Time was running out, and Koneko-chan made a good pass to Asia. —There was no one marking her! It was the same as that time. If it’s Asia, then she can definitely do it—. But, as if she had been expecting this, Xenovia quickly dashed forward and stood in front of Asia! Asia got in position to shoot, and Xenovia moved into a firm defensive position in preparation to steal the ball. And then, just as she was about to shoot — Asia changed her momentum as she turned around to dribble. —It was a feint! Asia brushed past Xenovia! As she approached the hoop, Asia jumped up to throw the ball—. Xenovia was still stunned by Asia’s feint from before, but she immediately reacted and caught up—. “I won’t let you score, Asia! !”
“—No, we will win!”
In that instant, the ball was released from Asia’s hands—. “Aaah, in the end, we both won with the same number of points.”
I held the certificate that we had received for winning the inter-club competition as I walked with Asia on our way back home. At the time, because the score was even and neither side would back down even after an extended match, it became a penalty shootout. But, a winner had still not been decided after that, and because there was insufficient time, the result was a ‘double win due to equal score’. It might have been possible to end it with rock-paper-scissors, but we had already competed so hard in our attempt to determine a victor that it was likely pointless. The students who were spectating didn’t have any complaints either, they were highly enthusiastic and they seemed to really enjoy our match. Because Asia and I had a few errands to run, we returned home after our club activities. Asia said
“In this case, I’ll have some good news to tell Rias-oneesama.”
Although we had the same score, we were still winners. Rias would probably be delighted by it. But the resilience of Xenovia and the others was truly terrifying. Though of course, we didn’t give up either. Asia’s only desire until the very end was to obtain victory. As her club member, I couldn’t help but follow her lead. Like this, we continued to exchange our thoughts on the inter-club competition. When we walked through the park, we suddenly heard the sound of a young boy crying. As we walked over to take a look, we saw that it was a young boy who had fallen over on the ground, and he hugged his wounded knee as he cried. Asia quickly ran over to take a look at the boy’s knee. “Are you okay? Boys shouldn’t cry with a minor injury like this okay?”
—Hmm. Those words and this scene reminded me of that time. Indeed, a year ago, Asia and I had met under similar circumstances. Back then, Asia had also rushed over because a child had gotten injured. And after saying the same words, she used her Sacred Gear to heal the child’s wound. This time as well, Asia used the power of her Sacred Gear to heal the young boy’s injured knee. “Okay, it’s all gone now. You don’t have to worry anymore.”
Although the young boy was in disbelief that the pain had disappeared, he quickly bowed to show his appreciation. “Thank you, onee-chan!”
After saying that, the boy ran off. “Thank you, onee-chan huh.”
I repeated that as I recalled what Asia was like back then and laughed out loud. “Ufufu, I can clearly understand Japanese now.”
Indeed, you’re right. And then, Asia stood in front of me and said
“—Encountering Ise-san and everyone else is the most precious gift that God-sama has given to me.”
—. ……. …When we first met, Asia solemnly spoke about the circumstances surrounding her ability. She had already experienced many hardships up until that point. And since then, she obviously experienced an even more difficult year than before…the smile that Asia showed was more brilliant, and more beautiful than that time. And in that instant, I made up my mind. Haven’t I already waited for a long time? Can’t I tell her already? I gently held Asia’s shoulders as I said
“What I’m about to say next is something that I had already decided to tell you before…”
I took a pause. Can I really? Can I make Asia happy? That was what I had constantly been pondering over…. But, I made an oath. I was going to move forward together with Asia. To spend my life with her as a Devil with an almost-eternal life—. As I am right now, I definitely can—. After coming to this point, I finally had confidence. Even a little arrogance. A high-class Devil — I had already become a [King]. I had also allowed Asia to become one of my servants. Right now, I was definitely capable of allowing Asia Argento to live a happy life! So I should say it, I should tell her. I — have to tell Asia my own feelings! I faced Asia and resolutely said
“—Asia, will you stay by my side in the future? I will definitely make you happy.”
This was the proposal — that came from me. I want Asia…to stay by my side. I want to marry her! I want to be together with her always, for my entire life! After listening to my proposal, Asia began to let out large teardrops from her eyes. The expression on her face was filled with joy! “………Yes, please look after me from now on!”
Asia nodded as she accepted my proposal! —Yahoo! Asia said yes! I embraced Asia and loudly shouted out! “Let’s spend our lifetime togetheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!”
“Yes! Let’s be together forever!”
I held Asia in my arms even tighter as I savoured the moment of happiness! Ah, my Asia-chan! My future bride! I will definitely make you happy! With such a nice atmosphere going between us, we moved our faces closer together, and we were just about to kiss. And then they sprang out from the shadows. “Did you hear that, Irina! ?”
“Yeah, I heard it, Xenovia!”
With emotional tears streaming down their faces, Xenovia and Irina made their appearance. “Asia has finally become Ise’s future bride as well!”
“The three of us will be good brides!”
They displayed womanly tears which were somehow able to rival the intensity of manly tears! “Irina, Xenovia!? Y-You guys were watching! ?”
Hearing me ask that, Irina replied
“We just happened to see you two. And then we hid so that we could spy on you two. Sorry about that.”
We were seen! Seriously, I’m so embarrassed! Irina seemed touched, but she then spoke with a regretful tone
“But, this is truly the best proposal…! I feel regret…! I shouldn’t have followed Xenovia to propose as well! It would’ve been better if I had said that in a more romantic situation! To a girl, this is a once in a lifetime event!”
No one told you to follow Xenovia’s lead to say it as well! If I didn’t give a good response back then, I would’ve made a fool of myself! Xenovia pulled Asia away from my hands as she hugged her. “Very good! Asia! Anyway, the three of us have now become Ise’s brides!”
Irina also dashed over, and the three of them formed a circle. “Mmhmm! It sure is the best when the three of us are together!”
“Y-Yes!