Chapter 186: Chapter 186: My Older Sister Washes My Back?—Cao Cao and Hades' Conspiracy!
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"We want to go to the food court too!" Akame and Kurome declared, following Roy. They weren't interested in shopping, but they couldn't resist the delicious food.
Pandora, Athena, Est, and Ilulu also joined Roy.
Rias and the others had wanted to go shopping with Roy, but they had to change their plans.
Rias and Sona decided to explore the department store together.
Roy, carrying Ophis, went to the food court with the others.
"It smells so good! Ophis, do you want to try this?" Roy asked, pointing at a stall selling fried squid.
"Yes," Ophis replied with a blank expression.
Roy was used to her lack of emotion. He ordered some for everyone.
...
Meanwhile, Deep in the Underworld—In the Realm Of The Dead!
The air was filled with the stench of decay, and ghosts drifted through the gloomy sky. The ground was littered with bones.
A magic circle suddenly appeared.
Several figures emerged from the circle.
It was—Cao Cao and his group.
"So this is the Underworld. It's quite unpleasant," Georg, the wielder of the [Dimension Lost], commented, adjusting his glasses.
"It's your first time in the Underworld. It's normal to feel that way," Cao Cao replied with a smile. He seemed to be in a good mood.
"Where is the person we're looking for?" Siegfried asked with a frown.
"Don't worry, he's already here."
Cao Cao's words confused the others.
Just then, several figures holding scythes emerged from the ground.
They were cloaked in black robes, only their eyes, burning with an eerie blue flame, visible.
These were the—Grim Reapers of the Underworld.
"Humans—this is not your place. Leave," a raspy voice commanded.
"Excuse me, Grim Reapers, we would like to meet with your boss—Hades. Could you please inform him of our arrival?" Cao Cao requested politely.
"Lord Hades is not someone you can just meet whenever you want. Leave—or face death!" the Grim Reapers threatened.
Cao Cao's smile vanished, replaced by a cold expression.
"I am Cao Cao, leader of the Hero Faction of the Chaos Brigade—Could you please inform Lord Hades of our presence? Otherwise..."
He released his powerful aura.
He had made significant progress in a short time.
Cao Cao was indeed talented.
The Grim Reapers were forced to their knees under the pressure of his aura.
"Y-Yes, We'll inform Lord Hades immediately."
They could barely breathe.
Cao Cao withdrew his aura, and the Grim Reapers vanished into the ground.
...
Hades, upon learning of Cao Cao's arrival, granted him an audience.
"Cao Cao, your power..." Hades was surprised.
"Yes, Hades, I've got stronger," Cao Cao replied with a smug grin.
He didn't even use an honorific, indicating that he no longer feared Hades.
"Hahaha, as expected of a descendant of heroes. So, Cao Cao—what is your purpose here?" Hades asked, although he already had an idea.
"We're here to propose a collaboration. You must be interested in Ophis's power, aren't you?"
"Ophis?" Hades's eyes lit up.
"Yes, our goal is to obtain Ophis's power," Cao Cao declared.
"Obtain Ophis's power?" Hades couldn't help but reveal his greed.
He had long coveted Ophis's power and even had a plan to deal with her.
He had sealed the—Dragon Eater Samael deep within the Underworld.
Samael was a grotesque creature with the upper body of a Fallen Angel and the lower body of a Dragon.
He possessed a powerful curse that was lethal to Dragons—even the Ouroboros Dragon God, Ophis.
"But Ophis is currently under the protection of the Fifth Maou..." Hades wasn't foolish. He knew about Roy's reputation and was wary of him.
"Don't worry, Hades. We'll deal with that Maou. You just focus on Ophis and the others," Cao Cao assured him.
Hades pondered his words.
He felt that Cao Cao was overconfident.
But Hades, as the ruler of the Underworld—wasn't afraid of Roy either.
With Cao Cao as a shield, even if Cao Cao failed, Roy wouldn't be able to harm him.
Hades agreed to Cao Cao's plan.
...
Meanwhile, Roy, who was enjoying snacks with Ophis and the others, suddenly sensed something.
His [Authority] of Prophecy activated automatically.
