Gabriel-san and I soon arrived at the shrine to see Shidō in her skin tight uniform, waiting for us on the steps... So the airhead was the supposed guide for my current companion, and so she waited for her at the-

[PLEASE FORGIVE ME, GABRIEL-SAMA!!!] Shidō screamed, prostrating herself with her head bowed in what I suspected to be apology fast enough that I didn't noticed that she moved to that position and did that in front of Gabriel-san [I'M SO SORYY FOR LEAVING YOU ALL ALONE ON YOUR OWN!!!]

...Okay, that was a thing.

"It's fine, Irina." Gabriel-san forgave her air headed guide with an innocent smile on her face, releasing my hand from her grip... I didn't realised that I was still holding her hand until she let go of mine "Kōjiro-san guided me here and avoided me getting run over when I was distracted."

Shidō slowly got up and looked towards me, before doing a 90 degree angle bow "Thank you for guiding Gabriel-sama here, Raiga-kun!"

"No prob." I shrugged, not finding why she's making a big deal out of the simple fact that I helped Gabriel-san "Anyways, let's go up to the shrine now."

The ladies nodded in agreement and we started coming up the stairs. And I was surprised by the sight that was awaiting us inside the chamber of the shrine through blinking a few times.

There were 3 people casually sitting around (traditional style), sipping tea with oddly bored or weary expressions on their faces. One wore miko-style robes while the other wore robes that looked somewhat similar to Gabriel-san and the last person was wearing a red sun dress.

[Obverse]

Character Name: Michael

Alignment: Angels, the 6th Heaven and the Four Great Seraphs

LvL: 409

Profession: Angel and Seraph

Title: Michael the Archangel

Fame: Michael the Archangel

HP: ?/? Regen: ?

MP: ?/? Regen: ?

...So this guy is the current leader of heaven, the man that took over control after his father's death. While he doesn't have so many titles that speaks about his strength, his info pretty much gives me the message to not underestimate him in a fight.

"Once again, I thank you for indulging me for so long. I honestly hadn't expected to take up so much time." The blondie man apologised with unbelievable elegance, radiating a soft glow but power holy energy.

"It's no trouble." Himejima-san assured him, giving the [Archangel] a polite smile "I'm just sorry that our friend is taking so long to get here as well."

"I wish that he would come here now already." Hyōdō whined slightly to herself, but everyone (with the expectation of Shidō) pretty much heard her thanks to enhanced hearing.

"Sorry for being so late, but I kinda got sidetracked." I pointed out the reasons why by jamming a thumb over my shoulder, gesturing to Gabriel-san.

When Himejima-san, Hyōdō and Michael-san turned towards us, they both quickly stood, taking more respectful postures despite clearly having been casual moments before. I suppose they had both gotten bored while waiting for us. However long they had been waiting, it was long enough for Himejima-san to start and finish brewing tea.

"My apologies. I intended to make a good impression for both the [Sekiryuutei] and Raiga Kōjiro-kun, but I showed a rather improper side to myself." Michael-san seemed embarrassed, but still maintained an air of elegance and charisma about him.

"I'm sorry Onii-sama." Gabriel apologies by bowing towards her older sibling... Well, Angels were created by the big guy, so they're all technically siblings "I didn't arrive early was because I got lost by the crowd, but Kōjiro-san found me and guided me here in Irina's stead."

"Ah. I see." Michael-san turned towards me with a pleasant smile on his face "For watching over Gabriel, even though it was not your task, you have my utmost gratitude."

"It's not a problem, I was supposed to arrive here aways but my house is pretty far from the shrine, so I took awhile to get here."

"Still, I thank you for looking after my sibling." The blondie kept on smiling towards me "I am Michael, the leader of the Angels. It is nice to meet you, Raiga Kōjiro-kun." He introduced himself before 12 angelic wings spread out from his back, but his wings were a golden colour instead of the usual white... So that either symbolises his rank as the current leader of Heaven or his immense strength compared to Gabriel-san.

"Um..." Hyōdō called out, bringing all of attention towards her "Can I ask, but why are Kōjiro and I here again?"

"Yes, I suppose that I should answer your question given that both you and Raiga Kōjiro-kun are here now." Michael-san said "The reason why you two are is because I want to reward you for stopping Kokabiel from starting another Great War. The first person that I'm going to reward is the [Sekiryuutei], Ichigo Hyōdō."

Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the area before it died down and a sword was floating in front of Michael-san. It's a standard European sword, being double edged that notched on both sides near the middle. The hilt has markings on it with the guard resembling the claws of a draw.

