From now on, I will also continue to work hard as a member of the Hyoudou family!”
The three people who had formed a circle all turned around, and all three of them looked at me
“““That’s okay, right?”””
—Geez, the three of you really get along so well! “Ah—, I get it! Regardless of whether it’s Asia, Xenovia or Irina, I’LL MAKE ALL OF YOU HAPPY!”
Rias, Akeno-san, Asia, Xenovia, Irina! Since I’ve already confessed to all of you, I’ll be sure to make all of you happy! Hey, Azazel-sensei! I’ll make everyone happy! Because the only person who can achieve this is the current Sekiryuutei! Part 2
Although the inter-club competition had ended, the Tournament still continued—. After this, Sairaorg-san’s team and Cao Cao’s team faced off, while we and the Sitri team also battled — I had a rematch with Saji. This was how the first trimester of our third year passed. The preliminaries were reaching the tail-end, and all teams engaged in fiery battles in order to make it into the top sixteen. Tonight, the new match-ups would be announced, so we of the [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] team (Bina-shi was absent) all gathered in front of a television. Game combinations were announced one after the other — the match dates were already set, and ours were amidst them. We had also faced various teams that had a significant reputation…but we had managed to successfully squeeze ourselves into the final stages of the Tournament’s preliminaries. Just as these naïve thoughts floated across my mind, the next match-up blew all of that away. As those two names appeared on the television, the entire venue appeared to heat up. [Rias Gremory] team VS [Hakuryuukou of the Morning Star] Vali Lucifer team
—What! …So it’s finally come, Rias…and Vali are fighting! Even Xenovia spoke up when she saw this. “This! What kind of pairing is this!? Master Rias is actually going up against Vali Lucifer!”
The expression on Rossweisse-san’s face was also complex. “Normally speaking, Vali Lucifer’s team would have an advantage…but because Crom Cruach is present, it’s difficult to predict how things will turn out. Moreover, I have heard that Rias-san is also negotiating with a new candidate…”
A new candidate? Who is Rias planning to add into her team? It’s already pretty scary that she’s got Crom Cruach…. “Rias-sama is still negotiating that right now…. Although we live under the same roof, we’re still on opposing teams, so information like that can’t be freely exchanged.”
—Ravel said. I was also able to understand Rias’ reasons for hiding it, because there would be no point participating in the Tournament if we knew everything about each other’s candidates. It’s just that—. “Neither Rias nor Vali can afford to underestimate each other…”
I gulped as I said that. …It seemed as though it would be an unimaginable game. And then, the next game combination was displayed on the television. Irina cried out in surprise! “…Our team seems to have encountered an unbelievable group! ?”
[Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] Hyoudou Issei team VS [Pleasure of the Kings] Typhon, Apollon, Vidar alliance team
…I was lost for words. We had actually encountered that Vidar-san and Apollon-san’s team! “…We have god-class beings as our opponents!”
“Moreover, they’re one of the candidates that are predicted to win the Tournament!”
The expression on Ravel’s face clouded. The two next generation chief gods as well as the legendary King of Monsters…! Rossweisse-san said in astonishment. “The King of Monsters Typhon, the current chief god of Olympus Apollon…as well as current chief god of Asgard Vidar-sama…!”
Because she had come from the Norse mythology herself, she inevitably had some complex emotions about fighting against Vidar-san. Nakiri couldn’t help but laugh bitterly as well
“Hahaha, colour me impressed.”
—He hit his hand against his forehead. Ravel spoke to me with determination
“…Ise-sama, since we’re aiming for victory, they are one of the opponents that we are destined to meet. It’s just a matter of time.”
“Yeah, this is the most crucial match for our team.”
…Since we were aiming for victory, it was inevitable that we would have to fight against god-class beings. Up until now, we never had anything that could be considered good luck, but this should be normal. That’s right, this was exactly the kind of abnormal Tournament that allowed us to fight against god-class beings. Just as all of my team members felt more and more pressure, we heard a knock at the door. —Kaa-san opened the door and came in. “Huh, kaa-san? Is something the matter?”
“Ise, you have a guest. …I believe the guest is a Devil. They have horns on their head.”
…Horns? We all looked at each other and then went downstairs. Standing there was a beautiful woman with bright pink hair and horns on her head, Roygun Belphegor-san! W-Why is Roygun-san at my house!? Although she saw that all of us were astonished and speechless, Roygun-san didn’t seem to mind as she greeted us. “My deepest apologies for visiting so late at night. How are you, Sekiryuutei?”
“Roygun-san! W-What are you doing here?”
I spoke without much thought, but Roygun-san stepped out onto the porch and wordlessly snapped her fingers. The next instant, several magic circles appeared in the courtyard of my house, and several people draped in hoods and cloaks appeared. “W-What is this…! ?”
All of us became wary as I asked her that
“My peerage.”
Roygun-san swiftly answered me. …R-Roygun-san’s peerage huh. But why have they gathered at my house? Seeing my doubtful expression, Roygun-san spoke with a serious look
“This is a demonstration of our determination.”
In front of me, Roygun-san — kneeled down!? Quickly after that, all of her peerage members also kneeled down! “I, Roygun Belphegor and my peerage have come forward in the hopes of joining under the [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] Hyoudou Issei-sama’s command. At the same time, we implore you to allow us to join the [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] team—”
—What!? W-W-W-What is happening!? This is truly beyond all imagination! Roygun-san brought her peerage here, and not only does she want to become my subordinate, but she also wants to join my team! She’s the former second ranker of the Rating Games, so why has such an amazing person come over to me with no hesitation, what is going on…! I was already far too shocked to speak. Beside me, Ravel supressed her disbelief and feigned calmness as she asked Roygun-san
“Could I please know the reason—. Although you once used the [King] piece, aside from the abnormal Diehauser-sama, you are the strongest player in the Rating Games, Roygun-sama. Please allow me to hear the reason why you wish to join Ise-sama’s team.”
Roygun-san narrowed her eyes and slowly replied
“…To put it simply, I wish to stand upon the stage of the Rating Games once more. Although I had past misconduct, if you take the Rating Games away from me, then I…have nothing left. I am a Devil who lives only for the sake of that competition.