After leaving the church behind, Arthur, Rias, and the rest of her peerage, along with Charmed Raynere, made their way to Celestial Brews.
Asia, who was still unconscious from the previous ordeal, needed a place to rest. Initially, Rias had offered to take Asia to her residence, but Arthur had firmly insisted that she stay at his place instead, claiming it would be more convenient and safer.
Rias had frowned at that, but ultimately she had agreed, curious about the place Arthur will be staying.
Although he had said that he lives in Celestial Brews, she saw it with her own eyes at the place where her friend lives, which is somewhat special, or that's what she thinks, and of course, it's not because she likes to spend time with him or she was interested in seeing Arthur's room. She is only going because Arthur invited her.
As they walked through the quiet streets, the neon lights of Kuoh flickering around them, they finally arrived at their destination.
"Whoa…" Issei blinked, staring up at the building. "Is this the place you're staying at?"
All of them looked at the quaint building made of dark wood, with an old-world charm that contrasted sharply with the modern architecture around it.
Arthur, still carrying Asia in his arms, gave a nod. "Yes. Why? Do you know it?"
Arthur did remember how Rias and Kiba said that it was popular, but he didn't think that it was popular enough to give a big reaction, like how Issei gave.
Before Issei could answer Arthur, another voice chimed in.
"It's a famous place." It was Koneko who said that. Her voice was calm as ever. Her golden eyes were fixed on the cozy, warmly lit storefront.
But Arthur was surprised because till now there is distance between Koneko and Arthur—there still is—as Koneko has sensed evil in Arthur. Given that she is a neko, it's completely natural, and Arthur also didn't actively interact with her, so he was surprised she overcame her fear of her own.
"They have the best sweets and handmade cookies." Koneko said as she continue looking at the storefront.
Seeing that Arthur thought, Seems like she didn't even notice I was one talking.
"They are one of the most popular cafes in the world." Akeno added.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "Oh? I didn't know it was that famous."
"I've only been here once," Rias said, a small nostalgic smile playing on her lips. "The desserts were excellent."
Arthur chuckled softly. "Well, you're always welcome to come more often."
Without waiting for a response, he shifted Asia gently in his arms and stepped forward, pushing open the front door. A soft ding from a bell overhead welcomed them.
The warm scent of baked goods, roasted coffee, and something faintly floral drifted out to greet them.
The interior was cozy—wooden beams crossed the ceiling, soft lighting cast a golden hue over polished tables, and the scent of lavender lingered in the background.
Behind the polished counter stood a woman in a long dark-blue dress with golden embroidery on the hem. Her golden-blonde hair was tied into a neat braid, and her blue eyes lit up the moment she saw Arthur step through the door.
"Oh, you came back," Renner said, her soft and melodic voice rang through the shop. Then her gaze swept to the group behind him, lingering curiously or more like she was scanning all the women, who came, before settling on the unconscious girl in Arthur's arms. "Are these your friends?"
"You could say that." Arthur replied with smile.
Rias, being the leader of her Peerage stepped forward. She give her usual smile as she introduced herself. "My name is Rias Gremory. Thank you for letting us intrude."
Hearing Rias name, Renner give a quick look at me.
"Oh My, so you are Rias. Arthur told lot about you."
No, I haven't.
"My name it Renner. And its not trouble at all, Especially You. And Any friend of Arthur is welcome here." Renner said with smile.
They shook hands briefly. Rias's eyes lingered on Renner a moment longer than necessary. She sensed something strange about her but couldn't quite place it.
"So this is where you've been staying, huh?" Issei said, looking around with wide eyes. "Man, this place looks amazing… It's like one of those cozy shops you only see in anime!"
"You're embarrassing yourself," Kiba said with a faint smile.
Koneko simply stared at the glass display full of pastries. Her nose twitched almost imperceptibly at the smell of the sweets.
Arthur noticed and grinned. "Want some cookies, Koneko?"
The petite girl looked up at him, her stoic expression unchanged, but her slight nod gave away her answer.
So Arthur give her some cookies.
Unlike what happed with Arthur, Koneko didn't seems to sense Renner negiative Karma.
[You are present here, Sir. You Karma is blocking Koneko sense.]
Hearing Friday, Arthur understood the reason.
"Anyway, You guys talk. I put Asia to the bed." Arthur said.
"Of course," Renner said, then she looked at Issei and Kiba.
From her eyes alone both of th boys understand what they need to do.
"Arthur wait. We will also coming." Issei said.
❌❌❌
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