[Observe]

[Ascalon : Sword of The Dragon Slayer] - Rank: A - Durability: 20000/20000 - ATK: 35000

Description: A 'true' [Holy Sword] and the sword that Saint George used to kill a Dragon. [Ascalon] is a holy weapon that was created through means of magic and alchemy by those who reached the territory of the Biblical God.

Special Effect:

[Ascalon] is a [Holy Sword] known that was used to slay Dragons, granting it the property to deal immense damage to Dragons and Dragon-related beings, even beings that has a Dragon type [Sacred Gear]. + 6x the regular damage.

As a true [Holy Sword], it is extreme deadly against Devils and small scratches from it is enough to cause lethal damage to Devils. + 6x the regular damage.

...Wait, they're going to give Hyōdō the sword of a famous dragon slayer? If they're giving her a weapon that would probably kill her the moment she holds it, then they must have placed spells on it to allow a Devil with a [Sacred Gear] that houses a Dragon to wield it.

"This is Saint George's sword. The Dragon slayer's holy sword, [Ascalon], that he possessed." Michael-san said the name of a sword used by a famous Dragon Slayer "As a special courtesy, since I am giving this, even you a Devil who has the power of the Dragon can handle it."

"Thank you... But why would you give this to me?" Hyōdō said, carefully gripped the hilt of [Ascalon]... And since she's not screaming in pain from grabbing a [Holy Sword], on top of said sword having a Dragon-Slaying ability means that they really want it to be given to her.

"This time's meeting, I think there's a huge opportunity to cooperate between the 3 Great Powers." Michael-san started with a sad, yet hopeful expression in his face "Between the losses of the 3 sides this is a chance to get rid of the useless battles. If small scale battles continue like this intermittently, then anyhow, the 3 Great Powers will be destroyed."

"Even if that isn't the case, from the side other powers may invade." Gabriel-san continued on with a sad smile... She must dislike violence a lot "That sword is a present from the Angels to the [Maō] side. Of course, I also sent presents to the Fallen Angel side and we received the rumoured [Holy-Demonic Swords] from the Devil side as well. Our side is very grateful as well."

"...If you guys mind me interrupting this moment, I would like to say something." I called out, bringing everyone's attention towards me "If you're going to give me a [Holy Sword] as a gift, then I'm sorry to say that I'll have decline."

[EEEEEHHHH!?] Was everyone's response, especially Shidō's, as none of them expected me to decline the offer from the leader of a Faction.

"W-W-Why would you decline Michael-sama's gift like it was nothing!?" Shidō exclaimed in disbelief, looking at me like I'm an idiot "Do you know how valuable and important [Holy Swords] are to the Church and the Heavens!? Not to mention the time they spent on the spells that allows Devils like you to wield such sacred weapons! Are you-"

"Irina, calm down." Gabriel said to Shidō, bringing the [Exorcist]'s attention to her superior "Let's hear him out first before accusing him, okay?"

"...Hai, Gabriel-sama." The chestnut haired girl summited to the command.

"Thank you, Gabriel-san." I thanks the [Seraph] for shutting up Shidō, before taking a deep breath and then released it "The reason why I don't want to be rewarded is because of a simple thing, honour."

[Honour?]

"Yes... As a swordsman that was given swords from his mentor, I treasure my swords [Shigure Kintoki] and [Yubashiri] greatly." I started to explained before summoning my katanas "Since he's now old, he can no longer be a swordsman anymore and passed on his teaches and sword style to me, a person that he meet by chance. To me, accepting a new sword when I still have my mentor's swords is dishonourable and I would bring shame not only to myself, but to him as well by doing so."

I wasn't exactly lying on what I felt able being a swordsman, despite willing to use any weapon if the need arises. Ever since I've become stronger then before, I hardly wield my swords and guns at the same time... While that would be considered stupid to some, even to me, I'm a Devil affiliated with the Sin of Pride, but I still have my honour as a human.

"So I'll say it more clearly, I decline to accept your gift because of honour and respect to my mentor as his legacy."

"...*sniff*..." I blinked when I heard a familiar sound, bring my attention to the source to see Gabriela-san was the source of the sound. Her eyes were watering, but I detected an expression of admiration on her face.

"They were such beautiful words." Gabriel-san praised, wiping her eyes with her sleeve "Despite becoming a Devil, your human heart and soul has never vanished, Kōjiro-kun! It's proof that you're still human, and 1 of Otou-sama's children, inside you!"

"Indeed." Michael-san agreed with a smile "Not trying to stereotype Devils, but most other Devils, Reincarnated Devils included, would do anything to obtain power and status, laughing at those with honour that would try there best to achieve it the proper way."

"None taken." I replied with a nod of agreement "In fact, I honestly believe that a lot Devils are like that."

