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"Well, basically that's how it is."
Using just one minute to clarify cause and effect, Serafall in the old school building living room proudly placed both hands on her hips with upturned face, humming.
"Simply put, starting today Ravel-chan is a Saikai Academy student. Incidentally, I helped Ravel handle enrollment procedures too. But because the school's really too large, plus unfamiliar with routes, finding our way took considerable effort. Otherwise we could've come cuddle with our Sona much earlier."
"Th-thank you very much, Leviathan-sama..."
Completely lacking her usual bossy eldest daughter airs when bossing around her brother at home, before Serafall, Ravel appeared extraordinarily docile.
But Rias remained completely baffled.
"Eh? Ravel's also coming to the mortal realm for school? Why?"
Made no sense whatsoever.
Her reason for coming to the mortal realm for school was initially to recruit servants and expand family influence. Just never expected that after meeting Bokue, she'd deviated increasingly off-course.
But why would Ravel run to the mortal realm? Surely not also to recruit servants?
This... though not looking down on anyone, obviously with Ravel's abilities she couldn't yet independently establish her own peerage forces, right?
Moreover, from her understanding of Ravel, the latter wasn't the type interested in competing for power.
"We don't know about that~"
Serafall spread her hands.
"After all, I'm just fulfilling the Phoenix family's request—bringing Ravel-chan along during this mortal realm trip. As for specific reasons, those are all Phoenix family internal decisions."
"I... see?"
Rias still looked somewhat suspiciously at the Phoenix girl standing at the living room entrance pinching her clothes corners somewhat shyly. Originally thought the latter would provide reasonable explanation.
However, reality was Ravel seemingly completely ignoring what she was saying. Still pinching her clothes corners with both hands, pale face flushing lightly, gaze occasionally glancing toward Bokue standing behind the sofa opposite... hmm?
Seemingly vaguely detecting something, Rias's eyebrow twitched lightly.
Though before she could speak tentatively, the young red-haired Maou standing in the living room center directed his gaze toward a certain magical girl at the entrance.
"By the way Serafall, it's getting late. Are the hotel arrangements we're staying at tonight finalized?"
"Of course~!"
Again placing her hand beside her face making scissors gesture in a (∠°ω°) pose.
"Don't underestimate my efficiency! Long before coming here I'd already handled all procedures. Oh right, this one's yours, Ravel..."
As Serafall spoke, she distributed one of the two remaining room cards to the golden-haired Phoenix girl beside her.
"Though enrollment procedures are done and theoretically you could live in dorms, it's almost evening now. Going to set up the dorm definitely won't make it in time. So tonight just stay at the hotel and rough it one night~"
"Th-thank you..."
Ravel carefully accepted the room card with thanks.
After distributing room cards, Serafall again happily hugged her sister before her.
"Then as for Sona-chan, come with your sister! We sisters haven't properly chatted together in so long. Perfect timing—tonight share a room and talk properly!"
"Not that long. Wasn't it just before summer vacation ended..."
Sona tried arguing with reason.
But Serafall had already covered her ears.
Meanwhile, Rias also raised questions.
"Wait, are you all staying at a hotel tonight, Mom?"
"Well, because that's more convenient for both sides."
Sirzechs smiled and waved his hand.
"I saw the photos you sent of the new place, Rias. Since all rooms are occupied, if we rashly stayed over you'd definitely need to clear rooms. That would be too troublesome."
"Plus, all girls live there. Me going over as a male would definitely be very inconvenient. So staying at a hotel directly is the best choice."
Mmm...
Rias fell silent.
After all, objectively speaking this was indeed correct. Rashly having Onii-sama stay over would instead easily create mutually inconvenient situations.
As they say, maintaining appropriate distance.
"Alright, we originally came today just to meet. Since it's already getting late, we should head to the hotel soon."
Sirzechs turned to make eye contact with Serafall.
Rias sitting behind the desk immediately stood upon hearing this.
"By the way Mom, which hotel are you staying at?"
"Let me see, it's called..."
Sirzechs pulled out his room card for a glance, then reported the hotel name on the card.
Hearing the hotel name, the red-haired girl relaxed slightly.
"Perfect—on our way home. If that's the case, I'll escort you all there too, Mom."
"Mmm, sure."
Sirzechs smiled in agreement, but his gaze fell on the young man behind the sofa.
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Scene switch—
As today's Occult Research Club activities ended early, Bokue and others were already walking home toward the Keystone Gate early.
Actually, if following usual practice, one teleportation spell would get him back. Including Rias and others too.
Though considering today they needed escorting Venelana and others to the hotel, they rarely experienced the joy of route to home.
The group emerging from the old school building walked mightily toward the school gate. Sirzechs quite naturally came beside Bokue, smiling as he greeted.
"Haven't seen each other for a while since that summer vacation time. How does managing your own territory feel?"
"Honestly, no particular feeling."
Bokue shook his head.
"No feeling? How come?"
This answer rather exceeded the red-haired Maou's expectations, making him raise his tone with a light hum.
As Maou Lucifer managing most of the Underworld, Sirzechs understood most clearly the experiential difference between pre and post-power.
Previously he only needed managing family internal matters. Now nearly the entire Underworld's various matters large and small required his final decisions.
Various mediations, communications, weighing pros and cons, choosing lesser evils, etc. Plus considering internal council influences, occasionally handling questioning from various elders...
Entire person busy daily like a spinning top. Undoubtedly exhausting.
Yet Bokue now said no feeling. How was that achieved?
Sirzechs felt quite curious.
"I only look at results."
Bokue shrugged.
"Leave professional matters to professionals. If they perform well, let them continue. If not, then get lost and die. That simple."
Like a certain First Primogenitor.
Since unable to properly manage his own subordinates, can't blame him for personally stepping in to discipline.
Only look at results... huh?
Sirzechs seriously pondered these four words internally, couldn't help gently shaking his head.
"Somehow feels like you're more Maou-like than me."
"What? Are you two exchanging governance insights?"
The young red-haired Maou's words just falling—beside them Venelana came to the two's side, covering her mouth with light laughter while blinking.
"Anyway, three words two sentences on the road won't explain clearly. If that's the case, how about tonight inviting Bokue to the hotel to sit down and chat properly?"
"Mom..."
Sirzechs smiled helplessly.
He'd wanted to say Bokue probably didn't have time. But considering his sister was still beside them, saying so might seem too explicit. So ultimately just smiled.
However, what Sirzechs didn't notice—the instant Venelana finished that sentence, Grayfia who'd originally been walking beside him suddenly slowed her steps slightly. From behind him, she made eye contact with the beautiful woman on his other side, exchanging glances.
Then her cheeks flushed slightly.
Looked like tonight again together with Venelana-sama being... mmm.
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