The ORC gathered in the clubroom. It is currently lunch break and they are entertaining a guest in the room.
“Rias-san, I have a favor to ask you. Will you allow me to borrow Hyodo Issei-kun?”
The one who asks, with a mighty attitude, is the captain of the tennis club, Abe Kiyome. She was the captain who agreed to let Rias and Sona use the tennis grounds for their battle (to get familiars) and she was also the person who helped Koneko during her heat.
"What for?"
“The truth is, my father will be returning from his travels. I want Hyodo-kun to help me.”
"Me?" Issei pointed to himself and looked incredulous.
“You are thinking that you have to help someone in need, correct?” Asia spoke to Issei in a gentle tone.
"Ah-Hai. Though I'm curious on what I can do to help."
“So what is this problem that requires Issei’s help?”
Rias asks Abe once again.
“My father is telling me to have a marriage meeting. I’m still a high school student. I told him that he is rushing it, but he won’t listen to me….. My father is someone who makes sure he, "follows through", once he has made a decision.”
Hearing her story, Kiba nods his head.
“I see. Abe-senpai comes from a monster tamer household, with an ancient and honorable origin. So your parents decided to choose your groom immediately right?”
“That’s exactly right. To be expected from Kiba-kun.”
Xenovia speaks to the box beside her.
“Gasper. She seems to be a monster
tamer. Don’t you think you are the most fitting to be her consultant, since you are a Vampire?”
“I don’t want tooo~! I won’t be of any useee~!” screamed Gasper from inside the box.
"Abe-senpai is a beast tamer, right?" Asia asked. "So it means she knows about the devils and supernatural?"
"It’s basically a secret to other students at our school that we, the members of the Occult Research Club, are Devils. Since Abe-san has a secret "under the table" agreement, she knows about our situation as a special privilege." replied Akeno.
"Aside from her, there are those in the elementary school, junior high school, high school, kindergarten, and university, that know about the existence of Devils." added Rias. "Though the majority of those are humans with special powers or those who come from households with special backgrounds. Like Archaea's for example."
Erin and the twins didn't notice when Archaea got mentioned. Most precisely, they weren't listening to the conversation at all. They discussed some topics which only they could understand.
Rias just left the trio to have a conversation on their own.
“So you want Issei, to interfere in your marriage meeting or something?”
Abe nods her head at Rias' words.
“Yes. I want Hyodo-kun to act as my boyfriend. I have already informed
my father that I have a lover and that I don’t want to have a marriage meeting. He told me that he is willing to cancel the marriage meeting, under certain conditions. I just need Hyodo-kun for that day."
"B-Boyfriend?" Asia looked shock for a moment then her mood dimmed down. "That's can't be.. I-I mean.."
Rias noticed Asia's struggle.
"Can't you look for somebody else to act as your boyfriend?"
"Well, then.. how about Kiba-kun?"
Laughter coming from the Royal trio grabbed the group's attention. The trio only stopped once all eyes were on them.
"Um.. Yes?" Erin said awkwardly, while trying to prevent herself from laughing. Tsubaki brought up another ridiculous thought which sent them laughing.
"We apologize, please go on." Azusa gracefully said. The trio went back on their talk but not before greeting Abe, who they didn't even notice in the room.
"Ara, I wonder what they are talking about." spoke Akeno with a giggle.
"Anyways.." Rias cleared her throat to focus on back on the conversation. "Yuuto, will you be fine with that?"
"Actually...." Abe's eyes glued on the Royal Trio's direction and she suddenly changed her mind. "I'll have Vermillion-chan act as my girlfriend instead. I just need her for that day and……. Arara, I feel like I'm suddenly receiving hostility now.”
Abe felt chills. When she looked around, the rest of the girls were glowering dangerously at her.
“Erin-senpai as her girlfriend…..?”
“That can’t be, even I still haven’t……”
“I won’t allow it!”
Koneko, Xenovia, and Irina said.
Akeno gave a fake smile but it was clear that she was displeased at what she heard.
"Ara, not to be rude, Abe-san. But since when did you start liking girls?"
