It's been two and a half weeks since Venelana Gremory visited me, and I have to say that for the moment our daily life is just as it was last month... Except for one unimportant thing she said at the time of her departure.
Going back to that tense moment that day, she says her somewhat confusing phrase to me, in a rather neutral tone. I find it hard to believe that you could use that tone for someone who is rejecting something quite important to themselves.
• So we will do the following... - With that neutral and somewhat mysterious tone, in my opinion, Venelana-sama snatches me from Mother's arms, without either of us noticing.
Without feeling any pain, to my surprise, I barely notice her movement, when I realize I'm seeing Mother's surprised face... How the hell am I in her arms now?
I suppose it was something like the superhuman speed described in many stories... Cool. Looking around, I noticed that we were now near one of the windows overlooking the beautiful garden.
Right after I realized I was in her arms, I immediately thought she was going to hurt me, but I have the same feeling I had when she held me the first time... What is this woman trying to do? The phrase she said to me at that moment, when her gaze was fixed on me, comes back to me: " What interesting eyes you have, darling . "
" Be very careful, Gremory-sama . My daughter is just a newborn, and so far, she's the apple of my eye. " Appearing behind Venelana-sama, Counterpart-chan gave her a rather hostile look... I suppose he was able to read this brunette's movements...
Wait a minute... Why did he say "so far"? How rude.
• I agree with Seiko-san , she is our light and I won't let anyone threaten her, not even you, Venelana-sama . - To the left of the aforementioned, there is Kushimi-Okassan with that fake smile on her face but her words were spoken in a totally cold and hostile tone, to the point that I got a little scared, just a little.
" I hope you don't get any ideas about something stupid like murdering my daughter just because we gave her that name. " Snapping out of her shock, Mother walked towards us with a calm expression, but her voice crackled with incredible fury. " Even if you are Venelana Gremory, I won't allow you to hurt my daughter. I swear that on the Crimson Empress herself. " Suddenly, a dark purple aura surrounded Mother, and an intense pressure was felt...
Okay, it's final. These three are starting to scare me. I know they're fighting for me, but... I seriously feel like I'm caught in the crossfire. Right now, I feel safer in the arms of the woman who's supposedly threatening my life than with these so-called saviors. Clinging rather tightly to Venelana-sama's dress, I can only tremble slightly.
" Stop this. Don't you realize who you're really intimidating? " Noticing my grip on her clothes, I think, Venelana-sama says this while rotating her gaze, I imagine accusingly, to each of my parents, who immediately turn their eyes towards me and, for a moment, I see great bewilderment and fear in their eyes.
Acting immediately, the trio moved slightly away from us, just as quickly as they had arrived. Bending over to the brunette holding me, they apologized, but Mother spoke with the most force, completely dispelling the aura that had surrounded her.
" Do you think I'm foolish enough to try and assassinate the little girl in the presence of the so-called Sekiryuutei of Tomorrow and the Renowned Black Bolt ? I know you're inexperienced, but don't let your emotions cloud your judgment, which is your strength. " Venelana-sama said this in an even more authoritarian tone than before, and at the same time, gently cradled me in her arms...
Wow... I have to admit, she knows what she's doing. To be honest, I'm starting to feel a little sleepy from this gentle movement... This parenting experience is terrifying.
Kushimi-Okassan and Father can only prostrate themselves in Seiza towards the chestnut-haired girl who's holding me when they hear Venelana-sama's scolding, I suppose thinking that bowing isn't enough. She just sighs wearily... Apparently, this was a test or something...
Perhaps she had high expectations of my parents, and that's why she took me in her mother's arms. I've also learned some new information: "Sekiryuutei of Tomorrow" and "Black Bolt"—nice, rather striking names.
That reveals that my parents are as important as I suspected, plus they sound intimidating... I wonder what Mother's nickname is, I don't think they just call her the strongest matriarch in 1000 years, it's very long.
" Well, putting this tasteless spectacle aside, and trusting that you will correct the shortcomings you showed me, it's time to state my conditions for you to call this little one after my late daughter, the one once known as the Crimson Empress. " Saying this as she hands Mother back to me, Venelana-sama returns to the armchair she was originally sitting on, and my parents return to their positions, except for the dark-haired woman, who stands beside Father, behind the armchair where Mother and I are.
Is it just me, or is she being overly dramatic? Also, I don't mean to be rude, but is it really that important that we get her approval for the name? I know she was your daughter, but it's just a name... I don't think that just because she approves it, I'll magically gain the abilities of the original Rias Gremory...
Well, whatever... If you think about it, this is more of a family courtesy, so I guess it's the right thing to do. Even though I was close to my immediate family in my past life, I didn't care much for the rest of my family, so I don't really understand this...
" When she turns five, bring her before me. During this time, teach her everything she needs to become a proper Lady Gremory. " With a completely cold and serious expression, Venelana-sama says this while taking a sip of tea. Oh, this is simply brilliant... How troublesome... Life always has to somehow make me avoid my laziness... What a pain in the ass. " If she satisfactorily meets my expectations, I will give my consent for her to inherit the name Rias Gremory."
• B-But Oba-sama , she's just a baby. - Saying this in an uncertain tone, Mother says this somewhat worried.
That's right, Mother! I'm just a little six-month-old baby, don't give Midori-san a chance to intensify her classes, I already have more than enough. I just want to enjoy this lazy time that comes with being a little infant... Yes, I'm sorry, but I'm very lazy. The fewer problems I have, the better. If there's nothing to do that truly interests me, laziness is the way, and so far it has been.
