Emiya residence.
The next day.
The most ordinary lunch at the Emiya Residence. All of its inhabitants were peacefully enjoying their meals after yesterday's tiring events. Though it didn't really bother the culprit herself, given her satisfied face, which was glowing with joy while I was spoon-feeding her, so to speak.
- Honestly, mutt, I never thought it was possible. You do realize she's a Beast, right? - Gilgamesh began, pointing his fork in our direction - However, all Magicians are insane, eh?
- Oh? You're really calling that bundle of joy a Beast? - I rolled my eyes and poked a finger at Tia's cheek, which made her mewl cutely - Look at her, aside from her history with Gaia's urges, do you even think she's dangerous? Besides, you think I don't know, about you?
- What exactly, mutt? - He raised an eyebrow.
- Like you don't go to her and Enkidu to complain about your life, or rather about Archer and his magic, huh?
- Only because Enkidu asks me to. - crossing his arms, he said.
- What do you think about that, Emiya?
- Well, I didn't know that the King of Heroes himself is a child who likes to complain to his parents about his life. And I wouldn't believe it if it weren't for the excuses that came out of his golden mouth just now," Archer smirked, to which Gilgamesh gritted his teeth and looked at him intently, "I suggest taking him to an amusement park, or a daycare center. Take him out, so to speak.
Hearing Emiya's words, Artoria and Medusa giggled, throwing amused glances at the King of Heroes, making him naturally boil. Even Enkidu, who covered his mouth with his palm, let out a laugh.
- Do you want to die, Faker? - Gilgamesh growled, and golden portals appeared behind his back with staffs pointing towards Archer. In response, Emiya's smirk grew even bigger, of course.
- No fighting at the table, Gil-kun," I said, pulling a fatherly smile on my face as if Gilgamesh were a child to me, and then turned toward Lancer, "Enkidu, dear, calm your friend down and explain to him the rules of behavior at mealtime.
- Yes, "father." - chuckled Enkidu. Blue flashes of energy traveled through his body, and the next moment Gilgamesh was chained hand and foot, and the portals behind the latter's back disappeared, sucking in the staffs.
At this sight Archer covered his mouth with his hand and his shoulders began to twitch. Merlin, Artoria, Medusa, and Tia found the situation extremely amusing. The Assassins didn't react in any way, and Heracles was just chewing on Emiya's cooking, as were Fou and Goetia.
- What are you doing, Enkidu?! I must punish these buffoons! Let me go! - Gilgamesh cried out indignantly.
- You must obey your elders, Gil, - Enkidu said with a cheerful smile on his face and, holding a chain in his hand, dragged the bound King of Heroes upstairs while covering his mouth with another chain - Come, I'll give you a lesson in manners.
After giving them a glance, I stuffed a piece of steak prepared by Emiya into my mouth.
It was good. As usual, though.
-0-
Two hours later.
After lunch, I decided to relax a bit and collapsed on the couch, or rather, Tia's lap, and then closed my eyes and, after dispersing the Servants, I reflected.
After a break in the world of Harry Potter, it was time to get back to the business at hand.
Kokabiel's Arc.
Since he doesn't die in the story, it is possible to act more or less with his hands untied. The Fallen One participated in the Great War, has seen a lot, and now he just wants a war? To put it mildly, that doesn't seem right.
Ideally, before he attacks the school, I'd like to talk to him, just to find out his motives. The crazy priest is basically nothing to worry about, since he's going to be expendable anyway. A psycho scientist with a track record of inhuman experiments and obsession with a particular thing? Classic.
Speaking of attacking the school. Since both Sona and Rias and their retinues are now stronger thanks to Archer, my direct intervention will probably not be necessary, unless some force majeure happens. At this point, we need to wait for the church duo and that's basically it. By the way, where-
The next moment the doorbell rang, causing me to roll my eyes.
Thank you, universe. Uh-huh.
Leaving Tia's rut, to which she was obviously upset, I made my way to the door and opened it, where I was greeted by Church representatives. True, there were not two of them, but three: Zenobia, Irina, and Griselda. And the first, as in canon, held Excaliburs plus Durandal.
- Good afternoon, Mr. Archaman, - the nun said hello and made a small bow - I hope we're not disturbing you?
