"You saw it yourself. It's not that I don't want to return your [Sacred Gear]—it just refuses to leave me."
Jeanne Alter shrugged helplessly, clearly showing it had nothing to do with her.
"Honestly, it's not even that useful to me. I have countless weapons far better suited. Compared to that, powerful dragons are easier for me to command."
From Jeanne Alter's perspective, Azazel's method of turning a Dragon King into a [Sacred Gear] to strengthen himself was absurdly wasteful. Her [Dragon Witch EX] allowed her to command and empower dragons, a vastly superior method compared to Azazel's.
Azazel looked as if he'd swallowed a bug, clearly conflicted and lost for words.
"…Are you my natural enemy or something? Every time I see you, I end up miserable."
Azazel sighed as if giving up. "Fine. Since Fafnir is determined not to return, let him stay by your side. But since he's breaking our contract unilaterally, I'll reclaim what I gave as compensation. That's fair, right?"
"Very well. Since I'm at fault first, my pride isn't so thick-skinned—I'm not Ddraig, after all."
The gem embedded in the golden dagger flickered, and Fafnir's voice came through clearly.
Jeanne Alter glanced at Azazel, mildly surprised.
"You're giving up just like that?"
"What choice do I have? I can't exactly force Fafnir to cooperate if he's so determined to stay with you, even at the cost of breaking our contract."
Azazel sighed regretfully. "At least I recovered all the treasure I spent on him, plus penalties for breach of contract. And I still have my knowledge and experience from crafting artificial [Sacred Gears]. Given suitable materials, I can create another Gear at least equal to the [Down Fall Dragon Spear]. It's just unfortunate—it's rare to have a Dragon King willingly cooperate."
In terms of power, Dragon Kings rivaled Satans and the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels. Among them, Fafnir, the Golden Dragon, was relatively easygoing. Azazel had simply offered immense treasure to secure his cooperation.
"Still, even though this isn't the first time seeing it… it never ceases to amaze me how docile you make Fafnir. Your affinity with dragons is terrifyingly strong."
Azazel stroked his chin thoughtfully, eyeing the obedient golden dagger in Jeanne's hand and clicked his tongue. "Could it be that since God loathed dragons, you, as a witch who defies God, gained an abnormal affinity for dragons?"
"Huh? What did you say just now?"
Jeanne Alter frowned sharply. "'God loathed dragons'?"
"Oh, nothing."
A smug grin spread slowly across Azazel's face, as if silently mocking, "So, there are things even you don't know."
Jeanne Alter raised her hand, ready to teach Azazel an unforgettable lesson—but he quickly pointed behind her.
"Oh look, your friends are here."
Jeanne turned around to see Rias and the others approaching down the corridor.
"Jeanne-san, Asia—you two arrived already?"
When Jeanne glanced back at Azazel, he had already vanished. Jeanne rolled her eyes before turning her attention back to Rias, hands casually tucked into her pockets.
"Just got here. If you'd come a few seconds later, you might have seen me beat up a certain annoying bird."
Asia politely greeted everyone immediately, far more courteous than Jeanne.
Jeanne quickly scanned the group and noticed Koneko was missing.
"Where's Koneko? Why isn't she here?"
"Well… Koneko won't be attending this meeting," Rias explained. "Gasper still can't fully control his [Sacred Gear] and can't participate, so Koneko volunteered to stay behind with him. They're both in the clubroom."
"I see… Well, can't be helped."
...
When Jeanne and the others entered the meeting room, familiar faces were already seated around an extravagant round table. A tense silence blanketed the room, everyone wearing grave expressions.
Representing the devils were Sirzechs and Serafall, with Grayfia gracefully serving them tea.
Representing the angels were Michael and a female angel Jeanne didn't recognize.
Representing the fallen angels was Azazel, with Vali standing beside him. This was Jeanne's first glimpse of Vali's actual face—previously hidden beneath silver-white armor.
Jeanne could feel Asia nervously gripping her sleeve. Was meeting Michael, the leader of angels, really that intimidating?
"Thank you again for accepting our invitation and joining this meeting, Jeanne-san."
Michael offered a warm smile, gesturing gently. "Please, have a seat."
Only then did Jeanne realize there was still an empty chair at the table.
"There's even a seat for me?"
Surprise flickered briefly in Jeanne's eyes.
"Well, the meeting does concern you directly," Sirzechs explained warmly, "but more importantly—you've earned our respect through sheer strength alone."
As Sirzechs spoke, he threw a pointed glance at Azazel.
Clearly, "earned respect through sheer strength" referred to Jeanne's victory over Azazel.
Though their fight had ended abruptly due to Kokabiel's interference, both knew Jeanne would have won decisively if they'd continued. After all, Azazel's ultimate trump card had betrayed him at the critical moment.
Azazel managed a forced smile under Sirzechs's teasing gaze, his eye twitching slightly.
Jeanne scanned the others quickly, saw no objections, and casually sat down with Asia beside her, arrogantly crossing one leg over the other.
"Ahem! While I'm sure everyone already has a basic understanding, let me formally introduce you."
