The next morning found me in the familiar kitchen of our shared residence, appreciating the normalcy of domestic routines after the complexities of vampire politics and territorial administration. The simple task of preparing breakfast felt grounding in a way that castle dining rooms and formal diplomatic meetings could never match.

*There's something deeply satisfying about ordinary human activities,* I reflected, watching coffee brew while considering the day ahead. *The absence of constant political maneuvering and supernatural energy fluctuations is genuinely therapeutic.*

Asia emerged from her room first, her movements carrying a new confidence that hadn't been there before our separation. She was already dressed for the day in casual clothes, but there was something different in her posture—less hesitant, more self-assured.

"Good morning, Akira," she said, settling at the kitchen table with obvious comfort. "It's wonderful to be back in our own home."

"How did you sleep?" I asked, noting the peaceful expression on her face.

"Better than I have in weeks," she replied honestly. "Being back with everyone, knowing that the dangerous situations have been resolved... it feels like I can finally relax properly."

Valerie appeared in the doorway, stretching luxuriously. "I heard voices. Please tell me someone made coffee."

"Just finished brewing," I confirmed, pouring cups for everyone. "How are you adjusting to being back?"

"It's perfect," she said, accepting the coffee gratefully. "Don't get me wrong, vampire territory was fascinating from a political and cultural perspective, but there's no substitute for home."

Xenovia joined us last, already fully dressed and carrying her practice sword. "I was planning to train in the backyard this morning. Anyone want to join me? Asia, I'd love to see how your new defensive techniques work in practical applications."

"I'd like that," Asia replied eagerly. "Lavinia-sensei taught me some barrier techniques that might be useful for protecting allies during combat."

*Their enthusiasm for collaborative training is encouraging,* I thought. *They're thinking as a team rather than as individuals with separate goals.*

"What about you, Akira?" Valerie asked. "Any plans for today?"

"I should visit the Occult Research Club," I replied. "There are some developments from recent events that Rias and her peerage should know about. Plus, I want to coordinate with them before the upcoming diplomatic summit."

"The summit Azazel mentioned?" Asia asked curiously.

"A gathering of faction leaders to discuss potential alliance arrangements," I explained. "Including Norse leadership, which makes it particularly significant politically."

"And you're invited as an equal participant?" Xenovia asked with obvious pride. "That's quite an achievement."

"It's recognition of recent territorial acquisitions," I said simply, though I appreciated her support. "Having formal status at supernatural diplomatic gatherings makes future cooperation much easier."

"Plus," Valerie added with a knowing smile, "it means other factions have to take your decisions seriously rather than dismissing them as the actions of an independent operator."

*Exactly right,* I thought. *Formal recognition changes everything about how other supernatural entities have to approach interactions with us.*

As we finished breakfast and prepared for our respective activities, I found myself reflecting on how dramatically our circumstances had changed. Just weeks ago, we'd been a small group trying to navigate supernatural challenges while maintaining normal human lives. Now we had territorial authority, diplomatic recognition, and capabilities that placed us among the significant powers in the supernatural world.

*The question,* I mused, watching Asia demonstrate light barrier techniques while Xenovia and Valerie provided feedback, *is whether we can maintain the personal relationships that make these achievements meaningful, or whether political responsibilities will gradually erode the bonds that brought us together in the first place.*

But observing their comfortable interactions, the way they naturally supported and challenged each other, I felt optimistic about our ability to balance personal and political obligations.

*Some things are too important to lose,* I decided. *Whatever complications arise from diplomatic summits or territorial administration, maintaining this family unit takes priority over abstract political considerations.*

"Akira," Asia called from the backyard, "could you watch this technique? I want to make sure I'm applying the energy distribution correctly."

"Of course," I replied, moving to join them. *And for now, that's exactly where my attention should be.*

As I stepped outside to observe Asia's magical development while Valerie and Xenovia provided encouragement and tactical suggestions, I couldn't help but smile. Whatever challenges lay ahead—diplomatic summits, territorial responsibilities, or unexpected complications—we'd face them together as a team.

