The ORC, Sona, Tsubaki Shinra, and the Heaven side (Sister Griselda and Joker Dulio) are having a meeting within the VIP room located on the highest floor of the Vermillion residence.
Everyone got immediately shocked after hearing the situation from Azazel who has his image displayed from the magic-circle.
“Rias and Kiba have been what!?”
Azazel nods at Erin's words.
"Yeah, apparently there was some kind of huge movement from the Tepes side. Both the Tepes and Carmilla, and the boundary line within their territory, have become covered in a state of confusion. You can presume that there was a coup d’état on the Tepes side. There’s a high chance that Rias and Kiba got mixed up in that. They have most likely been caught. I can’t contact Rias from over here. Isn’t it the same over there?"
Everyone became silent at Azazel's sudden report. Akeno tries to communicate with Rias by making a small magic-circle, but there is no response.
"According to the higher-ups on Carmilla’s side, apparently the one who lead the Tepes has been replaced after the coup d’état."
“That surely is an absurd thing going on over there." Erin remarked.
"……Right now, it seems like the Head of the House of Tepes, who is the King of the Tepes faction that favors men over women, escaped from his capital."
“……For the King of Tepes to flee alone proves that something has happened that would make him take that action.” Akeno muttered while twitching her eyebrows.
“Most likely the Khaos Brigade intervened due to the incident related to the Holy Grail. You can assume that the Tepes faction is being controlled by the Khaos Brigade from the shadows.” said Sona while putting her hand under her chin.
"Yeah, the Khaos Brigade must have helped them from behind the scenes. The Carmilla faction also shares the same opinion as me regarding this incident."
Azazel says that as if he is bored and continues.
"Originally, the Vampires that consist of both the Tepes and the Carmilla side avoided contact with other forces and managed their own domestic affairs. Because of that, there was a slight opening for the Khaos Brigade to slip themselves through. There’s at least one group in every force that is alienated from the current political power. After they heard the rumors of the Holy Grail, they must have used them to consume their power from the shadows."
“So the current government didn’t get any help from the other forces even if they knew the actions of the extremists from the anti-government group..." Rossweisse said.
"This must be the result of those who position themselves high and put their pride as their priority. They didn’t want to seek for help even if they were to die. Or they didn’t want the existence of the Holy Grail leaking outside. Something along those lines I guess. Anyway, I’m concerned about the Tepes’ headquarters. I’m planning to head there from the Carmilla’s base."
Azazel's image looks around the group.
"Looks like I’ll be in need of all of you here. That’s why come here right now. We must investigate the movement of the Tepes faction while we reunite with Rias and Kiba. All of your strengths will definitely be needed. After all, there’ll be someone even more dangerous than the extremists from the anti-Tepes government involved in this."
All of the Occult Research Club members respond positively at the order.
"But we can’t concentrate our forces just over here. You guys were assaulted over there once already. It will be enough for just the Gremory group and Irina to come here. The Sitri group, Griselda, Joker, and “Slash Dog” Tobio should remain on standby over there."
Sister Griselda replies to Azazel's command.
“Understood. Dulio, I’m sorry for having you do this even though you just came to this town, but we’ll have you focus on defending here.”
Dulio then raises his hand.
“You know I can just head to the Tepes’s town and shut them inside by causing bad weather~.”
*(Smack!)*
“Are you trying to make the relations between Heaven and the Vampires
worse? Geez……” Sister Griselda spoke with a sigh.
"This side is certainly important, but that side is also important. Since we have several Longinus possessors, it’ll be better if we split them between both sides." Azazel said with a smile.
“Is there perhaps a Longinus possessor on our side over there?” Issei asked.
"Yeah, Vali has sneaked into the Vampire’s territory. Joker and Slash Dog will be over there while the Heavenly Dragons will be over here. It’s improper to say this at a time like this, but as a Sacred Gear maniac, I’m just filled with interest since this is just too gorgeous."
Sona raises her hands in question.
“This is a good occasion. Can you please take my two new servants too?”
“Bennia and Rugal-san?”
Sona nods at Erin's words.
“Yes, both of them are still inexperienced to battle as a Devil. Also there’s a high chance that their powers will become very handy for this incident."
Azazel puts his hand under his chin and shows a sign of approval by nodding his head.
"You’re right about that. Especially since Rugal seems like he would become an additional asset if something were to happen. If you’re planning to send him, then it’s not a bad thing……"
"I'm also bringing Tsubaki and Azusa with me. I mean, they have practically fought in battles with us before." Erin said to Azazel.
"That's right!" grinned Tsubaki while Azusa nodded.
Azazel released a small laugh before replying.
"Of course. You can just bring them anyway without permission."
He then looks at Ravel.
"You stay there Ravel. This incident will be too harsh for you to come along since you are a guest. Even if you are Erin's manager, we can’t have you come to a place where there may be terrorists hiding themselves. You can understand that, right?"
“Yes. I am indeed worried about this, but please leave the Vermillion residence and the Kuoh academy to me.”
Azazel looks around the group again.
"I’ll speak about the specific details once all of you get here. Alright, once all of you are prepared, teleport to this place. I’ll make a teleportation magic-circle for your arrival within the Carmilla’s side."
"HAI!"
_____________________________________
After the meeting was over, the members who would leave for Romania got separated to prepare for their leave. Erin placed the minimal things she will be needing inside a travelling bag.
*(Door Knocks!)*
“Oh, Saji. Did you come to send me off?”
Saji grins and nods in reply.
"Yes. I checked on Issei's room and decided to drop by here as well. May I come in?
"Sure."
Saji puts on a confused look after sitting on a chair.
“……For the Vampires to start a coup d’état. Seriously, lots of things sure do happen.”
“That’s what I just thought too. For this to happen while Rias is over there.”
