Seizing the moment, Kuroka rushed forward, her weariness forgotten, and threw her arms around Algernon's neck, settling herself firmly onto his back and purring into his ear. "I was a very good kitten, ~Darling," she whispered, her voice husky. "Now I need a very big reward."
Rias watched the exchange, her expression now replaced by a familiar warmth. She walked closer, gently resting her head against Algernon's shoulder, completing the close circle of affection. "We both watched you fight alone. You were incredible, my love!"
Algernon chuckled, shifting Kuroka slightly higher on his back. "As for the reward, my dear Kuroka, I think you need to wait for us returning to human world." He kissed Rias on the forehead, then gently reached up and stroked Kuroka's cheek. "Tonight, there are no devils, no fighting, and no political machinations. Just us."
Kuroka nuzzled his neck. "Just us. And maybe a few snacks," she added playfully.
Algernon looked at Rias, who was already smiling at the thought of returning home. "Ready to leave this chaos behind for now, Rias?"
"More than ready," Rias confirmed, her voice soft with relief.
Algernon then nodded to Akeno and Koneko. "Akeno, if you would do the honors. Let's go to rias's residence."
Akeno, her gaze full of contentment, gave a simple, knowing smile. She raised her hand, and a large, intricate teleportation circle, shimmering with Gremory power, formed instantly beneath the five of them. With a flash of crimson light, Algernon, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Kuroka vanished from the silent, empty VIP box, leaving behind the whole Underworld chaotic and messed up.
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The intricate teleportation circle deposited the group inside the familiar, cozy living room of the Gremory residence in the human world. It was already evening; the windows showed the soft glow of streetlights and the dark canvas of the night sky, a stark contrast to the red-hued chaos they had just left behind.
Koneko, quiet but content, headed straight for the kitchen, likely seeking snacks after the long, intense day. Akeno gave a knowing smile and a final, lingering look at Algernon before excusing herself to handle the necessary cleanup of the house.
Rias, her exhaustion catching up to her, leaned heavily against Algernon, her crimson hair spilling over his shoulder. "I just need a moment of quiet," she murmured, her voice soft and weary.
Kuroka, ever the pragmatist when it came to pleasure, purred, "Quiet is nice, but I need something more satisfying after all that hard work, Algernon-kun. We were both very good girls today."
Algernon looked from the exhaustion in Rias's eyes to the playful challenge in Kuroka's. He knew precisely what was needed.
He lifted Rias into his arms and then wrapped his other arm securely around Kuroka's waist.
"Time for a three-way war between us" Algernon declared, his voice low and intimate.
With a shared laugh that was a mixture of relief and anticipation, they retreated to the privacy of the night. The following hours were spent in a passionate, desperate embrace, a whirlwind of affection and affirmation that transcended the simple physical act.
(A/N: Broadcast interruption for you guys too. (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶) )
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With the soft light of the morning filtered through the bedroom windows. Algernon woke slowly, feeling the comforting weight and warmth of two bodies pressed intimately against him. He was lying on his back, his arms completely numb but perfectly content, serving as pillows for the women beside him.
On his right, Rias lay curled into his side. Her magnificent crimson hair was a luxurious tangle across his chest and the pillow, and her hand was loosely draped over his abdomen. Her breathing was deep and peaceful, a picture of absolute serenity.
On his left, Kuroka was nestled close, her dark hair a stark contrast to Rias's. Her playful, cat-like hand was securely wrapped around his waist, and a faint, satisfied purr vibrated gently against his skin. Both women were completely naked, a beautiful, stark reminder of the passionate night they had shared.
Algernon smiled and shifted his head, looking at side.
Rias stirred slightly, her long, dark eyelashes fluttering open. Her eyes, usually sharp with intelligence, were soft and drowsy. She gave him a slow, radiant smile. "Good morning, my love," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep and affection. She tightened her grip on him instinctively. "Stay for just five more minutes. Everything else can wait."
Kuroka's eyes snapped open at the sound of Rias's voice. She stretched languidly, her body arching like a cat's, before rubbing her cheek against Algernon's shoulder. "Rias is right, ~Darling," she purred. "Just five more minutes. You owe us at least that after what we went through yesterday."
Algernon chuckled. "I see my punishment is to be smothered by beautiful women," he teased. "A terrible fate, to be sure."
"As tempting as that is, we have everyone waiting downstairs," Algernon said, gently disentangling his numb arms. "But we can scoop some time."
He stood, his physique a breathtaking sight in the morning light. Rias and Kuroka exchanged a mischievous look and rose with a synchronized grace.
"A joint bath, then?" Rias suggested, her voice regaining its confident, queenly tone.
"It's the only way to properly start a day," Kuroka agreed with a wink.
The three of them moved to the opulent ensuite bathroom. The large, deep tub was quickly filled with steaming, fragrant water. The atmosphere was one of quiet, shared intimacy. Rias carefully washed Algernon's hair, her hands gentle and loving, while Kuroka leaned against his back.
Rias, Kuroka, and Algernon emerged from the bathroom cleansed and energized, Rias's and Kuroka's faces glowing with a shared, resolute focus that was more than mere relaxation. They quickly dressed in comfortable, simple attire and headed downstairs to the dining room.
