The afternoon sun filtered through the windows of Daniel's home, bathing the living room in a warm golden glow.
It was Sunday, and the atmosphere inside the house couldn't be cozier.
Laughter, delicious aromas, and the sound of cutlery being set filled the air.
In the kitchen, Hikari and Hibiki were dressed in adorable aprons, focused on their work.
—Careful with the sauce, Hibiki! —Hikari laughed while dodging a splatter of tomato.
—It's part of the chaotic and tasty style~! —her sister replied, winking.
Meanwhile, in the living room...
Daniel and Alya were sitting on the sofa, side by side.
Alya, still with slightly flushed cheeks from the tournament events, had her arms crossed and a serious expression... though her tone was more tender than anything.
—Now that I'm your girlfriend, I want fair treatment, understood? —she said, puffing out her cheeks slightly.— Dates, attention, hugs, and... unconditional love. I don't want to feel like I'm in the background!
Daniel smiled softly and stroked her head.
However, Alya continued...
—...I also want to ask you for something.
Daniel raised an eyebrow.
—What is it?
—That no one else gets added. I want it to be just the three of us...
She had barely finished saying that when Hikari and Hibiki appeared behind the couch like ninjas.
—Eeeeh... that might not be possible —they said in unison, with a drop of sweat on their heads.
Alya looked at them, confused.
—What do you mean, 'might not be'?
Daniel sighed, knowing the moment had come.
He slowly stood up, stretched his shoulders, and turned to face the three of them.
—Alright... the time has come. There's something I have to tell you, Alya. Something big.
—Do you like dragons? —Hibiki added with a mischievous smile.
—What does *that* have to do with it!? —Alya retorted, alarmed.
Daniel closed his eyes, and in a flash of red energy and light, briefly summoned his Boosted Gear.
The red gauntlet with the green jewel glowed intensely.
—This is my Sacred Gear... and the one inside is Ddraig.
—Greetings, human —Ddraig's voice resonated in his mind, projecting through the jewel.
Alya recoiled a little, surprised.
—What the hell is that?!
—It's not a demon, though it's close —Daniel said with a smile.
Then, Hikari and Hibiki approached, sat down, and began to explain.
—Alya, we are Sekirei. We aren't human.
—We came from far away, and we're here because we reacted to Daniel, to his energy. It's something stronger than love... it's instinctive.
—If we don't bond with him, our lives are in danger. That's why, if another Sekirei arrives and reacts to Daniel, we can't deny her.
Alya was dumbfounded. It took her a few seconds to process everything.
—So... more girls might come here, instinctively drawn to Daniel?
—Yes, and it would be cruel to deny them —Hikari replied honestly.— But we know that not everyone who approaches will be a Sekirei.
—And that's where you come in —Hibiki added, hugging her with a smile.— If Daniel wants to add someone else who isn't a Sekirei... we should all agree.
Alya sighed, puffing out her cheeks again.
—Hmph! Fine... but if anyone tries to get ahead without consulting, I'll break their face!
Daniel laughed, relieved.
—That sounds fair. Deal.
—Awwww~! Alya is adorable when she gets territorial! —the twins said, hugging her from the sides.
—L-Let go~! —she squealed, red as a tomato.
Minutes later, the food was served.
A spectacular homemade feast.
Everyone sat around the table, laughing, joking, and sharing tournament stories.
Hikari and Hibiki served rice, stews, onigiri, and stir-fried meat.
Daniel raised his glass of tea.
—To the tournament... and to this new chapter.
Everyone raised their glasses and said in unison:
—Cheers!
The afternoon progressed in an atmosphere of warmth, love, and harmony.
And even though they knew new adventures —and new problems— awaited them...
That night, nothing else mattered.
Monday morning, the students of Kuoh Academy were beginning to arrive with the same routine as always... or so it seemed.
Because that day, something different was happening.
Daniel Hernández, accompanied as always by Hikari and Hibiki, entered the campus with a calm step. What changed was that this time, Alya was also with him... holding his hand, looking flushed but with a radiant smile.
And as if that weren't enough, Hikari and Hibiki were still firmly attached to each of his arms, as if marking their territory.
The stares came immediately.
—Huh? Three?
—What kind of life does that guy lead!?