" Then you'd better find a good tutor, Rida. I'm granting this strange request because it concerns you, specifically you. Initially, I might have given a firm no when I heard your peculiar and, if I may add, tasteless request. Why should I agree and allow you to call that little girl my late daughter just because of her physical resemblance? You know, better than anyone, the terrible pain I have to deal with just thinking about my daughter. " Sounding somewhat annoyed, the brunette said this, finishing her tea and slamming the cup on the saucer audibly, but not loudly enough to break it. " I'm only considering this possibility because it's you, and no one else, who's asking me. I know she's your first child, and I know everything you went through to conceive her. That's why I'm proposing this course of action; it's your decision whether you accept it or not. " Looking my mother directly in the eyes, Venelana-sama stood up.
I don't know what to think about what she said. I have to admit that the beginning of her dialogue is true; it must have been hard to learn the truth that your daughter died... In the light novel, the great love this woman had for Rias was quite noticeable, although perhaps that was just my impression. So, seeing it from this perspective, she's right. Why would she allow just anyone to keep the name of her deceased daughter?
Furthermore, I have to emphasize the part I mentioned about the difficulty Mother had conceiving me... According to that, she had a very hard time having a child. Reinforcing this point, as soon as the brunette mentioned that, Mother's expression stiffened... Now I understand her behavior towards me a little better... I can't imagine what she must have gone through to have me in her arms now.
" Alright, Oba-sama . I think I speak for everyone when I say I'm grateful you gave us this opportunity. You're right, I was very inconsiderate of you. " In a soft but firm tone, Mother sets me down on the sofa and bows deeply to Venelana-sama. " We will teach our daughter step by step what it means to be a Gremory Lady and prove to you that she is worthy of your beloved daughter's heritage. I promise you this as the current head of the House of Gremory and as the proud mother that I am. " Taking me back in her arms, in a much stronger and firmer tone, Mother makes this declaration as I feel her grip on me tighten slightly.
Apparently, they have a deep relationship, to the point that Mother bows twice before her. What can be deduced is quite obvious: my dear Rida spent some time with Venelana, and they established a very close relationship; if I had to describe it, it would be like that of a mother and daughter.
Assuming, based on mere intuition, that Mother assisted in Rias partially overcoming her memory of Venelana-sama, which is why she "knows, better than anyone, the terrible pain" the brunette is experiencing, however... Where were Zeoticus or Sirzechs during those terrible moments? Weren't they supposed to be, in the novel, a large and beautiful family united by strong bonds or something like that?
Anyway, after that meeting, Venelana-sama left after finalizing all the details about my exam at age 5... Ahh.... It seems I'll have to work hard these next 5 years to earn Venelana's approval by being a perfect Gremory Lady, whatever that means... And although I have to say she is truly beautiful, I don't like her very much right now...
WHAT A HUGE, FUCKING PAIN!! I honestly thought I could relax while I was a baby and learn little by little from Midori-san. But now I'm going to have to be "powerful" enough to justify my laziness, so I might as well start theorizing about different anime and light novels I've read. It's in the reincarnated Otaku's basic handbook, after all.
Anyway, since Venelana-sama's visit, Midori-san has intensified her lessons. Before, she taught them without Mother's permission, but now that Mother is providing her with a small fund to buy all the educational materials she might need... well, the lessons are almost 500% more educational!
Personally, I still don't understand why these people don't question why that person wants me to be a perfect Gremory Lady at 5. Doesn't that seem strange to you? Even a little? I mean, I understand my mothers' and Midori-san's lack of sense, but Counterpart-chan shouldn't be like that.
If I'm not mistaken, I believe he was a reincarnation from Human to Demon, so he should at least object; however, he doesn't. In fact, he fully supports this madness... The common sense in this place is out of this world.
Returning to the basic handbook of the reincarnated Otaku, two days later, I started testing a little theory I picked up from a light novel I read. It states that if you train your magical power from childhood, it will grow enough to be astronomical by adulthood, or something like that.
The protagonist trained it from the age of 3 and achieved a magical reserve comparable to a God from the same novel, so I have high expectations if I train this point from this time, trusting in the capacity of my little body.
It's true that my little body part makes me doubt myself, but I was quite motivated by the basic lessons on magical power, or mana as I like to call it, that Midori-san gave a few days ago. According to her, each person has an element they're drawn to, and each Demon House has an element that its members are more inclined to possess.
This is reflected, for example, in the House Phenex, which is fire, or in the House Sitri, which is water, and in some cases, few members of these Demon Houses achieve such a high mastery in their element that they move on to a related, and somewhat stronger, version of it, which in the case of the Sitri is ice.
Something I have to say is that Midori-san took the teaching much more seriously, to the point that I can understand most of what she says, thanks to the fact that her explanations consist of simple words and she is attentive to whether I didn't understand a part, questioning my understanding directly, since I still can't answer her questions.
Obviously, I have also learned a lot more about the demonic language, because Midori-san has explained the basics of it to me; however, she did not go into detail, since, in her words and I quote her, "When you are able to speak and hold a pencil correctly, I will give you an intensive course on our language," all said with a very happy smile and an excited tone.
Honestly, because of all this, I think she should have been a teacher if she's so excited about teaching, although if I remember correctly, some demons can't choose what they'll do and are destined to fulfill a specific role... Maybe that was the case with this blonde. Well, I'm glad, only a little because I'm the one affected, that she's fulfilling her dream with me.
For now, Midori-san's lessons are longer than they used to be, and also, when we're playing, she's training me to start walking. Even though you say "play," I see your dirty intentions, Midori, but I won't fall for them! I'll walk when I think it's the right time. It doesn't seem normal to me for a baby no more than a year old to be walking, and I'm going to respect that, even though it's not like I'm a pediatrician.
