'Her aura was growing stronger!'
Watching Utaha's current state, Ayato's eyes lit up.
'It seemed her compatibility with the Essence of the Fire God was very good.'
'The preparations I had made probably wouldn't be needed.'
"My power..."
Just then, Utaha's transformation stopped. She looked down and saw a faint crimson mark appear and disappear.
Besides that,
Although her magic power hadn't changed...
Another, stronger power was surging within her.
This was the power of the Essence of the Fire God.
"Congratulations, you survived."
Ayato's gaze drifted downward. "And the location of that mark is great."
"I just narrowly escaped death, and you can't even offer some comfort, Master?"
"Then come to my room tonight."
"Perverted Master, in your dreams."
Ayato stopped teasing Utaha and turned to Asia, taking out a golden pendant. "Here, your gift."
This was an Imperial Arm made from another Super Danger Beast focused on defense, perfect for Asia.
"I love this gift! Thank you, Ayato-san!"
Asia's face was full of joy, her eyes seemingly sparkling with stars.
"I'm glad you like it."
Ayato gave her a head pat. "Try it and see if it suits you."
"If it doesn't work, I'll get you another one."
"Okay!"
Asia nodded and followed the method Ayato taught her to operate it.
Soon,
A faint golden light enveloped her holy nun's habit.
"Good, it seems it worked."
Seeing this, Ayato nodded with satisfaction.
"..."
Watching this scene from afar, Utaha instinctively clenched her small fists.
'That's it?'
'Why was my Imperial Arm so dangerous, while Asia's so easy to use?'
"Alright, you two get used to your Imperial Arms. I need to go out for a bit."
Ayato waved his hand, and the light of a magic circle appeared beneath his feet.
The next instant,
He vanished from the room.
...
Inside a castle-like villa!
The light of a magic circle flashed and disappeared.
Ayato appeared there.
"You're back, Ayato!"
Rias, wearing a bathrobe and drying her vivid crimson hair, said happily.
"Hmm."
Ayato pulled Rias into his arms. "I have enough servants now. How's the Rating Game coming along?"
Rias rested her head on Ayato's shoulder, nuzzling him. "It's going surprisingly smoothly. The game is set for three days from now."
Her nose twitched, smelling Ayato's scent. Her face flushed slightly, but she looked into his eyes and said,
"But no matter what, my fiancé can only be you."
Gazing at Rias, Ayato's eyes deepened. "Then, isn't it time you fulfilled your duties as a fiancée?"
"Hmm?"
Rias's eyes grew hazy as she looked directly into Ayato's eyes without flinching.
She had been waiting for this day for a long time.
Feeling that intensity, Ayato also lowered his head.
...
During this time, Ayato had been around magic books constantly.
He had his own unique understanding of them.
But now, Ayato felt that none compared to the one before him.
A brand new magic book needed to be opened carefully, and reading it consumed an unusual amount of energy.
Moreover, Ayato discovered that this magic book could be read not only forwards but also backwards.
Even flipped over, it offered entirely new knowledge.
Not to mention, this magic book was very durable, constantly revealing new insights.
This made Ayato focus with twelve percent of his concentration, studying even more diligently.
Before he knew it...
Night had fallen.
...
Outside the door!
Akeno, carrying black tea, was blushing.
What a coincidence, she didn't expect to run into Ayato and Rias studying a magic book together.
She hesitated for a moment, then pressed her ear to the door.
She was also very eager for new knowledge.
Time slowly passed!
Two rosy clouds appeared on Akeno's face.
Her toes curled unnaturally, and her body trembled slightly.
Before long,
Akeno let out a sigh of relief and left, her expression returning to normal.
"Akeno-senpai!"
Koneko, entering the villa, said, "Is President Rias in? I need to see her."
"President Rias is very busy right now."
Akeno smiled. "Just ask me if you need anything."
"Oh."
Koneko nodded, then suddenly sniffed the air. "What's that smell? It's unfamiliar."
Instinctively, she looked at Akeno, her expression puzzled.
...
The next morning,
Ayato and Rias descended the stairs.
"Hiss!"
With slightly too large a movement, Rias, her vivid crimson hair a bit disheveled, sucked in a sharp breath.
Ayato quickly supported her and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"
"Whose fault do you think it is?" Rias gave Ayato a charming, reproachful look. "Tell me honestly, between you and your servants... have you..."
Her voice grew softer and softer, eventually becoming a mere whisper.
'If I said that...'
'Was that bad?'
'He wouldn't think I was a jealous woman, would he?'
Ayato said seriously, "Don't worry, you're ahead of everyone else."
'I was the first?'
Rias immediately became majestic again.
The common sense and worldview of Devils were different from humans'.
But as the childhood friend, the position of main wife was a must.
Otherwise, ending up as a loser would be too pathetic.
"Oh my, are you two up already?"
Akeno, who had prepared breakfast, said with a smile.
"Hey, Akeno."
Ayato sat down unceremoniously and began eating. "Akeno, you came looking for Rias last night, didn't you?"
"Ah."
Hearing this, Akeno's smile froze, and pink appeared on her face.
'Did he know?'
'That would be too embarrassing, wouldn't it?'
The scenes from last night involuntarily began to surface in her mind.
"You came looking for me."
Rias's face also flushed slightly, but she still said gracefully, "Was it something important?"
"No, I was just delivering black tea."
Akeno avoided Ayato's gaze and said, "And Koneko came by too, about some training issues. I've already helped her."
After speaking, she fled as if escaping.
If she stayed any longer...
She really wouldn't be able to face Ayato and Rias.