If Rias hadn't been protected by protagonist-level plot armor in the original story, some of the reckless things she pulled would have gotten her killed several times over.
Still, now that she was, at the very least, half his student, Rod was prepared to advise them to lie low for a while.
But just then, Rias changed tack.
"If I remain under protection forever, I'll never be able to grow. Besides, if my master is also serving as Lord Odin's guard, then if you don't trust me, do you at least trust him?"
"Please relay those words to my parents."
"Well then, milady."
At that point, the butler could only leave through the teleportation circle once more.
About ten minutes later, he returned.
"Milady, the master and mistress have agreed to let you remain in Kuoh Town. They also asked that Lord Rod please keep a close eye on their headstrong daughter. Those were the master's exact words."
After saying that, the butler stepped up to Rod and respectfully offered him an exquisite wooden box with both hands.
"Lord Rod, in gratitude for the care you have shown our young lady all this time, the master and mistress have prepared this gift for you."
Rod accepted it and opened the box. Inside was not some rare Underworld material or magical artifact, but a ring of keys.
"These are the keys to a castle. It is located near Lilith City, with excellent geography and convenient transportation. The castle is maintained daily by butlers and maids."
"Relax. Rias is half my student already. Helping her is no trouble."
Even as he said that, Rod inwardly wondered at just how absurdly wealthy the Gremory family was. At the same time, he casually slipped the keys into his pocket.
When most people gave gifts, they gave gold, cars, or at most a luxury home.
The Gremory family, on the other hand, had just handed him an entire castle.
And the Gremory family was only considered upper-middle-tier in terms of wealth within the Underworld. Just how rich, then, was the top family, the Phoenixes or something is it?
Seeing Rod accept the gift, the butler bowed once to Rod and once to Rias before leaving again.
Once there were no outsiders left in the Occult Research Club, Rias turned to Rod with a radiant smile.
"Then, Master, I'll be in your care from now on."
"Everyone, if there's nothing else, I'll be going too."
Kiba offered his farewells and left through the teleportation circle as well.
He departed looking determined. Realizing that he still wasn't strong enough, he had resolved to return and train even harder.
"If there's nothing else, I'll head back too."
Rod shrugged and made to leave.
At once, Koneko deftly moved to his side.
"President, Akeno-senpai, see you tomorrow."
Just as she was about to leave with Rod, Rias stopped them.
"Wait."
The red-haired girl fixed Rod with a bright, composed smile.
"Master, since we'll be planning our strategy against Loki over the next few days, would it be possible for me to stay at your place as well? That way, it'll be easier for us to coordinate."
"Hm?"
Rod blinked, but since a beautiful girl was volunteering to move in, he had no reason to refuse.
"Oh my, then may I come too, Rod?"
Akeno followed up immediately, casting a subtle glance at Rias.
"Though I'm not technically your student, I did study under one of your students for a while. And I'm quite skilled at housework. I also happen to know a thing or two about massage and bodywork."
As soon as she said that, Rias shot her a sidelong look.
Housework was one thing, but since when had massage and bodywork become relevant?
Akeno, however, paid her no mind.
At first, Rod's blunt criticism had left a poor impression on her. But as time passed, and after everything that had happened, Rod had gradually become more and more appealing in her eyes.
She was already at the age where it was perfectly normal to start thinking about finding a boyfriend.
And Rod had clearly become the ideal candidate.
As for what Rias was thinking, Akeno suspected it was much the same as her own.
Yes, their first impressions of him had been terrible.
But between the Kokabiel incident, the attack during the Three Factions summit, the daily training, and finally helping them defeat Riser and dissolve Rias's engagement, it was no exaggeration to say that if it were her, she would have willingly tied herself up and delivered herself to Rod's bed that very night out of gratitude alone.
Rias, though, was just too hesitant and too indecisive.
Sorry, Rias. Some things I can yield to you.
But not this.
When it came to snatching a man, first come, first served.
"That's fine. Your Underworld construction team renovated my place not long ago anyway. There's plenty of room now."
Rod nodded.
That said, he still hadn't properly explored just how far Rias had gone with the renovations.
Apparently, besides the three floors above ground, she'd also had three underground levels added.
He really ought to take some time to familiarize himself with the layout. Getting lost in his own house would be ridiculous.
"That's wonderful, Rod. Though tonight probably won't work. I still need to pack my things, so I'll trouble you starting tomorrow."
Akeno was practically glowing with delight.
"And what about you, Rias?"
Rod asked.
"I'll be doing the same as Akeno. You can head back first."
After seeing Rod off with a smile, Rias turned to Akeno, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Akeno, what exactly do you mean by 'packing your things'?"
"Oh? Just what it sounds like. If I move in tonight without preparing anything, life would be terribly inconvenient."
Akeno replied with a closed-eye smile.
"You know that's not what I mean."
"Oh?"
"You're planning to stay there long-term, aren't you?"
Rias's eyes shone with insight.
"My, so you did figure it out. I didn't realize you had a clever side too, Rias."
Akeno covered her mouth and laughed softly.
"Don't play dumb with me. You've got another motive, don't you?"
Rias folded her arms and stared at her seriously.
"And what motive do you think I have?"
Akeno replied in a sultry tone.
"I think you clearly want to-"
The rest of the sentence died on Rias's lips.
But even without saying it out loud, both of them knew exactly what she meant.
"Hehe... Even if that were true, so what? I'm just pursuing my own happiness. You can do the same, can't you? After all, you're no longer engaged."
"Oh, I see now. You never wanted to get married in the first place, did you, Rias?"
"In that case, you have even less reason to stop me~"
"See you tomorrow, President~"
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