Aside from the almost three-hour classes, everything is as it was before the Venelana disaster struck my home. I play with the blonde, fall asleep anywhere in my room, and end up in the arms of Midori-san, Mother, Kushimi-Okassan, or Father, who comes much more often, God knows why.
Also, something curious happened. Before Venelana-sama's visit, I would sleep with Mother or Kushimi-Okassan at night after an intense game of rock-paper-scissors. But now they just leave me in my crib, say goodbye a thousand times, and go to their room.
The first day was quite tough, with lots of tears and snot... from them. They were at the door almost all night checking on me. I noticed because I don't usually let them see me sleep, so I kept waking up and seeing them peeking through the half-open door.
That's how it was for the first five nights; after that, they only stayed at the door for three hours and then left. In fact, on the first day of testing, I thought two hours had passed and they were still at the door watching me, but Counterpart-chan arrived, scolded them, and took them away.
Obviously, I'm not alone; Midori-san is with me. She sleeps in a small bed next to my crib and checks on me every time she wakes up, which isn't very often. But if I make even the slightest unusual noise, she immediately jumps out of bed and examines me with a level of detail that surprised and frightened me the first time she did it. I was just testing her, but each time she proves that this girl really is a good babysitter...
Okay, back to the theory... Or should I call it a hypothesis?... Anyway, it seemed like the perfect time to try this method that night, since that very day I understood the whole theory Midori-san had explained. The moment I heard her breathing as she slept peacefully and soundly, I began my experiment. According to the blonde, I'm likely inclined towards two elements: fire, from my father, who has perfect control over this element, or destruction, from my mother.
However, based on my understanding of this last element, destruction is the imperfect balance between all existing elements, creating a mass of magic that simply destroys each external element of which it is composed. Following that line of thought, if I am inclined towards destruction, I would practically have free rein to master any element, since destruction is the imperfect fusion of them all.
So, through trial and error, I could see that, as expected from this body, I was inclined towards destruction... Although I don't remember much of the event. Checking several times on Midori's almost comatose state, I concentrated on my hands and imagined something gathering in them, an extension of myself. At first, nothing happened, but after almost a minute, I felt a strange tingling sensation run through my arms, and suddenly there it was, in my hands: a small, dark crimson sphere the size of a tiny marble.
The first few seconds were the happiest she'd ever experienced in her short life, but then a severe headache struck, and everything went blurry and black. The next thing she saw was Mother, Kushimi-Okassan, and Midori-san, their eyes brimming with tears, shouting things she couldn't quite understand—something about how pale she was and how she wouldn't wake up.
The moment I fully opened my eyes, my soul returned to my body, and after a session of cuddles and many kisses, Mother was with me all day long. A doctor also visited us and said that what had apparently happened to me was very strange, as it seemed like a case of excessive use of magical power.
However, since I was just a baby, the doctor let it go and left. I should add that I felt tired and strangely sore all day... I don't know where it hurt, but it hurt.
That night, Mother and Kushimi-Okassan slept with me in the bed that was supposedly Midori-san's. Of course, I didn't fall asleep, and I tried the test again when they were sound asleep. This time, I would hold it for only two seconds and then break it.
Performing each of the actions I performed the night before, my arms trembled and screamed in pain, but I persisted a little longer until that small crimson sphere appeared. I counted to two and undid it simply by closing my palms and wishing it with all my heart.
In a sense, it was a success since the severe migraine did not appear, but an impressive tiredness did, and I fell asleep until the next day when I was woken up by an argument about who was going to say good morning to me.
Anyway, right now I'm playing with Mother. She's holding me in her arms, talking to me like I'm mentally challenged, and tickling me... To be honest, I'm finding this really fun, too much so. My body still aches a lot, but less than yesterday. Besides, Mother says my face has regained its color, and every time I complain about a slightly rough movement, she jumps up and hides with teary eyes, asking me in a soft, almost tearful tone if I'm okay.
It's a very sweet gesture and all, but isn't it a bit much? I know you care about me, but it doesn't have to go that far. When this happens, I just open my arms and gesture for her to hug me. She quickly runs to me and gives me a session of cuddles and kisses.
To be honest, I think I almost kicked the bucket a few days ago. I'm such a baby, so making this crimson marble and holding it for more than 5 seconds almost killed me. Besides, I don't want to be in constant pain all over my body just because I want to impress Venelana-sama.
I'll have to set rest days for this training, maybe the weekends, and if you're wondering how I know when it's the weekend it's because Mother, Kushimi-Okassan or Father are with me all day, all three at the same time or two of them, usually Mother and the dark-haired one.
Of course, there are no classes with Midori-san these past two days, but she was always in the room with us. I'm surprised at how much they trust her, letting Mother be herself, though I suppose you don't leave your daughter with just any maid.
Well, it seems I'll have to push myself until I can hold that sphere for at least a minute without getting tired, and then we can increase the size of that crimson sphere. Even though this is a situation where I have to put in a lot of effort to "make a name for myself," I'm having a lot of fun. I'm excited to see what I'll become...
Of course, no matter how hard I try to stick to the goals I've set for myself, some things still come back to me. In moments when I'm not doing anything, memories flood back—my former family—and a tear or two might shed.
However, I immediately see that mocking face the moment she shoves that thing into my head. Fueling all the hatred I feel for that divine bitch, my head starts to ache slightly... Taking deep breaths, I imagine some things to calm myself down, I imagine that maybe, by chance, I can get hold of some rare and underhanded power, one that will allow me to go and have a few words with the goddess in question.
