Rias watched Asia with a satisfied look as she adjusted the collar of the uniform layered over her pajamas. The piece was not fully worn, only fitted to test the size. Even so, Asia looked incredibly focused on every detail.
"It looks very good on you, Asia," Akeno said with a teasing smile.
Asia held the hem of the fabric, blushing. "Thank you… I'm still not sure if I'm wearing it right."
Akeno turned to Gasper.
"Do you agree, Gasper?"
Gasper inclined his head. "Yes."
Asia immediately broke into a shy smile, happy with the short yet sincere confirmation.
Koneko snorted. "Pervert."
Gasper chuckled softly. "You look cute too, Koneko."
Her eyes widened, suddenly red. "Shut up."
Koneko lunged forward with a quick punch, not meant to hurt, just impulse.
Gasper raised his hand and easily caught her fist. The movement was smooth, almost elegant. He brought her hand closer to his lips and placed a courteous kiss on the back of it.
Koneko turned red from head to toe, eyes wide.
"Idiot," she muttered, retreating with her face hidden behind her arm.
Akeno covered her mouth to hide a laugh. "That was cruel, Gasper-kun."
Rias stepped forward. "Let's go. We need to head to the club."
She raised her hand. The magic seal glowed beneath the group's feet as she activated the technique, guiding the energy consciously.
Fwoooosh.
In an instant, everyone vanished from the mansion and appeared inside the Occult Research Club room.
The seal faded beneath their feet as the teleport ended. The Occult Research Club room was quiet, lit just enough to feel comfortable.
Koneko looked at Asia and gently pulled her hand.
"Come."
Asia took a small step, surprised by the kindness, but held on firmly. Koneko walked toward the club door with short steps, without looking back.
Gasper followed right behind, silent. He only observed the two of them, as if measuring Asia's reaction mattered more than any words.
Kiba adjusted his posture, looking at Rias and Akeno.
"Excuse me, Rias. I'll leave you to talk."
Rias nodded. "That's fine, Kiba."
The knight made a polite gesture and left through the same door Koneko and Asia had used.
The door closed slowly, leaving only Rias and Akeno inside the room.
The initial silence was not uncomfortable. It felt simply natural. The two leaders were used to each other's presence.
Akeno approached the central table, resting her fingertips on it, her smile full of meaning.
"So… Asia-chan seems truly charmed by Gasper."
Rias let out a small sigh. "It's inevitable. He saved her life."
"And you also seem charmed by him." Akeno laughed softly. "That hug… was bold even for you."
Rias crossed her arms, but her gaze showed no guilt. "He needed it."
"Did he need the hug, or did he need you?" Akeno tilted her head.
"Both, probably." Rias looked away, as if acknowledging something she did not plan to admit so soon.
Akeno stepped a little closer. "You're more attached to him than you think."
Rias lightly pressed her fingers together, trying to keep control of the conversation. "It's natural that I'm close to him. Gasper is my bishop. And… my greatest hope to break that disgusting contract."
Akeno tilted her head, satisfied with the half-forced honesty. "I know. But that's not all."
Rias looked away, irritated that Akeno always saw more than she should. "You're trying to distract me."
"It's my job as queen," Akeno replied with gentle humor.
Before Rias could retort, the air beside them began to compress, as if being drawn to a single point.
Fwoooosh.
Grayfia materialized right there in the club room, posture impeccable and expression cold.
Rias straightened immediately. "Grayfia? What is it?"
Grayfia adjusted a strand of hair, the gesture precise. "I came to deliver an important notice."
Akeno narrowed her eyes, sensing by the tone that it was not pleasant.
Grayfia continued.
"Tell Gasper to cancel today's training. He will not be able to attend."
Rias frowned, irritation surfacing instantly. "Cancel? Why?"
"Because Riser Phenex will come to visit you tonight," Grayfia replied without hesitation. "And I need to be present at the meeting."
The name fell like a weight in the air.
Rias clenched her teeth. "He never gives up…"
"Not even a little," Akeno sighed, restrained, without her earlier teasing shine.
Rias ran a hand over her forehead, clearly displeased. "I didn't ask for this visit."
