Kuoh Academy, Occult Research Club—
"She's the girl you rescued from that stray priest?"
Rias's gemstone eyes lingered on Asia, who stood nervously beside Tenra. For a moment, Rias's gaze softened, a flicker of genuine interest shining through.
There was something about Asia—her gentle aura, the clarity in her eyes, the quiet strength in her posture. Every inch of her radiated sacred purity. Even Rias, who'd seen more than her share of saints and sinners, couldn't help but feel a pang of admiration. No wonder the Church had called her a holy maiden.
"Yeah, that's her. Banished here by a bunch of fools."
"Asia, these are Rias, Akeno, and Koneko. Go ahead and introduce yourself."
Tenra gave her an encouraging nod.
"H-hello, everyone. I'm Asia Argento. Please, just call me Asia. I hope we can get along."
"Ara ara, what a sweet girl. Asia, let's be good friends from now on."
Asia bowed politely. Rias and Koneko responded in kind, while Akeno swept her into a gentle hug, nuzzling against Asia's cheek.
Asia's cheeks burned with shyness, but the warmth in the room was real—just as Tenra had promised, everyone was welcoming. Her nerves began to fade.
"You're planning to have them transfer into the school?"
Rias's gaze flicked from Asia to Gasper, who was practically hiding behind Tenra, wide-eyed and anxious. She could already guess Tenra's intentions.
"Asia's a given. As for Gasper, if he keeps hiding at home, he'll waste away completely."
Tenra chuckled, then his expression turned thoughtful.
"Actually, Rias, have you ever considered making Asia and Gasper your servants?"
The room went silent. All eyes turned to Tenra.
"You've seen Gasper's power for yourself. He's a bit hopeless, sure, but he's got the Forbidden Balor View—a Sacred Gear that can freeze time for everything he sees."
"And Asia has Twilight Healing. She can heal any injury, and her ability far surpasses anyone else with the same Sacred Gear."
"Neither of them are fighters, but as Bishops? They'd be perfect."
"So? Interested?"
Akeno's lips curled into a knowing smile. Koneko watched Gasper and Asia with curious, unreadable eyes. Rias herself looked at Tenra, her expression complicated.
"Why are you helping me?"
Tenra's offer was tempting—anyone would recognize the value of two rare Sacred Gear users in their peerage.
He shrugged. "Do I need a reason? We're engaged. Isn't helping your fiancée what you're supposed to do?"
Rias's cheeks colored. "But I plan to defeat you—and break our engagement!"
Tenra grinned, meeting her eyes. "I don't think you can. If you can't break the engagement, you'll just have to accept being my wife."
"You…!"
Rias's eyes narrowed, her fists clenching. For a moment, any gratitude she'd felt was replaced by pure, indignant frustration.
Tenra's smile softened. He knew when to push, and when to pull back.
"Relax, I'm just teasing. I've never underestimated you, Rias."
"In fact, you're one of the few people I truly respect."
"As for Asia and Gasper, I have my reasons. My own peerage is full—I can't form contracts with them. Letting their talents go to waste feels wrong. If they become your servants, they'll get to grow and train, especially with the Rating Game coming up."
"But it's just my suggestion. If Asia and Gasper don't want it, I won't force them. They're my family, my friends. It's up to you to earn their trust."
Tenra's tone was earnest, his gaze unwavering.
Akeno's eyes glittered with amusement. Gasper looked overwhelmed, nearly moved to tears—he'd thought Tenra was abandoning him again, but Tenra was only looking out for him. Rias herself felt something shift inside her, a rare sense of connection.
"I understand…"
She drew a slow breath, holding Tenra's gaze.
"I'll make Asia and Gasper acknowledge me. I'll become their king—and with their power, I'll defeat you in our final battle."
Truthfully, Rias didn't dislike Tenra. Just as he respected her, she respected the boy who'd clawed his way up from nothing. Sometimes, she even wondered if having him as her fiancé wouldn't be so bad. But the pride of the Gremory family wouldn't let her surrender so easily.
Forget the engagement—she simply refused to lose.
"Then let me look forward to it, Rias. Don't disappoint me."
Tenra's smile was genuine. Girls with conviction, with noble souls—those were the ones worth chasing.
"Gasper, Asia, let's get your enrollment sorted."
Rias, quick to act once her mind was made up, offered to take them to the student council office herself.
She was clever—she wouldn't ask them to become her servants right away. She'd get to know them first, build trust, and only then reveal her intentions.
Gasper and Asia both glanced at Tenra. He nodded his approval.
"Thank you, Rias-nee."
"M-me too…"
With Tenra's blessing, Rias called Koneko to join her, and together they led Gasper and Asia out to handle the paperwork. Akeno stayed behind, settling herself on Tenra's lap with practiced ease.
"Ara ara, you want to help Rias, but you always phrase things so she can't refuse. Tenra, you're awfully sly."
She looped her arms around his neck, eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Either way, she's my fiancée."
Tenra scratched his nose, feigning innocence.
"And what about me? Rias is your fiancée, but what am I to you?"
Akeno's smile was dazzling, but her eyes held a challenge—a hint of jealousy, a demand for reassurance.
Tenra glanced at her, remembering the lonely, vulnerable girl she'd once been. Now she was radiant, magnetic, impossible to ignore. He leaned close, voice low in her ear.
"Akeno, you're going to be my wife. Wasn't that always the plan?"
"Tenra…"
Akeno's eyes shimmered. For a long moment, they just looked at each other, breath mingling. Then their lips met, slow and sweet.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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