"And for that reason, I have a suggestion I think you'll find… interesting."
"Go ahead," Rokou said.
Rias's tone turned serious. "You remember how I once asked Kotone to invite you? You refused, of course. But I've reflected… not everyone needs to have a demon's title, so I let it go."
Rokou could sense the pride radiating from her, even if she didn't show it.
A powerhouse like him wouldn't join her ranks for no reason.
"Smart choice," Rokou said lightly. "If this were still about that, I doubt we'd ever meet again."
"Uh…" Rias felt a brief pang of unease.
She had planned to press him further, but sensing his intent, she decisively cut ties with her old self. Rokou wasn't like her other subordinates.
Kotone, Juno, Yuto Kiba, and even Gaspar had all joined her because they were without homes, carrying deep-seated grudges. Only then had they accepted her invitation.
Rokou, however, was entirely self-sufficient—strong, comfortable, and living in a large house. Without any other motives, how could she possibly recruit him?
Kotone and Juno said nothing. They already understood Rokou's personality, and knew he meant no offense.
"The matter is simple," Rias said after a brief pause, clearing her throat. "We want to collaborate with you."
Rokou raised an eyebrow. This aligned perfectly with his own thoughts.
"I'm the ruler of Ku Wang City—you're aware of that, I presume. For reasons unknown, though, crime has increased dramatically over the past two and a half years. Ghoul attacks, cursed spirits, rogue exorcists, stray demons… reports come in almost every few days."
"But as you can see, my available personnel are limited to Kiba, Kotone, and Juno. Just monitoring angels and fallen angels takes all their effort. Even splitting them up, the efficiency is still insufficient. So I want you to assist us."
"Specifically?" Rokou asked.
Rias produced a small obsidian badge, engraved with the Gremory family crest. "This is a communication device. In emergencies, a familiar will contact you. You may choose whether to accept the request. Completion will come with payment, of course, and other forms of reward can also be negotiated."
Rokou nodded. "Fine. I'll take it."
Rias's expression brightened immediately. Having Rokou assist them was exactly the solution she needed—purely for work, with no hidden motive of recruitment.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be going," Rokou said.
"Ah, right," Rias added. "There's a gift for little Est. Please accept it."
She knew Rokou wasn't hiding Est's existence. After all, Rias and Kotone knew that Rokou's sword familiar could transform into human form, and that she was remarkably cute.
"I'll thank them on Est's behalf," Rokou said, taking the gift without hesitation.
He stood, and Kotone, after a subtle glance at Rias, followed him out.
The door closed behind them.
Juno squinted at the exhausted Rias and teased, "Rias… have you really given up?"
"What else could I do?" Rias leaned back on the sofa, her ample chest rising and falling with a subtle, mesmerizing rhythm. "No matter how generous the offer, Rokou would never agree. I'd have done the same in his position."
"You've grown, Rias. Not like the little girl you used to be," Juno said, pleased. "The old you would've done everything to get him to join."
Rias sighed. "I call it strategic retreat. Better to let things flow than force them. Offending Rokou would only leave me feeling worse."
"After all, he's exceptional—even without combat strength."
Juno leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Actually, I have an idea. If you proposed it, he might even agree."
"What?"
"Marry him," Juno said with a sly smile. "No need for contracts or official arrangements. As a Gremory son-in-law, he'd be on your side, no matter what."
Rias glared at her. "That joke isn't funny, Juno."
Yet, deep down, she knew it wasn't entirely impossible. The only problem was… the price. She would have to offer herself.