- Come on in," I shrugged and let them inside.
- Thank you.
Once they were inside, they settled on a vacant couch, glancing at Tia every now and then. I returned to the same position I'd been in before they came in. Zenobia gave me a stern look, Irina a puzzled look, and Griselda a tired one.
- "So," I began, relaxing on Tia's lap, "I didn't expect to see you in this group, Miss 'nun with the indecent body'. I take it you're going to Gremory's after me?
- Yes," replied Griselda.
- Good. I'm going to take a nap," I said, and Griselda silently rubbed her temples. - I waved her off, to which Griselda silently rubbed her temples.
- Uh... Why are you being so rude? - Putting her finger to her mouth, Irina asked, looking at me.
- Indeed, - Zenobia supported her and gave me a judgmental look - You're looking at one of the strongest exorcists, but you don't care. You're dealing with demons and you're not afraid of the Church's wrath?
In response, I slowly turned my gaze to Griselda, who was already looking at her adopted daughter with a stern look.
I understand the archangels have decided to keep my identity a secret, eh? Quite discreet, if they consider my words towards the Church. Doesn't change the weather, though.
- And why would I fear God's stronghold on this sinful earth? - I grinned and, straightening up, put Tia's head on my lap - He's certainly not against my actions.
- And why are you so sure of that? - Zenobia did not refuse, glaring at me.
- Let's just say he gave me his approval.
- What are you-
- Zenobia. Shut up," Griselda said softly, interrupting her, then inclined her head in my direction, "I apologize for my daughter's behavior, Mr. Archaman. She can be overly stubborn and forthright at times.
- I find it quite amusing," I shrugged - By the way, I hope the Viceroy of Heaven isn't re-forming the Church? Last time I saw him, he was seriously considering the idea.
Not that it bothers me, but if Michael does do it, who will be the first contender for the role of the new Pope, even if the current one is well downright competent? The answer is obvious.
And if you consider the fact that God is dead here, then I will essentially rule Heaven as well. They don't know it yet, but the Heaven's Touch is indeed connected to the "Heavens", or rather the Heavenly System. They are both connected to the "Well of Souls" of the DxD world, which means that Michael is no longer the only one who can watch over the system. I, on top of that, can also make adjustments to it, something that only God himself, who actually created it, was capable of doing.
In the end, it turns out that a man named "Romani Archaman" is the closest thing to God in this world. And the consequences of this do not make me very happy, because to be in charge of the Church and to be in charge of Heaven sounds like an extremely troublesome business, no matter how you look at it.
- There are consequences," the nun replied, and then gave me an annoyed look, "And isn't that your fault?
- Oya? Why so, Miss Nun? I only told the truth, nothing more," I shook my finger, then pointed at Irina and Zenobia, 'Besides, look at the 'battle' attire of the Exorcists. You could go to a strip club for a "fight" in such "battle" attire.
- But they're comfortable. They don't constrict your movements in battle. - Irina said, throwing off her white cloak and showing her "clothes".
- Somehow I don't see it on Ms. Griselda," I rolled my eyes and then looked at the nun intently, "Or do you wear it, Ms. Nun? Aye-aye-aye, shame on you. A mature woman like you, and with a body as obscene as yours, to dress like that and not blush? You want to kill all the demons with a nosebleed?
- I do not wear such things. - Griselda said in a monotone.
- But this "battle" outfit is standard for all exorcists, isn't it? - I asked, to which both Zenobia and Irina nodded confidently - Then why aren't you wearing it?
- It seems that Lord Michael was wrong about you. You did adopt some of the characteristics of your predecessor. - Griselda said, glancing at Tia, or rather at her outfit.
- No, no, no, no, it's common sense. If a certain uniform is standard for a certain profession, then all members of that profession are obliged to wear it, aren't they? Or am I confusing things? Don't tell me there's nothing underneath your nun garb because you refused to wear "battle attire that doesn't constrict movement in battle," hmm, Ms. perverted nun?
Her eye twitched at my words, and the glances from the church duo in her direction didn't help in any way.
Well, seriously, where am I wrong? Or is there something wrong with my common sense, hmm?
-0-
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