He saw a vision of Cao Cao and Hades's meeting—a smirk spreading across his face.
"Interesting."
"What's interesting, Roy?" Ophis asked curiously.
"Nothing. Do you want this?" Roy offered her a pineapple bun with a smile.
"Yes. Pineapple buns are delicious."
Ophis nodded and took a bite.
...
After a day of shopping, they returned home.
Roy suggested returning to the Underworld. He had been in the world of Campione! for a long time and missed his sister—Grayfia.
He also wanted to introduce his new servants to her.
Rias and Sona agreed.
They activated a magic circle and vanished from the mansion.
The mansion was still protected by the sprites and elemental spirits, so they didn't have to worry about it.
...
Underworld, the Lucifuge territory...
Grayfia finished handling some matters and sat down—lost in thought.
The castle was quiet, with few servants around.
Grayfia often found herself with nothing to do but reminisce about her childhood with Roy.
This only intensified her longing for him.
She even considered going to find him.
But then she remembered the many beautiful and powerful servants he had and sighed.
Perhaps all she could do was manage the family affairs and hope that he would return one day.
Just then, Grayfia sensed something and her face lit up with joy.
She rushed to the main hall.
A magic circle appeared, and Roy and the others emerged from the ice-blue light.
"Sister, we're back!" Roy exclaimed with a bright smile, seeing Grayfia waiting for them.
"Welcome back," Grayfia replied, a rare smile gracing her usually stoic face.
They went to the living room to rest.
Roy introduced Luo Hao, Pandora, and the others to Grayfia.
"Sister, you shouldn't stay cooped up in the castle all the time. How about I have Greyworth and the others handle the family matters for you?" Roy suggested.
(Greyworth Ciel Mais—From Blade Dance)
"That way, I can take you to other worlds next time."
Grayfia smiled.
"So, do you agree?" Roy asked, mesmerized by her smile.
Grayfia had always been a strict and demanding figure in his mind. He rarely saw her smile.
After all, he had experienced her harsh training firsthand.
He hadn't seen her smile much throughout his life.
"What's wrong?" Grayfia asked, noticing his stunned expression.
"It's just—I haven't seen you smile in a long time," Roy replied.
Grayfia sighed inwardly. She had indeed been too harsh on him.
She pulled Roy into an embrace. "I'm sorry for being so strict with you," she whispered.
Roy nuzzled his face against her chest, enjoying the warmth and comfort of her embrace.
He inhaled her scent, a blissful expression on his face.
Grayfia blushed slightly, sensing his actions.
"Roy is like a child in front of Grayfia-sama," Akeno commented with a giggle.
"Yes, yes! He's so cute right now," Asia agreed.
"He's usually quite 'naughty' though!"
"Yeah, so naughty!"
Saya, Mine, and Claire had different opinions.
"You all secretly enjoy it, don't you? You just want Roy to punish you. Don't think I don't know what his 'punishments' entail," Rinslet scoffed, glaring at the three tsundere girls.
"What are you talking about—Idiot?!"
"We would never do that on purpose!"
"Enjoy it? As if!"
The three girls blushed and retorted.
"Hmph." Rinslet turned away, ignoring them.
...
Roy pulled away from Grayfia's embrace.
He then told her about his adventures in Campione World.
Grayfia was fascinated by his stories.
They chatted until late at night before finally going to bed.
After all, they had school tomorrow.
...
In the bathroom, Roy hummed a cheerful tune as he showered.
He was happy to see Grayfia and had enjoyed cuddling with her.
He blushed slightly, embarrassed that he had acted like a child in front of his sister.
But he couldn't help it—Grayfia had raised him. She was both his sister and his mother figure.
He couldn't forget the years of training she had put him through.
Although it had been tough, and she had been strict, those were some of his most cherished memories.
Suddenly—the bathroom door opened.
Roy didn't mind. Rias and the others often came in to help him wash his back.
He felt a pair of small hands scrubbing his back.
He didn't pay much attention and continued showering.
But when he was almost done, he turned around to see who was helping him.
"S-Sister?" he stammered in surprise.
It was Grayfia!
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