Chapter 90: You don't think I'm the culprit, do you?!
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Vali's suggestion about the identity gave Issei pause. "She mentioned being a half-breed... but there's only one half-devil in town besides me, and that's Himejima, Gremory's queen. It can't be her," he reasoned. "Himejima's talked to me in person, and she has a distinct aura, nothing like what's described in the letter."
Vali couldn't resist a playful jab, "You don't think I'm the culprit, do you?"
Issei's frustration flared momentarily. "Don't even joke about that," he growled.
Vali chuckled before shaking her head. "No, seriously, it's not me. Although that would have been a clever prank." She leaned in, her expression growing more serious. "Whoever wrote this must be a rogue devil, a renegade. She mentioned fleeing from other devils when she saw them spying on your house."
The dragon-devil couldn't help but vent his frustration. "Yeah... that's another problem to deal with. Who the hell is watching my house? I made it clear to Gremory and Sitri that I wanted to be left alone," he said with a hint of anger, his brows furrowing.
Vali, always one to challenge assumptions, shook her head in response. "But how can you be so certain it's one of them?"
Issei tilted his head, intrigued by her line of thinking. "What do you mean?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Vali elaborated, "I mean, you've made quite a splash in the Underworld recently. It's not out of the realm of possibility that someone would take a personal interest in investigating you. From what Tiamat has mentioned, you've gained a bit of notoriety for your one-man takedown of a high-class devil and most of his peerage in a Rating Game. Riser Phenex may not be the strongest, but he's far from a pushover, and he's well-known among the young devils. It's possible that other young devils or various noble families see you as a potential threat. So, the devils watching your house might not necessarily be affiliated with the Gremory or Sitri clans."
Issei's voice held a note of skepticism as he pressed further, "Any names in mind?"
Vali sighed, her response tinged with uncertainty. "No one specific, but I wouldn't be surprised if others besides 'Fountain Girl' are keeping tabs on you."
Irina, who had been silently absorbing the conversation, suddenly chimed in with concern etched on her face. "So, we've got a devil stalking you, and potentially others watching your house? I don't feel safe anymore, Issei. I thought you could sense all the devils in your vicinity."
Issei nodded solemnly, explaining, "I can usually sense them, but some are skilled at hiding in plain sight. I didn't even recognize Serafall Leviathan as a devil because she had this peculiar perfume masking her scent. Besides, she had this... strange otaku persona going on."
Vali adopted a nonchalant stance, crossing her arms and leaning back. "Well, that's unfortunate... looks like you're in a bit of a bind," she remarked with her trademark bluntness.
Xenovia, ever practical, couldn't help but press for a plan. "So, Issei, what's your strategy for dealing with this stalker or these mysterious devils?"
Issei shrugged, his expression a mix of indifference and contemplation. "Honestly, I don't know. I couldn't care less about the stalker as long as she keeps her distance. But if these other devils she mentioned start causing problems, I'll have to figure something out. I'll have some time to think about it after my day with Red," he added mentally, addressing his dragon partner.
Ddraig, ever vigilant, raised a valid point. 'Do you think Fountain Girl knows about you being the Sekiryuutei, Issei? I mean, if she's followed you to the spot where we enter the Dimensional Gap... it's not impossible.'
Issei shook his head in thought. 'I'm not sure. Ever since Red gave me my new dragon body, I haven't needed to use your powers to open the Dimensional Gap. Although there were a few occasions where I put on the scale mail before entering, just to catch up to Red. If Fountain Girl does know, she's certainly been keeping it a well-guarded secret.'
Vali, always ready to take matters into her own hands, offered her assistance. "Don't let it stress you too much, Issei. I'll look into it. I'll make sure these devils aren't affiliated with our group. And if they are, well, I'll kindly persuade them to cease their activities," she suggested, her emphasis on the word 'kindly' dripping with a sly undertone that only Vali could pull off.
Issei nodded appreciatively at Vali's offer. "I genuinely appreciate that, Vali. It'll save me from unnecessary drama."
A palpable silence hung between them, Vali appearing as if she had something on her mind but couldn't quite find the words. Eventually, she mustered the courage to ask a question that seemed to weigh heavily on her. "Hey, Issei... If we were just two regular humans attending the same high school, without all the supernatural politics and powers in the mix... would you like me more?" Her voice held a touch of vulnerability, a stark departure from her usual confident demeanor.
Issei blinked, taken aback by the unexpected query. "Huh?" he responded, unsure of how to address such an unusual question.
Vali averted her gaze, her tone tinged with melancholy. "Never mind. It was a strange question."
But Issei, unwilling to let the matter rest, offered his perspective with sincerity. "Vali, you know I already like you quite a bit. I'd like you even more if you'd drop that nonsense with Ophis," he stated candidly.
Vali couldn't hide the hint of frustration in her voice as she replied, "If only it were that straightforward. I really don't want us to be enemies, Issei. Given the friendships you have with those who oppose my faction, it feels like there's only one way this is going to end."
Issei chuckled softly, his words carrying a touch of wisdom. "Vali, it can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. Just do what feels right for you. That's what I do."