—Isn't that the Russian blonde?! And the twins too!?
The whispers began to multiply in the hallways.
The guys were dumbfounded.
The girls didn't know whether to be shocked or curious.
But no one... no one was as shocked as Hyoudou Issei.
—WHAAAAAT!? —he shouted, his eyes on the verge of tears, from his favorite spot in front of the Occult Research Club locker.
The trio of perverts was in shock.
Issei, Matsuda, and Motohama watched in slow motion as Daniel advanced, surrounded by beauty on all sides.
It was like a scene straight out of an anime... only he wasn't the protagonist.
—That should be *my* place! —Issei cried with dramatic tears.
—God is unfair! —Matsuda lamented.
—How the hell did that guy do it?! —Motohama added, adjusting his glasses in despair.
Daniel, of course, ignored them with a tired sigh, as Alya pressed herself even closer to him.
—Are you sure you want to go to class like this? —he whispered to her, amused.
—Totally. Let everyone know, Daniel is my boyfriend —she replied without hesitation.
Upon entering the classroom, the atmosphere exploded in hushed murmurs.
The female classmates surrounded Alya as if they were reporters at a press conference.
—Is it true!?
—Are you and Daniel dating!?
—Since when!?
—How did it happen!?
Alya, with a soft, superior smile, looked at Daniel, and without a word... planted a kiss on his lips.
The classroom erupted.
—WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?!?!?!?!?!
But before their brains could finish processing what had happened, Hikari and Hibiki also kissed him on the cheeks and then on the lips, each on their turn, marking their territory in a sweet yet possessive way.
The girls screamed, the boys fainted (literally in Issei's case), and a part of the class gave their soul to the void.
Before the classroom could descend into complete chaos...
—CLASS, EVERYONE TO YOUR SEATS! —the teacher's voice boomed as he opened the classroom door.
Everyone ran to their seats with superhuman reflexes, as if Saitama himself had shouted.
Daniel sat down between his girls, completely calm, though with a drop of sweat running down his cheek.
—This is going to be a long day... —he thought.
The rest of the school day passed in a whirlwind of laughter, sighs, and stares.
Daniel, as usual, shared his lunch with Hikari and Hibiki, who playfully fought to feed him with their chopsticks.
Alya, still a little embarrassed by the morning kiss, had adapted surprisingly well. She smiled while they chatted, and her aura radiated a special warmth that made the boys in the class have to contain their envy with superhuman strength.
Everything seemed perfect... at least for them.
From the shadow of the club building, Akeno Himejima observed the scene with a teacup in her hands and a lopsided smile.
—Ara ara... it seems another one has fallen for the charms of the naughty Daniel-kun —she said softly, though a mischievous glint crossed her eyes.— You're definitely a bad boy... and bad boys deserve proper punishment.
Finishing her tea, Akeno turned with a giggle and, with feline elegance, headed to the Occult Research Club.
---
Occult Research Club Room
Minutes later...
Rias Gremory was leafing through some documents while taking a breather from the day's paperwork. The club's silence was broken by Akeno's arrival, who entered with a clearly amused expression.
—News? —Rias asked, noticing her queen's smile.
—Oh yes, and quite juicy —Akeno replied, sitting on the couch across from Rias.— It seems Daniel-kun now has a third girlfriend.
Rias looked up, slightly frowning.
—Third? Alya, by any chance?
—Correct. —Akeno nodded, resting her cheek on one hand.— Confirmed. Kiss on the lips in front of the whole class. Then the twins did the same. The class is in chaos with rumors.
—Was it consensual?
—Completely. No one forced anyone. Alya confessed to him after the martial arts tournament... in front of everyone. Daniel accepted and the twins celebrated with a double kiss. They seem quite happy, honestly.
Rias was silent for a few seconds, absorbing the information. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply.
—That man... without even trying, he already has more followers than I do...
—You could say he has his own 'entourage' —Akeno added with a mischievous giggle.
Rias opened her eyes and fixed them on an imaginary point.
—I want him in my group. Not on a whim... but because I need him. For the rating game... for my freedom.
Akeno watched her with a calm expression.
—And how do you plan to convince him? So far, he's been clear about his intentions.
