Issei stepped into Richard's café, named "Camelot". He didn't come here to apologize for what happened yesterday.
Although he still wanted to apologize to the two girls, that wasn't his purpose today.
Yesterday, he had blocked Kalawarner's path, and as a result, she beat him up badly. If Rias hadn't intervened, he might've been hurt even worse.
When he got home, Rias scolded him for acting without thinking. Clearly, she was somewhat disappointed in him.
Later, he also found out that he had awakened the Boosted Gear, one of the Longinus.
Of course, Issei felt amazing upon gaining such a powerful ability — it meant he was one step closer to his dream of becoming the Harem King.
Issei quickly and awkwardly apologized to Kalawarner and Asia. His behavior yesterday had been downright stupid.
Kalawarner didn't care much for his apology, while Asia happily accepted it.
"This little devil's got a crush on Asia, huh?" Richard thought, standing behind the counter and watching Issei. He could clearly see the way Issei looked at Asia — like a boy staring at his first love.
But back to Issei's main reason for coming.
A familiar customer had summoned him and asked him to get drinks from this café. Issei ordered everything on the menu and sighed, feeling like an errand boy.
After paying the bill and receiving the order, Issei carried the drinks back to the customer's apartment.
His client was a tall man who looked to be in his twenties, average build, with black hair, golden bangs, and a short black goatee.
"Welcome back, Issei-kun. That looks like quite a lot," the man said cheerfully.
He was none other than Azazel, the Governor of Grigori.
(Author's Note: I forgot exactly when Issei meets Azazel — before or after the Riser fight? Sorry. Also not sure when Ddraig first speaks to Issei. If it's different from the light novel, let's just say the MC's presence has created a butterfly effect.)
"Hah… why did you order everything?" Issei complained as he placed the drinks on the table.
"I didn't know what they had, so I just ordered all of them. Come on, sit and enjoy them with me," Azazel replied.
Though it wasn't alcohol, Azazel found the drinks quite good.
Then, Issei began sharing everything that had happened since he became a devil — including how he'd clashed with Kalawarner and got his ass kicked.
"I want to be stronger so I can become the Harem King!" Issei suddenly stood up and shouted, then quickly sat down again, sulking.
"But I'm so weak. Even though I've awakened the Boosted Gear, I'm still weak…"
"Fffhahaha." Azazel laughed as he watched Issei's sudden mood swing. The Sekiryuutei of this generation really was interesting.
Issei, hearing his laughter, wasn't angry — just scratched his head, embarrassed.
"Actually, I think there's a way for you to become stronger." Azazel said with a smile.
"Really? There's a way?!" Issei asked, his eyes full of hope.
"Yes," Azazel nodded.
"How?"
"Hmm… the guy who owns that café might be able to help you."
Azazel was referring to none other than Richard.
He had come to Kuoh a few days ago after losing contact with Raynare's group. During his investigation, he found Kalawarner working at Richard's café.
That alone had made Azazel curious. But instead of asking directly, he simply observed Richard from afar.
At first, Richard seemed like an ordinary guy — though he exuded a strong presence, not a single drop of energy leaked from him.
And that, to Azazel, was the most concerning thing.
Someone who could completely hide their aura was truly dangerous.
Azazel soon connected Richard to the "friend" Vali once mentioned. From the appearance to the demeanor, they matched.
"Heh? Are you serious? He's just some ikemen," Issei said, thinking of Richard.
"I'm dead serious. He seems interesting… and definitely tied to the supernatural world," Azazel replied.
"But Rias-buchou said he's just a normal guy."
"Nope. My instincts are sharp. And if they're right, then he's very powerful."
"Why do you think he's so strong?"
"Because if he can hide himself from your master — a high-ranking devil — then that makes him quite something. Think about it."
Azazel grinned as he watched Issei's expression turn thoughtful. He knew he'd successfully planted the idea.
"You're right… I should tell Rias-buchou about this—" Issei said, standing up. But Azazel stopped him.
"Calm down, Issei-kun. I don't think you should tell your master just yet."
If Issei told Rias, she might become suspicious and investigate Richard. And if Richard didn't like that… things could get messy.
"So what should I do?"
"Approach him carefully. Try becoming friends with him. Who knows, maybe he'll teach you a few tricks. Or at the very least, help you with your girl problems."
"You do remember there are two girls by his side, right?"
"You're right…" Issei nodded, beginning to think that Richard might be a Harem King.
Even if Richard had no powers, getting advice from a Harem King was still useful.
"If he can show you how to get stronger, wouldn't your master be more interested in you? Just imagine her face when she sees how powerful you've become."
"…You're right!" Issei nodded furiously.
"So what do I do?" he asked seriously.
Azazel gave him a wide grin and said:
"Here, let me show you…"
Richard returned home after a long day, relieved that the Fallen Angel who had been watching him was gone.
For the past few days, he'd known he was being observed by a powerful Fallen Angel.
After returning home, he showered and had dinner with Kalawarner and Asia.
"Asia, do you want to go to school?" Richard asked. He knew she wanted to make new friends and loved the idea of going to school. He could tell just by the way she watched the other students walking to class.
"…" Asia didn't know how to respond. She really wanted to go, but she didn't want to become a burden. She already owed Richard so much. He was too kind, giving her a happy life and a warm home.
"Don't worry. If you want to study, I'll help you," Richard smiled.
"I want to… but…" Asia hesitated. She didn't want to abandon her job at the café, especially with only Kalawarner and Richard working there.
"Don't worry about that. Kalawarner will just work twice as hard to cover for you," Richard said cheerfully. Kalawarner nearly spit out her miso soup.
"Please no! I'll stay, I swear!" Asia panicked. She felt awful imagining Kalawarner taking on her workload.
"Fffhahaha, I'm just kidding. We'll be hiring more staff soon. Don't worry."
Richard smiled. He'd saved up several Gacha rolls from the system — with some luck, he might summon a Servant.
Asia and Kalawarner both pouted at his joke, but they didn't mind being teased by him.
After dinner, the three of them were watching TV in the living room when suddenly, the doorbell rang.
"I'll go see who it is," Kalawarner said, getting up. But Richard stopped her.
He walked to the door — he already knew who it was.
He opened it, and standing in front of him was Kiba.
"Sorry to bother you," Kiba said politely.
Author's Note:
Two Servants are coming soon. The first one is Jeanne or Jalter
For the second, you can vote for one of the following:
Bedivere, Gawain, Tristan, or Mordred.
Artoria(. salter )will appear too, but in the future — not just yet.