So, that's what happened. Mil-tan's beyond human—mastering just the basics of Renkan Keikikou and wiping out a mountain with a single move. I might've unleashed a monster.

Oh, the limited-edition Milky figurine Miu got as payment? It's displayed in my room. It's also a gift for my promotion, so I'll accept it gratefully.

We moved to the poolside table by the Hyoudou family's underground heated pool for a break from mage paperwork. I'm in swim trunks. Ravel's in a T-shirt over her swimsuit—her curves still stand out. Akeno's in a barely-there bikini, a feast for the eyes. Sona's in a cute one-piece—rare sight!

Sona: "You're the first man outside my family to see me like this, Issei-kun."

First guy, huh? Sorry, Saji! Please, no curses!

Bennia, the loli grim reaper, hides under the table. "This spot's the comfiest, yo." Weird kid.

In the pool, Xenovia and Irina are in a fierce swimming duel—demon vs. angel, splashing wildly.

Asia (cheering): "Go, both of you!"

Asia's in a cute school swimsuit. Adorable as always.

Nearby, Fafnir, the panty dragon king, soaks in the pool. "Asia-tan's swimsuit water… I wanna drink it all."

Pervert. On his head sits Ophis, with Rassei atop her—a dragon stack! Ophis claims they could challenge Great Red like this. Yeah, right—just three dragons piled up.

Issei: Ddraig, can't you do something about Fafnir?

Ddraig: "I see nothing."

He's dodging reality. I get it.

Reyna (bringing tea): "Here you go."

Reyna's in a yellow bikini with a pareo—stunning, though less revealing than Akeno's. Her waist is so slim.

Issei: "Thanks. Tough time with the mage selection, huh? You're busy too, watching Azazel and doing Grigori work."

Reyna (wry smile): "Mostly cleaning up after Azazel. He blows Grigori's budget on weird UFOs. It's exhausting."

Poor Reyna. Azazel's a handful.

Reyna: "But now? I'm free! This is my vacation!"

She's practically glowing—never seen her this excited.

Issei: "Anything I can do to help?"

Like strangling Azazel with the whole crew. Maybe add Tiamat for good measure—she's owed me plenty.

Reyna (blushing): "Well…"

Issei: "What's up? Name it."

Reyna: "Can I… sit on your lap?"

Like Koneko-chan, huh? "Sure, that's it?"

Reyna: "Seeing Koneko-chan and the others made me want to try."

First Koneko, then Ravel, now Reyna. What's with my lap? She sits, her soft skin against mine—smooth and warm. Fallen angels are built to charm, and Reyna's no exception.

I pat her head; her shy smile's adorable.

Akeno: "Oh, I'm jealous. My turn later, Issei-kun?"

Issei: "Sure, but is my lap that popular?"

Akeno: "Absolutely. Though Koneko-chan's too quick for me."

Koneko's a ninja with it.

Akeno: "Reyna-chan's getting bold lately."

Reyna flinches, blushing to her ears. We did go on a date recently…

After morning training, I'm soaking in the smaller family bath, not the grand one. Cozier, with hot spring powder—super civilian vibes. Suits me better than the mansion life.

Issei: "Maybe I'll stick with this bath for a while…"

Reyna (from outside): "Issei-kun? You in there?"

Issei: "Yeah, Reyna. I'm here."

Reyna: "Cool."

Issei: "Need the bath? I can get out—"

The door slides open. Reyna steps in.

Reyna: "Mind if I join?"

We've bathed together in the big bath, but this tiny one? First time. Her bare body—those bouncing curves—has me glued.

Issei: Uh, I'm staring hard. Eye candy overload.

She washes, slightly embarrassed, then slips into the tub, water spilling over. "Nice bath."

Issei: "You in this bath? Rare. I don't come here often either."

Reyna: "Was headed to the big one, but saw you here. Thought it'd be nice. Everyone's been bathing separately lately."

True—Miu, Alice, and I have been together a lot. Rias is off with the vampires, and the others are busy.

Since becoming my familiar, Miu's been clingier—not as a sister, but as a girl. Alice too. Those pleading eyes… I can't resist.

Reyna: "First time this close in a bath."

Her soft skin presses against me. Heavenly.

Reyna (red-faced): "Um, Issei-kun… it's… touching my butt."

Issei: "S-Sorry! It's got a mind of its own!"

Calm down, me! I'm mentally apologizing a hundred times.

Reyna: "I-I don't mind…"

She totally minds!

Reyna: "Anyway, I came here for a reason. I… want to ask something."

Issei: "What's up?"

Reyna: "Would you… go on a date with me?"

