Asia's eyes fluttered open, blinking away the traces of sleep. The ceiling above her wasn't familiar—wooden beams, smooth stone, and soft lamplight instead of the usual sky-painted plaster of the church.
She sat up slowly, confusion settling in as she looked around the small but cozy bedroom, its walls lined with shelves of dried herbs and neatly labeled jars.
Her beautiful blonde hair was messed up.
"W-Where… am I?"
She slipped off the bed, her white nightgown brushing against her legs as her bare feet touched the warm wood floor. There was no fear, but just a sense of uncertainty.
Her memories were hazy, fragmented at best. She remembered a battle. Pain. Then darkness. And a voice… familiar and safe.
Cautiously, Asia opened the door and stepped into the hallway. Soft morning light spilled through the windows, and the faint scent of bread and coffee drifted in the air. Her steps were slow and cautious as she followed the scent toward what she assumed must be the kitchen or dining area.
She walked down the stairs, and then she saw him.
Seated at the table, surrounded by a half-finished breakfast spread, was Arthur.
He was relaxed, sipping from a steaming cup of black coffee, a half-eaten croissant on his plate. Sitting to his left was a blonde-haired woman in a blue dress—Renner, though Asia had never seen her before.
Across from her sat a small figure in a red dress, her face hidden behind a teacup—Evileye. And beside Arthur, leaning slightly against his shoulder with her expression completely blank, was—
"Raynare-san?"
Asia gasped, drawing everyone's attention.
Arthur looked up, surprised at first—but then he smiled softly.
"Good morning, Asia. You're finally awake."
Renner offered a polite nod, and Evileye tilted her head curiously.
Asia's eyes darted between them before finally resting on Raynare. The fallen angel looked like a perfect porcelain doll—still under the effects of the charm spell, unmoving and quiet.
"I-Is she…?"
"She's fine. Just magically… quiet," Arthur said, raising his cup again. "Come. Eat something. We've got a lot to talk about."
Asia hesitated—but then, slowly, she stepped forward and joined them at the table. A soft peace settled in the room, just for a moment.
•••
Arthur leaned back slightly, his arm resting over the back of the couch. He looked at Asia sitting beside him. Her expression was a mix of confusion and wonder.
"You must have a lot to ask," he said gently. "Go ahead. Now's the time."
Asia gripped the edge of the couch cushion. Her voice was soft. "What… happened? I remember being at the church. Raynare-san… She was trying to take my Sacred Gear. My healing power. I—I didn't understand why. Then…"
"Then I stepped in—with some friends. I believe you've already met them, even if only briefly. Issei, Rias Gremory, and her peerage."
Asia blinked. "Gremory-san… She's a devil, right? I met her when I was Father Freed, when he..." She stopped there as if she remembered the horror of that night.
Since Arthur doesn't want her to dwell in her sadness, he quickly followed up, "She, that's her. She is the one who called me. Saying you were in danger."
Just then, Arthur sensed a presence that was getting close to their room. Since he already knew who it was, he looked at Asia. "Oh, Rias said she wants to meet you after you wake, as she wants to ask you something." So she is on her way here."
Just then someone knocks on the door. "Come in," Arthur said.
The door creaked open, revealing Rias in her usual composed grace, though a hint of nervousness could be seen in her eyes.
Probably because she is nervous about the recruitment of Asia into her peerage.
In the original timeline, most of the time, Rias either turns people into devils when they are dying, like what happened with Issei and Asia.
Or the person will ask Rias to turn them into a devil, like in Xenovia's case. But Rias has never gone out of her way to ask someone to join her peerage.
From a ruler's perspective, what Rias is doing is a wonderful strategy, a really praiseworthy one at that. By saving someone from death, she will get loyalty, and she will also not need to be afraid of rejection, as they have already become a devil. And because of the presence of Stay Exorcist and Fallen Angel, if they didn't rely on her, they would die quickly.
And in the second case, since they are the ones who are asking to join her peerage, they will always be in a subordinate position.
Either way, the ball will always be in her court.
Though Arthur didn't know if Rias was actively pursuing such conditions or if, since she was a heroine, fate was moving in her favor. Since he has no interest in finding answers to that, he will leave it at that.
"Good morning." Rias said as she looked at Asia. "Are you feeling alright?"
Asia stiffened slightly but didn't move away. Arthur gave her a light pat on the shoulder, which seemed to have an effect, as her nervousness reduced a lot.
"I am feeling fine." Thanks for asking, Rias-san."
"I'm glad," Rias said sincerely, walking closer and sit on the couch opposite Asia. "I've been waiting for this chance, Asia-san."
❌❌❌
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