209.
...What is this?
I seemed to see Ophis for a moment, and her condition seemed very unusual. What on earth happened after I died? At least thousands of years have passed, so it's not a time to be taken lightly, but since I was dead during that time, I have no way of knowing.
I felt frustrated inside, and no answers came.
210.
It seems they're going to hold a three-way summit because of the Kokabiel incident.
Apparently, from the beginning, the populations of devils, angels, and fallen angels were so reduced by the rampage of Ophis in the past that they no longer have the capacity for war. I won't deny it, but isn't it a bit forced to say it's all because of Ophis? To be blunt, even without Ophis, you guys were always fighting and causing chaos among yourselves.
More than that, the current Four Great Satans are really different from the previous generation.
The previous generation Satans I knew would have been corpses if they lacked dignity and pride.
The current Satans could be said to be the exact opposite.
Even if it's a private gathering, I never thought they could be so free-spirited.
211.
It seems Issei met Azazel.
I hear he's interested in Sacred Gears, and his purpose was to lightly greet the current Red Dragon Emperor.
Well, isn't that too simple a matter?
After all, for better or worse, the current Governor of Grigori is Azazel. If he moved with such light thoughts, the Grigori organization would have been destroyed long ago. There are probably many other reasons mixed in that we don't know about.
More than that, you're the ones who killed my brother once.
How's your conscience?
212.
Leviathan is a magical girl???
Hey, devils.
Is this okay?
No matter how free-spirited you are, isn't that a bit much?
213.
It seems Issei received Ascalon from Michael and is being pursued by Akeno.
I hear she's in an affair position.
Adultery shrine maiden?
Well, anyway, his popular time has come.
"No, it's not something you can just say and end, right?"
"Then what?"
"No, I want to ask you instead! Lately, the President, Asia, and Akeno are suddenly pursuing me, isn't that weird? No matter how close the President and Akeno are in that way, or even if it's a cute junior position, isn't it strange somewhere?!"
Somewhat panicked.
And looking scared.
Is the person involved aware? No, if they were aware, they'd hide it, so the person involved must not have noticed.
Even excluding that, the progress is a bit groundbreaking.
Is it because they're devils?
Thinking it might explode if left alone, I remained silent for a moment and then asked.
"Are you scared?"
"!"
"Are you afraid?"
"W-what are you talking about being scared? They're all good people, right?"
"Then why that expression?"
"..."
At my words, he couldn't bring himself to continue speaking.
That was closer to ignoring than having nothing to say. Fortunately, it seems the person involved is somewhat guilty. It would be problematic if it remained as trauma and he ignored it, but at this level, it's not incurable.
"Well, your first girlfriend was like that. It wouldn't be strange if you avoided women."
"Ah, no, everyone is kind..."
"The answer from reason and the heart can be different. Just like how you usually act without thinking about the consequences and how you think with your head are different."
I lightly patted Issei's shoulder.
"I'm not telling you to do something right now. But if you want to sincerely respond too, it's better to have a little courage."
214.
I gathered the Occult Research Club members and asked them to give Issei some time.
Anyway, that fool is someone who was killed by his first girlfriend.
At my words, the female members' faces stiffened for a moment, then they sighed, saying they hadn't been considerate.
215.
Maybe because he became aware.
Issei became a bit awkward in treating the other members. Because both the person involved and others knew this, the atmosphere was微妙, but with his unique affinity, he somehow managed to smooth it over. Beyond this, others can't do anything.
The person involved has to handle it himself.
Well, good luck. Foolish little brother.
216.
The three-way summit arrived.
Though human, I was brought along as a reference person from the Kokabiel incident. The representatives of each faction began saying something, but most of it was useless talk, common political speech. Just as I was thinking it was a bit boring, Azazel straightforwardly proposed making peace.
Saying didn't they all come for that?
It's true, but coming out with that directly is quite difficult.
Especially when the highly suspicious Azazel said such a thing, everyone looked surprised. But that became the starting point, and everyone proposed making a peace agreement. Saying the three major forces no longer have the capacity for war.
But does that mean if you had the capacity, you'd do it?
I wanted to make such a retort but held back.
No need to pour cold water unnecessarily.
After the leaders of the three major forces finished talking, they asked the Sacred Gears that could sway the world what they thought of the current world.
The White Dragon Emperor answered that as long as he can fight, it's fine. A typical battle maniac.
The Red Dragon Emperor, Issei, seemed to say he doesn't know about the world, he just wants to live hard in the present. On top of that, he mentioned personal revenge against Azazel. That he was killed once and that Asia was put in danger.
It's a natural complaint for a Sacred Gear user.
"Isn't that natural as an organization? You actually had the Boosted Gear, a God-Destroying Tool. Well, whatever I say now would be deception and mockery. So, except for my neck, I'll compensate in my own way."
Azazel spoke while shrugging his shoulders.
At that brazen statement, Issei was dumbfounded, and I frowned.
"Hey."
"Huh? What is it, Red Dragon Emperor's brother?"
"According to your words, you'll grant almost anything except your neck?"
"Yeah, except my neck."
He seemed to be deliberately trying to provoke. I understood his intention, but I was dissatisfied and opened my mouth. At my words, the summit location stiffened for a moment.
"Then hand over the necks of fallen angel executive wives or children, you bastard."
"""""?!"""""
"I hear among fallen angel executives, many have married humans and had children."
"...Are you serious?"
Azazel's face stiffened.
I sneered.
"What's the problem? Aren't they humans you killed so lightly? They're not fallen angel executives, just 'mere' humans or half-breeds. If it can end well with their lives, isn't that what you should do as an 'organization'?"
At my words, Azazel's words were cut off.
The flaw in his own words was struck.
I grimaced and spoke.
"I know you're deliberately provoking or something, but if you're going to run your mouth, be careful. Anyway, on our side, a family member was killed once. As an organization? As the head of an organization? Then you should naturally accept my words just now, right?"
"...."
"Why no answer? I followed your tune."
As if annoyed, I leaned my back against the wall.
"Words like for the future, or further fighting is meaningless, sound good. But such words have meaning only when spoken by the victims at the very least, not by a perpetrator like you, Fallen Angel Governor."
"....That's quite a righteous argument that leaves me speechless."
I shook my head from side to side.
It's a bit astounding that those who don't know the weight of the world discuss the world.
"Ahem."
It was the moment Azazel cleared his throat.
Time stopped.
217.
It seems Gasper has been kidnapped.
Issei and Rias went out to rescue Gasper.
"Already here? This has become troublesome."
"What do you mean, Azazel?"
"It's an extension of what I said earlier. Why did I gather Sacred Gear users? I have my research purposes, but it was also to prepare. To deal with a terrorist group."
"Terrorist group?"
"Chaos Brigade... Our vice-governor, Shemhaza, got a lead."
At Azazel's continued words, everyone stiffened their expressions.
"It's the worst ideological group in history, led by Ophis, one of the Two Heavenly Dragon Gods, and the Ouroboros Cult under her command."