High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

Chapter 138: Chapter 134: Hero Show and an Intense Mother!

”Zum-zum-iyaan!”

”Zum-zum-iyaan!” the kids in the audience echoed with huge smiles.

Days before the school festival, I was performing a hero show on a massive concert stage in Luciferad, the old capital of the Underworld. Naturally, it’s the Oppai Dragon show.

That chant? Part of the Oppai Dragon Song, inexplicably a hit.

Lyrics by Azazel.

Music by Sirzechs Lucifer.

Choreography by Serafall Leviathan.

When I learned this, my reaction was, ”What are you guys doing!?” These Underworld Maous are too free! My image of Maous is shattered!

Normally, a stunt double in costume handles the show. But Sirzechs requested me personally. With the Khaos Brigade’s terrorism making things tense, he thought my appearance would cheer up the kids. He said I could refuse if busy, but I had no plans and wanted to help, so I agreed. Plus, my Sacred Gear’s adjustments were done, and my Balance Breaker was ready.

”Fuhahaha! Oppai Dragon, can you defeat me!?” the villain roared.

”Don’t underestimate me! Here we go—Balance Breaker Second Layer, Tenbu!” I shouted.

The show’s climax: a showdown with the boss. Switching to my combat-focused Tenbu form sent the crowd wild.

”Go, Oppai Dragon!” cheers rang out, warming my heart.

I performed a big fight scene with the armored villain actor, ending with the classic, ”Take this! Dragon Kick!” A flying kick sent him off-stage—pure acting, of course. A real kick would wreck the venue.

Explosions flared behind me as I struck a dramatic pose. Embarrassing, but the kids’ joy made it worth it. The pyrotechnics were straight out of human tokusatsu—Underworld tech clearly studied it.

After the show, all performers lined up. Rias as Switch Princess and Kiba as Darkness Knight Fang stood beside me. Switch Princess, inspired by Alice, led to Rias apologizing profusely when she learned its origin.

Rias, in her princess dress, waved, earning ”Wooo!” from kids and her male fans. Kiba got screams of ”Kyaaa! Kiba-kun!” from women, especially moms. Damn you, Kiba! Time to up your training?

Still, I got my share: ”Oppai Dragon!” The kids’ cheers hit hardest.

”Phew.” Backstage, I caught my breath. Next, school festival prep in the human world. Manpower’s short, so it’s tough.

”Good work. Here’s a drink,” a staffer said, handing me tea.

”Thanks, throat’s dry.” I chugged the cold tea—refreshing!

Onstage, Koneko hosted the quiz corner as Hellcat-chan, getting roars from older fans. Her loli cat-ear charm is a hit. I get it—those ears and her smile spark protective instincts. No man could resist!

The Oppai Dragon show was a massive success, just as Sirzechs and Azazel hoped. Underworld media covered the Old Maou Faction, Loki, and Kyoto’s Hero Faction incidents, hyping our team. Headlines screamed, ”Oppai Dragon saves the day again!” Kids probably mix the real me with the show’s version. The show has quirks—like powering up by poking breasts. I’d love to try that for real!

Popularity’s great, but why do we keep stumbling into crises? Someone rigging fate?

Sigh. Gotta keep being the kids’ hero.

Heading back from the restroom, I heard, ”Nooo!” from down the hall.

Curious, I approached. A kid was crying loudly, his mom talking to a staffer.

”Sorry, the handshake and autograph session tickets are already distributed,” the staffer apologized.

Got it. They missed the pre-show ticket handout.

”It’s over?” the mom said, and the kid wailed, ”I wanna meet Oppai Dragon!” clutching a toy of me in armor.

Can’t ignore that.

Donning my armor, mask off, I stepped out. ”What’s wrong?”

”Oppai Dragon!” The kid’s face lit up.

The staffer explained, ”Hyoudou-san, they missed the ticket distribution...”

I knelt before the kid. ”What’s your name?”

”Lilenks,” he sniffled.

”Thanks for coming, Lilenks. Got something to write with?” I asked the staffer, who handed me a marker.

