"I am glad," Rias said as she walked closer and sat on the couch opposite to Asia. Her blue eye focused on Asia.
I've been waiting for this chance, Asia-san." She said softly.
Asia tilted her head slightly, unsure of what that meant.
"I know it's sudden," Rias continued, folding her hands in her lap. "But I came here with something important to ask. You… you've been through a lot. More than anyone should. And now, with everything that's happened, you're in a strange place, away from everyone you knew."
Asia slowly nodded. Her hands trembled slightly in her lap, though she tried to hide it.
"I want to offer you something new—a chance to belong," Rias said. "Asia Argento, would you like to become a part of my peerage?"
Asia blinked.
"A… peerage?" she asked.
Not sure what that means. But she looked at Arthur.
Arthur didn't say anything; he just leaned on the backrest of the couch and crossed his arms.
Rias gave him a sidelong glance before returning her attention to Asia. "You see… devils have a system called the Evil Piece system. It lets us reincarnate certain humans as devils. I can use a piece from my set to make you a devil under my care."
Asia's mouth opened slightly, but no words came.
For a girl who had been raised under the strict teachings of the Church—taught from a young age that devils were vile, corrupted beings who preyed on the innocent—this moment felt like her entire world was turning upside down.
Devils were supposed to be the enemy. The ones her prayers protected her from. The ones who whispered evil into the hearts of men.
But now…
The people who saved her—the ones who stepped in when she was abandoned, hunted, and nearly killed—were devils.
She didn't know what to do. So she just turned to one person, who she believes.
"I… I…" Asia looked at Arthur. "What should I do?"
As if he prepared for this moment, Arthur said, "If you join Rias's peerage, you'll gain a new family. A new place to belong. But it's not without consequences. You'll become a devil. That means living longer. Needing to adapt to a new world. Maybe even one day fighting battles you never expected to."
He leaned back, looking at the ceiling for a moment. "But you'll also be safe. And you won't be alone."
Asia raised her head again. "Would I… have to do evil things?"
Rias shook her head. "No. I promise you, my peerage doesn't stand for senseless cruelty. We protect each other. We serve the Gremory household, yes, but above all, we support each other as a family."
"Rias is one of the better ones," Arthur said. "If I had to entrust anyone with you, it would be her."
Asia bit her lip, still hesitating. "But… I'll stop being human."
Arthur wanted to ask Asia what was so good about being a human, who called her a heretic and kicked her out, but he held back.
"You'll still be you," Arthur said again, gently. "Asia Argento. The girl who risked her life to heal others. Becoming a devil won't take that away. If anything, it'll give you more chances to live that way."
Rias leaned forward slightly, her expression calm and compassionate. "I won't lie to you. There will be struggles. You can't pray to heaven anymore, and the church won't accept you. But we will. Issei, Akeno, Kiba… They're all waiting to welcome you. You'll have a new home. And I'll do everything in my power to protect you."
"…Will I still be able to heal people?" she asked.
Hearing that, a slight smile formed on his face.
Kindness. A word. A feeling.
Something Arthur had long since lost—burned away in blood, buried beneath the weight of wars.
—Kindness to the poor is a loan to God; he will pay the lender—he didn't say who said this quote.
'Was it Touch me or Yamako' He didn't remember who it was but only their words.
It was because of Asia's kindness that Arthur did not allow her to die.
Rias smiled gently. "Yes. Your Sacred Gear is part of you. Becoming a devil won't take that away."
Arthur nodded. "You might even find new ways to use it."
A tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "I… I want to help people. I don't want to be afraid anymore. I want to stay with the people who saved me."
She turned to Rias. "Then… please. Let me join your peerage."
Rias smiled brightly, almost in relief. "Then I accept you, Asia Argento."
She stood up and moved toward the girl. "This may feel strange. But I'll make sure it goes smoothly."
Arthur stood up as well, stepping aside as Rias knelt in front of Asia and summoned her Evil Piece. A soft crimson glow enveloped her palm as a Bishop piece appeared—shining like a jewel formed of blood and light.
"This is the Bishop piece. It enhances magical ability—and healing, in particular," Rias explained. "It's perfect for you."
Asia nodded, wiping her eyes.
Rias placed the piece gently against Asia's chest. "This may tingle a bit."
A soft glow began to spread from the piece, sinking into Asia's body. Her eyes fluttered as warmth enveloped her—gentle, welcoming, and somehow familiar. Her Sacred Gear shimmered faintly in response, as if acknowledging the change.
Then the light faded.
Rias exhaled. "It's done."
Asia blinked. "I… I feel the same."
"You are," Arthur said. "Only now you've got some very dangerous people ready to back you up."
Rias extended a hand. "Welcome to the Gremory family, Asia."
❌❌❌
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