"It's not like I like girls, but I'm also not homophobic or something." Abe replied cooly. "It's just that... I wanted to see father's shocked expression. I'm a little upset at him for setting me up in a marriage meeting without my knowledge. Father isn't homophobic or anything but I'm sure that he prefers if I end up with the opposite gender."
“Ara ara, bullying our Erin to accept your request won’t be allowed, you know?” replied Akeno. She and Abe had a glaring contest afterwards.
"Will Buchou also get mad? Buchou adores Erin as if she is a kitten, so maybe she would decline Abe-senpai's request?" Issei said to Kiba.
Unexpectedly, Rias puts her hand on her mouth and it seems that she is thinking. She also doesn’t appear to be angry.
"All right. I will accept that request, by receiving a price equal to it.”
All the club members were shocked at Rias' unexpected answer. Rias then called Erin's attention, and told her about the accepted request.
"I'm breaking off another engagement? Since when did I get involved in this..." question marks floated on Erin's mind as she glanced at Abe.
______________________________________
The next Saturday, the ORC were called over to Abe's home. It should have been enough with only Erin attending but the rest of the members volunteered to accompany her.
When they arrived at the residence, a giant western-style house welcomed them. The interior of the house is magnificent and there is a huge garden on the west wing.
Abe lives in the house, by herself, most of the time. Both her parents are famous monster tamers, who travel around the world for their work. When she thought her father had returned, after a long while, the matter of her engagement came up.
After walking the corridor, the ORC were guided to an indoor pool. They changed into swimsuits and swimwear that had been prepared for them, and headed towards the pool.
Abe urges us the group to the table by the pool side. When everyone gathered around the table, Abe explained the requirements needed to break off the marriage meeting.
“The requirements my father mentioned, are battle contests as monster tamers.”
“And what do you mean by that?”
When Rossweisse asked, Abe answers, using her fingers.
“A Battle of three matches using land, sea and sky monsters. If Vermillion-chan wins twice or more against my father, the marriage meeting will be cancelled.”
“Land, sea and sky you say…… Even if you say that, I’m not a monster tamer and I'm afraid that I'm not very adept on that one." Erin said.
While Erin was thinking, Abe points elsewhere.
“It’s not a problem. The monsters we would be using are already chosen. First of all, the land monster! Come out!”
“Hokyooooooon!”
A giant white gorilla appeared in front of the group. The gorilla is looking at Erin with passionate eyes.
“For the land battle it will be her, the Yuki-onna, Christie.”
“Maybe she hasn’t realised it, but her fur is brighter than the last time I saw her.”
Rias says, as if she finds the thought impressive.
“For the land battle I want Vermillion-chan to use Christie and battle against the monster my father would be using.” Abe said.
“I will call the sea monster next. It’s a mermaid.”
When Abe clicks her fingers, something starts to move in the pool in great speed.
“A mermaid! Are you serious!?” Erin's eyes glittered as she imagined the lovely creature.
“If you say mermaid, then their beautiful voice is remarkable.” spoke Akeno
*(SPLASH!)*
“This is the mermaid, Estleena.”
What Abe introduces to the group, is a massive fish with legs. It has the form of a tuna with legs.
“Gyogyogyo.”
"Gyogyogyo!? It has a voice which suits its appearance!?" Tsubaki uttered.
“What is this awkward creature!?” Azusa said in confusion.
“A mermaid.” responded Abe with a straight face.
"This is a mermaid!? Seriously!? You must be joking!?" Erin said in shock. “There’s no way, this thing, can perform a beautiful song. It’s a tuna!"
“How rude. Estleena, sing a song for them.” Abe asked the giant fish.
“Gyogyogyo~ Gyoso☆”
The mermaid starts singing something with a husky voice. To Erin, It only sounds like a cursed song.
"What’s a “Gyoso”!? The Royal Trio exclaimed in unison.
“It’s a cute song.”
Asia's eyes are sparkling which is contrary to the Royal Trio's defeated look.
*(Ding!)*
"N-No matter how I look at it, it’s a tuna with legs…… If I catch a thing like this while fishing, I would release it right away and pretend I didn’t see it..."