”Can I sign your hat?” I pointed at his Oppai Dragon cap.

He nodded eagerly. I signed it, placed it back on his head. He beamed, taking it off and on repeatedly.

Placing a hand on his head, I said, ”Lilenks, boys don’t cry. Even if you fall, stand up strong to protect girls.”

”Can I do that?” he asked.

”Sure. I was weak once, but I worked hard to protect what matters. You can too. When you find something worth protecting, you’ll be unstoppable.”

I patted his head, stood, and left with the staffer.

”Hyoudou-san, please avoid this. We can’t accommodate everyone; exceptions cause issues,” the staffer said, troubled.

”Sorry, I’ll be careful,” I apologized sincerely.

They set boundaries for a reason. My action disrespected the staff’s efforts. But seeing someone cry...

”You were cool, Issei,” Rias said, approaching with a wave.

”Rias...” Her praise meant a lot.

She stroked my cheek. ”A bit reckless, but you protected that kid’s dream.”

”Prez...”

She puffed her cheeks. ”Prez?”

”Uh, it’s work mode...”

Should I say ”Rias-sama” here? I pondered when a familiar woman appeared.

”Well, hello, Rias, Issei-san. What’s this?” Auburn-haired, Rias’s spitting image—Venerana-san, her mother, with Millicas!

In my dressing room, Rias poured tea into paper cups. ”Here, Issei.”

”Thanks, Rias-sama.” Seemed safest, like at her house.

Venerana smiled. ”Issei-san, call her ’Rias’ in front of me.”

”Huh?”

”Rias was thrilled when you used her name,” she said.

Really? At Tokyo Station, when she saw me off. She told her mom after the Gremory territory incident?

”She was that happy...” I muttered.

Rias’s face turned beet red beside me.

Venerana continued, ”As a mother, I’m glad you’re bridging the gap. Maybe Rias needs someone older?”

I did say she could lean on me as the older one, since she’s a young girl despite her kingly duties.

Wait—how does Venerana know I’m older? She should see me as Rias’s junior.

Noticing my shock, she said, ”I know your situation. Sirzechs, Grayfia, and your mother told me.”

”What!?” They told her about the other world!? Even Mom?

”We had a delightful mothers’ chat with Grayfia and your mother,” she chuckled.

When did that happen? Mom, unfazed by two noblewomen? Typical.

”It’s confidential, so don’t worry,” Venerana assured.

”Thanks...” Trustworthy, and it’s easier with her knowing.

She turned to Rias. ”Now, Rias, the problem is you.”

Rias tensed, the air heavy. ”I heard Miu beat you to it.”

I spat my tea. ”What!?” She said that?

”From Governor Azazel, during drinks with my husband and Sirzechs,” Venerana said.

That guy! Spilling that over drinks? Hope he’s not spreading it everywhere. Gotta punch him later.

”They’re step-siblings, more like lovers, so I approve,” Venerana added.

Approve!? That’s her follow-up? Sounds like Kiryuu!

Clearing her throat, she continued, ”Rias, you lagged because you dawdled. Issei wants that, but charming men like him attract others. You might end up last. Understand?”

Charming? Nice! Rias mumbled, ”Yes...”

”You two haven’t gone out?” Venerana asked.

”Not really...” Rias replied.

We’ve shopped, but not like that.

”You never invited him?”

”Schedules didn’t align...” Rias said.

True, she’s been busy with school meetings, like me.

Venerana sighed dramatically, hand on forehead. ”The next Gremory head, so pathetic. I thought you inherited my boldness, but you’re hopeless here. Issei-san, sorry, but I need to talk to Rias alone. Take Millicas out?”

Her smile was kind but terrifying. ”Got it! Millicas, let’s play!”

”Really, Issei-nii-sama!?” he beamed.

”Yeah, let’s go!” I grabbed his hand, bolting.

Venerana waved, but Rias, teary, shook her head, pleading, ”Don’t go!” Sorry, Rias, she’s too scary!

An hour later, I returned to find Rias slumped, teary-eyed.