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...
The colossal demonic form lay sprawled on its back, providing a clear view of Badr perched atop a crumbling wall, his calm expression betraying a relaxed demeanor.
"...My cake..." Koneko Toujou returned, her voice flat as she noticed her snack bag, now mostly empty in Badr's hands.
"Uh, well, watching you all fight so spectacularly... I couldn't help myself," Badr mumbled, a touch embarrassed as he looked at the depleted bag.
He'd been so engrossed in the spectacle, even thinking how a cola would complement the scene perfectly, that he'd unconsciously devoured most of the snacks...
Akeno Himejima, having finished interrogating the humans, floated over with a smile.
"Did you learn anything?" Rias inquired.
"Yes, the masterminds behind this are from the Lion King Faction."
Rias eyes widened slightly.
"Hmm? That group... I recall they were part of the Old Maou Faction, weren't they?"
"Indeed. Those stubborn remnants. They manipulated these humans, and it seems they have connections to the Norse pantheon," Akeno revealed, dropping another bombshell.
Badr tilted his head. "So, what's the connection between them and this Stray Devil?"
"The boy she kidnapped is the son of a highly influential human official. They intended to use him as leverage to force the official into instigating a war between the two countries. These bribed individuals could be considered traitors," Akeno explained with a smile. "However, I've already rescued the boy."
"So, they not only planned to disrupt the peace treaty between the three factions but also aimed to influence us through human politics," Badr mused, glancing at the barely-alive Stray Devil. "They certainly went to great lengths for this scheme."
"The Old Maou Faction has joined the Khaos Brigade. According to the latest intel, the Khaos Brigade has been in close contact with Loki of the Norse pantheon. This is precisely why Odin, the Allfather, instigated the conflict between the Norse Gods and the Khaos Brigade. So, the true puppet master is Loki," Rias explained, sighing worriedly.
"I just don't understand what his goal is..."
Akeno then asked, "I've identified the human officials colluding with the Old Maou Faction. How should we handle them?"
"Send the information to the human authorities. The Three Factions never interfere in human politics. Since they have traitors in their midst, let them deal with it themselves," Rias decided.
"Understood," Akeno replied with a nod and a smile.
...
The subjugation mission concluded smoothly, requiring little time and presenting minimal danger.
Badr had primarily come along as a safeguard. Since Koneko and the others had completed the mission successfully, he saw no reason to linger.
"The mission's done. Shall we head home?" he asked.
"Yes, let's go back. It's too late to take on any more requests now," Rias replied, linking her arm with his affectionately.
Koneko nibbled on the remaining snacks from her bag. In the past, she would have guarded her food jealously, but now, with her close relationship with Badr, she was happy to share.
Seeing this, Badr felt he should buy Koneko more snacks. It had been a while since he'd brought her anything.
This was the perfect opportunity to make amends.
"I'm going to pick something up. You guys head back first. I'll be right behind you," he told Rias and the others before teleporting to the city's most famous dessert shop.
The shop was renowned for its exquisite treats. Koneko would surely love them. If he was going to choose something, it had to be the best. Gifts shouldn't be shabby.
"Two medium-sized ice cream cones, please. And one of each of these daily specials. All to go," he told the server.
"Certainly, please wait a moment," the server replied with a smile, noting his order.
Badr sat down contentedly to wait.
With this much, Koneko would definitely be happy.
However, not long after, he sensed a familiar aura approaching.
Hmm?
Following the sensation, he quickly spotted a taxi stopping outside the shop. A girl wearing a baseball cap and a face mask emerged from the vehicle.
...Itsuki Nakano?
Badr couldn't mistake her. Not only was the aura familiar, but even though the hat and mask obscured her features, certain subtle details couldn't escape his keen eyes.
He hadn't expected to encounter her here.
He waved gently.
"Itsuki."
"Eh!?"
Startled by the sudden call of her name, Itsuki Nakano looked around frantically, her eyes widening in recognition when she saw Badr.
"Badr? What are you doing here...?"
"I came to buy some desserts from this shop," Badr replied with a smile. "Are you here for the same reason?"
