Even on weekends, we're grinding through exam prep.
We've turned a spare room near the living room into a study space, shelves packed with textbooks and reference materials—mostly for my high-class devil exam.
Rias, Kiba, and Akeno guide me as I scribble notes. Meanwhile, a gothic lolita girl stares at us from the corner: Ophis, munching on snacks Mom gave her.
It's been days since she arrived, but she just watches us silently. We told her and Kuroka's group not to disturb our studying, and they've complied—no trouble so far. Still, her constant gaze is... unsettling. Not that she's doing anything, but still.
Kuroka, Lefay, and Fenrir are playing in the indoor pool downstairs. We asked them to stay in the house. Lefay's fine, but Kuroka... I wouldn't be surprised if she sneaks out.
"Ise-sama, your scores in this section are still inconsistent," Ravel says, reviewing my practice sheet.
I've memorized the names and traits of the 72 Pillars, the rules for living in the human world, and how to protect surviving members of extinct houses—stuff I've picked up from watching Rias at work. Basic and slightly advanced questions? I've got those. But Underworld politics, economics, and territory governance? Those are tough. High-class devils manage their own lands, so it makes sense.
"With the exam so close, should we focus there?" I ask.
"Yes, but you're shaky in other areas too. Let's target your weak spots from here," Ravel says, flipping through pages.
She's thorough, pinpointing my struggles and explaining things clearly. Such a reliable girl.
"Koneko-chan, you okay?" Gasper asks.
"...I'm fine, Gasper-kun," Koneko replies with a smile.
She's feeling better today, joining us for midterm prep. Her cheeks are still slightly flushed, though. We've been avoiding each other to keep her condition in check. Even a touch could tip her instincts over reason, and I'd only make things worse. It's lonely not talking, but if she's enduring, so must I.
Asia stands and approaches Ophis. "Um, snacks alone aren't good. Here's some tea."
She hands Ophis a cup. Brave move, Asia!
Ophis silently takes it, sips, and Asia returns, smiling. "That was bold, Asia," I say.
"She doesn't seem that scary. Last night, she played cards with Miu, Irina, Ignis, and me."
"What!?" I look at Miu and Irina.
Irina flashes a confident V-sign. "Yup, I invited her. Played cards with the strongest dragon."
"It was fun," Miu adds.
"Right?" Irina grins.
These girls are unreal. Ophis didn't seem malicious during our talk, but... playing cards with her? That's next-level.
Wait. "Ignis was there too, right?"
"Yup," Irina confirms.
"Did she... do anything?"
"...Yeah," Miu says.
"Details, please."
"Uh, after cards, Ignis... groped Ophis's chest," Miu says.
"And ours too," Irina adds. "I nearly fell from grace."
I slump, exasperated. Ignis... I'm lecturing that goddess later. She's got no boundaries!
Kiba chuckles. "Ignis aside, the legendary Ouroboros is... different than expected."
Akeno nods. "Far from the dragon of chaos, infinity, and void."
The "Infinite" Dragon God, huh? She doesn't feel like it. When I heard she led the Khaos Brigade, I half-thought she was their mascot. Great Red feels more like a dragon god.
I glance at Ophis, still staring at me. What does she want from me?
Late at night, with the promotion exam nearing, I wrapped up studying and went to bed early. But a midnight bathroom trip interrupted my sleep.
On my way back, I sense something off upstairs. Curious, I climb the stairs and approach a slightly ajar door—Koneko's room. Inside, I see Kuroka.
Better mask my presence.
"Hmm♪ I knew right away Shirone was in heat. Desperate for that guy's genes, huh?" Kuroka teases.
"...That's none of your business, Nee-sama. Please leave," Koneko retorts.
"Come on, I could teach you how to seduce the Red Dragon Emperor♪"
Ugh, what's Kuroka up to? Teaching her that now is dangerous. If Koneko were normal, sure, but not like this. I don't want her learning that stuff now.
When should I step in? If I barge in, I might trigger her...
As I hesitate, Kuroka purrs, "Oh? A naughty dragon's spying on us~?"
Busted!? I hid my presence!
"You hid your aura, but nekomata can smell you♪" she says.
Right, Koneko's nose is sharp too. Since I'm caught, I walk in.
"Ise-senpai..." Koneko murmurs.
"Sorry to intrude, Koneko-chan. Kuroka, stop filling her head with ideas."
"What ideas~? Be specific," Kuroka teases.
"You know what I mean! Are you some perverted old man!?"
"That's harsh! I just came to check on Shirone. I knew she was in heat right away. It's a sister's duty♪" She winks cutely, but Koneko's expression hardens.