"Still, I must thank you for stopping Kokabiel's plan, as such would cause a conflict I fear may have lead to the end of the 3 Great Powers." Michael-san thanked me with a slight bow of his head.

"I wish to give you my thanks as well." Gabriel-san said, smiling purely.

"It was no problem. I couldn't let him destroy my home town." I replied with a shrug.

"If that satisfies you, Kōjiro-kun, then it appears our business is concluded." Michael-san announced before turning towards his younger sibling "Come, Gabriel."

"Right!" Gabriel-san walked over to Michael-san's side before she turned back towards me "I will see you at the meeting, Kōjiro-kun." Gabriel-san said before she and Michael-san was wrapped in light before disappearing from the shrine...

Wait, she could have just teleported herself to the shrine instead of walking from wherever she and Shidō came from. If that was the case then finding and guiding her to the shrine was completely pointless!

"Raiga-kun." I heard Himejima-san call out to me, bringing my attention towards her "Do you mind if I talk with you in private?"

I raised an eyebrow towards her, wondering what does she want from me. Well, I can guess humour her by accepting her request... But the moment she starts to do something is the signal that I should leave "I have nothing else to do in the afternoon, so why not."

_________________________________________

I sat seiza style near the table with Himejima-san, who was sitting on the opposite side. I'm not too surprised that this shrine is the place where she lives, considering her Yamato Nadeshiko appearance.

"So, what do you want to talk about Himejima-san." I asked the resident raven haired woman, who has a smile on her face but I can feel that she's a bit conflicted on the inside... Is she going to ask me about something personal?

"Raiga-kun, would you hate Devils if a Devil has done something very horrible to you?" Himejima-san asked, causing me to raise an eyebrow at her. That was question was unexpected, but not too difficult to answer.

"No, I'm not the type that hates an entire race because of a single Devil's actions towards me." I answered, wondering why she's asking me about such a thing... Why do I feel that the topic is a bit off the mark "While I would distrust other Devils, all of my hate and anger would always be targeted to the being responsible."

"But what if that happened to you as a child, would it be any different?"

"No, my answer will remain the same. Hating an entire race just because of a single person's action is nothing more but racism. I don't hate Devils or Fallen Angels, but I don't trust the majority of them." I replied, crossing my arms while looking at Himejima-san with a stoic expression... Well this might be my chance to ask her about a few things "Since I answered your questions, can I ask a few in return?"

Himejima-san looked a bit unsure at first, before she nodded in response.

"Why do you like to flirt with me so much?"

The woman blinked a few times, trying to process what I just said to her before she placed a hand over her mouth while her shoulder shook as she's obviously to suppress her laughter "Ufufuf...[FUHAHAHAHAHA!!!]" And when she couldn't hold it anymore, she openly laughed.

I never heard Himejima-san laugh like this before, since she usually giggles at things but never laughs at anything or anyone. It's an unexpected, but I just let her laugh at the question that I asked.

"Ufufufu... I-I'm sorry for laughing!" The woman said, barely about to contain her laughter "It-It's just that you question was so out of nowhere, ridiculous and unpredictable that I-I couldn't help myself!"

"...Can you answer my question seriously now?" I asked without changing my expression, which caused my companion to stop her laughter before pouting at me like a child.

"You're no fun." Himejime-san said before she gained a thoughtful expression on her face "The reason why I flirted with you at first is to understand who you are in my own way, to see who would you react from my flirting and tease you greatly once I find your weak point."

-_-💧

...Why am I not surprised that she wants to mess with me? I should have expected this type of answer from her, considering the kind of person that is is

"...Then I became even more curious about you after the negotiation with the Fallen Angels, especially since I've thought that you would hate Fallen Angels because you died by the hands of one." Himejima-san admitted, which reminded me of how she looked at me during that day. So the look of curiosity wasn't just just for the fact that I made Gremory leave my house, but why I haven't hated the Fallen Angels "I wanted to know why you're don't hate Fallen Angels, and the only way that I can get it out of you is by teasing you enough that I might break you... Now that sounds lovely~"

...And the conversation went back to being weird again.

"...Okay." I replied with deadpanned eyes before I shook my head and then looked at her a bit seriously "Now the other thing I wanted to ask... What do you think of me?"

Just like Yumi, I wanted to know what she sees of me... Is she in love with me or does she simply like to tease me? If its the former, is it pure or just lust or is she simply emotionally attached to me? The last 2 are a bit unhealthy for the couple as betrayal towards the person attached to you might lead him/her into the Yandere or Yangire routes.

"..." Himejima-san didn't said anything at first, as she seemed to really thinking about her words "To be honest, I had mixed thought about you from everything we went through. I initially thought that you're a rebellious smart-ass that doesn't like to follow orders during the early days."

