Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice Chapter 4: Rias: Who is the protagonist of my franchise?
Previously on Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice...
Upon hearing Rias's confession regarding her panties,
Akeno Himejima, the black-haired girl who was just about to reveal her discovery, was utterly dumbfounded.
Her usual flirtatious smile faltered, and she asked, "Are you serious, what did you just say?"
"So, the reason I couldn't find my favorite pair of underwear from yesterday is because you threw them in the trash, Rias!?"
Rias: "..."
Covering her mouth with one hand, Rias immediately regretted her hasty confession, unaware of what Akeno already knew.
She offered the girl before her an apologetic smile.
"Akeno, please calm down. Aren't those just panties? Just tell me the brand, and I'll buy you a new pair!"
Akeno smiled, but her eyes remained serious as she replied, "It's no use, Rias. They were a limited edition, no longer in production..."
"What, limited edition? Then let's go to the factory! We'll have them make a new batch! Don't worry, Rias will persuade the manufacturer for you."
The red-haired girl stated this with absolute confidence.
Limited edition panties?
This was the first time I had ever heard of such a thing.
Aren't they just made of fabric?
Why would it be so difficult to produce more without needing to be limited edition?
However, the black-haired girl simply shook her head and sighed, stating, "Forget it."
"Huh? Why? Akeno, don't pretend to be okay!"
Rias moved towards her best friend, gripping her shoulders and giving her a shake.
Wait, why is she shaking my shoulders like this?
It's making me a little dizzy!
Akeno's lips twitched. "I'm serious, Rias. It’s just panties, let it go..."
"You really think so? Fine then."
Rias nodded, releasing her grip from Akeno's shoulders. She then returned to her seat on the plush sofa, taking a sip of her tea.
Akeno: ????
She gave up that easily?
She's not going to try to persuade me anymore?
What plastic friendship!
Just kidding~
From beginning to end, their exchange was nothing more than a playful jest.
If it weren't for the demands of the plot, they wouldn't have wanted to participate in this seemingly forced comedy.
...
..
.
After the two settled back down, facing each other, the black-haired girl, feeling quite thirsty from their earlier conversation, poured herself some tea.
Rias initiated the next part of their discussion by asking, "So, Akeno, what is it you wanted to tell me?"
Setting down her teacup, Akeno flashed a mysterious smile.
"Well, I have some rather interesting information that you might find quite captivating, Rias."
The red-haired girl playfully rolled her eyes. "My Queen, please don't be coy. Just tell me quickly, as I also have something significant to share with you."
"Oh?" Akeno's eyes widened slightly before she continued, "Alright, alright, if you insist."
"I'll get straight to it."
"Rias, what if I told you there is a time traveler attending this school, someone who knows that several individuals, including yourself, are the heroines from an anime they once watched?"
"Would you believe such a thing?"
"...?"
Noticing Rias's peculiar look, Akeno maintained her enigmatic smile.
"I understand you don't believe me, but Rias... what I'm telling you is the absolute truth."
"Besides heroines like you, who are part of the harem franchise known as Highschool DxD, there's also the protagonist, according to this time traveler. If I recall correctly, the time traveler's name is Eiji Seiya; he possesses knowledge of the anime's plot from his perspective."
"Rias, you, and likely I as well, are destined to fall for this perverted protagonist who has an obsession with breasts! In fact, it's said you would even expose your own breasts to an enemy simply to allow the protagonist to pierce your nipples and increase his power!"
"That's certainly a peculiar detail..." Rias remarked with a smile, looking at Akeno with amusement.
"Yes, and that's not all! By the way, Rias, why do I have the distinct feeling you're trying to laugh at me? I assure you, what I'm saying is entirely serious."
Akeno's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of displeasure coloring her expression towards Rias, her closest friend and superior. It seemed Rias wasn't taking her seriously.
While Rias might be unaware, Akeno had begun hearing voices in her head since that morning. Upon further investigation, it turned out she could somehow perceive the inner thoughts of a second-year transfer student named Eiji Seiya, who claimed to be a time traveler from his internal monologue.
Furthermore, it wasn't just Eiji Seiya; she could also hear the inner voice of another second-year student named Yuki Rito. Eiji had apparently informed her that Yuki Rito was the protagonist of a franchise called To Love Ru.
From Eiji, she had gleaned a significant amount of surprising information about heroines, protagonists, and the unfolding plot.