"She's super sensitive right now. Watch this—" Kuroka grabs Koneko's arm and pushes her toward me.
Koneko stumbles into my chest, her face twisting with longing, eyes misty. "...Nya... Senpai..." Her soft moan sends her tail wrapping around my arm.
"Even if she resists, one touch from her favorite guy makes her want to mate. Red Dragon Emperor, Shirone's dying to have your kids," Kuroka says.
I get it, but I can't put that burden on Koneko. I'd never let her die.
She's rubbing against me, her expression turning sultry as she tugs at my clothes—and hers! Her tiny chest is...!
"Ise-senpai... is my body not enough? Can't we... do it? I'm small, but I'm a girl. I can take you... I want your baby..."
Don't look at me like that! It's making things way too lively down there!
Calm down, Ise! If I give in, she could die. I have to hold back.
I grab her shoulders to steady her. "Koneko-chan—"
She stumbles, nearly falling. "Watch out!" I catch her just in time, relieved she didn't hit anything.
"Okay, Koneko-ch—"
Then I notice our position. Her face is inches from mine, breaths mingling, skin touching since she'd started undressing us both. I can hear her heartbeat.
She clings to me, pressing closer. "...I don't want to lose to that bird girl. I don't want Senpai taken... Even if I can't be your manager, I can satisfy you..."
Was she jealous of Ravel? I remember her saying something similar before a match. My bond with Ravel must've amplified her instincts during her heat.
I'm touched she cares so much, but...
"That's not right," I say.
"Senpai...?" She looks up, flushed.
I gently stroke her head. "You're not Ravel. You've got your own strengths. And I'd never use you just to satisfy myself."
I pause, then say firmly, "I'll only be with a girl when we're both ready. If I gave in now, you'd regret it later. I don't want that."
She's acting on instinct, not reason. It's not right.
Koneko looks down, whispering, "...Am I not good enough?"
"Not at all. But you're not ready. I don't want you to die or regret anything."
I pull her small frame into a tight, gentle hug. "This'll have to do for now. I'm holding back too, okay?"
"...Senpai..." Tears well in her eyes, but they seem clearer, like she's regaining control.
Kuroka speaks, impressed. "Wow, Red Dragon Emperor-chin. I thought you'd crumble, but you held strong. You've grown, huh?"
"Shut up," I mutter. She's not wrong, though.
Kuroka kneels, taps Koneko's neck, and her body jolts once before going limp. Kuroka eases her off me, laying her down.
"Sorry, Shirone. He's stronger-willed than I thought. Either way, you'd both die if you conceived now. If you really want it, wait until you can control it, like me." She looks at me. "Right, Red Dragon Emperor?"
"What?"
"I'm the better deal~"
"Huh?"
"Shirone's not ready, but I'm good to go. Wanna mate with me?"
"What!?" Not this again! She mentioned wanting a dragon's kid during the Loki incident, but now!?
Her body's insanely hot, and her chest feels amazing, but—
"No!" Koneko, despite her weakened state, forces herself up and clings to me protectively. "...He's my Senpai. I won't let Nee-sama have him!"
Her desperate cry hits me hard. She cares that much? I'm tearing up!
Kuroka, stunned, then smirks softly. "Well, well..."
A third voice cuts in. "Excuse me, black cat?"
Ravel's at the door.
"Oh, the Phoenix girl," Kuroka says.
Ravel storms over. "Koneko-san's unwell. If you do anything to her, even as her sister, I, her classmate, won't forgive you!"
Whoa! Ravel's standing up to Kuroka for Koneko! Their friendship shines through.
Kuroka, taken aback again, glances at Koneko. Her usual playful demeanor shifts to something softer. She heads for the door, whispering to me as she passes, "Thanks for caring about Shirone, Red Dragon Emperor-chin."
Her voice was gentle.
She adds, "Take care of our rare nekomata. Her kind's at risk♪" With a wave, she leaves.
...Deep down, she really cares about Koneko.
I smile at her retreating figure. She's awkward in her own way, huh?
"Is Koneko-san okay?" Ravel asks, concerned.
"Why're you here, Ravel?" I ask.
She blushes. "W_masks: I'm her classmate... and she looks after me since I'm new to Japan. I want her to recover quickly!"
Those two bicker a lot, but they're true friends.
"Sorry, you two..." Koneko apologizes.
Her flush is gone—she's back to normal.
"Let me check," I say.
"Okay."
I touch her cheek for a few seconds. No reaction. "How's your body?"
She checks herself, surprised. "...I'm normal."
"Her heat stopped?" Ravel gasps. "How?"
Kuroka must've used some technique.
"She's pretty awkward, huh?" I mutter.
"?" The girls look puzzled.
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