The next day, I'm at the station plaza by a statue, waiting for Reyna. Clear skies, warm for winter—perfect date weather. Thanks, Demon Lord!

Not God—I'd get a headache praying as a demon.

We're meeting here for the vibe, but also to redo our first disastrous date. Reyna runs up, waving.

Reyna (panting): "Sorry! Took too long getting ready!"

White knit dress, brown boots—cute and seasonal. Her thighs peek out just right.

Issei: "Just got here. Waiting for a girl's nice."

I check her out; she fidgets. "How's it look?"

Issei: "Cute. Suits you."

Reyna (relieved): "Good. Thanks."

Issei: "Let's go."

Reyna: "Lunch first?"

It's just past noon. "What do you want?"

Reyna: "There's a café Koneko-chan and I went to. Their sandwiches are great."

Issei: "Cool, let's roll."

I take her hand. She blushes but smiles, looking happy.

The café's retro, tucked in a quiet corner with few customers. Koneko and Reyna found it during their food hunts.

Master (60s, dandy): "Welcome, Reyna-chan. No Koneko-chan today?"

Reyna: "Hi, Master. Today it's…"

Master (grinning at me): "A date, huh? Nice catch, kid."

Issei: "Haha, thanks."

Master: "Reminds me of my youth. Young love, so vibrant!"

He's too friendly, launching into a story about his first kiss at dusk in a park.

Issei (inner panic): Stop! We didn't ask! Can we order!?

Reyna's listening intently. My stomach's growling!

A woman storms over, apron on, and pinches the Master's cheek. "Stop embarrassing yourself with old stories!"

Master (teary): "Ow, sorry!"

Lively place. The wife takes our order and leaves. The Master rubs his cheek. "That's my wife—my first love."

Issei: "From your story?"

Master (nodding): "Yup. She's got me whipped now, but no regrets." He puts hands on our shoulders. "Never let go of the one you love. As long as you care for each other, love lasts."

His words hit deep. Don't let go, huh?

The wife calls him again, and he scurries off. Lively couple.

After the café, we shop—clothes, accessories, even underwear. A fun day. On the way home, we stop at a park. The same one where Reyna, a fallen angel, threw a light spear at me while crying.

Reyna: "Thanks for indulging me today, Issei-kun."

Issei: "Had fun too."

Reyna: "You were surprised when I said I wanted a redo, right?"

Our first date ended badly—her crying, me nearly dying. Today's a re-enactment, not exact, but close.

Reyna: "Sorry. That day started it all—your involvement with us, the supernatural."

Issei: "Guess so."

I knew about demons at school, thanks to Ddraig, but meeting Reyna sparked my deeper ties to the Three Factions and mythologies.

Reyna: "If I hadn't done that, you wouldn't be in danger so often. I think about it sometimes."

Tears fall from her eyes. "I've wanted to apologize, but it's too late now… I'm sorry…"

I set down the shopping bags and wipe her tears. "No need to apologize. That start led to this life—Dad, Mom, Miu, Asia, Rias, the Occult Club living with us. Without you, I wouldn't have this chaotic, fun life."

Sure, my collection's been exposed, and I get grilled on eroge terms, but I'm content.

I hug her. "So don't apologize."

Reyna: "But…"

Issei: "Nope, no more. Keep going, and I'll do something drastic."

Reyna: "Changed your character?"

Issei: "For you, yeah. Don't want you crying. I'll switch it up if it helps."

Reyna: "A devilish one?"

Issei: "Not that! Ignis tried to make me a 'devilish master,' but this isn't that!"

Reyna (smiling): "Thanks, Issei-kun."

Her smile's back. Much better.

My phone rings—Mom. "Where are you? Dinner's soon."

Issei: "Already? Heading back. What's for dinner?"

Mom: "Curry. Retort, though."

Issei: "Retort!?"

Mom: "Kidding. Made it with Alice. Don't eat, and she'll dump you."

Issei: "Yeah, yeah."

Alice's curry—probably with tiny potatoes, but she's trying.

Reyna: "Your mom? What'd she say?"

Issei: "Curry tonight. It's dark; let's head back."

Reyna: "One thing first."

She faces me, serious, and places a hand on my chest, rising on her toes. Our lips meet briefly.

Reyna (stepping back): "I… love you, Issei-kun."

Her second confession, filled with feeling.

I take her hands. "I won't let go of this hand."

Reyna: "Okay…!"

Hand in hand, we head home.

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The battle isn't over... and the truth has yet to be revealed. Read the next chapter now on Patreon! [patreon.com/Greyhounds]