In any case, under Bokue's handling, Rias had completely eliminated any possibility of further emo episodes.
Thus time shifted—two days later. Still the demon realm capital, "Lilith."
According to prior arrangements, today marked the day other mythological factions would visit the demon realm for negotiations.
Precisely because of this, early that morning, Bokue departed from the Gremory household with the assembled girls—including Venelana and Grayfia—teleporting to Lilith.
Upon arrival, the entire demon realm capital was immersed in festive atmosphere—lanterns and decorations stretching from district entrances all the way to the palace.
Though the demon realm, in this aspect it differed little from the human world.
Their destination: the capital palace.
To demonstrate the demon realm's emphasis on allying with other mythological factions, today every single household among the 72 Pillar high-class devil families sent representatives—without exception, those possessing inheritance rights, either designated heirs or inheritance candidates.
Reportedly including House Astaroth—whose designated heir Bokue had directly sliced two days prior.
When Bokue's group crossed the city's central avenue reaching the palace, inside the specially ocean-themed decorated palace hall, nearly everyone had already gathered.
Beneath a dome reflecting sea-blue waves, at the hall's forefront, coral-shaped steps layered upward toward a shell-shaped platform at the summit.
Atop that platform, both Maou had already arrived—Sirzechs and Serafall—plus a certain Grigori Governor. The three seemed to be discussing something.
"Ah! It's Bokue-kun and Rias-chan... you're here!"
Whether sensing gazes from the distant hall entrance, Serafall—who'd been conversing with the other two moments earlier—almost reflexively redirected her attention. Spotting the newly-arrived Bokue's group, she immediately waved happily.
Then she actually ran straight down from the platform, weaving through crowds to rush before Bokue.
"Hehe~ two days apart—did you miss Onee-sama?"
"..."
Today's Maou girl wore her familiar magical girl outfit as always. Beautiful features paired with energetic twin-tails plus that idol-like, flawless sweet smile.
"I suppose. Though calculating actual time, we've only been apart a day and a half."
Speaking, Bokue raised his hand to rest atop Serafall's head, gently ruffling.
Logically, this represented tremendous disrespect toward a Maou.
Yet Serafall showed no resistance whatsoever—even squinting with an extremely pleased expression.
Like a thoroughly satisfied cat having its fur stroked.
Naturally, Serafall herself might not consider it problematic, but the same scene falling into surrounding observers' eyes proved quite different.
"Ahem!"
Noticing increasingly strange gazes directed their way, Rias couldn't help crossing her arms over her chest while clearing her throat lightly.
"Lady Serafall, hasn't the meeting officially started yet?"
"Mm, that's right~"
Turning her head from beneath the young man's hand, Serafall nodded gently.
"Sirzechs-chan just received word that Norse mythology will arrive shortly. Though shouldn't take too long. Anyway, wait briefly—grab some beverages to drink if you... hmm?"
Before finishing, Serafall's gaze—fixed on the red-haired girl's face—suddenly released a puzzled sound.
"Hey, Rias-chan, not sure if it's my imagination, but compared to two days ago, you seem somewhat different."
"Eh? R-really..."
For some reason, Rias—who should've appeared perfectly composed—suddenly seemed unnatural upon hearing this. Her voice began stuttering.
"Where... am I different?"
"Mm~ if you're really asking, can't pinpoint it immediately."
Serafall cupped her delicate chin, pursing her small mouth while examining carefully.
"Just feel like after these two days apart, Rias-chan somehow gives off a slightly... lewd vibe?"
"Do I..."
Rias stiffly averted her gaze, avoiding meeting Serafall's eyes.
Objectively speaking, Serafall wasn't wrong. Facts aligned exactly.
The reason: after that banquet ended and they'd returned home, her emo mental corner-trapping had resulted in Bokue thoroughly working her over until nearly dawn. Then immediately upon waking at daybreak, using "time's still early" as justification, he'd continued.
Afterward, barely emerging from the room at nine-thirty AM—missing breakfast entirely—she'd been pulled into the bathroom for bathing. Unfortunately attracting Kuroka and others to join, triggering another session.
Afternoon provided barely marginal rest. Then evening arrived with dinner followed by bathing—she'd specifically explained about getting mentally stuck yesterday causing bad mood. To celebrate, another session lasting until late night.
In summary: from that post-banquet evening onward, Rias's belly had never deflated.
The ultimate result: today before departing, she'd unusually applied extra foundation specifically to her cheeks. Otherwise, that abnormal flush couldn't be suppressed.
Oh no—accurately speaking, even extra foundation couldn't completely suppress it. Like now, Serafall had noticed.
Simultaneously, from behind outside the palace hall, a loud voice suddenly rang out.
"Welcoming Lord Odin—!"
Oh? Already here?
Hearing this voice, Bokue turned toward the rear.
Meanwhile, crowds previously gathered near the hall entrance parted toward both sides—clearing passage directly toward the distant platform.
After the announcement, an elderly, aged figure appeared at the hall entrance—leaning on a cane while stepping inward.
A white-haired, white-bearded, slightly frail old man. His left eye seemed covered due to blindness. Wearing deep blue robes—unfortunately not gray, otherwise this outfit would perfectly cosplay a certain melee mage.
Beside him followed a silver-haired Valkyrie with curvaceous figure.
"Yo-ho~ Old Man Odin, you've arrived! We were just discussing when you'd appear."
Serafall maintained her cheerful, lively demeanor. Seeing the arrival, she first raised her hand waving with a grin while greeting.
"Hehehe, my apologies, Lady Serafall. Despite rushing the entire way, still ended up slightly late."
Entering the hall, Odin stroked his beard while smiling in response toward Serafall.
He slowly approached, stopping before them. His beard-stroking motion simultaneously ceased as he lifted his head, carefully examining Bokue standing beside Serafall for a moment before suddenly exclaiming.
"Wait—I recognize your aura. Did you previously launch a light spear toward that First Primogenitor's Eastern European territory?"
"..."
Bokue felt somewhat caught off-guard by this opening line.
"What—does Norse want one too?"
"No no no, that's not what I meant..."
Odin waved his hands at light speed.
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