Shuo was still processing his victory when the silhouettes in the magic circle came into sharp focus. Rias Gremory, flanked by her two peerage members—Koneko Toujou and Akeno Himejima—stepped out beneath the moonlight.
The trio took in the carnage: the Stray Devil's remains scattered across the alley, blood already drying in the cool night air. For a long moment, none of them spoke. It was Akeno who finally broke the silence, her tone as teasing as ever.
"Ara ara, isn't this Nangong-kun? I never would've guessed you were a devil too. Wait… no, that's a human aura!" Her eyes narrowed, surprise flickering across her face.
Even Koneko, usually unreadable, betrayed a rare spark of shock. Rias, meanwhile, recovered quickly—her initial startle melting into a look of keen interest.
"Nangong-kun?" she prompted, voice gentle but edged with curiosity.
Shuo saw the way all three girls watched him. He realized there was no point pretending anymore. With a casual shrug, he strode over, letting the moonlight reveal him fully.
The alley was quiet, the breeze carrying a faint chill. The three girls closed in, forming a loose circle around him. Akeno, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned in first.
"Ara ara, now it makes sense why Rias said you'd changed lately. I had no idea you were this strong, Nangong-kun." Her lips curled. "So, are you going to share your secret? I'm dying to know."
Akeno's hands slid onto his shoulders. She leaned closer, breath warm against his ear, her scent a dizzying mix of flowers and something darker. Shuo fought a shiver. He glanced sideways—Akeno's eyes sparkled with mischief, her lips parted in a silent laugh.
This woman is dangerous, he thought, blood rushing. One day, Akeno, I'll turn the tables on you. "Begone, temptress! You'll be my cultivation partner yet!"
Rias watched their exchange, a knowing glint in her eyes. Still, she pressed, "Nangong-kun, if you don't mind me asking—could you explain what happened here?"
Shuo sighed, spreading his hands. "Isn't it obvious? The Stray Devil tried to seduce and eat me. I just defended myself. End of story."
He flashed a lopsided grin. "You really don't have to worry. I'm a model citizen—three good habits, totally law-abiding. I wouldn't hurt you."
Rias glanced at the Stray Devil's dismembered corpse, then rolled her eyes at him, her expression both exasperated and oddly amused. If it weren't for the bloodbath, she might have believed him. After a moment, she nodded, choosing to trust his word.
Koneko, however, had already stepped protectively in front of Rias, her posture tense and wary.
Rias reached over, patting Koneko's head with a fond smile. "It's alright, Koneko-chan. Nangong-kun isn't our enemy."
Shuo couldn't help but tease, "Come on, Koneko-chan. We're gaming buddies, aren't we? I just invited you to the arcade earlier. Treating a friend like this? That hurts."
Koneko's eyes flickered, her wariness fading, but she didn't budge from her spot in front of Rias. "Sorry, Nangong-senpai."
Rias watched her petite knight with a mixture of helplessness and affection. Shuo waved off Koneko's apology, grinning to show he was only joking.
Akeno suddenly moved closer, her hand feather-light as she traced his cheek. "Ara ara, Nangong-kun, you still haven't answered my question. Ignoring a lady isn't very gentlemanly, you know."
Shuo met her gaze, letting a wicked smile curl his lips. "Akeno, you never told me you were a devil either. Besides, that's a Nangong family secret. If you really want to know, you'll have to marry into the family. Interested?"
Akeno's cheeks turned a theatrical shade of pink. "Ara ara, Nangong-kun, you really are a bad boy! Turning a simple question into a marriage proposal… so mean!"
Shuo just smirked and turned his attention to Rias. Before he could speak, Akeno gave him a sly look, then turned to Rias with mock accusation.
"Ara… don't tell me Nangong-kun has his sights set on Rias now? Well, I can't blame you—she is the president. But what about me? Are you going to abandon me so quickly? Men really are all the same, aren't they, Rias?"
She faked a pout, pressing her arm dramatically against Rias's, her black ponytail swaying.
Rias and Shuo exchanged a look, both exhaling in helpless amusement.
"Drop the act, Akeno. I know you too well to fall for your tricks," Shuo said dryly.
Akeno dropped the pout instantly, a sly smile returning to her lips. "Oh? Nangong-kun knows me that well? But we haven't spent that much time together. Why do you say that?"
Shuo's eyes softened, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "Because I've always been watching you, Akeno. I've always liked you. That's why I know you so well."
Even Akeno, usually the queen of teasing, faltered at that. Her cheeks flushed for real this time, and she looked away, unable to meet his eyes.
Rias watched the exchange, her confusion melting into laughter. She covered her mouth, giggling at their flirtatious banter.
What caught Shuo off guard was the way Koneko was suddenly glaring at him, her eyes full of… was that jealousy? He almost laughed.
He cleared his throat. "Of course, Rias, you're just as captivating—and I can't forget my adorable little underclassman, Koneko-chan."
Akeno giggled, leaning in to blow softly in his ear. "Ara ara, such a bold declaration." She sauntered back to Rias's side, her composure restored.
Koneko, however, was thoroughly unimpressed. "You're getting more and more perverted, Nangong-kun."
Shuo raised a finger in mock protest. "A gentleman admires beauty without being lecherous, is romantic but never crude. That's not perversion, Koneko-chan—it's called being a gentleman. You should call me that, not a pervert. Got it?"
Koneko's expression didn't budge. "Perverted gentleman. Still a pervert. Am I wrong? Per-ver-ted Nan-gong-kun."
Rias watched the banter with a thoughtful look. "Since you get along so well with my peerage—and considering your strength as a human—would you be interested in joining my household? If you accept, you'd get to see Akeno every day. Of course, you'd have to keep things professional in public. Tempted?"
Akeno feigned heartbreak. "Ara, is President Rias casting me aside? I thought we were family. How tragic… sniff sniff…" She pretended to sob, but made no move to object.
Shuo chuckled, then lifted his index finger in the air, striking a pose. "As tempting as your offer is, Rias… why settle for one tree when I could have the whole forest? Sorry, but I'll have to refuse."
Koneko: "..."
Akeno: "..."
Rias stared at him, momentarily speechless. She shot him a look that was equal parts exasperation and challenge—clearly, she wasn't used to being turned down. But deep down, her desire to recruit him only grew stronger. Someday, she'd have him under her command—and maybe, just maybe, she'd teach him a lesson or two.
Only after Shuo promised to visit the Occult Research Club sometime did Rias finally let him go.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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