Several days passed swiftly through mundane daily life. Before anyone realized it, the day of departure for the demon realm had arrived.
Nine o'clock in the morning. Inside Itogami Island's "Customs Terminal," pale sunlight filtered through thin clouds overhead before streaming through ten-meter-high panoramic glass doors and windows into the ticketing hall.
Today's customs terminal bustled with crowds as always. Every three to five minutes, massive waves of tourists surged toward the boarding hall entrance following announcement broadcasts—immediately replaced by another wave flowing outward. Constant coming and going.
Yet naturally, the most eye-catching group belonged to Bokue's party.
An entire harem entourage.
"Alright, time to get moving. We should head out."
Rias glanced up at the enormous electronic clock on the ticketing hall wall. She swept back her crimson hair while speaking.
Worth mentioning—Keystone Gate hadn't deployed everyone this time.
Besides Minamiya Natsuki, who'd already declared at the seaside villa she wouldn't attend, ultimately La Folia also chose not to go. Since Sayaka was responsible for La Folia's protection detail, she was forced to remain behind.
Yukina, worried Sayaka would feel too bored alone at Keystone Gate these next few days, simply stayed as well.
However, Nagisa performed steadily as expected—clinging tightly to Bokue, resolutely practicing her policy of "wherever oniisan goes, I go."
Though Yukina as the sword shaman dispatched to Itogami Island due to the Fourth Primogenitor's manifestation was technically violating regulations by separating from her surveillance target, considering Bokue would accompany them... it didn't matter.
Additionally, Yasaka, Hagoromo-Gitsune, and others also chose to remain on Itogami Island.
But today they'd still come to the customs terminal—currently bidding farewell to Bokue before his several-day demon realm journey.
Today, Lady Yasaka wore her usual gorgeous golden kimono. Beneath wide sleeves, jade-pale hands gently grasped the young man's fingertips. Mature charm without traces of age graced her captivating face—overflowing with loving smiles.
"Go on then. Stay safe along the way. Don't worry—Mom will take care of everything at home."
Beside her, Hagoromo-Gitsune completely dropped all pretenses. Still dressed as a high school girl with straight black hair and sailor uniform, hearing they'd depart soon, she simply stepped forward—tossing back her hair before actively kissing the young man's lips. Afterward, she couldn't resist licking them with lingering satisfaction.
"Come back soon, my adorable child~♡"
"Mm. We're heading out."
Having bid farewell one by one to the girls remaining on Itogami Island, Bokue finally returned to Rias and the others.
The red-haired girl knowingly exchanged glances with her best friend once more before turning to look backward.
There stood a certain Phoenix girl with golden twin-drills—currently positioned at the very back of the group, appearing isolated. Alone, she crossed her arms while surveying distant surroundings.
"Ravel-san, we're preparing to depart."
Rias raised her voice slightly.
However, she hadn't expected the seemingly daydreaming Phoenix girl to immediately snap to attention—meeting her gaze before nodding.
"I know."
Hm? So she wasn't spacing out?
Though it still felt somewhat strange, since she'd said so, Rias couldn't say more. She simply raised her hand, waving forward.
"Then let's go."
Just like Bokue's first journey to the demon realm, this time Rias activated the Gremory family's exclusive shuttle train.
Though this thing was somewhat ceremonial—a teleportation array would've sufficed for returning to the demon realm—according to Rias, since they were returning as hosts welcoming various mythological factions this time, naturally everything required greater formality.
Moments later, everyone boarded the train bearing the Gremory family crest at its head. It slowly departed the customs terminal, entering the spatial tunnel toward the demon realm. The scenery outside the windows transformed into something wondrous.
Scene transition—inside the train.
As the saying goes, the first time is awkward, the second time is familiar. Having already ridden once during the pre-summer demon realm trip, knowing the general process meant the changing scenery outside held little novelty for Bokue.
But for Nagisa and Kanon, this represented their genuine first time. Currently side by side, they clung to the sofa—ceaselessly marveling at the aurora-like unpredictable phenomena outside the windows.
"Is this what the demon realm looks like?"
"It feels... very mysterious..."
"No no, not at all."
The moment both girls finished speaking, Serafall appeared beside them. Completely ignoring her younger sister's warning glances from nearby, she mimicked their pose—pressing both knees onto the sofa while gripping the backrest, propping up her chin to gaze outside.
"This is just the spatial tunnel connecting the human realm and demon realm. We're nowhere near the demon realm yet... Oh right, though it's called a spatial tunnel, definitely don't think of it as an actual tunnel. Though you can't feel it now with the train's protection, the entire spatial tunnel is filled with spatial turbulence everywhere. If you casually ran outside the carriages, you'd be in life-threatening danger."
"Spatial turbulence..."
"Sounds terrifying..."
"Mm, though for you, little Fourth Primogenitor, it probably wouldn't be much of a problem."
Serafall pointed at Nagisa.
"From what I understand, the other several Primogenitors all possess strength barely reaching Maou-class. Since the Fourth Primogenitor is the strongest Primogenitor, you should... probably match up with Onee-sama here?"
"Eh~"
Nagisa's mouth opened slightly in surprise.
Though she understood her own strength, she didn't know the demon realm's power classifications. Never expected she'd reached beyond Maou-class levels.
Meanwhile elsewhere, Venelana also found Ravel sitting alone in the sofa corner—smiling gently.
"Ravel, stay at our Gremory household these next few days. Everyone's together anyway—more people makes things livelier."
"...Thank you, Lady Venelana, but there's no need. I'll be able to return tonight."
The golden twin-drill Phoenix girl had been gazing outside while spacing out. Hearing this, she released the fingers supporting her lips—politely declining.
"Tonight?"
Venelana froze slightly.
"No need to rush back so quickly. Plus, from the Gremory household to the Phoenix household is quite..."
"Don't worry—I'm not forcing it."
Ravel shook her head.
"Yesterday, my brother messaged me. He said there'll be a gathering tonight with all young-generation members from the 72 Pillar high-class devil families attending. He'll come pick me up at the gathering."
'Eh? Something like that's happening?'
The beautiful woman who hadn't returned home in days sprouted a question mark above her head.
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