High School DxD: Lustful Ascension

In the end, Qingqiu didn't provide a definitive answer. Both Rias and Sona were disappointed but also relieved. As long as Qingqiu hadn't become someone else's retainer, they still had a chance.

Before leaving the student council office, Qingqiu asked Sona to help investigate some information. The leaked news and exaggerated rumors hinted at someone targeting him—a suspicion honed by his protagonist template instincts.

Sona readily agreed. She wanted to identify the source of the leak, partly out of concern for internal issues within the student council and also to reprimand whoever deliberately spread the information.

If it weren't for the leaked information, Rias would never have known that Qingqiu, without any other options, would have agreed to become her retainer. Neither she nor Sona had considered the possibility that Qingqiu might refuse. As daughters of pureblood devil families and powerful high-class devils, countless individuals aspired to be their retainers. The requirements were stringent, yet Qingqiu met them all: weak in power but with immense potential, a touch lecherous but morally sound, young and unacquainted with the supernatural world—perfect for nurturing a bond. And, of course, Qingqiu was strikingly handsome—a trait that, realistically, is an asset anywhere.

Unfortunately, a perfect opportunity was spoiled by a meddling rat in the shadows. Sona was furious, and the consequences were significant.

Monday morning, Qingqiu stepped onto campus, once again enveloped by countless curious eyes. The student council had deliberately let the rumors ferment over a few days, making them even more exaggerated, all to uncover who was stoking the flames.

"Uesugi-kun, come with me," Tsubaki said, linking arms with Qingqiu in a display of intimacy that turned many male students green with envy.

Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki—all second-year students—were more popular now than Qingqiu remembered them being at the start of the storyline when they were third-years at the peak of the high school hierarchy. But being second-years, they hadn't yet been crowned the most popular "big sisters" of the campus.

For the past few days, Tsubaki had been clinging to Qingqiu, flaunting their affection. Part of it was to execute a plan to flush out the mole. Meanwhile, Sona attempted a beauty trap to persuade Qingqiu to choose her as his retainer. Rias quickly retaliated, especially after hearing rumors that Qingqiu might possess the ability to enhance the powers of his partners, promptly sending Akeno to seduce him. Sometimes, Rias herself would make time to appear before Qingqiu. Yet, compared to Tsubaki and Akeno's direct approaches, Rias seemed a bit restrained. Despite this, Qingqiu's ambiguous interactions with these three high-profile beauties were enough to stir the campus.

Qingqiu, perceptive as ever, noticed a change in Tsubaki's demeanor. "Tsubaki-senpai, any progress?" he asked.

"Not confirmed yet, but it's definitely one of these three," Tsubaki murmured, snuggled against Qingqiu, her breath tickling his neck as she whispered intimately.

The student council managed the inner academy's records, and almost every student was accounted for. After days of investigation and with Rias's cooperation, they narrowed it down to three suspects.

Qingqiu shifted slightly, earning a playful glare from Tsubaki. "Akeno can, but I can't?" she teased.

"Tsubaki-senpai, I'm just ticklish…" he replied.

Initially shy, Tsubaki had become bolder, especially after her friend Akeno joined in the game. Whether it was a strange competitive spirit among women or a task from her master, it was getting out of hand. Qingqiu felt he was nearing surrender. With Tsubaki and Akeno around, no other girls dared approach Qingqiu, not even Hamazaki Reina and her group, who seemed to want to but didn't dare.

Their playful banter continued until they reached the student council office. At the door, Tsubaki flicked her tongue against Qingqiu's cheek, teasing, "Akeno hasn't kissed you yet, has she?"

"No..." Qingqiu pouted, frustrated. These two were out of his league; he could occasionally get away with a little touch, but anything more was impossible. All this time, he hadn't even figured out if Tsubaki and Akeno had any unique talents. Qingqiu wanted to assert himself but was hopelessly outmatched.

Earlier, he had tried to catch Tsubaki's tongue, only to have a slender finger press against his nose, pushing him away. His feigned helplessness left Tsubaki unmoved.

"Uesugi-kun, I can date you, but only if you become my partner," Tsubaki stated, not averse to Qingqiu but viewing him more as a beloved toy. If it meant gaining a valuable asset, she wouldn't mind having a charming yet flirtatious boyfriend.

"Tsubaki-senpai, can't we just keep things simple between us?" Qingqiu asked, feigning innocence.

Tsubaki opened the door and stepped into the student council room. She turned back with a playful smile, "Dame~ (No way)."

"Ugh…" Qingqiu clicked his tongue, turning his head as Tsubaki ignored his plea.

"Uesugi-kun, why are you standing at the door? Come in," Sona's voice called from inside. "And close the door."

"Yes, yes…" Qingqiu replied listlessly, closing the door and approaching Sona's desk.

Sona handed him a list of suspects. "Uesugi, here are the profiles of the three people. Do you recognize any of them?"

Oida Taisei, male, third-year, has yokai blood, skilled in stealth. Ayahiki Mika, female, third-year, novice magician, skilled in mental magic. Hakata Tetsuya, male, first-year, has yokai blood, skilled in network technology. Two males and one female. Except for his fellow first-year Hakata Tetsuya, Qingqiu hadn't heard of the other two.

Qingqiu set the file aside, saying, "No, but since we've narrowed it down, why not just bring them in?"

Sona glared at him, gathering the scattered documents. "The student council isn't a violent organization. Spreading rumors falls under our jurisdiction, but without evidence to apprehend someone, we'll have trouble later."

"They're not that strong, are they? Can't we just coerce a confession?" Qingqiu suggested.

"Can't you use your brain for once? Why do you always resort to force?" Tsubaki couldn't help but chide. Qingqiu, with his scholarly appearance, seemed fixated on confrontations.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.