*That,* I realized, *makes everything else not just manageable, but worthwhile.*

The morning sun climbed higher as we worked together in the backyard, the sounds of laughter and constructive criticism mixing with the clash of weapons and the soft glow of magical energy. It was, I thought, a perfect representation of what we'd built together—strength tempered by genuine care, power balanced by personal connection.

And that balance, I was determined, would remain at the heart of everything we did going forward.

The peaceful training session was interrupted by the distinctive sound of magical teleportation. A familiar crimson circle appeared in the center of our backyard, carrying the unmistakable signature of devil magic. As the light faded, Rias materialized with her characteristic elegant poise.

"Good morning," she said with her warm smile, though her eyes were taking in the scene with obvious interest. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

"Just training," I replied, noting how Asia immediately moved closer to Valerie and Xenovia. "Though your timing suggests this isn't a casual visit."

"You know me too well," Rias said with amusement. "Sirzechs briefed me thoroughly on recent developments. I wanted to discuss some implications that might not be immediately obvious."

*Implications beyond what we've already covered,* I thought. *This should be interesting.*

"Would you prefer to discuss this inside?" Valerie asked diplomatically.

"That might be wise," Rias agreed. "Some of what I need to share involves sensitive political information."

As we moved toward the house, I noticed Asia staying close to Valerie and Xenovia. Her new confidence was evident in how she carried herself, but she still seemed slightly intimidated by high-level devil nobility.

*Understandable reaction,* I reflected. *Political authority can be overwhelming even when it comes from allies.*

Once we'd settled in the living room, Rias accepted the coffee Valerie offered and got straight to business.

"The diplomatic recognition you achieved is having ripple effects throughout the supernatural world," she began. "Not just the formal acknowledgment from the three main factions, but the methods you used to acquire territorial authority."

"What kind of ripple effects?" I asked.

"Other independent operators are taking notice," she replied seriously. "Some are inspired by your success and are considering similar approaches to gaining formal recognition. Others are concerned about the precedent and are discussing preemptive measures to prevent comparable developments."

*Politics never stays contained,* I realized. *Success in one area inevitably creates complications in others.*

"Any specific threats I should be aware of?"

"Not direct threats, exactly," Rias said carefully. "But there are factions who preferred the previous status quo. Having someone demonstrate that independent operators can achieve equal standing with established powers makes them... nervous."

"Nervous enough to take action?"

"Possibly," she admitted. "Though the upcoming diplomatic summit should help clarify where various factions stand on these issues."

Xenovia leaned forward with interest. "What's the current sentiment among devil nobility about Akira's territorial acquisition?"

"Mixed," Rias replied honestly. "The older generation tends to view rapid power acquisition with suspicion, regardless of the methods used. The younger generation is more impressed by the efficiency and results."

"And your family's position?" Valerie asked.

"Supportive, but cautious," Rias said. "Sirzechs believes stability is more important than traditional power structures, but he's also aware that too much change too quickly can create dangerous instabilities."

*A balanced approach,* I thought. *Support the successful developments while managing the potential consequences.*

"What about other factions' reactions?" Asia asked quietly, finding her voice despite her obvious nervousness.

"The fallen angels are fascinated," Rias replied, directing her answer specifically to Asia with encouraging warmth. "Azazel has been sharing technical details about your shadow extraction abilities with his research teams. They're treating it as a breakthrough in supernatural combat applications."

"And heaven's response?"

"More complex," she admitted. "Michael is struggling with the theological implications of shadow extraction, but he can't argue with the results. Converting enemies into loyal allies eliminates threats while preserving useful capabilities—it's strategically brilliant even if it challenges traditional moral frameworks."

*Religious authorities always have trouble with methods that operate outside their established paradigms,* I reflected. *But practical results tend to override theological concerns when supernatural stability is at stake.*

"Any specific recommendations for the upcoming summit?" I asked.

"Be yourself," Rias replied immediately. "Don't try to act like traditional nobility or modify your approach to match established diplomatic conventions. Your directness and practical focus are what convinced the faction leaders to offer recognition in the first place."

"Good advice," Xenovia agreed. "Trying to imitate others rarely works as well as simply being competent at what you already do well."

"There is one other matter," Rias said, her expression growing more serious. "The Norse delegation specifically requested that your shadow soldiers be present during the summit."