As for Yuki Rito, that boy didn't appear to be simple either. It seemed, from his inner voice, that he was a Regressor who hailed from the future. However, despite being the protagonist himself...
Akeno's initial impression of the protagonist was unfavorable; his inner voice revealed him to be deceitful and unpleasant.
However, the protagonist had no bearing on her current concerns.
Her true interest lay with the time traveler.
Her visit was motivated by a desire to inform Rias of everything she knew about Eiji Seiya, hoping the red-haired girl would take action against him.
As Rias's Queen, this was simply fulfilling her duty as a loyal subordinate.
Thus, Akeno pleaded, "Rias, my King. I hope you take this matter seriously!"
"Pfft!"
Rias, the red-haired girl, erupted into laughter, clutching her stomach as if about to collapse onto the sofa.
"Hahaha"
"..."
"Haha!"
"..."
Akeno crossed her arms, her ample bosom accentuating the pout on her attractive face, clearly conveying her displeasure.
This red-haired girl...
Had the other party not been her superior, Akeno would have already retaliated with a swift fist.
She had delivered crucial information,
Only for Rias to dismiss it with laughter.
The audacity!
"Are you finished? Have you had your fill of amusement, my King?" Akeno inquired with a chilling smile.
"Hm... Hahaha."
"Rias, you..."
"Gomen, gomen, cough. I mean, my apologies."
Rias understood that continued laughter would provoke Akeno into unleashing lightning upon her.
Despite Akeno's outward appearance as a gentle, supportive, and flirtatious elder sister figure akin to Yamato Nadeshiko, few realized her underlying cunning and dark nature.
When provoked, her hidden sadistic tendencies emerged.
Indeed, the 'S' stood for Sadistic.
And Rias had no desire to become the object of this sadistic impulse.
"Very well, regarding what you mentioned earlier..."
"I believe you."
"Really?" Akeno narrowed her eyes, her gaze fixed on Rias's face, scrutinizing for any hint of jest.
Should Rias continue to play along, Akeno might just resort to a jolt of lightning.
A shiver ran down Rias's spine under Akeno's slightly menacing stare. She detected a subtle hint of that sadistic nature.
Hastily, Rias clarified, "Yes, Akeno... what I told you also relates to the time traveler you mentioned."
"Huh? How so? Don't tell me you've..."
Rias nodded. "I am already aware."
Akeno's eyes widened in surprise. "You heard that voice in your head too?"
Rias nodded once more. "Yes, it appears I'm not the only one experiencing it."
Rias remarked, looking directly at Akeno.
Akeno raised an eyebrow. "So, that's the reason for your earlier laughter."
"It all makes sense now... You were looking at me like I was a complete fool earlier, weren't you, Rias?"
"Haha, no, no... I didn't see you that way at all, Akeno. It was simply a bit amusing to hear you earnestly relay information that I already possessed."
The red-haired girl offered a polite falsehood.
In truth, Akeno had indeed appeared somewhat comical to her, prompting uncontrollable laughter.
However, Rias would never openly admit such a thing.
To do so might invite trouble...
Rias's mind flashed back to a previous Christmas Eve two years prior when she had angered Akeno. The incident involved accidentally smearing a cream-filled cake onto Akeno's face, followed by Rias's amusement. The aftermath was...
Akeno had conjured a lightning whip with her magic and pursued Rias relentlessly throughout the night, delivering stinging lashes.
Recalling the painful memory of her posterior being whipped,
Rias swallowed hard, instinctively sinking deeper into the sofa.
"Ara, what's troubling you, Rias?" Akeno tilted her head, a knowing grin spreading across her face as she observed the red-haired girl.
Rias shook her head, adopting a serious demeanor. "It's nothing. By the way, Akeno."
"Since we both share the knowledge and can perceive that inner voice,"
"This streamlines my explanation. I had intended to summon you, but your arrival was fortuitous."
"Regarding the time traveler, Eiji Seiya. I have a plan to recruit him, though I doubt he'll readily agree..."
"Do you have any suggestions on how we might persuade him to join us, Akeno?"
Akeno expressed no surprise at this question.
She had fully anticipated Rias's interest in recruiting Eiji Seiya.
Beyond merely hearing his inner voice, Rias likely saw potential in the time traveler, Eiji Seiya, recognizing his knowledge of the plot and perhaps hidden abilities that could resolve her current predicaments.