"It doesn't matter," Grayfia said. "Lord Phenex requested his presence to discuss the terms of the marriage. And Sirzechs authorized the meeting."
Rias' discouragement showed for a brief, sincere moment.
She took a deep breath.
Rias closed her hand tightly, holding back the frustration that threatened to spill through her breathing.
"If he's coming, then it will be here, in the club room," she said firmly. "And with all my members present. No exceptions."
Grayfia observed her in silence for a moment, not judging, only measuring the determination overflowing from the Gremory heiress.
"You have the authority to decide that," Grayfia replied calmly. "The meeting will take place exactly as you prefer."
Rias lifted her chin, regaining control. "Then it will be in the club. And everyone will be here. I won't let him speak to me alone as if he already owns something."
Akeno smiled discreetly at her side. "That's how I like it… Rias-sama with her claws out."
Rias let out a light sigh, as if trying to maintain composure. "I just… won't let him decide my future. Not for a second."
Grayfia took a step forward. "Rias-sama."
Rias raised her gaze, expecting something tense, perhaps a warning. But Grayfia did not bring coldness, she brought fact.
"You can have hope."
Rias blinked slowly, surprised by the choice of words.
Grayfia continued:
"I am personally training Gasper. He is evolving at an accelerated pace. He needs refinement, yes… but he has strength. A lot of it."
The air grew firmer around the three of them.
"I follow him closely," Grayfia said. "And I can state: he has already surpassed a large portion of the underworld's novices. He is not just a piece. He is an asset."
Akeno raised her eyebrows, intrigued. "Oh? That's rare coming from you, Grayfia."
"I do not give praise without basis," Grayfia replied.
Rias breathed deeply, absorbing that information like someone receiving a new pillar to lean on.
"I knew he was special… but hearing that from you… helps."
Grayfia inclined her head. "Keep believing in him. And using him correctly."
Akeno chuckled softly. "That sounds like a mother approving her daughter's relationship."
"Do not twist my words, Akeno."
Rias smiled for the first time since the visit was announced. "Thank you, Grayfia. Truly."
"I only convey facts," the warrior replied. "And one of them is simple: Gasper can face whatever comes."
Rias crossed her arms, no longer in frustration, but in determination. "In that case… let Riser come. This time, he will see that I am no longer alone."
Grayfia gave a slight nod.
"I will return to the underworld now. I need to organize the preparations for the visit."
Rias lifted her gaze quickly. "You'll come back with him?"
"Yes," Grayfia replied. "When night falls, I will return accompanied by Riser Phenex. That way, there will be no room for delays or excuses on his side."
Rias' expression tightened for a moment, but not in weakness, in focus.
"Good." She crossed her arms firmly. "I want everything under my rules."
"And it will be," Grayfia assured. "I will personally supervise every detail."
Akeno stretched her arms above her head, relaxing her shoulders with a satisfied sigh. "So… shall we inform the rest of the group?"
Rias took a deep breath, determination rekindling in her eyes.
"Yes. They need to know that tonight won't be just a formality."
Grayfia took one last step before preparing the teleport. "When I return with Riser… be ready."
"I will be," Rias said. "And he will realize that nothing will be the same as before."
Grayfia activated the magic with conscious precision.
Fwoooosh.
She disappeared.
Rias remained still for a few seconds, breathing slowly as she let each thought fall into place.
Akeno tilted her face with that teasing smile. "So, Rias… ready to start a war?"
Rias walked to the door, but paused just before touching the handle.
"I want Asia to enjoy her day at school," she said calmly and firmly. "I want her to stay by Gasper and Koneko's side. She deserves at least one day of normalcy before all this."
Akeno raised an eyebrow, curious. "And what about you?"
"During break, I'll talk to Gasper," Rias took a deep breath. "And to the others as well. We need to be aligned before the visit."
Akeno smiled, satisfied. "Responsible as always."
Rias opened the door.
"This isn't just about me. It's about all of us."
Her footsteps echoed through the club, firm and clear, not like accumulated frustration…
but like the first strategic move of a battle that was already underway.
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