“She went to ask about Gasper-kun’s secret right?”
“Yeah, though it seems like it’s not the right time now.”
Erin placed the last item she will be needing on her trip then faced Saji.
“Putting us aside, what’s going on with the Sitri group? For example Bennia and Rugal-san."
Saji speaks while resting his chin on his hand on the desk.
“In terms of the new formation, it’s almost completed. Well, something more important than that is actually happening within the Sitri group.”
“Hmm, what would that be?”
“The establishment of the school that Kaichou invested in. It’s decided that
it’s going to be built officially next time.”
"Oh, that one! The school for the Rating Game, right? I heard about that. It's amazing since any Devil can enrol regardless of Low-class or High-class status." replied Erin with a smile.
“Yeah, it is finally progressing. Even Boss Sairaorg helped out, that’s why the plan has made big progress, you know? We already started recruiting children regardless of their status, and we started to take in children with poor demonic powers as well. The parents already brought their children and are asking us to take them in.”
Even though Saji said that happily, the Goddess can't feel any energy in his words.
Saji continues while sighing and putting on a complicated expression.
“You know how I said my dream was to become a teacher? I started to feel scared since that dream will turn out to become a reality…… I’m skeptical if I can even become a proper teacher once that school gets built. They say that I can’t attain the licence to become a teacher over there until I become a Mid-class Devil. But I’m still a Low-class Devil……”
Saji narrows his eyes while resting his chin on his hand.
“Rather, I don’t even know what to teach the kids. Boss Sairaorg is in high spirits and is saying that he would be teaching martial arts to kids who have poor demonic powers. I......don’t know what to teach them…”
“We just started. Don’t become so negative.” replied Erin in sympathy.
Saji bows his head down.
“……Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry, lately I’ve been rushing things. Sorry for making you listen to weird and gloomy things. I must look pathetic.. acting so weak and saying gloomy words in front of a girl...."
Erin shook her head and patted Saji's back.
"……Saji, I can’t say things to you lightly, but be proud of your own strength. You have your own strength. Even I saw the areas I needed to improve on with the training with Dulio and Slash Dog. Everyone moves at their own pace and I'm sure you would eventually attain higher levels and improve your skills."
Erin put a thumbs up.
"And I’m glad I heard about the school. I'm certain you and the others would make a good teacher."
Saji's mood lifted and he released a bright smile.
“Yeah, come and check out the school with everyone next time! By the time you guys come to visit, the construction of the school would have progressed even more.”
“I’m looking forward to it... I’ll definitely come with everyone.”
“Yeah, so bring Rias-senpai back. And also find out about Gasper-kun’s power.”
“Yes, of course.” replied Erin with a small smile.
_____________________________________
The members that will be heading to Romania gather at the center of the
magic-circle located under the Vermillion residence.
Ravel, Sona, Saji, Sister Griselda, Kuroka, Le Fay, and Ophis came down to the basement to send them off.
The destination of the magic-circle will be within the Carmilla’s territory. Apparently, Azazel prepared a teleportation magic-circle in their territory so the members don’t have to go through the complicated route.
The members are dressed in a fashion where they are wearing warm clothing over their uniform. It’s apparently colder over Romania than the current Japan.
“Then we’ll be heading off.”
“Yes, we’ll be waiting to hear good news from you. Bennia, Rugal-san, I will entrust their support to you two.” said Sona.
"Roger that."
“……Sure.”
Bennia and Rugal replied back to Sona.
Ravel takes a step forward and puts on a worried face.
“Erin-sama……”
“Ravel, don’t worry. I’ll definitely come back with everyone."
“Do you have your handkerchief and tissue? You may be asked to sign a document or a signboard, so please keep a pen in your pocket. And please make sure you can use a breath care and toothbrush anytime. Teeth are important for celebrities! The Blue Dragon Empress has a hard schedule, so please use your time wisely. And also—”
Erin chuckled awkwardly while the twins shared a look in amusement.
"Ravel-san don't worry about it. We are looking after Master too!"
"That's right. We are also checking up on Lady Erin so rest assured."
“It’s fine! I’m fully prepared to go! You sure are a worrisome girl, Ravel……” spoke Erin.
Ravel passes the Goddess a single parcel.
“This is the Phoenix’s tear that was sent from Onii-sama. Apparently there are three of them inside. He sent it right away as soon as he found out you would be heading off to Romania, Erin-sama.”
“Eh, from……Raiser…… huh.” somehow, Erin couldn't help but feel that something is not right again.
"From that fried chicken?" Tsubaki blinked in curiosity.
"Hmm.. the gifts he is sending Lady Erin seems to be increasing lately.." Azusa mused.
"Exactly right! Shouldn’t he send these things to Rias? No, Rias isn’t here right now….. But why did he send it to me? I don’t know why, but why are the guys that I know trying to raise my impression of them……?"
Erin shakes her head then moves her gaze to Kuroka and Le Fay.
“Kuroka, Le Fay, I’ll leave this place to you. I hope you help Mom and Sebastian when emergency arises."
“Nyahaha♪ Well, I’ll protect this house at all costs just for you -nya.”
“Please say hello to Vali-sama and Onii-sama if you were to meet them over there.” said Le Fay with a smile while patting Fenrir beside her.
Erin nods her head then look towards Ophis. The Dragon-God has Rassei on her head.
“Erin, the Evil Dragons are persistent.”
Ophis somehow has a prediction that the group will encounter an Evil Dragon. The Goddess also have the same feeling.
“I know.”
The Goddess faced the other members and spoke in determination.
“Now then, the Occult Research Club will be heading to Romania!”
"Hai!"
The teleportation light of the magic-circle which Akeno is controlling, grows stronger and flashes. Afterwards, the group teleports to their destination.
- End of Chapter -