*54

Scene: Lap Pillow Judgment & Rising Stakes

"Rias, I just want you to be happy. I know I do some... impulsive, frustrating things, but it’s only ever because I care about all of us. I won’t gamble with my life anymore—I promise. From now on, my actions will be for our future."

After that honest outburst, Rias’s expression softened. She reached out, gently grabbed my hand, and led me to the couch near Koneko.

Pat, pat~

She sat down gracefully and patted her lap with a stern expression.

“As punishment for deceiving me—and as a balance for bringing me such a valuable new Bishop—I, Rias Gremory, your King, sentence you to a two-hour lap pillow.”

(Okay, even Koneko is probably thinking: "Just admit you want to pamper him!")

Grinning, I dramatically flopped down onto the couch.

“This mischievous Pawn accepts his punishment!”

As I rested my head on her lap, I smiled up at her playfully.

“In fact, I humbly request a sentence extension, my King… for being extra wrong!”

Thump!

Rias lightly tapped my forehead and smirked.

“Don’t push your luck.”

Akeno, always one to stir the pot, chimed in with a teasing smile as she patted her own perfectly poised legs.

“Ara~ Ara… Matsuda, I was pulled from my duties on short notice today. Perhaps I should issue my own form of... disciplinary lap support?”

My cursed mouth fired before I could stop it.

“If this is punishment, then I might need eternal rehabilitation from the radiant Akeno!”

(Yeah, I may or may not be drooling again.)

Akeno giggled behind her hand, clearly entertained.

“Rias, I must say—your control over Matsuda is both charming and effective. But rest assured, dear underclassman, I’m always here to help... correct your behavior~ Ufufu~”

Rias shot her best friend a sharp look and huffed.

“Akeno, I’ll be handling Matsuda’s... punishments. Please don’t distract the guilty party.”

Her magic flared just slightly—enough to send a warning.

(Oh no. Jealous Rias has entered the building. I would run... but this lap pillow is too comfy.)

Koneko, in her signature deadpan tone, offered the most unexpected suggestion of all.

“My lap’s smaller... but you can try it.”

(What just happened? Did Koneko unlock a hidden final boss line?!)

Rias, sensing the potential rebellion, shut it down instantly.

“No! Absolutely not. I am the only one giving lap pillows here. That’s final.”

This world is insane… and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.


---

A couple hours and a phenomenal nap later…

Now fully refreshed and surrounded by the Occult Research Club—including newly minted Devil Bishop, Asia—I stood up, ready to talk business.

“Alright, Rias. Now that we’ve succeeded in saving Asia, it’s time to focus on the next step—clearing the old church.”

I looked toward the window in the direction of the abandoned church.

“Tomorrow night, we must reclaim it from the Fallen Angels. If we don’t act now, they’ll establish a foothold, and worse—Riser may get involved.”

Rias blinked, clearly confused.

“Wait, how does Riser fit into this?”

I nodded seriously.

“Clearing out the church will draw his attention here. That’s when I’ll track down his firebird familiar during the distraction. If I can get it, we gain leverage over him—and more importantly, if we don’t stop the Fallen now, Kuoh Town will be overrun in two months.”

Kiba’s eyes narrowed, and Rias looked stunned.

“And if that happens,” I continued, “the third Great War between Angels, Fallen, and Devils could ignite.”

“Wait—all that from one church and a few rogue exorcists?!”

Rias couldn’t hide her shock. The rest of the team looked equally stunned.

I softened my tone.

“You once asked me if knowing the future was difficult. Trust me… this is only the beginning. To secure our future, I recommend calling in Sona’s Peerage to assist.”

I paused, letting the weight of my words settle.

“Of course, the decision is yours. I’ll stand by whatever you choose—even if I disagree. You told me once you wanted to shape your own fate, right?”

Rias looked away, clearly thinking hard about her past ideals now colliding with present stakes.

Then she turned to Akeno.

“Contact Sona. Tell her it’s an emergency. We’ll need everyone ready.”

She looked to Asia next, now seated beside her.

“Asia, please stay here at the clubroom with me for now. I don’t want to risk the Fallen targeting you again.”

With that, we began to wrap things up and head home.

Before parting, I handed Asia a burner phone and showed her how to use it.

Her eyes lit up as if I’d just handed her a rare treasure. She beamed with joy—her innocence was still so pure.

(Note to self: find that claw machine tomorrow and win her that Ratche-kun plushie!)