Impossible.”
Crom Cruach didn’t expect that he would be rejected so quickly, and widened his eyes in surprise. “…Really? Then, what needs to be done for it to be possible?”
“Don’t know.”
“…Indeed.”
After speaking, Crom Cruach fell silent, and picked the egg up again. Ophis very curiously kept touching the egg. …H-How, what was going on in this puzzling situation…. The evil dragon appeared, challenged Ophis, was rejected, and then he accepted that…? Tannin-ossan found it very funny and laughed [Kukuku.]…. “You see, there’s nothing to worry about.”
…This, I don’t know what to say about it. I totally can’t understand what this evil dragon Crom Cruach is thinking! This guy’s way of thinking is even more difficult to understand than Ophis! —Speaking of which, Tannin-ossan was not surprised to see Ophis. “Ossan, you know Ophis….”
I wanted to confirm, then ossan immediately nodded. “Hmm. Maou-donotold me about it. I won’t tell anyone. Just knowing that the Dragon God is here with you, I can rest assured.”
That really is quite a relief. As much as possible, I didn’t want Ophis to come into contact with other things. She was very dangerous to begin with, so I didn’t want her to become any more conspicuous. Then Tannin-ossan began to talk about Crom Cruach. “…Crom Cruach’s eyes, they have seen too many things which have occurred in the human world. I also have not been sealed, and even now I continue to watch the world. I feel like I can understand his feelings. As the times change, human culture changes, good and evil change, accompanied by the change in devils…after watching this for years, even if you are a powerful dragon, your values will waver.”
…These words were quite convincing. In fact, it looks like Ophis has only had little contact with us, yet she has become like this now. …All those who are called dragons, perhaps the stronger they are, the purer they are. However, there are also those like Grendel, dragons who are rotten to their core. Tannin-ossan continued
“Anyway, Crom Cruach appears to be interested in my observations of dragons over time. There have been a lot of species of dragons which I’ve brought over. I’m sorry, Hyoudou Issei, members of the Gremory household, I hope that you don’t publicise this matter. I want to continue watching him for some time.”
…Perhaps Tannin-ossan wants to find something from this evil dragon. For even ossan to say this, one could guess that he hopes to get something out of it. Ossan was my mentor. After sharing such a bond, I wouldn’t doubt him. “I know. I trust you ossan. After all ossan, you’re the Dragon King that I think is ideal.”
Hearing what I just said, ossan timidly scratched his face. Rias followed by saying
“Understood. Please entrust the Spectre Dragon’s egg to us. If we find that there are any signs of decay then we’ll contact you straight away.”
Hearing what Rias said, ossan replied
“I’m very grateful.”
Like that, the unexpected visit was peacefully concluded. The location for the egg’s safekeeping was chosen to be the underground space below Kuoh town which was the most difficult to access. …However, just knowing that there’s hope for us to have a mutual understanding with evil dragons is an achievement. Although I think that this is mostly thanks to Tannin-ossan’s idea…. Even so, it’s possible to talk with Crom Cruach. I believe that it’s also possible for us to have a mutual understanding with the warriors of the Church’s rebellion. This event makes me have a strong feeling about it. A day later—. The showdown against the Church’s warriors was tomorrow. On this day, Xenovia was using one of the classrooms in the old school building, within which she was deciding what her Election Day speech would be about. After the discussion with the New Occult Research Club, Asia and I had somehow ended up at this classroom. “Um-, the reason I’m running in the Student Council Election is….”
Xenovia was slowly reading her speech, almost about to put it down. Irina and Kiryuu were next to her holding the speech in one hand as they discussed their opinions on it. “I think that, compared to the usual conventions, perhaps being a bit bold, using humour is also feasible.”
“I think that an action style would be even better than trying comedy. Prepare a target, and then Xenovia will slice it cleanly in half! It’s sure to catch people’s attention!”
…Kiryuu and Irina were both talking about something. Xenovia wasn’t paying any attention to them and simply stared at her speech. Asia also joined into their conversation, thus turning it into a decent election discussion. The main point of that day’s speech, the importance of commitment, a predetermined order to speak about things, everyone put in their best effort to contribute with their ideas. After most things had been settled, we took a break. I walked up to Kiryuu who was preparing tea, and spoke to her. “Hey, Kiryuu.”
“What, you’re so serious. It’s not really like you.”
I think that she already knows the truth right now, so I wanted to ask her. “…A devil is here at this school as the Student Council President, isn’t it a bit strange?”
The school at which a devil is the Student Council President—. That was Kuoh Acacdemy. The majority of students went about their daily lives not knowing a single thing about this. I suddenly wanted to know what Kiryuu thought after she had learned about the truth. After all, she was currently helping Xenovia in her campaign for Student Council President. This also means that the next President could possibly be a devil. Kiryuu sighed. “Speaking of which, you know, the existence of devils itself is something which defies common sense. Really, this magic stuff is way too exaggerated.”
That…was what was said. From what she said, it was certain that she was didn’t know what to say. Kiryuu held her chin with her fingers and after some thought she said
“But, that stuff…. There’s no reason why it can’t be possible right? There are one or two such schools yet Hanakai and Xenovia aren’t trying to confine or eat us, they’re not dictating the school, nor are they trying to lure us into darkness right? That being the case, isn’t there no difference between us and any other ordinary student? Humans and devils may be different species, but they quintessentially still follow the same principles and values as human society. We should say that we need to be stronger, or that we should be thankful. Anyway, perhaps the devils that are powerful in comparison to humans will come to protect us in a dire situation. I think that is highly possible.”
——. …So this is what she thought, what she just said…left me feeling amazed. Kiryuu continued. “In addition, both Xenovia and Asia are my friends. Even if I know about their identity, nothing has changed. At least I think so. Besides, I also thought that you never stopped being a pervert. This doesn’t matter, I will still continue here as a student.”
She must have said what she truly felt in her heart.