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As far as I know, it's been almost a year since Venelana-sama visited me and gave me that test for when I turn five. I think I'm a year and a half old now. I can only say that a lot has happened in this year, especially intellectually.
I've mastered the theory of basic magic, though I haven't yet cast spells in front of Midori-san, as putting it into practice is a bit complicated. Another thing I've learned is the demonic language perfectly, and I have to say it's very complex. I'm already able to write a complicated text, though not in front of Midori-san. After I speak my first words, I'll reveal this letter.
I've been practicing my pronunciation for quite some time now, and I think I'm ready to say my first words. Another thing I've learned is the history of the Gremorys, and frankly, it's not very encouraging... The most noteworthy fact I can mention is that thanks to Rias Gremory, the Crimson Empress, and her entourage, House Gremory has been semi-extinct since the mid-Dark Ages.
The story describes how Rias gathered all her servants, who are curiously the same as in the novel, and brought glory to the Underworld and the Gremory House. However, one day, when she and her husband, Hyoudou Issei, the strongest Sekiryuutei, were at their peak, a terrible event occurred.
Rias Gremory, blinded by the power she acquired as the head of the Gremory House, began a war against the entire Underworld along with her entourage and her children, all to obtain ultimate power and rule everything that rightfully belonged to her as a True Great Demon, as she called herself.
Thus, Fallen Angels, Demons, and Angels united for the second time against this terrible villain who possessed firepower comparable to Trihexa itself... And so, after a long and fierce battle, ending with the death of the Sekiryuutei and his wife, the terrible Crimson Empress, the war was over.
Due to this near cataclysm in the Underworld, what remained of the Gremory House was buried and condemned, only being maintained by some of Rias Gremory and Hyoudou Issei's children who, initially, were not in the war, and it remains so to this day.
Obviously, I don't entirely believe the part where Rias wants to take over the world; it sounds too much like something the Underworld Council would make up... But, to be honest, I don't know what Rias was like in this world. It's possible that she got a big head and wanted to crown herself queen of the mountain...
Although I'm more inclined to think it's a fabrication, since Venalana-sama wouldn't have remembered her daughter with such pain as she described it that time... I still don't want to believe it was an evil version of Rias, even though I've read her portrayed that way in many fanfics. Honestly, I hope that doesn't happen here. Say what you will, but I liked Rias in the novel, so maybe that's what motivates me not to believe in Dark Rias.
Furthermore, after thinking about it some more, another question arises, a rather logical one, actually: Where the hell was Sirzechs or any other member of the family to stop this...? This story has too many holes that make it simply nonsensical to me...
Putting that aside for a moment, for my own sake, the mana training is going remarkably well. I can currently create a crimson sphere the size of a baseball and maintain it for almost an hour. Since it's still a bit tiring, I've managed to inflict some damage with my sphere of destruction...
Honestly, I didn't know how to explain it the first time it happened, but Mother justified it perfectly by saying that my latent power was developing, so it's normal for a small part of my aura of destruction to escape from my body while I sleep.
It was lucky that she herself came up with such a convenient excuse for my predicament. So, thanks to this, I can play around a bit with my crimson sphere, and if I accidentally touch something, well, Midori-san, Kushimi-Okassan, Mother, or Counterpart-chan will all come up with that far-fetched explanation.
Regarding that sphere, it's still very difficult to handle, as I feel it will fall apart at the slightest misstep. I've been practicing its movement for the last two months, and so far I can manipulate it within a circle roughly two meters in diameter, using myself as the center.
I haven't tried sending this sphere of destruction in a straight line yet, since I can't and don't really want to leave my room. So, when I start walking around more and have a bit more freedom in this house, I'll do those kinds of experiments.
I've also tried to expel the aura of destruction that Mother mentioned, but I've only been able to create a small aura around my body, and my mana runs out quickly. I'm not ready for that level of energy release yet...
She imagined what happened to Mother when she was a child, expelling part of her aura of destruction... Thinking about it, if it's difficult for me even though I'm training my mana capacity, how much power does she have? Every time I think this, I can only tremble a little from fear, but mostly from excitement. My mother, it seems, is too strong.
Back to the present, right now I'm playing with my parents in the room while Midori-san watches us from the doorway. It's funny because sometimes she seems like she wants to join in, but she just shakes her head slightly and returns to her exemplary maid position. I've also seen her laugh a couple of times when Mother and Kushimi-Okassan start fighting over me; in fact, they're doing it right now while I'm in Father's arms.
"Why do you keep interfering in Ria-chan and my love, you idiot Ria-chan!" - Rising slightly off the ground, Kushimi-Okassan says this as a black lightning bolt begins to run down her hand, pointing at Mother, whose hair is almost entirely purple and ablaze. - "Besides, you're only jealous because Ria-chan prefers me to you!!" - Shouting these words, the black-haired woman makes a victorious gesture and looks condescendingly at Mother.
Holy shit... This girl is already dead...
• WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU STUPID KUSHIMI!!! - Rising to the same level as Kushimi-Okassan, Mother holds a sphere of destruction in each hand. - That's only because you've been interfering between MY Ria-tan and me. She's my daughter, and I won't let you steal her from me!! - In a much louder tone than the dark-haired woman, Mother says this while dangerously approaching Kushimi-Okassan... Okay, officially, this is getting a little, a lot, out of hand.
Pulling on Counterpart-chan's clothes, he pointed at my two mothers now near the ceiling and about to destroy it.