Erin broke down on the spot and the twins consoled her.
"Master! Don't worry! We also think that it’s so scary so if ever you catch it on the waters, we will help you release it!"
“…….There, there.” said Azusa as he patted Erin's back.
“Well, there seem to be mermaids that look like the ones in stories, but this is the typical one.” Abe informed as she sipped her black tea calmly.
“How is this the typical one? No matter how you think about it, it’s a creature which goes beyond our imagination." Erin said with a funny expression.
"Hey, the so-called Estleena-san is opening her mouth so painfully at the poolside while laying down." Issei informed.
“Gyogyo…..!”
“Arara, this is bad. She’s dehydrated. She would die, because she won’t be able to breathe when she comes up on land.”
“Then return her to the sea! Having her live in the depths of the sea would make both her and me happy!” replied Erin to Abe
A shadow approaches the group which had just returned the fish called Estleena to the pool.
“Ojou-sama. Your father will be arriving very soon.”
The one who appeared is a bird-like monster man, with a cockscomb on his head, a beak for his mouth and wings on his arms.
“Yes, I understand." Abe nods to the newcomer. "Oh, I still haven’t introduced him yet. He is my personal bodyguard who is also the sky monster, the bird man, Takahashi. He is also the one Vermillion-chan will be using.”
“Takahashi? He has a Japanese name like that? Where in Japan are there bird men like this?....." Issei questioned.
“Takahashi came from Kobe.”
“Strange. Bird men are supposed to be legendary monsters, that live on Easter Island…..”
Xenovia, who is quite knowledgeable about monsters, is tilting her neck and is confused.
“Oh, you must mean the Watanabe family. My ancestor returned to Japan and became Takahashi.” replied the bird-man. At his response, Xenovia got more confused.
“So you are the legendary Dragon who Ojou-sama requested for help….the woman who is possessed by the Blue Dragon?" the bird-man said to Erin.
"Fufufu, I see, you have a good look. I’m Takahashi. My name is Sky which stands for glittering sky. Let’s get along."
“Yes, let’s get along. Though I'm kind of frustrated on why I haven't seen bird-men and women roaming around the Japanese skies.. Maybe I just forgot." Erin racked her brain. No matter how she thought about it, she haven't seen the same bird-men as Takahashi during her Night Drives.
“Fufufu, It's fine. When I was young, I also had a special talent to forget things, when I took three steps.”
*(Ding!)*
“That just means you're a bird-brain! Though, you still look like you have a
bird’s head appearance wise! Also that isn’t a special talent! That’s your weak point, a weak point! It’s not even a good point!” Erin replied.
“Erin, do your best. We will also back you up."
Rias gives her a cheer but Erin still had her doubts. Aside from the funny monsters she will be using, Erin wondered on why Rias accepted Abe's request.
“Why did you accept Abe-senpai’s request this time?”
Rias smiles at the question.
“You know, I also had trouble with an engagement. That’s why, you know I was a bit…., yeah…”
"Oh.." Erin made a face of realization. "I understand. I will do my best to break this engagement."
“Yes, to be expected from my lovely Erin. And also...”
Rias strokes Erin's cheek. She also gives a warning while maintaining her smile.
“You can’t show improper intentions towards Abe Kiyome-san.”
Rias' smile had superb intensity behind it. Akeno went to Erin's side then whispers into her ear.
“Rias can tolerate, to a certain degree, the girls around her, but did you know she’s very strict with other people? Cheating on her won’t be good."
“Akeno, I can hear you.” Rias deapanned.
“Ara ara, so scary.”
Akeno hugged Erin and because she is wearing a swimsuit, Erin can feel her breasts directly on her skin.
"Well, I already know how possessive and jealous Rias could get. " Erin said which earned her a pinch on the cheek by Rias.
"And the same goes for you. You and Rias really are bestfriends..."
Akeno stuck her tongue out childishly at the words.
"But the two of you worry too much." Erin shrugged. "You know I have no plan to date Abe-senpai, right? In the first place, I was even confused on how I got this request."
