Days had passed since the wizard attack.

In my room, I reviewed wizard contract candidates while awaiting good news from Rias in Romania. Ravel explained the documents clearly, making it easy for my novice brain to follow. Invaluable help.

"Hmm, but…" I started.

"Yes, you're right. So…" Ravel nodded, agreeing where I was right, explaining where I wasn't.

She's a natural teacher.

After reviewing the papers, Ravel suggested, "Let's take a break."

I set the documents down, exhaling deeply.

The wizard files were tiring, but my mind was on Grendel and Eugrid Lucifugus.

Rias's Vlad family talks were progressing, so no worries there. She'd contact me if needed.

Grendel's miniature dragons—maybe not familiars, possibly embedded magic. Ignis seemed to know something but wasn't sharing yet.

Eugrid, the attack's mastermind, Grayfia's supposedly dead brother, caused an uproar among devil higher-ups. Lucifugus served the old Lucifer; Grayfia was thought to be the last survivor.

Now, Grayfia faced an inquisition, suspected of hiding Eugrid's survival. Absurd, but with him in Khaos Brigade, it's understandable. Devil leaders are touchy about Lucifer ties.

Akeno said Grayfia was shaken by Eugrid's reveal—hard to imagine her rattled.

"Thinking about Grayfia-sama?" Ravel asked.

"Yeah, obvious?" I replied.

"As your manager… and now your Bishop," she blushed.

Right, after the incident, Ravel became my familiar.

She accepted my invitation, contacted her mother (her temporary master), and we went to the Phoenix estate in the Underworld for the trade. Ravel became my second Bishop, alongside Miu.

"…Sorry," I muttered, covering my face.

That was the worst recruitment ever. Embarrassing!

Asking her to join while groping Miu and Alice? I deserve to be hated.

"N-No… I was shocked, but I forgot to knock…" Ravel stammered, blushing harder.

She looked so awkward then.

It's my fault, not hers. Sorry, Ravel.

"But I'm honored you invited me. I'll support you as your manager and familiar!" she declared.

What a great girl! I'm tearing up!

I grabbed her hand. "Thanks! I'll protect you forever!"

Anyone who messes with her gets crushed!

"F-Forever!? T-That's…" Ravel sputtered, steam rising from her face.

"You okay? You're steaming," I said.

"I-I'm f-fine!" she squeaked, biting her tongue.

Oh, I told Ravel about the otherworld, Ast Aade, and Miu and Alice's origins, like I did with Rias. She was shocked but accepted it quickly, citing Miu's magic: "Even Master MacGregor of the Golden Dawn never saw such spells. It makes sense if it's from another world."

Now she knows our secrets and accepts them. My high-class devil life restarts with her as my familiar!

Ravel smiled, recalling something. "I was surprised by Onii-sama then."

Yeah, that surprised me too.

▽

The day after my invitation, Ravel and I were at the Phoenix estate, jumping via her family's magic circle.

"Still huge," I muttered, eyeing the castle.

Gremory's was big, but Phoenix's rivals it. Do high-class devils need castles? Oppai Dragon cash is hefty, but this is another level.

The gate opened, and we entered. A few servants and a refined woman with updone hair and accessories approached—Ravel's mother, looking twenty-something despite her age, thanks to devil magic.

Young and beautiful!

"Welcome back, Ravel. And welcome, Issei Hyoudou," she greeted.

"Thanks for having me on short notice," I replied.

Last night's call led to this. Felt rushed, but…

"It's our pleasure," she said, glancing at Ravel, who blushed.

"Let's go inside," she invited.

▽

We sat in a sunroom overlooking a vast courtyard—more like a plaza. At a decorated round table, I faced Ravel's parents: Lord Phoenix, a jovial, bearded man, and his wife.

"Thanks for coming, Issei-kun. I've heard of your exploits. You saved Ravel from terrorists—my deepest gratitude," Lord Phoenix said.

"Ravel's someone I want to protect. We talk, laugh, eat together. It's been short, but she's family," I said.

Maybe that's just me, but…

Ravel's parents smirked, eyeing her. She shrank, blushing.

Did I say something wrong?