"Not on your life, Mom. Do you think I'll get away with this?" - Making a funny face that was a mix of fear, confusion, and pride in making this cowardly decision, Father says this while still looking at my Mothers, who continue arguing.
• OH YEAH?! THEN LET'S ASK MY RIA-TAN AND ONCE AND FOR ALL YOU'LL BE TOTALLY EMBARRASSED!! - Interrupting my father's pantless retort, Mother says this and completely dispels her aura and approaches us.
• Ara, Ara, finally! Do you want to make a fool of yourself, dear? It's more than obvious that my beloved Ria-chan will choose me, HER FAVORITE MOTHER!! - Lowering and dispelling the black lightning that now ran through her entire body, Kushimi-Okassan says this and then laughs in an evil and childish way.
Great, they've dumped the problem on me... Now how do I get out of this? If I choose either of them, the other one is going to cry her eyes out for at least an hour. That's what happened when I jokingly chose Kushimi-Okassan once, and it happened again when I chose Mother. The dark-haired girl threw herself on the floor and cried her eyes out for two hours. I really love that they love me so much and do these silly things, but if they add so much intensity... well, it's not so fun anymore, and they're starting to scare me.
In fact, I should say that I love Father more, so that I can get revenge for him rejecting my request, or rather, for his lack of courage in this situation... Oh, yes... That would be wonderfully evil... But I think I've just had a better idea.
• So... what do you say, Ria-chan? Do you love me more, your favorite mommy? - With a dazzling smile, the dark-haired girl approaches me and takes my hand while caressing her cheek against mine.
"Don't listen to her, Ria-tan. It's obvious you'll choose me, your real mommy, not this cheap copy, made in China." Pushing Kushimi-Okassan's face away, Mother says this and kisses me on the cheek while taking my hand.
Well folks, it's time to cause the apocalypse.
I tell Father to put me down, and he obeys, placing me between the two of them. They stand before me with smiles that I can only describe as too bright and innocent. Looking at Mother, I shake my head, and immediately hers falls to the ground with a loud thud. I think I can almost see two small streams of water trickling from where her eyes are.
• Yes!! In your stupid face, Rida!! So I'm your favorite, right, love?! - Celebrating with a laugh that's too hysterical, as if she wants to rub it in Mother's face, Kushimi-Okassan says this and when she's about to take me in her arms I shake my head.
Immediately, her head falls and two other small streams form around her head; however, her whimpers are somehow much more scandalous.
• Hahaha, finally!! - Even louder than Kushimi-Okassan's squeaks, Father shouts this, drawing everyone's attention in the room. - I knew my beloved daughter would realize who her real favorite is!! Thank you, my love!! - Saying these words with a proud and lively tone, Counterpart-chan has small tears in her eyes and looks at me like the light at the end of the tunnel.
Before I can give my answer, I hear a phrase that chills me to the bone: Ichiro, you son of a bitch... Saying this at the same time in a sepulchral tone, my mothers slowly get up... Okay, I better answer quickly.
Puffing out my cheeks, I make an angry face, glaring at him, and shake my head as loudly as I can. Suddenly, I hear three knocks in unison. Turning my gaze back to the fountains, I see my parents face down on the ground, with two small streams of water trickling from each of their faces.
• Uh-So... who's your favorite, Ria-tan? - With her face somewhat red from the blows and with some snot, Mother asks with her voice as delicate and fragile as porcelain.
I immediately pointed at Midori-san and smiled with all the cuteness I possess. She, taken by surprise, just stood there stunned for a few moments and pointed to herself. I simply nodded with a big smile, trying to keep my cuteness level above 9000.
In the next four seconds, she's so moved she's almost in tears, I imagine tears of happiness. But suddenly she freezes when she sees Kushimi-Okassan rise up like a possessed doll, suspended by strings.
• So this was always your plan... - The dark-haired girl said this in a lifeless voice as she slowly walked towards Midori-san.
• Stealing the love of our beloved daughter... - Rising in the same manner as Kushimi-Okassan, Mother says this in a tone of voice that I can only describe as terrifying.
• Pretending to be their kind and charitable teacher. - Imitating the previous two, Father rises in a grim manner and says this in a deep, macabre voice.
The now utterly terrified Midori-san stares wide-eyed at my monstrous parents. She quickly glances at me, and I simply smile innocently, giving her a thumbs-up. She returns a shaky smile and starts running around the room screaming, "SORRY, I DIDN'T MEAN TO STEAL RIAS-CHAN'S AFFECTION!!" while my parents chase after her comically, calling her name in a creepy way.
Watching this whole show, I can't stop laughing. Did you want to join in on our games? Well, you're more than welcome, sweetheart. Besides, I'm getting a little revenge for the lazy life you made me avoid, Te~he :P.
After this Tom and Jerry-worthy comedy lasted a little longer, seeing me laugh uncontrollably, my parents just laughed with me and Midori-san got a little annoyed, but it was nothing that my cutie and I couldn't fix.
After that, the four of us played for a while and had lunch in the garden, which, by the way, is just as beautiful as it looked from that window. When we started eating, Midori-san refused to join us, saying the usual thing about being a maid and not being able to, but she was quickly convinced by Mother and Kushimi-Okassan—too quickly, I'd say.
We all just finished lunch and I'm sitting on Kushimi-Okassan's lap. They're talking nonsense while I get distracted by a butterfly that flies by. It's not because I'm a baby or anything, I'm just easily distracted and when they're talking about something I don't care about, I get distracted by anything, literally anything... I consider it a gift, my great gift.
Hmm... Noticing the lovely atmosphere, I have an idea. I think this is a good time to say the long-awaited first words that Mother, Kushimi-Okassan, and Father have been waiting for, and they seem to be the most anxious about this.
