The conversation continued for quite a while. They spoke about the existence of angels and fallen angels, the history of the Great War, the current political climate in the Underworld, and the three factions keeping an uneasy peace.
Although the atmosphere was casual, the weight behind their words implied danger lurking beneath the surface.
Arthur listened attentively, occasionally sipping the tea Akeno prepared for him. Even though he already knew these things from the novel, hearing them directly from those who lived in that world carried a completely different feeling. Everything felt real and heavy, not just lines from a story.
Eventually, the topic finally reached the most important point.
"So, what exactly does my cooperation entail?" Arthur asked calmly. "With everything you've told me so far, I still don't see how I can be of any help to you."
Rias thought for a moment before responding.
"We are lacking in combat power. If someone threatens the city or the people living here, we would very much like to have you on our side."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. In simpler words, they needed him as a fighter. Basically, a mercenary.
"I see. That is no problem. I would gladly join the fights."
It was amusing how easily he said that, but in truth, most events in the novel involved battles, so this aligned perfectly with his plans. He just needed to act casual.
"For now, please fill out the form and officially join the Occult Research Club. It is the front we use to move around freely and handle supernatural matters without raising suspicion."
As soon as she finished speaking, Akeno leaned forward and placed a neatly folded application form before him.
Arthur blinked.
Where did she even get that from? Did she have it prepared from the beginning?
"With this, we can spend a lot of time together," Akeno said, her voice soft and filled with playful sweetness. She leaned closer and brushed his arm with the tip of her finger, making him feel a spark run up his spine.
Arthur decided to take this chance to show a little of his ability. Without lifting a finger, one of the pens he had been practicing with earlier floated smoothly into the air and filled out the form. The movements were steady, elegant, and perfectly controlled.
Once finished, the pen gently placed itself on the table.
Silence filled the room for a moment. Faces around him shifted with visible surprise.
"So you can use magic too..." Rias murmured, curiosity shining in her blue eyes. She placed a finger thoughtfully under her chin.
"As expected from my boyfriend," Akeno added, smiling with obvious meaning, her voice dripping with pride as if she was the one who had taught him the trick.
"I want to learn how to do that too." Koneko stared at him with round, sparkling eyes, her expression not changing much externally, but anyone could feel the admiration behind it.
Kiba, who had remained quiet the whole time, put down his book and quietly observed Arthur. The polite swordsman did not speak, but even he could not hide the surprise in his eyes.
"It is just a small trick," Arthur replied casually, although inside he felt satisfied with the strong impression he had made.
Rias stood up gracefully.
"Well then, you may go home for now if you wish. That concludes our business for today."
Everyone relaxed slightly. The tension of negotiation faded, replaced by the warmth of camaraderie and curiosity. Rias had intentionally given all peerage members the day off so they could properly attend this meeting.
"In that case, see you tomorrow," Arthur said while rising from his seat.
Just as he reached the door, a familiar notification echoed within his mind.
Ding!
[A new mission has been generated]
====
Contracts
Difficulty: Normal
Type: Main Mission
Cultivate friendship by supporting your new colleagues in their work.
Accompany Kiba Yuuto on a contract (0/1)
Accompany Toujou Koneko on a contract (0/1)
Reward: Random skill card, Special Roulette Draw
====
Arthur stopped mid-step, reading the mission details in silence. Everything lined up perfectly.
"Hey Rias," he spoke up, turning around. "Is it okay if I join them when they take on a contract? I am curious to see how you work."
He forced a natural smile, as if this were a simple request instead of a calculated decision.
"Of course," Rias replied immediately. Her expression softened, and she looked genuinely pleased. "They will not be accepting any requests today, but come here after classes tomorrow and we will see if an opportunity arises."
She smiled confidently. If she could get him used to their responsibilities little by little, the idea of joining the peerage would seem far more appealing.
Arthur nodded.
"Great. Then I will see you all tomorrow."
Arthur walked over to a window and opened it. He was planning to jump out using Shunpo and go home, but before he could, someone grabbed his arm tightly.
"Fufu~ I already know that trick. How about my cute boyfriend takes me home?"
Akeno held his wrist firmly. This girl was much stronger than she looked.
"I'd be happy to accompany a lovely girl."
For a second, he thought about refusing, but perhaps sensing that intention, Akeno's smile sent a slight shiver down his spine.
"Ara ara~ such sweet words."
