The Haruno family's gratitude still echoed behind them as Tenra and Akeno slipped back onto the open road, their packs light but their hearts a little heavier.
"Tenra, let's get out of here. Now."
Akeno's urgency was palpable the moment they left the Haruno home.
Given who they were, they'd always skirted around devil and church territories—trouble was never far behind for a fallen angel and a half-devil, after all. But this time, by sheer accident, they'd stumbled into devil territory and, worse, rescued a devil's contractor from an evil spirit.
Akeno didn't regret saving the boy. Still, devils were proud creatures, and the idea that outsiders had to step in and save one of their own would sting. If word got out, retribution was almost certain.
Tenra nodded, matching her pace, but a single name kept circling in his mind.
Gremory… That can't just be coincidence.
—
Several days later, they stood before the weathered gates of a forgotten temple, dusk painting the sky in bruised purples.
"Let's stay here tonight, Tenra!"
Akeno's eyes sparkled with rare excitement.
After months on the road, the two had become experts at finding abandoned temples and shrines—almost a special talent at this point.
"I'll clean up, you handle the cooking," Tenra offered.
"You're on! Bet I finish first."
"Not a chance."
"Just watch me!"
Banter and laughter filled the air as they set to work. Even with all the hardships, neither ever felt truly alone.
Soon, the temple was swept clean and a cozy little nest assembled. The aroma of Akeno's cooking drifted through the chilly air, promising comfort and warmth.
As they ate, a quiet happiness settled over them—the kind of peace most people spent their lives chasing, only to find it in moments as simple as this.
"Hey, Tenra… what if we just kept traveling like this forever?"
Akeno's voice was soft, wistful.
Just the two of them, wandering the world, helping those in need, seeing every hidden corner—her words painted a picture so romantic, Tenra almost believed it was possible. He smiled, but deep down he knew:
Some dreams are too fragile for reality.
Night fell. They curled up together in their makeshift shelter, the cold kept at bay by shared warmth. Outside, crows called into the darkness, but inside, all was calm.
Until, suddenly, both tensed—eyes snapping open in unison.
"The trap's been triggered," Tenra whispered.
"Someone's here," Akeno breathed, voice trembling.
Could be a wild animal. Could be a traveler. Or it could be the monks hunting them.
Wordlessly, they grabbed their weapons and melted into the shadows behind a pillar, ready for anything.
Two figures entered through the ruined temple gate.
Even in near-total darkness, Tenra and Akeno saw them clearly—a tall, elegant butler of a man, and a girl with regal poise and a mane of crimson hair that seemed to shimmer in the gloom. She was about their age, beautiful in a way that was both delicate and commanding.
The pair stopped in the center of the courtyard. The girl's eyes swept the shadows, then she called out:
"You can come out. I know you're here. I'd just like to talk about your presence in our territory. Don't worry—we mean you no harm."
Her voice was gentle, full of deliberate sincerity, but the temple remained silent.
The butler simply adjusted his glasses, smiling faintly, making no move to intervene.
When her invitation was met with silence, the girl sighed and tried again, her words softer:
"There's a group of monks searching for you. They asked us if we'd hand over the fallen angel girl."
"You saved a child from an evil spirit. The monks heard about it—they'll find you soon, I'm afraid."
"But please, believe me: we don't wish you harm. We won't pursue the matter of the evil spirit. If you'll just come out and explain, we'll do everything we can to protect you."
Akeno shivered behind the pillar, her face pale as moonlight.
Tenra let out a soft sigh and gently brushed her forehead, offering comfort. They both knew exactly who those monks were.
No point hiding now.
Tenra stepped into the open, pulling Akeno with him. He faced the girl and her silent companion, voice clear and steady:
"Good evening, Princess of House Gremory—Lady Rias."
Even though it was their first meeting, Tenra was certain of her identity. The crimson hair, the aura of command—
Rias Gremory herself.
—
"You know who I am?"
Rias's eyes widened in surprise. Even Akeno shot Tenra a questioning look.
"The genius and noble princess of Gremory? Hard not to know you."
Tenra offered a wry smile. "Name's Tenra. Tenra Kamiyo."
"Tenra Kamiyo…"
Rias frowned, turning the name over in her mind. He clearly knew of the Underworld, but she couldn't recall any devil with that surname.
He chuckled. "Maybe you don't recognize my name, but I bet you know my reputation."
"The Twin Wastes of the Underworld. I'm the one they call the Phoenix House's failure."
Recognition dawned in Rias's eyes. "You're the—" She caught herself before the word "waste" slipped out, cheeks coloring as she covered her mouth.
Tenra just shrugged, unfazed. "No need to apologize. I'm half-human, half-devil. Can't awaken the Phoenix bloodline. The rumors are true."
"I'm sorry…" Rias said quietly, her apology sincere.
She glanced back at her butler, who gave a subtle nod. That was enough—she was sure of his identity now.
For a moment, Rias studied him. Calm, open, completely at ease with his reputation—yet not a trace of bitterness. She found herself wondering what kind of life could forge such quiet strength.
"Lady Rias, let's keep this simple. I'm sure you know our situation by now. This is Akeno—half human, half fallen angel. She's the one the monks are after."
He gently nudged Akeno forward.
Rias nodded. She'd already learned everything she needed to know about Akeno.
Tenra drew a slow breath, then bowed deeply—catching everyone off-guard.
"I have a request, Lady Rias. I hope you'll grant it."
Rias recovered quickly. "Please, Lord Tenra. Speak."
Tenra straightened, meeting Rias's gaze head-on.
"Lady Rias, I want you to take Akeno with you."
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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