Finally, the weekend had arrived, and Tenraku was dragged out of bed early by Rias and Akeno. They got ready, had breakfast, and prepared to head out.
"Is everyone ready? Let's set off!"
"Okay!"
With Rias's command, the girls cheered and set off. Tenraku, still a bit sleep-deprived, couldn't quite grasp the women's enthusiasm for shopping. Nevertheless, he decided to go along, carrying Ophis with him.
As usual, the powerful group of girls drew the attention of countless passersby as they made their way to their destination— a department store not far from the Kamiya Family's residence. Rias and her group were frequent visitors here and often shopped at this location.
Numerous shops and boutiques lined the department store, and perhaps due to the weekend, the entire place was packed with people by the time Tenraku and the others arrived.
Although Tenraku rarely came here, he had some impressions of the place. He remembered that the last time Rias and President-Sama had a competition, this building served as the battleground.
"Rias."
"Sona."
Sitri Sona and her Peerage also appeared in the department store. It seemed that Rias had already arranged to meet them.
"Isn't this a bit excessive, you guys?"
Even Sitri Sona seemed somewhat at a loss when she saw Tenraku and the girls' lineup.
"It's a rare opportunity, and it's more fun when everyone's together."
As the planner of this shopping battle, Rias wore a satisfied expression.
"Alright, everyone, go pick out what you want. Akeno, Tenraku, and I will go buy some daily necessities for Ophis. We'll meet up here when we're done."
"Understood!"
Eager to start shopping, Irina and the others cheered and ran into the mall in small groups, each with their own preferences.
"Ophis, do you have anything you want?"
Since the main purpose of this outing was to purchase various daily necessities for Ophis, it was only natural to ask for her input. Rias inquired.
"Great Red's head."
With Ophis cradled in his arms like a teddy bear, Tenraku chuckled as Ophis responded while enjoying a lollipop.
"Cough, cough… How about we discuss such dangerous items later? Right now, we're shopping for everyday necessities."
"Everyday necessities, you know? Things like clothes and shoes."
Nearly choking on her words, Rias couldn't help but sweat.
"I don't know."
Without raising her head, Ophis replied with an air of arrogance.
"Ara, Ara, Rias, our Dragon God-Sama seems to be completely unaware of these common things. Let's take her shopping first and then ask if she likes anything."
Akeno couldn't resist patting Ophis's little head and chuckled.
"Ha… I suppose that's the way it has to be."
With a helpless expression, Rias accepted Akeno's suggestion.
With a direction in mind, Rias and Akeno began to shop in earnest within the mall, while Tenraku followed along, carrying Ophis like a portable smart device. Tenraku had no interest in shopping or anything of the sort; he was merely a bystander today.
Here and there, this was a selection of everyday necessities for the Dragon God-Sama. Rias and Akeno took great care in their choices. Clothes and shoes were a must, and they needed to purchase various toiletries as well.
Oh, and they had to buy a special bed for Ophis. Currently, Ophis and Le Fay shared a room, and they slept on the same large bed. Ophis didn't seem to mind, but it must have been quite stressful for Le Fay to sleep alongside the invincible Dragon God-sama.
Additionally, Le Fay had mentioned that Ophis simply lay quietly with her eyes open when she went to sleep at night. They weren't sure if Ophis could sleep with her eyes open or if she simply didn't need to sleep.
"Ophis, how does this bed feel? Do you like it?"
After selecting a delicate and soft small bed for Ophis, Rias, and Akeno asked for her opinion.
"Not bad," Ophis replied, her eyes fixed on the direction of the food court. Compared to the assorted daily necessities, Ophis was clearly more interested in the delicious food around her.
While it wasn't very close to the food court, ordinary people wouldn't be able to smell the fragrances from such a distance. However, a Dragon's sense of smell was incredibly keen, and Ophis's mind was likely already occupied by the various mouthwatering foods.
"Rias, Akeno, you two just watch over Ophis. I'll take her to eat something." Tenraku told the two girls with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"You go ahead."
Rias and Akeno exchanged glances, both wearing slightly helpless expressions. Whenever they asked Ophis if she liked something, all they got was a simple "not bad." She wasn't much help in making decisions, so they decided to let Tenraku handle it while they continued shopping for other daily necessities.
Rias and Akeno continued their shopping spree for Ophis, and Tenraku took Ophis to the food court. The air was filled with a variety of enticing aromas, and shops lined both sides of the square. There were stalls selling takoyaki, grilled fish balls, and bread and cookies of all kinds.
"Ophis, what do you want to eat?"
Tenraku patted Ophis's little head and asked.
"Everything."
Ophis glanced at the surrounding shops and replied. Her response showcased her supreme confidence, even in such mundane matters, and it brought a smile to Tenraku's face.
"Well, let's try everything then!"
With Ophis in his arms, Tenraku visited one shop after another on both sides of the square. He didn't carry much cash with him, but before leaving, Rias had given him a gold card.
Regardless of what they bought, all they had to do was swipe it. Tenraku didn't know how much money was on it, but he guessed that even if they emptied the entire mall, it wouldn't make a dent.
Several hours later…
"Ah… I can't eat another bite."
Sitting side by side with Ophis on chairs in the resting area, Tenraku patted his bloated stomach.
"Ophis, do you have a universe in your stomach?"
Tenraku couldn't help but marvel at her. They had eaten at every shop on both sides of the square. Tenraku had eaten less than one-tenth of what Ophis had consumed, yet he was already too full to continue.
However, Ophis's little belly remained flat as ever, and she continued to nibble on a skewer of grilled fish balls with gusto.
"I don't know. Do you want to see?"
Ophis raised her head and asked.
"No, never mind. I don't want to be eaten by you too."
Tenraku quickly shook his head. He certainly didn't want to foolishly suggest something that might result in Ophis swallowing him whole to see if her stomach contained a universe.
Well, that was a dark joke.
After Ophis finished her grilled fish balls, Tenraku bought two cups of soda from a nearby shop. He handed one to Ophis and then hoisted her onto his shoulder.
"Let's go see how Rias and the others are doing."
To be continued…
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