament that all kinds of people had returned to compete in…! The incident that had occurred at this very moment in time finally allowed me to grasp an understanding of it; this kind of confrontation was even more realistic than I had expected! I didn’t think that I would be matched against someone we were familiar with so soon! We had encountered our first major obstacle. Part 2
After we confirmed our opponent for the next match, we went downstairs to lighten our mood. We happened to run into a familiar person speaking with Akeno-san in the living room on the first floor. The person who had come here was a well-built man — it was Barakiel-san! “…Ah, Barakiel-san!”
I never imagined that I would come face to face with the man himself right after reading the announcement! Barakiel-san also noticed me. “Hyoudou Issei-kun.”
Based on his tone of voice, it was evident that he knew that he would be facing us in the next match, and Akeno-san also seemed to know, and the atmosphere suddenly became quiet. I steadied my breathing, and then sat down on a nearby sofa. “Did you come to see Akeno-san?”
“Yes, there were a few things that I wanted to ask about university life. But, speaking of which—”
Barakiel-san dove straight into the main topic right after the greetings were over. “In the next match, my opponent will be you. Let’s both give it all we have. As a representative of the Grigori, I will do my best to enjoy this match.”
“Yes, I feel the same, I look forward to it.”
Both of us were passionate men, who also stood as the mutual leaders of our own teams, so our competitive spirit towards each other was naturally beginning to leak out. However, Akeno-san was looking at me and Barakiel-san alternately with a troubled expression. “Ara ara, Ise-kun actually has to compete against chichi-sama…I don’t know which side I should cheer for.”
Barakiel-san asked his own daughter with a hint of shyness. “…A-Akeno, if you could only cheer for one side…which side would you support?”
That was the facial expression of an expectant father! I couldn’t help thinking of the time when Barakiel-san cried at the graduation ceremony! As a parent, he was absolutely looking forward to hearing that his own adorable daughter was going to root for him! Akeno-san! Under such circumstances, you should cheer for your otou-san! I sent this suggestion to Akeno-san in my mind! Just think, if Akeno-san chooses me, then Barakiel-san will—. “That’s right, let me think…”
After Akeno-san seemed troubled for a moment, a mischievous smile emerged on her face, and she then pressed her body towards me — she tightly embraced me. “Of course, it’s Ise-kun ♪”
“……Uhh!”
It looked like Barakiel-san had taken a serious blow to his heart right in front of me! It had already gotten to the point that his eyeballs were popping out of his eye sockets, and several blue veins also emerged on his temple! Barakiel-san had become so angry that he couldn’t help trembling! His face was also unnervingly scary! With his finger pointed at me, he furiously shouted! “Argh, you! I definitely won’t lose to you in the match, you Oppai Dragooon!”
After saying that, Barakiel-san ran off in tears! …Aaaaahhh, my rapport with the opposing team’s leader has just collapsed right before the match! He’ll definitely come at me with 120% of his strength in the match! Upon seeing this, an impish smile appeared on Akeno-san’s face. “Ufufu, chichi-sama, you’re too adorable.”
Akeno-san, you’re making fun of your otou-san again…. However, Akeno-san suddenly revealed a sorrowful expression. “…But, in reality, my feelings are complicated. Regardless of whether it’s Ise-kun or chichi-sama, I want you both to win. But, since you’re opponents, a victor will have to be decided…. Although there is the possibility of a draw…neither Ise-kun nor chichi-sama wishes for this outcome.”
“Yeah, a winner will have to be decided since we’re competing against each other. A winner will need to be decided regardless of whether it’s Barakiel-san’s team, or Rias’ team…”
I gave a serious reply to Akeno-san. Since we were contenders, even if it was Barakiel-san, and even if it was a relative of Akeno-san, we still needed to win. If this wasn’t the case, I wouldn’t have any reason to form my own team. —Since I’ve decided to fight, I will aim for victory no matter what. This was our goal! Akeno-san’s face blushed slightly, and she continued to stare at me…. All of a sudden, Akeno-san said
“…Truly, I envy Rias. She has such a strong man who can say that he wants to stay together with her forever…”
Before Akeno-san could finish what she was saying, she said “It’s time for me to talk to Rias, I have to go.” and then exited the living room. I wonder if I should have said that to Akeno-san today. No, it isn’t a question of whether I should or not, it’s something that I must say. But it was somewhat disappointing that I couldn’t say it now…. …Akeno-san, in fact, I always—.