HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.
"I'm glad that both of you are safe."
Asia and I found ourselves wrapped in Rias's embrace the moment she stepped into the room. Her arms tightened around us with surprising force, almost as if she feared we'd disappear if she let go.
Irina and her companion had left about half an hour ago. They'd been polite enough in front of my mom—talking, smiling, even laughing a little—but the undercurrent of holy power they carried was impossible to ignore. For Asia and me, their presence had been like standing next to an open flame. When they finally left, the atmosphere in the house had cooled, but the tension hadn't fully left.
Now, with Rias back, it was clear she'd come here straight from somewhere important. Her face was pale, and her breathing had a faint edge to it. After her gaze scanned us from head to toe and found no injuries, she clung to us even tighter.
"Are you injured? I think they knew about us being devils," she said, her tone both relieved and frustrated. "But they couldn't lay a hand on us in a normal residence—especially in front of your mother, who's a normal human."
"Both Ise-san and I are safe, Buchou-san," Asia answered quickly, smiling softly despite her own earlier tension.
Rias exhaled and squeezed us again, her grip less panicked this time, but no less affectionate. "Aaah… Ise. I'm glad. If something were to happen to you and Asia, I…" She trailed off, her voice trembling slightly before she collected herself. "After the club activities, I was called in by Sona. She told me about people connected to the Church entering town. And… I also heard they have a holy sword."
I kept my expression neutral and nodded. I already knew what she was talking about, but there was no need to interrupt her flow.
"That's why I came home late," she continued. "When I got close to your house, I could feel the abnormal presence—strong holy power radiating from inside. My heart was pounding the entire way here. I… I prepared myself for the worst. If I'd had to face losing my precious servants right after we'd had arguments, I'd… I'd regret it forever."
Her voice cracked briefly, and she gave a small, self-conscious laugh as if trying to brush it off. "I'm sorry. I should have treated you both with more importance."
I could tell she meant it. Even knowing what would happen next in the grand scheme of things, I couldn't deny that her genuine care still carried weight. Asia's eyes were already shimmering.
"Buchou-san… I'm sorry too," Asia said quietly. "For talking back to you yesterday. I thought… I thought you were going to take Ise-san away from me. I thought… I couldn't win."
Rias's expression softened instantly. She reached out and gently patted Asia's head, her fingers lingering there with affection. "It's okay."
Then she pulled both of us close again. I didn't miss the way her chest pressed against me—it was almost enough to distract me completely. Almost.
Man...I really like continuing where we left off from yesterday.
"I really love this," I murmured under my breath. Apparently, not quietly enough.
"Yes, I know, Ise," Rias said with a faint smile. "You really are a spoiled child."
Before I could respond, Asia separated me from Rias. Nggggh, it was a good chance. Rias made a sigh and continued talking after the three of us had calmed down.
"According to Sona, she met those two at noon today," she began. "They're requesting to negotiate with me—Rias Gremory, the devil in charge of this town."
I raised an eyebrow. "People from the Church want to negotiate with a devil?"
She nodded. "It surprised me too. We've always been enemies. And yet, they're reaching out to us."
"Is it a pact?" I asked evenly. "Or a request?"
"I don't know what exactly they're planning. But they're coming to the clubroom after school tomorrow. They've apparently sworn before God that they won't attack us."
"Alright," I said, my tone calm.
Rias's gaze sharpened. "Even so, they're believers of God coming to us—devils—to ask for something. It's not easy for them, and that means they're under pressure. Whatever it is, I'm certain it's trouble. I have a bad feeling."
Her eyes held a keen edge now, her earlier relief fading into strategic concern. "From what they told Sona, priests who've been coming to this town keep getting killed."
Asia's eyes widened slightly. I stayed silent.
Rias leaned back slightly, crossing her arms. "Even that disgusting priest, Freed, hates us—and he's with the Fallen Angels. If these two are truly loyal to God, then they must be desperate to ask for help from devils."
Her suspicion was justified. I could see the way she was already preparing mentally for whatever game the Church was playing. Negotiation was just the surface—underneath, there was bound to be a bigger fight.
I gave her another small nod, not revealing anything of what I knew. "Then tomorrow should be… interesting."
Rias's lips pressed into a thin line. "Yes. And we'll be ready."
I didn't need to tell her I already was.
~~~
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