I've already done several drills, where I try to talk, and Counterpart-chan is almost always absent, but he always appears unexpectedly in a flash of light, and it turns out to be a false alarm. The first time was hilarious; their faces were priceless when I started gesturing and then let out a fart.
However, now it's serious, and I'm more than convinced that these will be first words they'll remember very well.
• PP-Pa... - Starting to get attention, I say this and I'm surprised by how thin my voice is. No matter how many times I hear it, in every rehearsal, it's so strange... It's just so thin and melodious.
• Wait, wait! - Suddenly Kushimi-Okassan notices my babbling and silences everyone, Mother gets excited seeing my attempts and the 3 of them focus their attention on me, completely silent.
"I think he'll say 'Dad.'" Saying this with a slightly disappointed tone, Mother lightly taps Counterpart-chan's shoulder while I continue my babbling. "I'm so jealous, Ichirou... I was hoping the first thing he'd say was 'Mommy, I love you'..." Letting out a sigh, Mother simply lets her shoulders slump slightly, still staring intently at me.
In fact, I was tempted to say that; I think it would have been an amazing memory for her, since she spent so much time with Kushimi-Okassan. I thought that would be a small way to make up for it... However, I think what I want to say will leave a much more lasting memory.
• Naive, Ri-chan. Ria-chan would have said "Kushimi is my best Mami for real," if she'd wanted to talk about mothers. - With a small, smug laugh, the dark-haired girl says this while lifting her head and looking at Mother, whose eyebrow starts to twitch... Ahhh, that's bad.
"Relax, this is a priceless memory we'll only experience once in a lifetime, all thanks to our daughter. We mustn't ruin it over a fight, control yourselves this time, okay?" - In a somewhat firm but gentle and loving tone, Father says this, placing his hands on my mothers' shoulders, who simply look at him, then at each other and just smile and nod.
Now all the quartet's attention is on me again. I have to say, I was surprised by Counterpart-chan's intervention; you can definitely be a man when you put your mind to it...
Ahh... It almost makes me regret what's coming, but I'm already very committed to the cause, so oh well... It's like they say, real babies don't back down from their plans, although I'm paraphrasing a bit.
Meanwhile, Midori-san's eyes are teary and she's only focused on me; she didn't even snap out of her trance when my mothers tried to start a fight... I'm sure they'll remember this forever.
• PP-Pa... - Mustering my resolve to say what I've been rehearsing for almost two months, I blurt it out. - Dad's having an affair with Midori-san!
Waiting for the reaction to the bombshell I dropped, I notice everyone's expressions are frozen, still processing my words. This, obviously, is true. In the last eight months, every time Counterpart-chan came to see me, after playing with me for a while, he puts me in the crib, and once, just out of mischief and curiosity, I pretended to be asleep.
That's how I caught him flirting with Midori-san, and in the last month, they were even kissing. Last time, they were about to give in to their carnal instincts when I made noises and "woke up," interrupting their lust. I'm sorry, but I'm not ready to see my father sleeping with my nanny.
So this is my answer to everything you did behind my mothers' backs, and why you only thought with your lower head that time. Besides, I've been telling that poor blonde for ages that she was about to tell my mothers about this. Well, I hope you're happy now; I've done it for you.
Slowly reacting, my mothers' faces contorted into a completely cold and empty expression. Turning their grim gazes slowly toward Father, he was still in shock. Midori-san, on the other hand, was in shock, completely blue, her eyes as wide as when I told her she was my favorite, her hands clutching her chest.
• Is that true, Ria-tan? - Radically changing her expression to the one she always uses when speaking to me, Mother says this with a smile on her face, but it's obvious that she's holding back, as her eyebrow and left eye tremble as if there were no tomorrow.
• Yes, Mommy. - With an angelic smile I say this while tilting my head slightly, exponentially increasing my cuteness power.
Giving me a small kiss on the cheek and praising me for my first words, Mother turns around and I can see an evil aura coming out of her body, while Father trembles in place and gets up trying to make excuses, however Mother walks malevolently towards him, while he backs away with every step she takes.
Before the condemned man starts running, he glances at me, and I just shush him with my hands. I look at him with disappointment and, sighing, give him a thumbs-up. Understanding my gesture perfectly, the message I wanted to convey seems to get through: "That's what you deserve, try hard to survive."
Fleeing away quickly, pursued by a large, wild, flaming beast I call Mother, Counterpart-chan shouts: Honest and Tender Rias, you threw me into the fire!!!
This is all your fault for not being honest, pal. Later, if you survive, I'll make it up to you somehow, even though I shouldn't. Taking me in her arms, Kushimi-Okassan gets up and goes to Midori-san.
"Excuse me, Midori. Could you watch Ria-chan for a moment? I have a very urgent matter to attend to with my dear husband." Giving me a hug, the dark-haired woman said this, and when I looked at her face, it transformed into one of those evil Japanese oni masks...
Right now, Father's chances of survival have been substantially reduced.
• Himejima-dono, I-I, I-It wasn't my intention to betray your trust... But... It just... It happened... And I... I'm... I-I understand if you want to impose the death penalty on me. - With heavy tears in her eyes, Midori-san says this while bowing deeply towards Kushimi-Okassan, still holding me in her arms.
• You're so cute, Mido-chan. - Making Mido-chan stand up, the dark-haired girl takes the blonde's face in her hands and looks her in the eyes. - I only have one question for you.