Akeno then pulled him along as she said goodbye to everyone in the room.
As they walked outside, she took his arm and hugged it tightly. The warmth of her body pressed against him, and her fingers curled around his bicep, squeezing slightly, testing his reaction.
"Ufufu~ trying to stay calm?" she murmured, leaning closer to his ear.
Without warning, Akeno grabbed his shirt and pulled him sharply into a secluded alley. Before he could say a word, she pushed him back against the wall and in one sudden bold motion swung herself up, wrapping her legs around his waist, pinning him in place.
Arthur's breath caught at the sudden motion.
"Akeno, what are you—"
"Shh," she whispered against his lips, voice trembling with adrenaline and desire. "You make it so hard to control myself."
She tightened her hold, pressing closer, her face inches from his, breath unsteady, eyes burning.
Her voice came out low and breathless.
"Show me, Arthur… are you really as calm as you pretend?"
Arthur felt something snap inside him. His hands clamped down on her thighs, and with a sudden surge of strength, he lifted her off him, breaking her straddle position. Akeno let out a sharp gasp, fingers gripping his shoulders.
Before she could regain control, he slammed her back against the brick wall, not violently, but with force enough that the impact echoed through the alley. Her breath escaped in a hard exhale, eyes wide with shock and something else entirely.
"A-Ah… Arthur—"
"You wanted rough," he growled, leaning in dangerously close. "So don't act surprised now."
Akeno's breath trembled, her fingers curling tightly into his shirt as she stared up at him, stunned and flushed.
"You… really are something," she whispered, voice shaking.
Arthur didn't wait. He crushed his lips against hers, a fierce, consuming kiss that stole her breath. Akeno responded instantly, pulling him closer, returning the kiss with equal hunger. Their breathing mixed, fast and uneven, the kiss deepening, growing rougher and more desperate with each second as she clung to him.
When they finally separated, both gasping for air, Arthur kept her pinned gently against the wall, foreheads touching.
Akeno's voice came out soft and breathless.
"I didn't think you'd actually overpower me like that."
"You started it," he answered quietly.
Her lips curled into a shaky smile.
"And I absolutely loved it."
Then for a few seconds, neither of them said anything neither they moved still entangled.
Their breaths were still uneven and tangled, faces inches apart, the tension thick enough to make the air itself feel heavy.
Akeno finally loosened her grip, her hands sliding slowly down the front of his shirt before resting against his chest. Her eyes softened, though the heat in them didn't fade.
"Arthur…" she whispered, voice low and still trembling, "if you keep being like this, I might actually fall for you."
Arthur stepped back slightly, giving her space. He let out a slow breath, trying to steady his pulse.
"I thought you already had."
Akeno's lips lifted into a dangerous smile, equal parts playful and sincere.
"Maybe I'm halfway there."
Her hand rose again, brushing lightly against his cheek. "You really surprised me today. No one has ever pushed me back like that."
"Get used to it," Arthur replied quietly. "I'm not the type to be controlled."
"Mmm~ I like men who refuse to kneel," she said, her voice soft and husky. "This is going to be fun, Arthur…"
She took a small step forward, placing her hand lightly on his chest again, but this time no force, no game, only warmth.
"See you tomorrow."
Her fingers slipped away slowly, almost reluctant, and she turned around, walking toward the shrine steps. She glanced back once, eyes shining with something unreadable.
"goodnight… boyfriend."
Arthur watched her until she disappeared up the stairs, the echo of her footsteps fading into the quiet evening.
Only then did he exhale fully, feeling the adrenaline slowly leaving his body.
"Damn… she's dangerous."
He pressed two fingers to his lips, still numb from the intensity of the kiss. His heart was still beating hard, refusing to calm.
When he was sure no one was watching, he activated Shunpo and vanished from the alley, teleporting into the sky. Wind rushed past him as he soared above the city, propelled by [Ruler's Authority], using the night air like a path.
The world below blurred in streaks of light. A strange thrill surged through him, excitement mixing with something deeper and more primal.
"Akeno Himejima… this world is going to be interesting."
He twisted sharply in the air and shot forward at incredible speed. The rooftops stretched beneath him like a flowing river of concrete and steel.
Eventually, his villa appeared in the distance. He dropped through an open window, landing lightly, stirring a cloud of dust.
He stood still for a long moment, staring out at the night sky.
Tomorrow, contracts would begin.