That caught my attention immediately. "Why would they want to see the shadows specifically?"

"According to Sirzechs, Odin wants to evaluate their capabilities directly," she replied. "He has theories about their potential applications that go beyond simple combat effectiveness."

*Odin wanting to study my shadow soldiers personally,* I mused. *That could be opportunity or complication, depending on his intentions.*

"What kind of theories?"

"That's what we're hoping to find out at the summit," Rias said with a slight shrug. "Odin rarely reveals his thinking until he's ready to make specific proposals."

"In other words, I'll need to be prepared for unexpected requests and unusual negotiations," I concluded.

"Exactly," she confirmed. "Though given your recent track record, I suspect you'll handle whatever surprises arise."

As Rias prepared to leave, she paused to address the entire group. "All of you should be proud of what you've accomplished. Going from independent operators to recognized supernatural authority in such a short time is genuinely impressive."

"Thank you," Asia said quietly, though she stood straighter with obvious pride.

"And Asia," Rias added specifically, "I understand you've been developing new magical capabilities. That kind of personal growth is just as important as political achievements."

After Rias departed, we found ourselves sitting in comfortable silence, each processing the implications of what she'd shared.

"So," Valerie said finally, "it sounds like the diplomatic summit is going to be considerably more complex than a simple alliance discussion."

"Most high-level negotiations are," I replied. "The formal agenda is rarely the only thing being decided."

"Are you worried?" Asia asked.

I considered the question carefully. "Concerned about specific complications, yes. Worried about our ability to handle whatever develops, no. We've managed everything else that's been thrown at us."

"Plus," Xenovia added with her characteristic directness, "we're stronger now than we were when this all started. Both individually and as a team."

*She's right,* I realized, looking around at the three women who'd become such an integral part of my life. *Whatever challenges the diplomatic summit brings, we'll face them together.*

"Then I guess we'd better make sure we're as prepared as possible," I said, standing from the couch. "The summit is next week, which gives us time to coordinate our approach and make sure everyone's capabilities are at their peak."

As we began discussing specific preparations for the upcoming diplomatic gathering, I found myself feeling genuinely optimistic about our prospects. We'd come this far through a combination of competence, adaptability, and mutual support.

*Whatever Odin and the other faction leaders have planned,* I thought, *we'll find a way to turn it to our advantage.*

In the evening, I walked through Kuoh's central park as the sun set, carrying grocery bags filled with ingredients for what I'd planned as an elaborate home-cooked meal. The peaceful atmosphere was exactly what I'd been hoping for—a quiet end to a pleasantly normal day.

That tranquility was interrupted by the soft sound of someone crying.

I paused, scanning the area until I located the source: a young woman sitting alone on a park bench, her shoulders shaking with barely suppressed sobs. Something about the scene struck me as more significant than random human distress, though I couldn't immediately identify why.

Moving closer, I was able to observe her more clearly. She appeared to be in her late teens, with long, straight silver hair and aqua-colored eyes. Her clothing was a simple business suit that showed signs of wear—professional attire that had clearly seen better days. Most tellingly, she carried herself with the particular kind of exhaustion that came from being both physically and emotionally drained, and there was something about her demeanor that suggested someone who prioritised work above all else.

*Her mana is so vast* I realized, detecting the magical signature that marked her as more than a normal human *Why do I feel like I already know who is it gonna be?*

The combination of obvious distress and suspense made ignoring the situation impossible. Whether this was simple compassion or curiosity, I found myself approaching the bench.

"Excuse me," I said gently, not wanting to startle her. "Are you alright?"

She looked up with watery eyes, clearly startled by the unexpected contact. For a moment, she seemed to debate whether to respond, then resignation settled over her features.

"I'm... I'm fine," she said, though her voice carried the kind of emptiness that made the words obviously false.

*Definitely not fine,* I observed, noting the way she clutched a small bag that appeared to contain her only possessions. *I didn't expect to meet her so soon, above all, here all alone*

*Rossweisse*

. . .

Read upto 20 chapters at patreon.com/opeler

Check out my patreon, if you find it interesting do join or support me

Enjoy!