• Do you love him? Do you love him so much that you're willing to share him? To not be the only one in his heart? - With a totally serious expression, still holding Midori-san's face, Kushimi-Okassan says this in a very different tone than the one used just a few seconds ago.
"That's right, Kushimi-san. I love Ichirou-sama with all my heart. And, believe me, I've considered these past few months that I won't be the only one... And I'm okay with that." The blonde said this in a strong, serious tone, with the greatest conviction I've seen since I met her, smiling beautifully at the end of her words.
"Then there's no problem." Stepping back slightly, Kushimi-Okassan said this with a smile. "We're not angry with him, or with you, for not telling us. In fact, Rida and I were making bets on how long it would take him to fall for you, and how long it would take you to give in. We even have a list of others who might fall for him too... What infuriates us is that... He's so insecure and indecisive about himself romantically... I bet you gave the first kiss." Accompanied by a mischievous laugh, the dark-haired woman said these words as Midori-san blushed, and I just felt her hug me a little tighter.
• I knew it. Even though he's an adult, has two wives, a daughter, and several suitors, he's like a child when it comes to romance. He's so innocent, bordering on idiotic and imbecilic. You can't imagine what we had to do to get him to propose or to get us to have our first time being intimate... Hehe, it felt like we were violating him... - With a totally perverted smile, Kushimi-Okassan says this while a little drool drips from her mouth... Okay, information I frankly didn't need in my life.
Wow... Well, in that sense, Counterpart-chan and I are, or at least were, exactly the same... In my past life, the same thing happened to me; I missed many opportunities because I was a fool... And the worst part is that I knew it... I understood and still understand my problems, but I can't fix them just by wishing for them; I didn't have enough willpower to do it... I'm a coward, only thinking about it afterward, imagining what if I had dared to...
Anyway, what the dark-haired girl said is true. Midori-san was the one who kissed Father, now that I think about it... Although I couldn't see much since I was in my crib... Also, that time their wild side took over, it was Midori-san who jumped on him and almost raped him.
"Well, my dear. You'll have to insist a little more to become part of our club." With a bright smile, Kushimi-Okassan said this as a black beam shot from her hand and, in a swift motion, she threw it in the direction Mother and Father had run. Seconds later, a deep but somewhat effeminate scream was heard... It seemed Father's chances of survival were dwindling. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I have to hunt down a foolish indecisive man who wouldn't take charge of his love life, and his daughter had to."
"Good luck, Mommy!" I say as I watch Kushimi-Okassan start to walk away. She just turns around, gives me a smile, and blows me a kiss. I can see in her eyes that she wants to give me a big cuddle session after I punish my father.
Well, I hope that if I couldn't correct my indecisive attitude about romance, at least he will with this very slight push I gave him... I mean, that makes three women. At first, I thought my mothers would feel betrayed, but it seems they had already considered this scenario.
Personally, I wouldn't know how to handle this infidelity if I were in her shoes. It's true that a harem is every man's dream, whether he's an otaku or not (I don't know if women would want a harem too, but if they do, there are some). But I always wondered if it would be fair to the people you swore love to if someone just showed up with another person and said, "I'm sorry, but I love her too"...
Honestly, if they don't have a problem with it, then I don't think I will either. Besides, I think Counterpart-chan is a good person and just goes with the flow, so I don't judge him for it. In fact, that's what I would have done. He's lucky he's my counterpart, because I understand him. If it were someone else, I might look down on him... I'm very hypocritical, I know.
Anyway, for now, my lazy life has been put on hold by Venelana Gremory and her test. It's true I wanted to enjoy my freedom of doing nothing a little longer, but being powerful really appeals to me... It's the most basic and clichéd thing in these kinds of stories, isn't it?
Although it must be fun to say, after someone attacks you, "Was that all? Now it's my turn," and defeat the poor soul ridiculously easily. Besides, like I said before, if I want to maintain my laziness in this world, I'm going to need power... Ugh, what a huge, fucking pain.
---------------₹---------------
Waiting in a luxurious hall, decorated with many treasures and, being in itself, an architectural work far superior to what any mortal being can aspire to, was the Accusing Goddess Rank B Nara, Daughter of Haour, Main Goddess of Femininity, waiting uneasily.
Right now she is questioning why she was called to these facilities, after all, she has done an excellent job as Judge, Jury and Executioner.
The prime example of this is her most recent major punishment, that fat man who dared to question her judgment... He may be trying to let go of his hatred for her, but he surely can't, and spiraling into destruction, he must be suffering like a damned stray dog right now, in ways she hasn't seen. She knows it's true, that this must be what's happening; that's what always happens to all those perverts she's punished so severely.
Interrupting her thoughts, a thick beam of white light appears in the center of the room. Approaching it, Nara wonders why the elders of the Divine Council don't abandon such primitive and conspicuous methods; they could simply set up an office like those in the large corporations she's seen in documentaries made by mortals...
For a few moments, it seems to him that those facilities, adapted to the grandeur of his own being, would be quite pleasant; however, sadly, they are built by those despicable beings called men, and the mere idea of enjoying something made by them disgusts him greatly.
Putting these unnecessary thoughts aside, the albino enters the beam of light and is immediately transported to a completely white room.
She is currently in the center of a large hall, and in front of her is a long platform with multiple seats, the middle seat being at least 7 meters higher than the others. Suddenly, the six elders of the Divine Council—four women and two men—appear and take their seats around the highest one.
Nara calls them old people, but these beings look no more than 25 years old. The women have divine, sculpted bodies. One of the two men is somewhat overweight compared to his companion and all the other women present... However, something catches Nara's attention: the main place is empty... Once again, that damned old man is shirking his responsibilities...
