Furthermore, I heard that the biggest achievement the Sitri group made was during the underattack of the Great King Bael’s castle which was ochestrated by the third ranking King of the Rating Game. I hear that it was not only the Great-King faction but also the Maou-faction gave them an applause. It’s rare to find an instance where both factions rate them positively at the same time. There are talks about promotions for those in our peerage so it’s not weird for Saji to get one as well. Saji then says it shyly. “……Tsubaki-san also got a talk about the promotion but I’m guessing the battles we fought as the part of D×D played the biggest role in this.”
Saji takes a big breath. He then asks me by looking directly at my eyes. “You……became my aim which has went too far ahead of me……but that’s why. I’m not sure whether I can fight you but show me your “game”. Wasn’t going wild in the Rating Game part of our aim too? Then as the peer [Pawn] of yours’, I want to stand on the same stage as you……I really do!”
———! ……I got words of manly passion from Saji from face to face who is my peer! Dammit! Vali. And you. I really do wonder why you guys always get to the point without saying it in a vague way! Then Saji cools himself and apologises. “……Sorry, I suddenly said something weird. Don’t take it seriously.”
However, he starts banging my chest with his fist. “……Eitherway, come no matter in what way. ———I don’t even think a bit that the match we had in the Underworld was my win at all. That’s why when we clash head on in the tournament I want to continue that fight. Both you and I are alot stronger than back then.”
Continue of that fight———
During Summer last year I had a bitter experience. The battle where it’s also hard for me to say that I won. I always thought about settling that score. I also bang on Saji’s chest with my fist. “Yeah, when that happens then let’s continue that fight. ———I always thought about beating you on the Rating Game’s battlefield.”
Those words naturally came out of my mouth. As if I’m participating in the tournament———
Saji confirms that and leaves. The two of us, Kunou and myself, that are left alone. Kunou then starts nodding her head. “So many passionate boys sure do come around Ise~!”
Yeah, you are exactly right. It feels like the important button inside me is about to turn on due to their heat. ———○●○———
And the day of my destiny———the day of my High-class promotion ceremony. I’m visting the Underworld together with the ORC members, Rias’s parents, and my parents. That’s right, my parents has finally entered the Underworld as well. Well, during the War of Evil Dragons they came to the hospital of the Underworld but that was due to emergency. This time they are here as my relatives since this will my ceremony. Ignoring my parents who are speechless at how huge the Gremory castle is, I proceed to do the final confirmation for the ceremony by doing another check with Rias in another room. ……I’ve been getting lectures and outlines of the ceremony at my house together with Rias and others since we heard the news about my promotion……but due to today being the actual day it’s possible that what I have learnt might have dissapeared from my head. In order to not embarass myself, I’m practicing in the ceremonial hall of the Gremory castle and am reconfirming the whole procedures of the ceremony with Rias. Rias stands in front of the altar at the ceremonial hall and teaches me. “———Maou-sama will read the certificate which he will give to you. You will need to reply to him the way I taught you. Next I will put on the crown on your head. This is the ritual where one from the peerage is being acknowledged as a [King]. And finally you will be moved to the stone where you will register yourself as a [King]. It’s okay to touch the stone after Maou-sama’s words. The ritual is pretty much over once you get to this point. Right? Simple, isn’t it?”
That’s what Rias says! I hear that so many people including the media will be coming to the ceremonial hall…… So I won’t be able to show the pathetic side of me! “Ugh, I’m so nervous.”
I’m already dressed up in my formal clothing. Likewise, Rias who will be appearing in the ritual is wearing her crimson dress. People will pay attention to us even on our way there so wearing formal dress is essential. The truth is those in our peerage, my comrades, are wearing formal dress as well. It’s a proper clothing which won’t look strange from anyone’s perspective. Well, Rias and I need to wear another formal dress for the ritual once we get there. So this isn’t our main dress. Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen Grayfia-san since we got here. Grayfia-san who is the only one that remained here in this world from her peerage. Each of the Maou-sama has left their [Queen] behind after thinking about the future of the Underworld and hence Grayfia-san remained here. ……I heard that she’s been doing her duty as a maid as usual but I haven’t seen her today. Except, Rias is really worried about her. [……I’m worried about Onee-sama.] ———As such, Rias has been speaking out her thought every now and then to me. I haven’t seen Grayfia-san since then. But from Rias who has seen her said that Grayfia-san hasn’t changed and is acting as usual even though Sirzechs-sama went to that side……
I have witnessed how Grayfia-san was holding onto Sirzechs-sama in tears just before he left. It’s natural that she was in that much shock. That is why I’m more worried about how she is acting in a calm behaviour like usual……
She may be hiding her emotions……but Rias who has been cared by her since she was a child is really worried about her. ……I hope she doesn’t faint afterwards due to anxiety……
“Rias-sama, Waka-sama, it is time.”
———The attendant informs us. It’s finally time! We will be getting on the train from the castle town’s station of the Gremory castle and head to the capital city, Lilith. We are in a strict guard while we are on the train. Obviously. The place we are heading to is full of crowds. There are many Devils consisting of civillians and those working in news broadcast team. “Hyoudou Issei-san, please tell us how you are feeling right now!”
“Will you be participating in the World Rating Game Tournament!? Sir Sairaorg Bael and Lady Sona Sitri that are the same youth as you have declared their intent on———”
There are countless flashes from the camera. There are also countless number of questions thrown at me from the media which passed my ears like noises. I was ordered not to say anything beforehand so I only have in mind about getting inside the train. And I finally sit on the seat inside the train. The train starts moving before long. I’m finally able to take a break. ……Aaaaaah, this is so tiring.