Erin shot Rias a teasing glare.
"Geez, Rias. You really like painting me as the villain, huh? How many times do I have to ruin someone's engagement?"
Rias and Akeno laughed at this.
At the pool, the other members were having fun. The church trio, Issei, twins, and Kiba are playing with a ball.
Koneko, Rossweisse, and Gasper are floating while relaxing in swimming rings.
About an hour later, Takahashi, the bird-man, informed Abe about her father's arrival.
“Now then, I’m going to get ready to welcome my father.” said Abe.
______________________________________
The group went out to the garden after they changed back into their regular clothes. The sound of a horse could be heard from the gates and Abe's father appeared.
He is a man of large build, with a stern look. He’s riding on a large wagon, wearing a cape and a helm with a horn on it. His eyes glow sharply and a dangerous atmosphere surrounded him.
"So you're lover... is a girl?" Abe's father has a thick voice and it sounds intimidating.
"Yes, father. Is there a problem in that?" Abe stood firm. "Besides, you did say that I can date whoever I want."
Abe's father directed his glare at Erin.
"Kuh. If you are an insolent guy then I could have knocked you down with my punch right away. But you're not. So I just have to test how strong your relationship is with my daughter. And of course, if you pass my standards and is worthy enough for her."
“That’s right, Otou-sama. She is my girlfriend, Vermillion Erin-chan.” Abe clung to Erin's arm and her breast is pressed on Erin.
"Um-Yes. We are in a loving relationship."
Erin felt a mysterious pressure. She Iooked to the sides and saw Rias smiling, while wrapped in a red aura. Akeno is also smiling in a creepy way while being enveloped in a purple aura.
"T-They're mad at me?! Weren’t they
supposed to back me up!?"
“Very well. I will test you myself, to see whether or not you are fitting to become a groom- Er, in this case, a bride for the Abe family.”
Weird lightning flashes behind Abe's father. Then finally, the match began.
The first match is the land monster battle. There is a rectangular battlefield, created by making lines in the garden. The battle begins inside it.
“The one I will be sending first is this one. Come out!”
Abe's father summons a Snow Gorilla that is much bigger than Christie. The Gorilla's whole body is covered in scars and the aura coming from its body is extreme.
“Abe-senpai, that male yeti has amazing intensity…… Can Christie defeat it?”
Erin asks Abe but the girl shook her head.
"Then does this mean that this is an automatic win to the opposite side?" Erin became doubtful and Abe answers her clearly.
“That is Christie’s older sister, Stephanie.”
“…….Older sister? …….Stephanie? T..That Gorilla summoned by your father is a female?” Erin held an incredulous look.
“Yes, a maiden.”
“The referee will be me, Kiba Yuuto.”
Kiba is standing at the center of the field. He makes the two snow gorilla’s come inside the battlefield.
Abe's father and Erin stood at the edge of the field and they started the battle by giving orders from there.
“Begin!”
The land monster battle began at the same time as Kiba’s call.
“Stephanie! First do the drumming!”
“Hokyoooooon!”
The opponent gorilla started to hit her chest after the order given to her.
“The Yuki-onna’s drumming has the ability to increase its attack power." explained Abe's dad to Erin.
"Why are you explaining things to me- But thanks." Erin gave orders to Christie.
“Then we will also do the drumming Christie!”
“Uhohohohohoho!”
Ignoring the order, Christie suddenly started to run across the field.
"What is that girl doing!?" Erin uttered
"That is……Yuki-onna’s special technique, the snow-clone.” Koneko mutters.
As Erin looked on in bewilderment, Christie increased its number to two, then three, then four and seconds later, there are many gorillas on the field.
“Did you know that, Koneko-chan?”
Koneko gave an explanation to Akeno who asked her
“It’s a high level secret technique, which can only be attained by Yuki-onna that live in the Japanese Alps. They say clones can make different movements to that of the original self, once mastered.”
“Ngh! You are quite good! To do the snow-cloning while giving the order to do a drumming!” Abe's father started to groan.