The drowsiness in the dining area was immediately apparent. Around the large breakfast table sat Koneko, who looked even more sleep-deprived than before, her small frame slumped slightly in her chair. Beside her, Akeno was nursing a cup of coffee, stifling occasional yawns behind her hand, a clear sign of being awake—as well, making Algernon realize they didn't use magic to block sounds.
The gathering grew with two new arrivals: Kiba Yuuto, the handsome Knight of the Gremory Peerage, and Asia Argento, her kind eyes filled with concern. They had clearly shown up early, drawn by the chaotic news that had undoubtedly leaked through the devil ranks.
Algernon took his place at the head of the table without any embarrassment of his realization, Rias settling on his right and Kuroka on his left.
"Good morning, everyone," Algernon said, his voice calm and commanding, cutting through the weary silence. He glanced at Koneko and Akeno. "It seems the political fallout has been disruptive even here."
Koneko simply mumbled, "The chaos... is loud," before taking a large bite of toast.
Akeno offered a tired but teasing smile. "Ara ara, it seems managing the logistics of a war can be quite exhausting, Algernon-kun right?"
Algernon turned his attention to Akeno, his voice soft. "Since you look like you need a break, I believe you should lead the way. I'd like to spend the day with you."
A genuine, excited smile lit up Akeno's face. "Wonderful! Let's go. I know the perfect place to forget about exploding demons."
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The two of them left the mansion shortly after, leaving the rias and kuroka to recover. The day was spent in a gentle, almost mundane intimacy. Algernon deliberately allowed himself and stunningly beautiful Akeno to blend into the city's crowds.
They started with a visit to a quiet, traditional tea house, where they spoke in soft whispers about everything they can share.
They walked through a bustling shopping district, where Akeno, ever the playful tease, dragged him into a store to try on ridiculous human accessories, their laughter light and genuine. Algernon found a strange, grounding pleasure.
As afternoon turned to evening, Akeno led him away from the city's noise, their destination becoming clear as the surroundings grew more serene and spiritual. They arrived at the base of a quiet, forested hill.
The date ended at the shrine where Akeno lived. The evening air was cool, carrying the scent of pine and incense. The path was lined with ancient stone lanterns that cast a warm, soft glow on Akeno's face. She led him through the main torii gate and into the tranquil, sacred grounds.
They sat together on the edge of the engawa overlooking the shrine garden. The silence here was profound, broken only by the gentle rustle of leaves. Akeno leaned into him, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder.
"Thank you, Algernon-kun," she murmured, her voice soft and full of gratitude.
They remained still for a long time, watching the soft glow of the stone lanterns reflect in the darkness. Then, Akeno stirred slightly, her body language shifting from relaxed contentment to tense hesitation.
She whispered his name, "Algernon-kun..."
Her voice was barely audible, thick with emotion, and she fell silent immediately afterward. Her grip on his arm tightened, her entire posture radiating a deep, internal conflict. She seemed poised on the edge of a painful confession, unable to take the final step.
The ensuing silence was heavy and awkward, hanging over the serene garden like a shroud. Algernon knew exactly what she was struggling with. He gently turned his head, his gaze calm and unwavering.
He broke the stillness with a soft, steady voice. "If this is about your fallen angel heritage, Akeno, you can relax."
The simple statement caused Akeno to freeze completely. She slowly lifted her head, her dark eyes wide with shock and confusion.
Algernon continued, his tone entirely devoid of judgment. "If you truly expect me to hate you or reject you after knowing this, then you truly don't know me enough. In fact," he added, a hint of his usual knowing smile returning, "I have already known about this since the first time we met. I already sensed the fallen breath on you."
Akeno stared at him, unable to speak, the years of pain, fear, and hiding suddenly rendered meaningless by his quiet acceptance. The fact that he had known her secret since the first day, and yet had treated her with nothing but respect and tenderness, was the most profound kindness she had ever experienced. It broke her.
Tears, hot and fast, began to track down her cheeks. This time, they weren't tears of shame or sorrow, but of overwhelming relief.
"You... you knew," she choked out, grasping his hand tightly, "and you never said anything. You treated me like... like a friend."
"You are the first friend I ever made," Algernon confirmed, gently wiping a tear with his thumb. "The strongest Queen, the most loving friend, and a beautiful soul. Your heritage is simply a part of the power you wield. It is not who you are, nor is it a mark against you."
His words shattered the last remaining wall she had built around her heart. She leaned into him, burying her face against his chest, her suppressed emotions pouring out.
"I love you, Algernon-kun," she confessed, the words muffled but fierce. She pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his, filled with a raw, honest confusion. "I don't know when it happened. I spent so long standing beside Rias, being her best friend, watching you both. But somewhere along the way, years of friendship turned into... this."
Her voice trembled with the final, daunting truth. "I fell in love with you. With your confidence, your kindness, your terrifying strength... and your willingness to simply accept me, faults and all. I love you."
Algernon smiled, his expression warm and utterly genuine. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a secure, all-encompassing embrace. "I love you too, Akeno. And there is nothing in this world that you could ever tell me that would change that."
Under the quiet watch of the ancient shrine, both Algernon and Akeno sat there until night leaning on each other's warm embrace.
(END OF CHAPTER)
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Bonus chapter when power stones reach 500