Issey
Buchou nods at Kiba's opinion.
"Yes, I also have the same opinion. First we will capture the gym. ...In terms of location, the opponent may have his [Rook] positioned there. Since it's inside a building, it would be better to use the [Rook] with destructive power over [Knight] with mobility."
...Wow, they started to talk about the strategy in a way that I don't understand! I should really payed attention to Alex when he was teaching us strategy instead of swallowing saliva while looking at Alex.
Well, I'll just follow the order! I just need to make sure that I don't cause any trouble for them.
"...Yuuto and Koneko, you two set a trap in the forest. Take another map with you and make sure you mark the places where you set the trap in. I will make a copy afterwards and hand it to everyone."
"Yes."
"...Roger."
Koneko-chan and Kiba leaves the room straight away and takes a map and a weird looking tool box with them.
Is that something Alex give them, It's my first time seeing that.
"Everyone else will be on standby until they finish setting up the trap. Oh, Akeno."
"Yes."
"After Yuuto and Koneko returns, can you cast illusions and mists around the forest and the sky? Obviously a trap that only reacts to Raiser's group. That's how the start of the match will be like, though it seems like this battle will become intense midway through it. So I'll leave the issue regarding the mists and the illusions to you, Akeno."
"I understand, Buchou."
•••
"You must be Alexander," Sirzechs said as soon as I teleported into the gallery.
Rias's rating game was about to start, and Grayfia had already begun the announcement. It was just like in the anime. But was it really necessary to drop me in front of Sirzechs, Grayfia? I thought mentally.
Even if I didn't like this, it wasn't as if I could continue to run. After this rating match was over, I still needed to meet him with Rias. And then there was Sona. From what Death said to me, Sona would be introducing her parents to me soon, but Sona hadn't mentioned anything about that topic. Considering I had been busy training Rias and her peerage, that was to be expected.
"Yes, I am," I said, pretending not to know who he was. "And you are?"
Technically, we had never seen each other, so there was no problem pretending to be ignorant.
"Oh, sorry, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Sirzechs Lucifer, Rias's brother," he said with a polite smile.
"Ah, the famous older brother," I replied, nodding. "I've heard a lot about you."
Sirzechs chuckled. "Good things, I hope."
"Mostly," I said with a smirk.
Sirzechs looked at me thoughtfully. "I've heard about your role in training Rias and her peerage. It seems you've made quite an impact."
"I've done what I can," I said modestly. "They've worked hard."
"Rias speaks highly of you," Sirzechs said. "She trusts you, and that's no small thing."
"She's a remarkable leader," I said. "She deserves the best support she can get."
Sirzechs nodded. "Indeed. I have high hopes for her in this match."
As we talked, I couldn't help but feel the weight of his scrutiny. Sirzechs was not just a doting brother; he was one of the most powerful devils in existence. His presence was imposing, yet his demeanor was warm and approachable.
"Tell me, Alexander," he said, his tone becoming more serious. "What are your intentions with Rias and Sona?"
I raised an eyebrow. "My intentions?"
"Yes," he said, his eyes piercing. "You seem to have formed close bonds with them. As their brother, and as a leader of the underworld, I need to know where you stand."
Ah, fuck, why does everyone need to know about my intentions?
"Nothing actually, I am just enjoying my life," I said, not sure if he would really accept that.
"Okay," Sirzechs said calmly.
"Seriously, you're going to accept such an excuse?" I said, incredulous.
"Well," Sirzechs began, "you did help Rias and solve many problems. And you even stepped out of the Rating Game after Riser's provocation."
I raised an eyebrow. "So, you're okay with me just enjoying my life?"
Sirzechs smiled slightly. "Actions speak louder than words. Your actions have shown that you care for Rias and her well-being. You've helped her grow stronger, and you've respected her choices. That tells me a lot about your character."
I relaxed a bit. "I see."
"However," Sirzechs continued, "enjoying life is fine, but be mindful of the responsibilities that come with forming close bonds with individuals of high standing. Rias and Sona are both influential in the underworld. Your relationship with them will have consequences, whether you intend it or not."
I nodded at him.
"Anyway, about the reward you asked. I heard from Grayfia that you wanted to go on a date with her, is that true?" Sirzechs asked.
"Yes," I confirmed.
"Are you sure, like 100%? You can't change your reward after you agree," Sirzechs said, his eyes unusually serious.
I met his gaze, "I'm sure," I said confidently. "I've thought it through."
Sirzechs sighed, a mix of amusement and resignation in his expression when he looked at me.
He looked like he pitied my fate. I didn't know why, but I felt that way.
"Very well. Just know that Grayfia is highly respected, and she has her own set of responsibilities. Don't take this lightly. And one more thing: if she comes to like you, then you should take responsibility and take her with you."
"Sirzechs, I feel like you're unusually excited about making her leave with me."
"Oh, nothing like that. You're just imagining it. And you can do whatever you want to make her fall for you."
I raised an eyebrow at him, unsure if he was joking or serious. "I'll keep that in mind," I said, a bit warily.
Sirzechs smiled, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Good luck, Alexander. You'll need it more than ever."
~~~
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