Sirzechs cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "This is Jeanne-san, who joins our meeting today as an observer. During Kokabiel's recent attack, it was Jeanne-san who thwarted his ambitions."
"I've already heard about it."
Michael inclined his head respectfully toward Jeanne. "Once again, thank you for your timely intervention. It prevented the situation from escalating further."
"Thank me? Not interrogate me?"
Jeanne fixed Michael with a penetrating stare, coldly amused. "I did confiscate five Holy Swords. Aren't you going to demand their return on behalf of your followers?"
"No. I have no intention of reclaiming them. We trust you'll handle those swords wisely."
Michael's flawless smile was unreadable, but Jeanne figured he was sincere. After all, she'd heard that angels easily fell due to accumulating impurities since God's death; lying would surely tarnish them quickly.
"Well, sorry for all the trouble Kokabiel caused you guys," Azazel interjected, though his casual tone completely lacked sincerity.
Rias's mouth twitched in irritation.
Although Rias and her group were deeply involved in the incident, they, like Sona Sitri's group, stood quietly on the sidelines now.
Seeing everyone gathered, Sirzechs spoke seriously. "Since everyone's here, let's confirm one crucial fact before beginning. Everyone present is aware of the critical taboo: that 'God no longer exists,' correct?"
After a heavy silence, Sirzechs continued smoothly.
"Then I'll take it everyone understands this point. Let's proceed."
With those words from Sirzechs, the official summit of the three factions began.
At first, they covered inconsequential topics. Jeanne ignored the dull conversation entirely, instead glancing up at Asia.
Standing quietly beside her, Asia was easily the weakest and most ordinary person here. Without her Sacred Gear, she'd just be a normal girl. This situation must be stressful for her.
Without a word, Jeanne gently took hold of Asia's ring finger, prompting Asia's surprised glance.
Keeping her head down, Jeanne quietly murmured, "If this is too much, we can leave right now."
Asia's eyes widened slightly. After a brief silence, she shook her head softly.
For my sake, Jeanne-san would even walk out of a meeting hosted by the leaders of the three factions… The warmth in Asia's heart swiftly banished her nervousness, her lips curling unconsciously into a gentle smile.
"…And that concludes my account of the events experienced by me, Rias Gremory, and my peerage."
Rias had just finished summarizing the incident. After hearing Sirzechs's gentle "Thank you," she stepped back quietly.
"Now, Azazel, after hearing her report, I'd like to know your stance as Governor-General of the Fallen Angels."
Sirzechs's words drew everyone's gaze onto Azazel.
"As I mentioned before, Kokabiel acted entirely on his own initiative. He doesn't represent all fallen angels."
Azazel shrugged helplessly. "Kokabiel's dead now, reduced to ashes by Jeanne-san. Isn't the matter concluded?"
Michael sighed gently. "Your explanation is extremely unsatisfactory. But I do believe you personally wish to avoid a major conflict. Is that true?"
"Yes. War doesn't interest me at all. In fact, I despise it. Only in peacetime can I pursue my hobbies freely. Kokabiel himself often criticized me for that. Surely your reports already note that?"
Though Azazel's words were accurate, the others clearly weren't fully satisfied.
Realizing their lack of trust, Azazel clicked his tongue impatiently.
"Tch! I thought you'd be better than God and the previous Satans. Turns out you're just as troublesome. Sneaking around isn't my style either… Fine, how about this—we sign a peace treaty. You were planning on proposing it anyway, right? Both angels and devils?"
Azazel's abrupt suggestion stunned everyone—everyone except Jeanne, who remained perfectly indifferent.
Sirzechs exchanged a glance with Michael; both smiled simultaneously.
"This is indeed surprising," Michael admitted openly. "Sirzechs-sama and I intended to propose peace, but we never imagined the Fallen Angels would take the initiative."
Sirzechs sighed, "Continued hostility is pointless. With God and the old Satans gone, our three factions are too depleted by war. For our races' survival, peace is essential."
"Exactly."
Azazel's gaze hardened seriously.
"If war breaks out again, all three factions will be annihilated."
The leaders' opinions aligned perfectly. Peace was now inevitable.
Next, Sirzechs consulted Vali and Issei, the current White Dragon Emperor and Red Dragon Emperor, knowing they represented major wildcards.
"As long as I can fight strong opponents, I'm satisfied," Vali answered bluntly.
Then, when it was Issei's turn—disaster struck.
Outside, the deep night sky suddenly turned ominously crimson. Everyone froze in place, immobilized as if petrified.
"Hmm… so this is what stopped time feels like."
Jeanne casually stroked her chin, glancing at the frozen figures. Meanwhile, Michael, Azazel, and Sirzechs quickly broke free.
"Witch-san woke before even us, huh?" Azazel chuckled dryly.
"Humph! I've simply dealt with 'time' a bit too often," Jeanne smirked confidently.
Because Jeanne held Asia's hand, she remained unaffected.
Soon after, Rias, Xenovia, Kiba, Issei, and Vali also regained mobility.