Fortunately, even after my parents found out about Kuroka and the others, things passed without incident. And today December 20th is the closing ceremony at Kuoh Academy.
The entire class had already slipped into full winter vacation mode.
By the way, when I explained everything to my parents and then returned to the clubroom to report what happened, Issei muttered, "I'm really glad it worked out… Maybe I should start thinking more seriously about it too."
Could it be… he might take initiative himself this time, instead of how things went in the original story?
Either way, I definitely want to avoid a situation where Rizevim takes our parents hostage.
Putting that aside, with Christmas, New Year's, and the first three days of the year all packed into this break, it's no wonder students were buzzing with excitement.
Even now, chatter filled the classroom—
"Let's have a pajama party for Christmas!"
"We should go hear the New Year's bells!"
"Let's watch the first sunrise!"
"Homework should just disappear!"
The ceremony had just ended, and we'd returned to the classroom. Some students were already heading home, while others stayed behind to chat.
"So, you guys are busy even during winter break, huh?"
"Sorry, Matsuda, Motohama. I've already got plans for Christmas and New Year's."
Issei was turning down their invitation to hang out.
"You guys got pretty busy after joining the Occult Research Club. I mean, going to the Loch Ness to search for Nessie? That's only possible because Gremory-senpai is the president—financially speaking."
Matsuda wasn't wrong. Even for official club activities, overseas trips weren't unusual.
Totally unrealistic… though Kuoh Academy seemed oddly tolerant of that kind of nonsense.
"Speaking of Gremory-senpai, has it been decided who'll be the next club president? A lot of second-years are already acting as successors."
"That? It hasn't been announced yet, but Rias-senpai and Akeno-senpai said it's a 'secret~.' So it's probably already decided."
"I see… The Occult Research Club has really changed. Irina-chan is officially joining too, right? And Xenovia running for student council president that's the real surprise."
Motohama seemed particularly interested in that.
Which made sense. If a classmate becomes student council president, you'd naturally be curious.
As for Irina, she hadn't been part of the Occult Research Club until now. She had been trying to establish something called the "Irina Shidou Salvation of Love Club"… which, unsurprisingly, didn't work out. So now she's officially joining us.
"Of course I'm helping Xenovia with her campaign! A school led by Xenovia would definitely be fun!"
Kiryuu, who had been chatting with the Church Trio earlier, joined in.
"Honestly, Xenovia's already popular across all grades. She helps people all the time, and she's got that boyish beauty thing going. I bet she'll get tons of support from first-year girls."
Xenovia-sama~ …something like that?
Though yeah, among us, she's probably the only one who fits the "big sister" archetype.
Rossweisse has too much of a clumsy image, Asia and Irina are more on the cute side… Maybe Yura and Hanakai could qualify too.
"Well, the term just ended today. Even if we're helping with the election, things won't really start until after break. We might brainstorm ideas during vacation, but that's about it."
Yeah… campaigning during break with a sash and loudspeaker would just make you look weird.
Still, Kiryuu—despite her mix of perversion and common sense—would probably make a capable supporter.
"…You've got some nerve, Arima-kun."
Oops. Did I say that out loud?
"Huh? Did I?"
"Yes, loud and clear. But since it was mostly praise, I'll forgive you."
Since I was forgiven, I bowed dramatically.
"Much appreciated!"
"Mm. You may rise."
"…What is this, even?"
Just dumb student antics.
"Speaking of winter break, the first big event is Christmas. I wonder what kind of presents you and Issei will get from girls?"
Kiryuu's grin was… suspicious.
Then, as if waiting for their turn, the Church Trio joined in.
"I've heard about this! In Japan, Christmas is less about family and more about couples spending time together and even conceiving children as part of a ritual blessed by heaven. As a Christian, I find this very inspiring!"
"While I was away, Japan's Christmas became… quite bold. But offering oneself does align with faith… No! I mustn't think such impure thoughts—I might fall!"
Irina, if you had your wings out right now, they'd definitely be flickering.
"D-Don't worry, Irina-san! Receiving a child from heaven isn't impure! I—I'll do my best too!"
Asia, that statement is dangerous…
Actually, all three of them are.
The remaining guys in the classroom shot murderous glares at Issei.
Ahh… being single (physically speaking) sure is comfortable.
"Damn it! Surrounded by beauties!"
"Just rot already! I'm never lending you my 'gentleman' DVDs or games again!"
A "holy night" becoming a "holy night," huh…
With Kuroka around, I've got a feeling it'll turn into another nighttime athletic festival.
Should I get some stamina boosters from Azazel-sensei…?
Nope. That would get exposed instantly.
Guess I'll just refine my bedroom techniques…
…What am I even thinking?
"So, Arima-kun, as someone with a girlfriend, what do you think about conceiving a child on Christmas?"
Don't ask a guy that!
Though honestly, everyone left here is either too open or too curious about these things.
Better redirect this.
"Xenovia. If conceiving on Christmas is meaningful, then Valentine's Day might be just as—if not more, significant."
"Hmm? Valentine's Day commemorates Saint Valentine, who sacrificed himself for love. I understand it being comparable, but how could it surpass Christmas?"
As expected of someone from the Church—she knew her history.
"Listen carefully. Pregnancy takes about ten months. Now count backward from February 14th."
Xenovia tilted her head—
Pok… pok… pok…
DING!
"That means—if you conceive on Valentine's Day, the child would likely be born around Christmas!"
Asia and Irina gasped in realization.
"Exactly. Conceiving on Christmas is fine—but conceiving on a lovers' holiday and having your child born on the same day as the Son of God… doesn't that sound meaningful too?"
"Issei! Did you hear that!? Let's give it our all on Christmas—and even more on Valentine's Day!"
"Y-Yes! I never realized there was such a connection! I'll do my best!"
"I-If the child is born on the same day as the Son of God… maybe we could name them… I-Iesu… No! That's too disrespectful!"
"Irina, that's a sparkly name! Don't do it!!"
"Oh my, Issei-kun, calling it a 'sparkly name'… That's such high praise…"
She misunderstood completely.
"I wasn't praising you! Go relearn Japanese!"
In the end, Issei's frantic retorts turned everything into chaos, and I successfully dodged further questioning.
After that, we were the last ones left in the classroom. We chatted as we walked out, passed through the school gates, and eventually parted ways with Matsuda, Motohama, and Kiryuu.
And just like that, we headed home.