Chapter 26: Remembering What Matters

"Destroying Excalibur… You guys…" The president rubs her forehead, clearly displeased.

Koneko and I kneel before her, Saji before Sona, getting scolded.

"Saji, I didn't expect this from you," Sona says coldly.

Sona's anger is terrifying maybe scarier than the president's.

"Sona, wait! I planned this. Punish me instead," I plead.

"Even so, Saji chose to join. He'll face consequences," Sona replies.

My plea's shot down. But we did drag Saji into this.

As I try to argue, Saji stops me. "Don't worry, Hyoudou! I knew the risks and joined anyway. I'll take the punishment!"

Saji, you're a real man.

"Yuto's chasing Balpa with Irina and Xenovia?" the president asks.

"Yeah. They should handle Freed, but…" I trail off.

"If you say so, I trust it," she says, then turns to Koneko. "Koneko, why?"

"…I don't want Yuto-senpai to leave," Koneko murmurs.

The president sighs. "Do you realize the impact of what you've done?"

"Yes… Sorry, President," I say.

"…Sorry," Koneko echoes.

We knew our actions could shake the demon world. That's why we acted in secret.

Whack! Whack!

Saji's getting spanked by Sona infused with magic!

That's gotta hurt!

"You need to reflect. One thousand spanks!" Sona declares.

A thousand!? Brutal!

"Hyoudou, I'll endure!" Saji cries.

Hang in there! My butt aches just watching.

"Issei, Koneko," the president calls.

She's not spanking us too, is she? I brace myself.

She pulls us into a hug. "You idiots. Always making me worry. Especially you, Issei, acting alone. No matter how strong you are, don't be reckless."

Her gentle tone mirrors Koneko's earlier words. I feel guilty.

"Sorry, President."

"Now, Issei, show me your butt."

What!? After that!?

"It's a master's job to discipline her servant. One thousand spanks."

She smiles, gathering red aura in her hand.

"President!? Why the magic!?"

"I've kept up the training you taught me. This is part of it."

Training's great, but don't use me as your punching bag!

"Show me your butt."

"…Yes."

I give in and present my butt.

Damn it, Saji's enduring, so I will too!

My butt died that day.

By the time we get home, it's past 9 p.m. I limp, clutching my sore backside. Hard qigong might've helped, but it still would've hurt.

No contact from Kiba. He's probably too consumed by rage over Balpa. No fallen angel presence yet, so Freed and stray priests should be manageable for him, Irina, and Xenovia.

"I'm back!" I call.

"Welcome home," the president adds.

Asia and Miu peek from the living room, blushing.

"Welcome back, Issei-san, President!" Asia says.

"You're back!" Miu adds.

Why are they shy? The president notices too.

"Come on, show them!" Mom's voice rings out.

"Need a moment…" Miu mumbles.

Mom pushes them out. They're in aprons Asia in white, Miu in light blue, with cute frills.

But… there's a lot of skin showing.

No way. Naked aprons!?

Asia! Miu! Such glorious er, scandalous outfits!

"Kiryu from class taught us this is kitchen formalwear… Men like it…" Asia says, red-faced.

"Didn't know you skip underwear…" Miu adds, squirming.

I'm getting a nosebleed. Parts are practically see-through! Too erotic!

Kiryu, what did you teach my family!? They're to be protected!

But… thank you! What a sight!

Kiryu, you master of perversion. I bow to you.

"They're cute, right? I approve! Reminds me of my youth with your dad," Mom giggles.

Wait, Mom did this too!? I'm definitely their son genes don't lie!

"I see… They beat me to it," the president mutters, frustrated.

What's that about?

"Fine. If they're doing it, I will too. Mom, get me a naked apron!" she declares.

"Got it, Rias!" Mom leads her away.

President, don't compete!

"What do you think?" Miu asks.

I grip their shoulders, nosebleed flowing. "Perfect. You both look amazing. I'm moved. Thank you."

I'm recharged HP and MP maxed!

"Asia," I say.

"Yes?"

"If the church comes for you, I'll protect you. I'll drive them all away."

She's surprised, but I need to say this.

I stroke her hair. "Not just me everyone, the president, our friends, will protect you. Don't worry."

Asia hugs me. Her naked apron presses against me too much!

"I don't regret becoming a demon. You, Miu, the president, school friends, Mom, Dad you're all more important than my faith. I don't want to be alone again."

"We'll never leave you alone. We're together forever," I say.

Miu puts a hand on Asia's shoulder. "Big bro always keeps his promises. He's protected me. Trust him."

"Yes!" Asia smiles.

Her smile's the best.

Miu pokes my nose. "But don't be reckless. Kokabiel's dangerous, right?"

She knows!? I never told her about Kokabiel.

"How'd you know?"

Miu flinches. "Guh!"

Did she just say that out loud?

I told her about Kiba and the swords, but not Kokabiel.

"…That day you told me to go home, I eavesdropped on the clubroom with magic. Sorry…" She bows deeply.

I'm floored. No trace of magic that day. Miu's unreal Sirius's daughter for sure.

Time to scold her as her brother.

But then—

"Issei! I'm in a naked apron too!" the president appears.

Her apron's even skimpier, barely covering the essentials.

Another nosebleed. So erotic, President!

Is that even an apron!?

Who cares? Three gorgeous girls in naked aprons I'm in bliss.

Overwhelmed, I faint from blood loss.