—I'll have to earn his trust, his loyalty... and maybe something more. I can't force him, that would push him away. But if I'm patient...
—...he might fall in love with you —Akeno finished, narrowing her eyes.
Rias didn't respond. She just smiled with determination.
—He still doesn't know it... but he's going to be part of my life.
Akeno stood up, leaving her teacup on the table.
—Then you'd better hurry, Rias. Because Daniel-kun... doesn't seem to stay still for long.
The sun was already setting on the horizon when Daniel, accompanied by Hikari, Hibiki, and Alya, was returning home after a rather peculiar school day.
The conversation among the four was relaxed and full of laughter, with Alya still adapting to her new relationship, asking funny questions about how a harem worked without losing emotional balance, while Hikari and Hibiki answered with mischief and complicit looks. Daniel just laughed nervously, trying to keep his composure.
But, when they were already near the entrance to his house... Daniel stopped dead in his tracks.
His eyes narrowed and his face turned serious.
—Daniel? —Alya asked, noticing the change.
—There's someone outside... —Daniel murmured.— They're strong... very strong. But they don't have hostile intent. They're here to talk.
The twins immediately went on guard. Alya also hardened her expression, despite having no combat experience.
Daniel advanced with a firm step, already having a slight suspicion in mind.
And there, leaning nonchalantly against the fence at the entrance, wearing a stylish black coat, a gray scarf, and a relaxed expression as if he'd just stepped out of a trendy café... was him.
A man with dark hair and golden eyes, with a mischievous smile that overflowed with experience, charisma, and... trouble.
—Heeey! Good evening! —the man greeted, raising a hand as if they were old friends.— You're Daniel, right? The famous human who defeated one of my subordinates and who's stealing hearts left and right. You look better than I imagined.
Daniel sighed.
—I knew it was you... Azazel.
Hikari and Hibiki narrowed their eyes, Alya swallowed hard as she felt the magical pressure enveloping the man, though it was softened.
—So you came.
—Of course! —Azazel stood up straight and walked calmly toward them.— Serafall sent me a very detailed report... and somewhat modified, I must say. It made me see that one of my girls acted out of pure stupidity and you, instead of killing her, did the right thing. I thank you for that.
Daniel kept his gaze firm, but his tone was neutral.
—I didn't do it for you. I did it because killing unnecessarily isn't my style.
Azazel let out a hearty laugh.
—I like you, kid. Can we talk inside? I promise not to cause a single problem... and if you want, your girls can listen. I have nothing to hide.
Daniel turned to his girlfriends.
—Alright with you?
—We'll keep an eye on him —Hikari replied seriously.
—And if he tries anything, we'll give him a 'nudge' —Hibiki added, with a spark in her eyes.
—We trust you —Alya said, though she didn't let go of his arm.
Daniel nodded and gestured to Azazel.
—Come in. But no tricks, or I'll throw you out myself.
Azazel smiled with even more enthusiasm.
—Ah... I love this kid.
And with that, everyone entered the house. The atmosphere was tense but controlled, as if the air itself knew an important conversation was coming.
The door closed softly behind them. Inside the home, the atmosphere was warm but tinged with tension. Daniel sat on the main sofa with Alya beside him, while Hikari and Hibiki sat nearby, attentive to every movement of the new guest. Azazel made himself comfortable with careless elegance in a chair facing them, crossing one leg over the other, his jacket open and his smile intact.
—Well, well... now that we're comfortable —he said, turning his head towards the girls.— I suppose it's fair that I introduce myself officially. I am Azazel, Governor of the fallen angels, leader of Grigori... and also something of an enthusiast researcher of Sacred Gears and all things supernatural. Pleased to meet you.
Hikari and Hibiki bowed their heads cautiously, and Daniel spoke up.
—I'm Daniel Hernández. As you know, the human who accidentally ended up tangled in this supernatural mess. These are my... —he glanced sideways at the girls— ...partners. Hikari and Hibiki, they're Sekirei. And this one —he pointed to the young woman with chestnut hair and bright eyes beside him— is Alya, my girlfriend as well.
—Hello... —Alya said, somewhat tense but polite.
Azazel narrowed his eyes, appraising the three young women in turn with a look that mixed scientific analysis and harmless mischief. His expression became especially intrigued when looking at the twins.
