"Now we should draw up the plans of our alliance. If you are free, meet us back here after class, and he can begin," Rias said as she sat back down.
"That works for me, I can meet you then, but for now I have to go," Vesper said as he made his way towards the door.
Leaving the occult building, Vesper made his way back to the roof of the school, where Sakura was having lunch alone.
"Vesper, where were you...I thought I was going to end up eating alone," Sakura said as she saw Vesper.
"Sorry about that, just had to talk to the teachers real quick about me being out for the past week," Vesper replied as he sat next to Sakura.
"Speaking of that...how are you feeling?" Sakura asked nervously
"I'm fine, just a lack of energy and hit my head when I fell, but I'm good," Vesper replied with a small smile.
"Ah... that's good...not that you hit your head, but that you are feeling better," Sakura quickly said
Seeing her reactions, Vesper let out a small chuckle, which caused Sakura to nudge him with a blushing face.
"Sooo...," Sakura began as she was blushing and unable to make eye contact with Vesper.
"What's wrong?"
"Well, I-I wanted to talk about when you dropped me off," Sakura said nervously.
"...I don't know what you mean?" Vesper said with a grin as he pretended to play dumb
"Do-Don't make me say it," Sakura said, hiding her face in her hands.
"Oh, you mean when you kissed me?" Vesper whispered into her ear, causing Sakura to try to push him away, but Vesper would not budge.
"When did you get so strong?" Sakura asked as she tried to push Vesper.
"You want to know how I felt, right?" Vesper said as he pulled Sakura close and pulled her hands down
Looking up at him and blushing, Sakura slowly nodded her head.
"You know I never thought I would see you like this after all that teasing of yours," Vespere joked.
"That's different. You normally don't play along, okay, I-I'm just not used to it," Sakura replied
"Alright, alright, in truth I do like you, Sakura...I have for a while, but certain things that happened the past few days have complicated my life...Right now, I'm not someone who can get into a relationship and give you my all," Vesper replied, his tone solemn and regretful.
"...Oh...t-thats fine...I guess we should focus on our studies since we are in our final years," Sakura said with a sad expression as she stood up.
"Wait, that's not..." Vesper began as he followed after her
"Don't worry, Vesper, it's fine...really," Sakura said with a smile that hid her real feelings as she left the roof.
As the door closed, Vesper sighed and leaned against the fence in a defeated sigh.
It's for the best, master. You have much to worry about. The human woman would only be a burden at this stage]
"I know...that doesn't make it any less painful," Vesper sighed.
Spending the rest of lunch on the roof, Vesper returned to class and saw that Sakura had switched seats and was sitting in front of Kiba, and her eyes were puffy from what seemed to be crying.
Feeling a sting in his chest, Vesper sat in his seat and put his head down.
"What did you do...did you break Sakura's heart?" Akeno asked
"No its not that easy...But I can't do what I have to and bring someone like her into that life...I hate not being able to be with her, but it would break me to see her hurt," Vesper replied
"I see...good choice, people like us don't get the luxuries of choosing anyone we want as a partner," Rias added.
With a sigh, Vesper went through the rest of the day, staring out the window and barely paying attention to the teachers.
Once class was over, Vesper was about to talk to Sakura, but he saw that she had already begun talking to a friend and left the classroom.
"Don't think about it too hard or it will only get worse...we should get going," Kiab said, palcing a hand on Vespers' shoulder.
Leaving and returning to the occult building, Vesper forced himself to focus on the current matter as he sat across from Rias.
"Okay, for our current Alliance, I am willing to provide you with 1 million dollars every year the alliance is valid, books on each pantheon, the factions that everything you need to know about the war, and two personal requests. In return, I ask for you to play in any rating games my peerage and I have going forward. I also ask for you to take my family's side against the internal conflict between the old satans and the new pillars," Rias began to explain.
"The offer is strong, but the commitment is absolute. I will not enter into such allegiances lightly. I will accept your proposal, but under the following conditions:
First. Clarification on "Personal Requests": I'm assuming my personal requests of you must be within your capabilities and cannot force you to act against your core nature or to harm your long-term interests directly. Correct?
Second. Operational Autonomy: While I am aligned with your family in the conflict, I require tactical and strategic autonomy in how I achieve our shared goals. I will take your objectives to heart, but the methods I employ to reach them must be my own. Micromanagement leads to failure.
Third. Full Disclosure: You must provide me with all relevant intelligence you possess regarding the internal conflict. I cannot fight a war effectively if I am being shielded from inconvenient truths or political nuances. Your dossiers must be complete.
Fourth. A Definition of Victory: What does "winning" this internal conflict look like? Is it the utter annihilation of the Old Satans? Their exile? A peace treaty that heavily favors the New Pillars? I require a clear end state for the commitment.
If these conditions are acceptable, then we have an accord. You will have my blade, my mind, and my unwavering loyalty in your conflict. In return, I will be compensated with the knowledge and resources to be the most effective asset your family has ever acquired," Vesper replied after a moment of contemplation.
"Wow...You analyzed that much better than I was expecting, and yes, this is what I'm asking. But for the fourth stipulation, I cannot make that decision since I am not my family's head. But I am willing to get as close to an end possibility as I can," Rias replied
"Very well. I am willing to accept this. I would also like to remove one of the personal requests and ask for portions of land in the underworld," Vesper added.
"...Very well, I should be able to have that arranged..." Rias answered.
"Great...also, since this seems like an alliance that appears to lean towards my favor, I am willing to add a personal request within my power," Vesper added.
"Good...I will have the contract written up and sent to you for signing by tomorrow," Rias said, clasping her hands.
"Vesper, would you like to join us for dinner this weekend. We can sign the alliance then, and you can view the possible lands you can use as your own," Rias asked.
"... That works for me...But I do not have a way to access the underworld," Vesper replied
"Don't worry, I will plan it as a field trip for the occult club. It is also a good cover for your parents not to be worried," Rias replied
"Then I would be honored. I will see you then. For now, I should get going," Vesper replied as he stood up.
Saying goodbye to everyone, Vesper left the school and went back home, where he had dinner with his mother and told her he had joined the occult club because they wanted him to join them for a retreat this weekend.
"That would be great...going to nature and getting out of the city for a few days," Elora replied happily.
"Yeah, especially after what happened, I think some fresh air would be good," Vesper added.
"That is true...well, I'm not against it, so you have the green light. Just make sure to call me when you get there and before you go to bed every day," Elora said as she ruffled Vesper's head.
After finishing dinner, Vesper went up to his room and lay down on his bed. As he thought about what happened with Sakura's lunch, Vesper let out a sigh of annoyance.
Right as he was about to go to sleep, Seraphina appeared from his shadows and sat atop him.
"What are you doing?' Vesper asked.
Moving closer, Seraphina was a few inches from Vesper's face and spoke. "Please allow me to comfort you, great lord...let me apologize for my discretion today,"