*(Ding!)*
"That gorilla started to act on its own, going beyond my imagination! I don't even know what is happening right now!" Erin thought in bewilderment.
“Stephanie, we can’t lose either! Counter it with the “Freezing Beat-to-Death Stick”!
Stephanie throws a banana into the air after freezing it with her ice breath.
“Uho!”
Christie who has her eyes focused on the banana jumps into the sky together with her clones.
"So it reacted to the banana.. It can’t be helped since it’s a gorilla.." Azusa said.
"Yep. Just like how I can't get my eyes of my wolf meat." added Tsubaki.
"Wait, that’s the “Freezing Beat-to-death stick”!? It’s just a frozen banana!" Erin exclaimed.
Christie started to jump towards the banana. Her clones also disappeared and she was left defenseless. Without any hesitation, Stephanie tackles Christie’s body.
*(BOOGSH!)*
Christie, who received the tackle head-on, gets thrown outside the field and lands violently on the ground.
“……..To attack by using the frozen banana as bait, which is the favorite food for Yuki-onna. Normal Yuki-onna wouldn’t be able to resist and eat the banana on the spot. But it used that as an item. The opponent Yuki-onna who can overcome its greed towards the banana has been trained very well…..”
Koneko explained like a commentator.
"Huh? Was this girl always like
that?" Rossweisse mumbled to herself. The church trio also shared looks of wonder.
"Perhaps Koneko-chan is a secret fan of monster battles?"
“The winner, Stephanie! So the winner of the first match is Abe-senpai’s father.” declared Kiba.
“Fufufu. Absurd. I won’t be able to permit you dating my daughter at this rate.” Abe's father showed a fearless smile.
"Who said I'm dating her anywa- I mean, we'll see who the victor is!" Due to her annoyance at the unknown turn of events, Erin almost slipped-up.
“The next match will be the sea monster battle. The pool is going to be the stage. Now, I shall show all of you my monster.”
While lightning flashes, a giant fish-type monster appeared. It has the form of a shark with legs and it is the shark-version of Estleena, the mermaid with a tuna appearance.
"No matter how you think about it, the shark is stronger. Estleena is a tuna, after all." Erin face-palmed
But the shark shows no sign of movement. It’s just standing there while its mouth is wide open.
“……….........…...…”
Abe's father thinks it strange so he touches it to check it's condition. The shark dropped to the side and isn’t
responding.
“Ah, since it’s a shark it would die if it doesn’t continue to swim.” Abe's father concluded.
*(DING!)*
Erin was shocked at the stupid reaction of Abe's father.
Kiba approaches the shark, and confirms it's status. After a while, he shook his head and then declares.
“The winner of the second match is Erin.”
"Yey! Good job master!" spoke Tsubaki with a grin.
"Yeah! Go Erin!" Issei added
".................................."
Erin attained a victory which she cannot describe. She won without doing anything so she doesn't know how to respond to the words.
Incidentally, Estleena, who was also by the poolside, died from dehydration without anyone realizing it.
*(Aww. I feel bad for Estleena and the shark who died)*
And for the final match. The sky monster battle. The location of the match changed to a mountain with no signs of people. The ORC teleported using a magic-circle. The location is ideal because if it’s deep in the mountains, they can have the monsters fly as much as they want without caring about anyone seeing.
Abe's father and Erin are opposing each other on the surface, which has bumpy rocks.
“Both of us will do the sky battle while riding on top of the monsters. Alright?”
Abe's father prepared a large mysterious looking bird.
“Gyaaaaaaaon!”
"If we get poked by that large sharp beak, it will leave a big hole in our bodies!" Issei said in fright.
Erin was riding on Takahashi’s back. She is piggybacking and holding tight on Takahashi.
“Fufufu. It’s good weather. This wind, this feeling on my skin is definitely the one for a battle.” said Takahashi.
“Why do you have such high tension……? I on other hand want to go home quickly……” replied Erin
“You can say that I’m like a ‘weather vane’ right now!”
*(Ding!)*
"I don’t like this bird. I don’t get what he is saying and I want to punch him…… It pisses me off even more that his feathers feel good!"