I can't really say that she's wrong about her description of me during the time before I had Kala, Mitt and Ray as my maids (now lovers along with Asia and Leone), I was disobedient towards Gremory and always have a remark on what she does or says in any kind of moment.

"I became very curious of you after your negotiation with the Grigori." Himejima-san said, staring at me with that same look of curiosity back then "Like I said earlier, I wanted to know why you wouldn't hate them, why you wouldn't hate Fallen Angels when 1 of them killed you."

The [Queen] looked down at table, like she was thinking on her next words before turning back at me with eyes that wants-No, begging for an answer to a question that she can't understand "Then the revelation of your relationship with Mittelt, Kalawarner and Raynare. 3 Fallen Angels that worked with the man that ended your life, and yet you love them... I wanted to find out how you can love them."

I see... Looks like her hate for Fallen Angels is deeper then I expected. She's trying to figure out how can I love Mittelt, Kalawarner and Raynare, all who worked together with Dohnaseek before serving me and then fall for me. While some people would avoid anyone associated with a person he/she hates, I'm 1 of the few that doesn't care about a person's relationship with the being that I hate.

"Eventually, I started to envy them." Himejima-san admitted, making me blink in wonder... She's jealous of my relationship with my Fallen Angel lovers? That's something I didn't expect "Seeing the happy expressions of Mittelt, Kalawarner-sensei and Raynare just being near you, with your smiling face directed towards them... At those times, I could think of nothing other than snatching you up for myself, hoping you could fill me with that same happiness. The open acceptance you give to others... I desired that as well."

"In your eyes, there was never any division between you and any other race. You only saw their true selves, not where they were from or what they are." She praised my unbiased nature of the races in the 3 Factions "Naturally, I was drawn to you more then ever. I thought that, if anyone, you could accept me despite what I really am. You would be the only one I could trust enough... But even knowing that, I'm still scared."

"You're scared that I would reject you because of your heritage, correct?" I deduced immediately, remembering her status as a former Fallen Angel-Human Hybrid and Kokabiel calling her daughter of Baraqiel.

"Hai... I was originally only a half-human. Half of my blood is that of a Fallen Angel. Even though I became a Devil, I still possess tainted wings to match my filthy blood." She started undoing the haori of her outfit. I closed my eyes to not stare at her while she's undressing "Raiga-kun, I want you to look at me."

I did what she asked before my eyes were greeted with the sight of her covering her unclothed bosoms with her hands, a light blush glazing her face. Her attempting to protect her modesty was surprising enough considering how very straight forwards she was towards me before, but what gained my attention are her wings. One like that of a Devil, the other an appendage clothed in black feathers... A wing of a Fallen Angel.

"They're dirty wings... The wing of a Devil and the wing of a Fallen Angel, I possess both of them." Himejima-san spoke with such disdain, all of it directed towards herself "While hating these feathers, I met Rias and became a Devil... But what was born was the feathers of a Fallen Angel and Devil, a more disgusting creature who possessed both. Fufufu, this may suit me who has dirtied blood flowing in her veins."

...I never felt so much hatred originating from her, all directed towards herself, her father Baraqiel and the Fallen Angels. I wonder what happened to Himejima-san that made her like this. While I believe and feel that it's nothing compared to what Vladi and Yumi went through individual, she must have suffered a great lost as a child.

"...I can't really say what you should feel towards someone or a race, since it honestly none of my business. I won't ask for any more details about your birth because that's a very personal thing. But remember that your 'dirtied blood' is just as much because of your Kaa-san then your Tou-san." I replied, looking at her straight in the eyes as she glared at me... I'm pretty sure that she's thinking that 'You know nothing on what I went through!', but I continued on before she can say a word "If she didn't fall in love with him, then you wouldn't have been born and won't be here right now... Your life is a gift from her as your power is a 'curse' from Baraqiel."

Himejima-san's glare had melted into a thoughtful look before shifting into a small smile "Thank you... I didn't think of it like that... But I can ask you something?"

I nodded, giving her the signal to go on with her question "What do you think of me?"

"You're confusing." I replied, causing her to blink in surprise from my unexpected answer "You have no control of your sadomasochistic antics during our spar, and yet you immediately became calm and collective after I surrendered. You seem like a seductress, yet I can feel that your still innocent and emotional towards love. I can't really get a proper read of who you are until this talk that we had... But you're still a mystery to me, Himejima-san."

"...Ufufufu~ Looks like Raiga-kun wants to know about me more. I'm very flattered." Himejima-san giggled, finding my words to be very amusing for some reason... Just another reason why she's confusing to me.

Well, I guess that there are some people that I'll have a hard time to understand, and this woman right here is 1 of them.