Akeno felt a twinge of sympathy for her red-haired companion. Consequently, had she not wished to assist, Akeno would not have hurried to inform Rias about Eiji Seiya, even though she was already aware of his circumstances.
So, she pondered with her chin cupped in her hand before uttering, "I actually have a few strategies that might prove effective." "Considering the other party is a time traveler, it's highly probable they possess the inherent arrogance that comes with such awareness. The likelihood of them joining a group they recall from an anime they once watched is exceedingly small." "However, that point is rather irrelevant because... aren't time travelers typically male?" "Ah? So what if it's a boy?" Rias inquired, her brows knitted in confusion. Akeno merely shook her head, gazing at the crimson-haired girl as if she were unusually slow to grasp the concept. "You genuinely don't comprehend? Rias, don't you enjoy indulging in manga and anime, particularly those with romantic themes?" Even I, who isn't particularly fond of anime, managed to pick up a few nuances from observing television dramas. As if a connection sparked within her mind, Rias's eyes widened, the realization dawning upon her. "Ah... I see. I was considering a similar approach that could also be employed." "Precisely, if we implement that particular strategy, our success rate in recruiting him will undoubtedly increase." The dark-haired girl nodded, a sense of relief washing over her as she observed the red-haired girl finally comprehending her implication. The crimson-haired girl offered a smile, her gaze drifting to her own reflection and then to Akeno, who was no less captivating and alluring. Her confidence in successfully recruiting Eiji Seiya surged. Furthermore, having glimpsed Eiji Seiya's actual appearance, which aligned perfectly with her aesthetic preferences, and having heard his rather endearing inner voice; she found herself considering the possibility that selecting him wouldn't be such a bad outcome. At the very least, he presented a far more appealing option compared to her detestable fiancé and that notorious perverted protagonist, rumored to lack the necessary courage as a man despite his excessive lechery and fixation on breasts. The protagonist of her own franchise was apparently a herbivore, and frankly, even without knowing his identity for sure, Rias already harbored a negative impression. This held true even if the individual might prove to be not so terrible. If she were to develop feelings for the protagonist, wouldn't that essentially be a direct contradiction to her recent declaration of not wanting any involvement with the plot or the protagonist? Speaking of the protagonist of her own franchise... It was only now that the thought truly registered... "Well then, it has been decided. To ensure Eiji Seiya's recruitment, we shall employ tactics of seduction." "But Akeno..." "But what?" Akeno's brow furrowed in renewed confusion. Could there still be a flaw in her meticulously crafted plan? Rias seemed to decipher Akeno's thoughts from her expression and quickly clarified, "It's not about your strategy, Akeno. Do you happen to know who the protagonist of the *Highschool DxD* franchise is closely associated with in the original storyline?" "Uh, that... Now that you mention it. Eiji Seiya never explicitly stated who the protagonist was, only mentioning the name of a protagonist from another franchise, Yuki Rito." Akeno, too, had just recalled this detail, and a mixture of curiosity and apprehension began to surface. Her concern stemmed from the possibility of inadvertently becoming entangled with that notorious perverted protagonist without realizing his true identity as the central figure. Rias shared the same underlying concern as Akeno. Thus, she found herself pondering the identity of this protagonist. Was he perhaps a student at this very school, or was he an outsider, not even affiliated with the school at all? As both women engaged in contemplation and began to speculate about the most likely candidate for the protagonist's identity. Coincidentally, at that precise moment, both of them distinctly heard the inner voice within their respective minds once more. However, strangely, this voice did not resonate with the familiar tones of Eiji Seiya or the previously heard voice of Yuki Rito. This voice... {How peculiar, why hasn't Rias made her appearance yet.} {According to the established timeline, it should be around the afternoon, shortly after school has concluded.} {Rias typically enjoys spending time by the window of the third-year building, admiring the view from there, correct? That would be the opportune moment for me to reveal myself, walking outside and coincidentally catching her eye.} {When our gazes inevitably meet, heh heh, she should develop an interest in me, especially now that I've enhanced my draconic aura.} {In addition to suspecting I possess a dragon-type Sacred Gear, Rias will undoubtedly fall for me faster than ever before, heh heh...} {Unlike in my past life, I, Issei Hyoudou, will absolutely not end up as a virgin harem protagonist. This time, it will be Rias, Akeno, and the other women who cherished me in previous lives.} {I will passionately make love to all of them! Every single one of you must kneel before my cock and serve me in bed daily!} {Hahaha, I am destined to become the True Harem King in this lifetime! Amassing numerous children, welcoming many wives! With the knowledge gleaned from my past lives, it should be considerably easier to win their affections once more.} {But unlike before, to hell with nurturing romantic feelings! As soon as these girls develop a crush on me, I will directly have intercourse with them and impregnate them like a true man, heh heh heh~} "..." "..."Rias and Akeno exchanged glances, unmistakable expressions of disgust evident on their faces.