Abe's father is already up in the sky with the ominous bird, while riding on his horse that is. So their formation is: The ominous bird carrying a giant horse which is also carrying Abe's father.
"That formation looks so abnormal and it has so much intensity! Does he like to be on top of a horse that much!?" Erin thought with a funny expression.
Kiba comes between them and shouts.
“Final match! Please begin!”
*(FLAP!)*
At the signal, the ominous bird goes up, into the sky very quickly.
“Takahashi-san, we also need to--”
“Uoooooooooooooo!”
Takahashi started to run on the ground swiftly while ignoring Erin's words.
“He….hey Takahashi-san!? Why are you running so speedily!? You are a bird man aren’t you!? You won’t be able to do a sky battle if you don’t fly!”
“Fu. I’m a bird man, but I'm from Nagoya. That means, I basically can't fly!” replied Takahashi boldly.
*(Double Ding!)*
“You can't fly?! And Wait, didn’t you tell us that you came from Kobe!?”
“Kobe is a large place after all!”
"Are the settings of your background all made up!? Also it’s a fraud that you can’t fly even though your name is Sky!” replied Erin in irritation.
“It’s not a fraud! And I'm from Nagoya!"
“I will roast you, bird bastaaaarrrd!”
“You have your guard down!”
While Takahashi and Erin were arguing, Abe's father who is on the ominous bird came rushing towards them.
“Oh!”
Takahashi dodges swiftly. Even though he can’t fly, he has good dodging skills.
“You are doing well! But it still isn’t enough!”
Abe's father gave some kind of order to the ominous bird. Then the ominous bird opened it's beak wide, releasing a huge fireball from its mouth.
*(DOOOOOOON! DOOOOON!)*
“If we get hit by that, I will actually become a Grilled chicken, hahahaha!”
“What are you laughing at, bird bastard! I will also end up being a roasted Dragon! So run I tell ya, run!”
Takahashi and Erin somehow escaped from the attacks. They hid behind a large rock and from their position, they couldn't be seen.
Erin looked out from behind the rock, and she saw Abe's father searching for her and Takahashi.
"It's only a matter of time until they find us.." Erin said while breathing hard. Takahashi mirrored her actions after being exhausted from dodging the fireballs. "We need to calm down and think how we should act, calmly."
“Yes! You have to be calm at times like this. There is a saying in my family. They say that if you take three steps forward and two steps back, you will have a clearer mind……"
Takahashi paused for a moment then showed a confused expression.
"Wait, what was I doing again? Where is this place? Who are you? You look like my relative Yoshida-san... Are you Yoshida-san?”
*(Triple Ding!)*
"Did his memory change!? Rather than having a clearer mind, they were deleted! He's an absolute birdbrain! Also, who is Yoshida!? Does he/she look like me!? Do I look like a bird guy?"
Erin covered her face with her hands, and groaned.
“By the way Yoshida-san, where is this place?” asked the bird bastard, who is looking around the place.
While Erin was in a state of giving up, a box appeared in her line of sight. When she opened the box, Gasper was sitting inside.
“H-Hello...” said Gasper timidly.
“Oh, Gasper! Why are you here?”
“Y…Yes, I was sent here. B….Buchou said she wants me to help Erin-senpai who is in danger……..”
"Most likely, Rias and the others sent me this “useful item” using a small
magic-circle." Erin mused. She then faced Gasper and smiled.
“You are really being useful lately. Just how convenient are you.”
“I…I’m not really sure what is going on, but I will do my best~.”
A letter is attached to the box which has Rias' name on it. Erin reads the content of the letter. It says:
"To my lovely Erin,
Do your best. I believe that you will win -Love, Rias ♡"
Erin tries to find Rias from the rocky area. She eventually found her and the other club members in a high location.
"Ah, as I thought, Rias sure is amazing! She trusts me no matter what!" Erin shed tears of joy. Aside from being moved by the letter, she was glad that Rias wasn't mad at the earlier acting scene with Abe.
“Takahashi-san!” Erin called out
“What is it Yoshida-san?”