—Sekirei... —he repeated.— I had heard about it in passing in Serafall's report, but there were no details. May I know exactly what you are? What is your objective?
Hikari responded without hesitation, while Hibiki nodded.
—We are a kind of artificial extraterrestrial life form. We were sent to this planet to find our Ashikabi, someone whose genetic compatibility resonates with us. Once we find that person, our only mission is to be by their side and protect them.
—We have no other goal than to live alongside him —Hibiki added with a calm smile.
Azazel raised an eyebrow, interested.
—Huh. Fascinating... And very, very outside standard classifications. I'll have to review some archives later. —Then, his gaze settled on Alya.— And you?
Alya blinked, surprised.
—Me?
—You have no magic. You also don't have a Sacred Gear. You are... completely human. Which makes me wonder: what ties you to all of this?
—My feelings —she replied firmly, though blushing.— I'm with Daniel because I want to be with him. Nothing more.
Azazel let out a soft laugh.
—Simple and sincere. I like you.
After that brief introduction, the atmosphere became more serious.
—Alright, now that that's clear, let's get to the important part —Azazel interlaced his fingers and looked directly at Daniel.— I've read Sona and Serafall's reports... but you know as well as I do that paperwork never tells the whole story. I want you to tell me in your own words what happened the day Reynare attacked you.
Daniel took a deep breath, nodding. He had no reason to hide what happened.
—She lured me with a fake disguise... tried to eliminate me, but failed. When I gave her the chance to withdraw, she refused. She confessed she did it out of desperation, to gain your approval... It was a short fight. I defeated her, handed her over alive. That's all.
Azazel listened in silence, not blinking. In the end, he exhaled and nodded slowly.
—You're not lying. And I like that. I want to thank you for not killing her. Few would have had that composure, considering the circumstances.
Daniel raised an eyebrow, curious.
—And what happened to her?
—Ah, now comes the interesting part —Azazel smiled mischievously.— She was officially demoted, and is awaiting punishment. But... I took the liberty of coming here to discuss with you what kind of punishment would be appropriate. After all, you were the victim. It would seem unfair to decide without consulting you.
—Me?
Daniel was stunned.
—I'd rather not get involved. I just want it not to happen again.
—None of that! —Azazel retorted with a wider smile.— I need a name, an idea. Something. And your girls have a right to their opinion too.
Hikari and Hibiki nodded firmly.
—It can't just be left like that —said Hibiki.
—Even if we're not vengeful, a lesson must be learned —added Hikari.
Alya puffed out her cheeks.
—She almost killed Daniel! I also think she deserves a proper punishment.
Daniel rubbed the back of his neck, caught between his three girlfriends and a celestial governor with dubious intentions.
Azazel began listing options:
—We could lock her in a magical cell for a year... send her as a spy to some horrible place... or...
—Or...? —Daniel asked, resigned.
—...we could assign her as the affected party's personal maid, with a geass of complete obedience so she can't betray again.
Daniel froze.
—A maid?
—Exactly. —Azazel snapped his fingers, and a magical light flashed in the center of the room.
Suddenly, Reynare appeared kneeling, wearing a perfectly fitted black and white maid outfit, with a serene and submissive expression.
—Reporting for service, Master Daniel. I am here to atone for my mistakes and fulfill any order given to me —she said, bowing her head as a sign of repentance.
Daniel was left speechless, looking at Azazel, who was smiling like a satisfied fox.
—You planned this from the start!? —Daniel shouted.
—Let's just say I had faith in your good heart —Azazel replied with a wink.— And in the pressure from your girls.
The three girls looked at him as if to say "accept it."
Daniel sighed deeply as a drop of sweat ran down his forehead.
—Do I seriously have a former fallen angel assassin as a maid now?
—And for free! —Azazel added.— Though if you try hard, you might get more than just her forgiveness, eh?
The Governor of Grigori said goodbye with a giggle and a final pat on Daniel's shoulder.
—Take care, champ. We'll see each other soon. I'm sure your story is just beginning.
And with a snap of his fingers... Azazel disappeared.
Leaving Daniel standing there, Reynare kneeling at his feet, and three girls with satisfied expressions behind him.
Daniel could only manage to say:
—This got out of hand...