High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

"Phew!"

In the changing room of the grand bathhouse in my house's basement, I chugged a fruit milk. Post-bath refreshment hits different! A bathhouse in the basement? Still unreal. I'd lived in Alice's castle and stayed at Buchou's, so I'm used to luxury, but my own home turning into a mansion? Mind-blowing. Just a month ago, it was normal.

There's even an indoor pool on the second basement floor—great for my Renkan Keikikou water-running training. The girls swim there too when they feel like it.

The bathhouse has a fridge stocked with milk varieties. Rias insists, "In Japan, milk's the post-bath drink!" Her love for Japanese culture is intense. I switch drinks daily; Rias, Miu, and Irina are fruit milk fans, Akeno, Asia, and Koneko prefer plain, while Xenovia and Irina go for coffee milk.

Just finished training—feeling fresh now. Everyone's getting stronger, fast. I need to step up too. I've got untamed power, but no rush. I've known forever I lack talent. I'll grow at my pace.

Leaving the bathhouse, I noticed the grand hall's lights on. It's next to the bathhouse, perfect for movie nights or training. I was just practicing there.

Peeking through the open door, I saw Xenovia swinging a practice sword in training gear, focused.

"Issei?" she said, noticing me.

"Hey. Didn't mean to snoop; saw the lights."

I stepped inside. "Training?"

"Yeah, with the game coming up."

"You trained hard earlier too. Don't overdo it—overwork's no good."

Xenovia's been pushing lately, almost obsessively. She sparred with Kiba, but her haste left openings for counters.

"I'm… weaker than Kiba," she said, eyes steady.

True, Xenovia was stronger when we met, but Kiba's holy-demonic sword awakened his talent, flipping their ranks. It shows in training.

"In raw talent, Kiba's above me," she admitted, her eyes dimming, likely jealous as a fellow swordsman.

"Kiba's talent stands out, yeah," I said.

"More than yours?" she asked.

I nodded. "No one in Rias's peerage has less talent than me. I'm the least gifted."

Xenovia looked surprised. Come on, I've said this before! Am I that unconvincing?

"Talent can be surpassed with effort. But overdoing it's bad. Train hard, eat well, rest well—that's the fastest path. Take a break. Too much zeal, and your body won't keep up."

Hypocritical of me, considering my own insane overwork.

Xenovia thought, then smiled. "You're right. Overdoing it risks injury. I'll rest."

"Good. I'll train with you anytime, so don't push too hard, okay?"

"Really?"

"Of course. Why lie? I like hardworking people like you."

"Thanks, Issei."

She got it. But… her face reddened. What's up?

"Issei… do you, um, like me?" she asked.

My brain froze. "W-What? Why?"

"You said, 'I like you.'"

Wait! Misunderstanding alert! "I said I like hardworking people like you! What's with that interpretation!?"

"So… you like me, right? That's bold, Issei…"

She's not getting it! I like her, sure, but something's off! And why's she undressing!?

"I like you too, Issei. Mutual feelings mean… time to make a baby."

What!? That logic's insane! Here!? Now!?

"Wait! Are you serious!?"

"Of course. Or… is it my sweat? We'll get sweaty anyway, but if you mind, the bathhouse is next door. Or we could do it there."

The conversation's running away! If this keeps up, I'm battling Xenovia in the bathhouse! …Not a bad thought, but—

She grabbed my arm, dragging me back to the bathhouse. No way—she's serious!

Xenovia started stripping. Her breasts, glistening with sweat, bounced free.

Spurt! Nosebleed! Too erotic! How's she so bold in front of me!? This happened in the gym storage too!

Thank you, Xenovia!

She stood naked, fully exposed. "You're not undressing? I'll help."

No need—I can do it! Wait, that's not the point!

In a flash, she stripped me bare. What technique! Where'd she learn that!?

"You're ready," she said, eyeing me.

I covered myself, too late. "First time seeing a man's… it gets that big?" she mused.

Don't comment! You caused this! How'd we get here!?

"Now, to the bathhouse," she said, grabbing my hand and opening the door. Steam hit my skin, spiking my excitement.

Am I really doing this with Xenovia!?

"Xenovia-san… Issei-kun!?" Irina's voice rang out.

She was in the bath. Spurt! Another nosebleed. Irina's naked body—rare and stunning! Perfect figure, great chest! Brain-saved!

"Ugh… Irina's here? Unexpected," Xenovia muttered.

It's a bathhouse! Others use it too! She didn't think this through!

"Are you two… bathing?" Irina asked.

I was about to say yes to defuse, but Xenovia blurted, "No, we're about to make a baby."

Idiot! Why say that!?

"B-B-Baby!?" Irina stammered.

"It was unexpected you're here, but… wanna join us, Irina?"

What!? Don't drag Irina into this! Her brain's crashed!

Irina snapped back, screaming, "Ehhhhh!?"

Her cry echoed through the house, drawing everyone to the bathhouse.

I got a lecture from Rias and the others. Why just me!? But seeing Xenovia and Irina's breasts? Worth it.

Later, we all bathed together—another story.

[Azazel Side]

"Sorry for the call, Sirzechs. About Glasya-Labolas's heir's suspicious death and Diadora Astaroth's power surge…"

"They're connected, aren't they? Demons still face endless issues," Sirzechs sighed.

He's usually cheerful, but stress is piling up.

"No proof yet, but if Vali's warning holds, Diadora's…" I sighed. "We might need that plan."

Damn family events already have me down.

Sirzechs laughed through the magic circle. "Heard another Grigori exec got married, Azazel."

"Yeah, they're all rushing. Sneaky bastards, hooking up with other factions behind my back. Soon, I'll be the only single one!"

Sirzechs roared with laughter. Annoying.

"Settle down, Azazel. Want me to introduce someone?"

"Pass. I live for my hobbies. Women? Plenty out there!"

"Sure, sure. About the plan—faction leaders, including Michael, approved."

"Good. It's a prime chance to crush them."

"Have you told Issei? His power's key."

"Not yet. Telling him now risks the others finding out. I'll brief him last-minute to avoid leaks."

"But…"

"I get your concern. He'll be pissed, but he's level-headed. He'll understand with reason."

He'll still punch me for endangering his friends. I'll take it. If that's not enough—

"It's my plan, my responsibility. I'll handle it."

[Azazel Side Out]