“Wave your hands at that ominous bird after leaving this rock.”
“I don’t really get it, but there is no reason for me to decline Yoshida-san’s request. Heeey!”
Takahashi went ahead without any second thoughts. He is found instantly and the ominous bird rushed towards him in great speed
"I’m sorry for using you as a bait, Takahashi-san!"
Erin shouted while lifting up “Gasper in the box”
“Gasper! That’s your target! Freeeeeze it!”
“Y-Yesssssssss~!”
*(FLASH!)*
A red light comes out from the box, and then the ominous bird carrying Abe's father stops its movement.
Abe's father and the ominous bird fall down. Below them is Takahashi, who experienced a memory loss again and was confused on where he is.
"Wait, it’s not frozen in the air even when it was stopped by Gasper’s power? Is it because Gasper’s power is changing, or is it because he couldn’t make that man and the ominous bird remain in the air?"
While Erin was thinking, Abe's father and the ominous bird crashed down on Takahashi. Takahashi's scream then echoed throughout the mountain.
________________________________________
From the mountain, everyone returned to Abe's house.
“It is my loss. Looks like I have to permit your relationship with my daughter…… I will cancel the engagement.”
Abe's father still seems like he isn’t convinced.
Takahashi who was in a critical condition after crashing with the ominous bird was healed with Asia’s healing power.
“It was fun today. I want to meet you again on the battlefield, Yoshii-san.”
The bird man asks for a handshake. Erin fake smiled and thought "Hehehe, I don’t want to see you ever again."
“Yeah. I’m sorry. Our Asia can’t heal bird brains. Also wasn’t it supposed to be Yoshida-san!? Actually that’s also wrong, my name is Vermillion!”
When Erin gave her farewell to the bird man, Abe appeared.
“Vermillion-chan. Thank you for today. Thanks to you, the engagement was cancelled.” Abe said shyly.
“No, I’m glad I was able to help you.”
“Even if it was a sudden request, I was really happy that you fought very seriously for m…my sake.”
Erin noticed that Abe wasn't acting her usual, prideful self.
"Maybe... maybe dating girls isn't so bad after all.. Perhaps I could make an exception.."
Abe looked at Erin with hopeful eyes and the latter started to become suspicious.
“If it’s okay with you, how about tonight we go for dinn--”
"Rias." Erin abruptly said once the red head appeared to the side. She then focused her attention back on Abe.
"I’m sorry. What was that again?”
Abe just smiled after taking a breath.
“Looks like there is no chance for me to win after all. It’s nothing.”
Erin made a small bow to the retreating Abe.
"Rias. The request was succesful. Thanks for your help earlier." Erin kissed Rias' cheeks and Rias smiled at this.
“I see. Looks like you accomplished the request safely.”
“Where is everyone?” Erin noticed that the club members were already gone. Even Tsubaki and Azusa didn't wait for her.
“Everyone went home at once, to take the prize received from Kiyome-san’s request. Items related to different types of monsters, which they would be taking back to the clubroom.”
"Is that so? I should have helped out as well."
Rias linked their arms and replied
“Now, lets go home together. Lets buy
some taiyaki on the way back so we
can eat it with everyone. Fufufu, looks like it will be a date to the taiyaki shop.”
Rias and Erin walked home after leaving Abe's house.
“I feel the happiest when I’m like this...” Rias muttered while hugging Erin's arm. The latter gazed at her in amusement and smiled.
"You told Azusa and Tsubaki to head home first, didn't you?"
"Eh? Did you say something?" Rias blinked innocently
"Oh come on." Erin rolled her eyes playfully. "Those two won't leave my sight unless needed. So instead of requesting them, it's more like- You ordered them to head home first."
Rias just winked cutely at the accusation.
“It’s a secret.”
Erin didn't know why, but Rias' smile looked amazingly cute at the moment. That alone made her tiredness disappear.
"I'm glad though." Erin softly said. "I love spending time with you."
Rias' smile brightened more and she happily nodded at the words.
"I also love it when I'm with you, Erin.."
- End of Chapter -