• Accusing Goddess Rank B, Nara, daughter of Haour, do you know why we summon you to this sacred and worthy chamber? - With a prominent and very deep voice, the fat man says this looking Nara directly in the eyes.
• No, Your Honor. - Bowing towards the man, Nara replies in a tone she is frankly not used to using, a respectful one.
"We call this our sacred precinct the Accusing Goddess, for a certain judgment of hers has caught our attention." The woman on the left side of the highest place says this. Her voice, though thinner than the fat man's, is nonetheless just as imposing.
• Please inform us which trial their lordships are interested in. - Now bowing towards that woman, Nara says this, suspecting which trial they might be referring to.
She sincerely wants to call them by some name other than "Your Lordship," but they don't have names. They all make up the Divine Council, the highest authority after that damned old man who leads it. Yet he's just an irresponsible scoundrel who doesn't even deserve her respect, despite having raised her after her mother died... Because of them... Because of them...
"Accusing goddess, aren't you paying attention to us, the Great Divine Council?!" Pulling her from her thoughts, the other man in the room reprimanded Nara for her inattentiveness. She hadn't thought they'd notice. It was a real nuisance to be reprimanded by a man...
• I'm sorry, Your Honor. Could you please repeat the trial in question for her again? - Kneeling before the man in question, the albino woman says this, completely disgusted and annoyed at having to pay homage to a man.
"Accusing Goddess Rank B, please rise." The woman on the left of the highest position said this, knowing Nara's mindset. The albino acknowledged this gesture with a small bow. "The trial we are referring to is that of the mortal, whose name is Andrew Parker Wilson, Trial Code XCTU193243. Based on this trial, we have only two questions for you." Holding a gray file in her hands, the woman looked at Nara again with extreme seriousness.
"Any question she can answer, she will do so with the greatest pleasure." Leaning towards her, Nara said this with her head bowed. This great woman is the only one who truly deserves her respect, and perhaps the other three on the Council.
• First question in question, Did you impose a high-grade punishment on the mortal named Andrew Parker Wilson? - The woman in question says this in a neutral and serious tone.
• That's right. - Somewhat surprised by the question, clearly written in her report. - But that was because-
"I only asked if that was the case, not why." - Interrupting the albino, the woman looks seriously at the person involved. About to apologize, Nara was going to say a few words, but the woman speaks first.
• Second question in question. Did you take the trouble to look at the defendant's complete file? - Being as precise as in the previous question, the woman awaits Nara's response, who has a completely confused expression.
• No... But it was obvious that I didn't need it-
• Thank you for answering the questions honestly. - Interrupting the albino again, the woman shakes her head and only sighs. - As second in command of the Divine Council, I strip you of your position as Rank B Accuser and the title you obtained as Goddess. Furthermore, I condemn you, former Rank B Accuser Goddess, Nara daughter of Haour, for the miscarriage of justice in case XCTU193243, name Andrew Parker Wilson. You may be taken away now; at a later date, you will be informed of the severity of your punishment.
Completely confused by what she just heard, Nara still doesn't understand what just happened... What did she do to deserve this treatment?... She's only been faithfully fulfilling her duties for centuries... So what's going on? What was she accused of, and why was she punished like this?
• Excuse me, I don't understand this trial?! Why am I, who am doing my job perfectly, being judged like this?! - Just as angels, beings made of light with enormous wings, are about to touch her, she shouts this phrase, looking at all the people on the bench.
"You don't need to know that, Nara." The man who had corrected the albino stood up and looked at her like she was a piece of trash. "You were no one to question the decision of this, the great Divine Council, and even less so now, when you're nothing more than a simple outcast." With a tone full of disgust and fury, the man simply gestured with his hand for her to be taken away quickly.
"You disgusting male refuse! Someone like you, a filthy, inferior man, has no right to speak to me directly, or even dare to look at me!" the albino woman exclaimed, exploding at the sheer audacity of this inferior being, as if spitting with contempt. It doesn't matter if he's a member of the Divine Council; he's just a man.
On the verge of exploding because of that clear audacity of the now rejected woman, the man prepares his base power [Judgment] to eliminate once and for all that inferior woman who dared to shout such stupidity about the best being in all existence, man.
However, just as they were about to erase her from existence, everyone froze upon sensing the presence of the one in charge of everything, the one who directs all of creation and the current leader of the Divine Council.
Emerging from the deep, shimmering white mist that enveloped the great hall, a tall man (1.75 m) with a long white beard, wearing a floral shirt and loose white trousers, was seen walking slowly towards Nara. Completely bald and wearing reflective glasses, he was also walking towards Nara.
The man is followed by a woman slightly taller than him, with long black hair and a white streak. She is dressed in a formal all-black suit and holds a tablet in her hands, adjusting a pair of reading glasses she doesn't seem to need.
• Wow, what a mess they're making here... I should have arrived on time if I'd known this would be so much fun, Feminazi versus The Patriarchy. - With a voice much deeper than the fat man's, this man laughs mockingly, and his assistant hits him on the head with the tablet. 18
"Please, Apólyto-sama. Take this judgment seriously. Don't you know that the one being judged is the goddess you raised?" With her eyes closed, the woman sighed heavily at this inappropriate behavior... "He can't be so careless at this moment."
• Ahhh, that explains why the Feminazi brat who almost got vaporized by the sexist in our group seemed familiar... Don't hit me again, Aftí, please. - Touching the part where the woman hit him, he just looks at Nara and smiles slightly.
• OTheóstisYparxis... - With her eyes half-closed, Nara says this as she looks at the one she can technically consider her father and the one who represents the whole.