Chapter 62 - Akeno: Only you can!
"What about the Gremory clan?" Roy asked, pondering the situation based on what he knew of the story.
The issue troubling Rias was likely her marriage contract with Riser.
"Exactly," Akeno confirmed with a nod. "It's a personal matter for Rias. She has to handle it herself in the Underworld."
Akeno knew the details of Rias's trip but refrained from sharing.
It was a private affair involving the Gremory and Phenex clans, not something to discuss lightly.
"Seems like quite a hassle. Two or three days, and it's still unresolved," Roy said with a smile.
"Don't worry, Rias will manage," Akeno replied lightly.
She understood how challenging it would be for Rias to resolve the engagement with the Phenex clan. In her estimation, Rias might return empty-handed.
"If there's anything I can help with, just let me know," Roy offered, nodding. "My status as the Red Dragon Emperor should carry some weight, right?"
"Absolutely. If Rias can't sort it out, we'll definitely call on you," Akeno teased, her tone playful. "But don't stir up trouble."
"After all, Rias's clan matters aren't so simple to fix."
"And if you step in, she might cling to you for life," she added with a mischievous glint.
"Cling for life?" Roy's lips twitched in a helpless smile. "That's a bit dramatic, isn't it? Helping Rias isn't that daunting."
"Are you trying to scare me off, Akeno?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Who, me?" Akeno said with mock innocence. "I'm just laying out the consequences of helping Rias, Roy. No scare tactics here."
"Besides, there'd be rewards," she continued, her voice teasing. "Like me tagging along with Rias to pester you forever. I'm her Queen, after all. I go where she goes."
"How's that? Feel like you're getting a deal now?"
Akeno's playful smile widened.
"I get the feeling that believing you would make my life way more complicated," Roy muttered, shaking his head.
"Ouch, Roy, that stings," Akeno said, feigning hurt as she blinked at him pitifully. "Here I am, always thinking of you."
"What's the plan now?" Roy asked, steering the conversation away from her theatrics.
"Without Rias, it feels like we're just coasting," Akeno admitted, her tone turning lazy. "Nothing urgent. Everyone's free to do what they want."
"Asia, let's play," Koneko said, pulling out a game console and setting out snacks, inviting Asia to join her.
Asia, still enchanted by everything at school—especially the Occult Research Club—found even Koneko's games endlessly engaging.
"Roy, want to spar with swords?" Yuuto asked.
"Sure thing," Roy replied with a nod.
"Don't thrash me like last time," Yuuto said with a dry laugh. "I want to learn from you and shore up my weaknesses."
As Rias's Knight, Yuuto felt her urgency and aimed to strengthen himself. Sparring with Roy, whose battle instincts were razor-sharp, was the fastest way to improve.
"I'll go easy," Roy assured with a wry smile.
"I'll prep some tea and snacks," Akeno said, heading to the clubroom's side area, equipped with a small kitchen and bathroom. "Come by when you're done."
Roy and Yuuto moved to an empty classroom they'd used for sparring before, focusing on refining each other's swordsmanship.
As dusk fell, the group left the Occult Research Club. Roy, Asia, and Koneko returned to the villa.
Raynare and Mittelt, the fallen angels who once knew nothing of cooking, had diligently studied maid skills since joining Roy, including culinary arts.
For fallen angels, mastering human tasks like cooking was simple with effort.
Thus, a hot dinner awaited the trio upon their return.
"Thank you," Koneko said after eating, clasping her hands and bowing slightly. "I'll wash the dishes."
Living at Roy's expense made her feel she should contribute.
"No need. You're a guest," Raynare said coolly. "Leave the chores to us."
She wasn't about to let a devil outshine her.
"I've got this, Mittelt. Go run the bath," Raynare instructed. She cleared the table while Mittelt headed to the bathroom, their maid-like efficiency evident.
Roy watched them, quietly impressed. In the original story, Raynare's nature was twisted, but her outward demeanor now was polished and appealing.
No wonder she'd convincingly posed as Yuuma Amano, charming Issei.
"Take your bath first, Koneko," Roy said with a smile.
Koneko's sharp gaze snapped to him, her expression unreadable but wary.
"What?" Roy asked, puzzled by her stare. "Something off about me?"
Koneko's eyes narrowed, as if trying to pierce through him.
"I lock the bathroom door when I shower," she said flatly.
"That's… what you're worried about?" Roy replied, exasperated.
"I'm making sure no 'broken lock' or 'accidental entry' nonsense from manga happens," Koneko said, her tone firm.
"The locks are solid. I checked when I bought the house," Roy said, a black line forming on his forehead.
"If someone tries sneaking in with a key or whatever, my fists won't hold back. They'll go flying," Koneko warned, her voice dead serious.
"I'm not into peeping, Koneko. Relax," Roy said, rolling his eyes.
"Hard to believe from someone living so… actively at home," Koneko muttered.
Roy blinked, caught off guard. "…"
Should he commend her sharp senses or her keen ears?
With Raynare and Mittelt around, Roy's nights were hardly dull. Koneko must have picked up on the sounds, prompting her remark.
"I'm not interested in kids," Roy said lightly.
"Good," Koneko replied, her eyes and voice turning icy.
Did I say something wrong? Roy wondered, noting her sudden chill. Was she upset about the "kids" comment?
"I'm showering now," Koneko said, standing to grab clean clothes from her room.
"Koneko, let's bathe together," Asia said, her cheeks pink. "I heard good friends in Japan do that."
"Okay," Koneko agreed with a nod.
Asia happily fetched her clothes, and they headed to the bathroom together.
Later, as everyone prepared for bed, Akeno sent a message: Rias had returned from the Underworld, so no one needed to worry.
Back at school, Rias appeared her usual self.
Yet, at times, she'd drift into long, silent reveries, only snapping back when addressed, resuming her demeanor.
The Occult Research Club members could tell something weighed on her.
"Roy, now's your chance to step up," Akeno whispered when Rias was absent, her tone urging. "Be the hero, offer your help, and win Rias over."
"She needs to ask for help herself," Roy said, shaking his head. "How can I step in if she doesn't?"
Normally, Roy wouldn't offer aid unprompted, wary of overstepping.
"This is when a guy should take the lead," Akeno said, exasperated. With Roy's status, his support could ease Rias's burden, if only she'd speak up.
Roy shook his head again, unmoved, but asked, "Where are Asia and Koneko?"
He'd arrived at the club to find only Akeno present.
"They're feeding stray cats," Akeno said with a sigh.
"Asia tagged along with Koneko."
"Yuuto-kun's off on a contract, so he's unavailable."
"I'm the only one free?" Roy asked, pointing to himself.
"Just you," Akeno confirmed. "I'm heading to the shrine soon to clean, so I can't stick around."
Akeno lived at a shrine, entrusted to her care by its original owner.
"I'll hang out a bit, then head out," Roy said.
With no one else around, lingering felt pointless.
After nibbling on Akeno's snacks, Roy left the Occult Research Club.
Stepping into the hallway, he froze at a striking sight.
Rias sat on a windowsill, leaning against the frame, gazing into the distance.
Her crimson hair fluttered in the breeze, a quiet, captivating vision against the fading light.
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