"Akeno, do you happen to know anyone by the name of Issei Hyudou?" Rias inquired.
Akeno pondered for a moment, her brow furrowed. "Issei Hyudou... Issei Hyudou... While I haven't personally met or spoken with him, if my memory serves me correctly from rumors circulating among the first-year students, he's part of the infamous trio of perverts. That name rings a bell."
Rias's already displeased expression darkened further, her revulsion clear.
"So, he's the protagonist of my franchise? I, Rias Gremory, am destined to fall for that lecherous boy in the original work? And I was willing to endure such a long wait for him to reciprocate my feelings, allowing him to toy with my breasts?" she exclaimed.
Akeno offered a strained smile, her gaze tinged with a hint of pity. "Calm yourself, Rias. That was merely in the original story..."
"Akeno," Rias interrupted, her tone shifting slightly, "it appears you are also one of the heroines, judging by how Issei Hyudou addressed you in his inner thoughts."
A flicker of relief crossed Rias's face, knowing she wasn't the sole sufferer in the original narrative.
For Akeno, however, this revelation only intensified her displeasure.
Just as she was about to utter a comment designed to worsen Rias's mood, another voice echoed within her mind – Eiji's.
Rias, too, heard the voice and recognized its owner instantly.
"[It's only my first day transferring schools, and I'm already aware of two protagonists from the Regressor stream attending the same institution as me?]"
"[Naturally, I had expected Issei to end up at this school. After all, he is the protagonist of Highschool DxD.]"
"[Since Rias is also enrolled here, that perverted boy must be attending the same school as her.]"
"[However, I suspect it will unfold similarly to the canon, with Yuki Rito's role as a Regressor protagonist being a mere coincidence.]"
"[Unfortunately, the situation has become even more complicated. Issei Hyudou, another protagonist, has also become a Regressor protagonist? Damn it, what kind of incompetent author penned this ridiculous plot!?]"
"[The good news is that I'm quite overpowered at this point. As long as these protagonists remain in their nascent stages and haven't reached the pinnacle of their abilities.]"
"[I remain confident in my ability to torment them like stray dogs if they dare to provoke me.]"
"[A Regressor protagonist, so what? Look at protagonist Yuki Rito, currently kneeling before me.]"
"[Though I can't fathom how she acquired power that faintly resembles a fraction of Shirohige's might from One Piece.]"
"[Ultimately, you grew overconfident and bowed before the time traveler, didn't you?]"
Setting aside the earlier thoughts, the latter portion of the internal monologue thoroughly astonished Rias and Akeno.
It appeared that while they were conversing, the time traveler and a particular Regressor protagonist had engaged in a battle elsewhere, resulting in the Regressor protagonist's defeat and subjugation.
Rias's eyes gleamed with excitement. "My intuition was correct; time travelers are the true game-changers!"
"Akeno, the decision is made. We absolutely must recruit Eiji-kun, no matter the cost!"
"Yes... Weren't we intended to do exactly that from the outset?" Akeno responded, rolling her eyes.
Observing how Rias had transitioned from using Eiji Seiya's full name to his first name, Akeno was certain the fiery-haired devil was now more resolute than ever to employ her charms to win over the time-traveling young man.
Akeno herself licked her lips, acknowledging that few women could resist a man who was both exceptionally handsome and formidable.
Provided he aligned with her personal preferences.
It was certainly not beyond the realm of possibility for a woman of her caliber to take the initiative in pursuing a man.
---
A/N: For those eager to read 5 chapters ahead with a more rapid update schedule than the webnovel, you can find them on my Patreon. The link is provided below:
/DogLicker
Please replace "a" with "a" in the URL and search it in your browser.
Additionally, for this particular book, I've opted for a relaxed and leisurely plot progression, incorporating various third-person perspectives from different characters. While not every character will be featured, some chapters will adopt this narrative style. Rest assured, the subsequent chapter will revert to the protagonist's viewpoint.