"Uh, yes..."
"...Why are you covering your face so thoroughly?"
"I should be asking how you recognized me even with all this on..." Itsuki mumbled, secretly pleased to see him.
Since their last parting, they hadn't seen Badr again. Perhaps everyone's feelings were in turmoil.
Badr's revelation about having many girls he cared for had left them feeling conflicted.
Yet, a part of them couldn't help but wonder, if he already had so many, why couldn't they be one of them?
He was a devil, after all. As long as their feelings were mutual, there shouldn't be a problem, right?
Unaware of Itsuki's inner thoughts, Badr chuckled lightly.
"I'm a devil, remember? I sensed your presence while you were still in the cab. Come sit down. Since we've run into each other, it's on me today," he said, gesturing to a server. "One more dessert, please. The largest size."
He remembered Itsuki's prodigious appetite. Even a large size might not be enough for her...
Itsuki blushed slightly, embarrassed by her large appetite and the fact that Badr remembered it so clearly.
Once the desserts arrived, Itsuki removed her mask and began eating quietly.
Badr sat across from her, his expression serene.
"How are you all doing lately?" he asked gently.
Itsuki poked at her dessert with a spoon. "We... we ran away from home," she confessed softly.
"...Eh?"
Badr's voice stretched in surprise as he tilted his head. "Ran away? Why?"
"...Because Dad didn't want us to see you anymore. So, we decided to leave home together," Itsuki explained, her voice tinged with embarrassment. It was mortifying to admit they had defied their father over a boy...
Badr was speechless for a moment.
Maruo Nakano must have been deeply offended by their previous encounter to disapprove of him so strongly. It was understandable, as a father.
But for all five quintuplets to take such drastic action...
Their father must be devastated.
After a pause, he asked, "Where are you staying now?"
"Um... Ichika earned some money from her acting job, so she rented a regular guesthouse. We all moved there..."
Badr frowned slightly. As far as he knew, Ichika's acting fees weren't that substantial yet...
"Don't let Ichika shoulder too much of the burden," he cautioned.
"We know. We're all trying to help out. I haven't had dessert from this shop for a whole week!"
Badr couldn't help but chuckle. "That's... impressive."
Itsuki: "..."
As Itsuki quickly finished her extra-large ice cream cone, the server arrived with Badr's takeaway bag.
"Are you leaving now?" she asked.
"Yes, I'm heading back."
"O-Okay..."
Itsuki seemed reluctant for him to go. She didn't know why, but after Badr left last time, she had a nagging feeling that he wouldn't return, and it filled her with anxiety.
Back at home, Miku sometimes seemed like she'd lost her soul...
It dawned on her that they had all grown accustomed to Badr's presence without realizing it.
They were used to him encouraging their studies, patiently explaining difficult concepts, and joining them for lighthearted conversations during breaks.
It wasn't just admiration for his power or fascination with the supernatural world he belonged to; they had simply grown accustomed to his presence, to the joy he brought into their lives.
"Y... you'll come back again, right?" Itsuki's voice was barely a whisper, almost as if she were talking to herself.
"...I told you, the choice is yours," Badr replied with a gentle smile. He reached out, wiping a smudge of cream from her lips and then, to her surprise, tasting it himself.
Itsuki's face flushed crimson. The gesture was a bit too much for her innocent heart to handle...
Even after Badr turned and left, she remained flustered, softly murmuring to herself.
The choice is ours, just like Ichika said.
But... it seems we already have our answer...
As expected... all five of us feel the same...
Itsuki gazed in the direction Badr had left, whispering as if to him.
"I want to be with you."
...
Back at his house, Badr presented the desserts to Koneko.
Though she didn't say anything, Badr could see a flicker of happiness in her eyes.
She offered him a dessert, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"Let's eat together."
"Okay."
They snuggled together on the sofa, enjoying the desserts while watching TV. Later, Xenovia dragged Koneko off for training.
Xenovia was incredibly disciplined, approaching her training with the same dedication as Badr used to.
Only now, regular physical training no longer provided much benefit for Badr, or he wouldn't have abandoned it.
...
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