After school that day.
I make my way to the clubroom along with Asia, Xenovia, and Irina. The other members, including Rias, who arrived before us, are wearing serious faces. Huh? Something happened?
"Did something happen?"
When I ask, Rias answers.
"Yes. Our next opponent for the Youth Devil Rating Game has been decided."
Hee. So it's already decided. Starting from the Gremory vs. Sitri match, there were games between the six households. So the Gremory group also has to battle all the other houses besides the Sitri group. I wasn't that shocked about it, but I understood the reason for everyone's strange reactions after Rias's next words.
"Our next opponent is...Diodora Astaroth."
Hearing that name, a smile formed on my face.
•••
"Our next opponent is...Diodora Astaroth," Rias said.
Rias looked at Issei after that. He was wearing a smile. A creepy smile. His eyes arc in a crescent moon, and so do his lips. He really looked like the primitive devil incarnate.
It seemed that he didn't know that he was making that face.
Akeno looked at Rias and then at Issei.
If it was anyone else, they would be scared of Issei by now, but they are accustomed to Issei's behavior. He is their boyfriend after all.
"Ara, Issei-kun, it seems you are happy with that announcement." Hearing Akeno, Issei's face turned to normal, like he wasn't making that demonic face at all.
"Oh, I am happy. He has been harassing Asia for some time now. I can now settle scores with him." Issei said with a smile.
He is so cute. Rias thought to herself when she saw that smile. And he smells amazing. Wasn't he practicing? Why does he smell this good every time I meet him? How I wish I could just monopolize him.
Thinking that, Rias looked at Akeno, who was looking at Issei just like a love-struck girl. Rias has known Akeno for a long time, and she knows that Akeno has fallen too deeply in love with Issei for her to do anything.
Then there is Asia, who was looking at Issei with complete devotion.
I think she would die if something happened to Issei. Rias thought to herself. And Issei, himself, gives special care to Asia. Rias and everyone have noticed it. Rias also remembers what Asia had asked her previously about joining Issei's peerage after he created it. Not just Asia, Xenovia also asked it after knowing Issei has the intention to create a peerage for himself.
How I wish I could just hold Issei in my own peerage.
Some devils do that. If the member of their peerage has talent and power. They would keep them in their peerage. Even if the person has the qualification to become a high-ranking devil, without their master releasing them from their peerage, they can't become a high-class devil.
Rias would have done it if it wasn't for the fact that she very much loves Issei and she is a Gremory. A Gremory treats their servant with dignity, and she won't be the one to trash that reputation.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling out her name.
"Rias! Rias! Back to earth, Rias."
"Oh, sorry. What is it, Issei?" Rias said to Issei.
"I and Asia will be going. We still need to practice that three-legged race that Kiryuu hooked us with," Issei said.
To which Rias nodded. "Take care, and come back when it is dinnertime. I will make you something special today. Looking forward to it." Rias said to him with a smile as she saw him disappear in the corner.
"…Rias."
Akeno's voice was gentle, teasing laced with concern. Rias turned and found her Queen studying her closely, violet eyes sharp enough to see through her far too easily.
"You look sad," Akeno said. "That's rare, you know. Especially after hearing our next opponent."
Rias hesitated.
She could brush it off. She could smile and change the subject. That was the easier path—the Maou's sister, the noble Gremory, the composed King.
But Akeno wasn't just her Queen. She was her closest friend.
"…In the future," Rias said softly, "Issei will have to leave us."
Akeno blinked once.
"Leave?" she repeated, more curious than alarmed.
"Yes." Rias clasped her hands together, fingers tightening. "He'll form a peerage of his own. He has to. With his power… with his potential… it's inevitable."
The words tasted bitter, even though she had accepted that truth long ago.
A dragon couldn't remain in someone else's nest forever.
Akeno tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful rather than upset.
"Isn't that a good thing?" she asked. "If Issei becomes a high-class devil through his own peerage, he'll be free. Strong. Recognized."
She smiled, warm and knowing.
"And more importantly—he could marry you without any political opposition."
The words struck deeper than Rias expected.
She looked away.
"That's exactly why it hurts," Rias admitted. "Right now, he's here. He's part of my peerage. I can protect him, guide him, fight beside him as his King."
Her voice lowered.
"But once he leaves… that bond changes."
Akeno chuckled softly and stepped closer, resting a hand on Rias's shoulder.
"Rias," she said, "you're thinking like a noble, not like a woman."
Rias glanced at her.
"Issei doesn't follow rules like that. Whether he's in your peerage or leading his own, he'll still run straight toward you the moment you're in danger."
Akeno's smile grew faintly mischievous.
"And let's be honest—do you really think forming a peerage will make him any less devoted to you?"
Rias imagined it.
Issei, standing proudly as a King himself. Still grinning foolishly at her. Still calling her name without hesitation. Still reaching for her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"…No," Rias admitted quietly.
"There you go," Akeno said. "Besides, you're not the only one who'll have to let go a little."
She laughed softly, though there was something bittersweet beneath it.
"Asia, Xenovia… even me. We all know that one day, he'll stand on his own."
Akeno leaned closer, her voice dropping.
"But loving someone doesn't mean chaining them. It means letting them grow—even if it scares you."
Rias closed her eyes for a moment.
Then she smiled.
A genuine one.
"…You're right," she said. "I suppose this is just another trial I need to overcome."
Akeno straightened, her usual teasing glint returning.
"That's the Rias I know."
~~~
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