Anyway, to the point. "I'm here to make Ravel my familiar—"

"Agreed. Let's trade," Ravel's mother cut in.

That fast!?

I gaped. "Is that okay?"

"We wanted her to join you. It's her wish," she said.

"Mother!?" Ravel squeaked.

"She always spoke of you with sparkling eyes," Lord Phoenix added.

"Father!? Don't say that!" Ravel flailed.

Cute reaction. How's she been talking about me?

"Issei-kun, you have the Bishop piece?" Lady Phoenix asked.

"Right here," I said, pulling out an unused Bishop piece.

She stood, drawing a magic circle on the floor—a trade array.

"Let's do this quickly," she said.

We stood at the circle's edges, Ravel in the center. I held the Bishop piece. Her mother raised her hand, aura flaring. The circle's runes spun.

Ravel glowed, then me, then the piece. Our auras synced through the circle, linking me, Ravel, the piece, and her mother.

The glow faded, the circle vanished. Lady Phoenix picked up the piece, smiling. "The trade's complete. Ravel's your familiar."

That's it? Quick!

"Ravel, let's do this," I said.

"Of course! I'll serve you as manager and familiar!" she replied.

We shook hands. She's so reliable! I'll match her effort.

Lord Phoenix placed hands on our shoulders. "Ravel, support him. Issei-kun, take care of my daughter."

"Yes!" we answered.

Then—

"Issei-kun, about grandchildren. Boy or girl, either's fine…" Lord Phoenix started.

"What are you saying? The ceremony comes first. Let's plan it quickly—" Lady Phoenix added.

"Father! Mother! Too soon! At least wait until I graduate!" Ravel cried, teary-eyed.

Grandkids already!? They move fast!

My adults are always so hasty.

▽

Post-trade, we discussed Ravel's life and my plans. Her parents gave great advice for a novice devil.

Lord Phoenix snapped his fingers. "I have something for you."

A butler approached with a fancy box containing two vials.

"These are…" I began.

"Phoenix Tears. A belated gift for your high-class devil promotion," he said.

"These are too valuable…" I protested.

With terrorist attacks spiking demand, giving me two was huge.

"You fight on the front lines. Tears will help," he said.

"You've protected the Underworld from Khaos Brigade. Let us do this," Lady Phoenix added.

With Khaos Brigade stirring, Tears are handy. Ravel nodded too.

I accepted the box. "Thank you. I'll use them well."

"We expect great things from you both," Lord Phoenix said.

▽

We returned to the human world, reported the trade to Miu and Alice, and resumed wizard selection.

"Let's kick it up a notch!" Ravel declared, her small frame brimming with resolve.

A man approached—Raiser.

"Ravel, Issei. Trade's done?" he asked.

"You knew?" I replied.

"Father and Mother's joy when Ravel called was obvious," he grinned.

They'd long wanted Ravel as my familiar. I'm glad.

"They mentioned grandkids, right?" Raiser teased.

"You got me," I admitted.

"They're soft on Ravel, always wanting her happiness. Grandkids are their dream—your love's fruit," he said.

"L-Love's fruit? We'll wait until graduation," I stammered.

"Good answer. Got his word, Ravel," Raiser smirked.

"Stop teasing, Onii-sama!" Ravel huffed.

They're such great siblings.

I never imagined joking with Raiser like this back then. Or making Ravel my familiar.

Raiser's face turned serious. "I'm entrusting my sister to you. She's willful, but precious. Protect her."

He bowed slightly, shocking me and Ravel.

He really loves her. Despite his rough look, he's a family guy.

"I've got her. No one will make her cry again," I vowed.

"You better. Cry, and I burn you," he warned.

We bumped fists, grinning.

He's changed so much. Or maybe I misjudged him.

Either way, he's a great brother.

"Now, about Ravel—got time?" Raiser asked.

"Sure," I said.

"Good. Spar with me. I'm training hard now."

"Wanna test me?" I grinned.

"Exactly."

We sparred in the Phoenix family's private field. Raiser's power had surged—I struggled without armor. The immortal brother's leveled up.

Next Rating Game won't be easy.

But I'm fine with more rivals!

I'll win again!

-------------------------------------------

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