Chapter 103: Aftermath of the Raid on the Church
Underworld, Satan Territory, Capital City, Lilith.
Sitting in his office, Sirzechs was reading the report submitted by his younger sister, Rias. While reading the report, he could not conceal the smile that was slowly creeping onto his face.
"She's grown so much in the last few years." Sirzechs said with a smile. "I knew it was just a matter of time. And they said I was spoiling her too much."
"There's no doubt you were spoiling her too much." Grayfia said from her position behind Sirzechs. "And you have nothing to do with her growth."
Unable to argue with his wife, Sirzechs could do nothing but lower his head. Though, he never let go of his pride for the growth of his sister. At the same time, Grayfia was wondering how long her contact would take to find evidence of the Devil Council's misdeeds. However, seeing how big the job was this time, she remained patient.
Underworld, Phenex Territory, Phenex Estate.
At the same time in a lavishly decorated bedroom, Rias' fiancé, Riser Phenex, a tall and handsome young man with short blonde hair and dark blue eyes, also received the report of Rias' defeat of the fallen angels who intruded into her territory in the Human World.
"Finally, Rias has grown enough to be my bride." Riser said with a devilish smile on his face. "I think it is time to begin pushing this marriage forward. Why should I be forced to wait any longer?"
Hearing that, Riser's peerage, a group of fifteen beautiful female devils, thought that their [King] might be taking this a little too lightly. Especially when the unofficial strongest member of the new generation was Rias' best friend.
"Big Brother, are you sure this will be as easy as you believe?" Said Ravel Phenex, a beautiful girl with dark blue eyes and long blonde hair styled into twin tails that end in large drill-shaped curls kept together with blue ribbons, bangs that cover her forehead and the bridge of her nose, Riser's younger sister.
"There's nothing to worry about, Ravel." Riser said without losing his smile. "Rias is nothing more than a spoiled girl who has never had to work hard for anything in her life. If I had to guess, the council simply gave her the credit that belonged to that filthy half-breed. After all, from what we know, she is not competent enough to handle a group of fallen angels that skillfully."
"I hope you're right." Ravel said unsurely.
Human World, Japan, Kuoh.
After finishing the raid on the abandoned church, Rias and Sona transported the captives to the Underworld. The plan was to see if they could gain any information that James was unable to pull out of them. After that, and reporting directly to the Devil Council, Rias, Sona, and their peerage members returned to Kuoh.
The next morning was the first day of Golden Week. This, of course, meant there was no school. Because of that, James, Rias, and Sona as well as all the members of the three peerages gathered in the back of the Alaverus mansion to enjoy a barbeque in the afternoon. Naturally, Leona and Asia were also present. As James took control of the grill, everyone else was split into smaller groups as they chatted or simply enjoyed the time off from school. Eventually, Leona asked the question that was on everyone's mind.
"So, Asia, now that the fallen angels who tricked you have been dealt with, what do you plan to do." Leona asked casually after chatting with Lady, Shion, and Asia for a while.
Even though her voice was not very loud, everyone present was a supernatural being, aside from Asia. Because of that, they had no problem hearing Leona's question. After the question was asked, the collective volume of everyone in the back yard dropped by a noticeable margin. After thinking about the answer to Leona's question for a few moments, Asia hung her head as she spoke.
"I don't know." Asia replied in a forlorn voice.
Hearing that, everyone could sympathize. In the last few weeks or so, she had lost everything she held dear, and her life was plotted on by those she wanted to trust. However, the more observant people in the backyard also noticed the glances the blonde former nun would send in a certain brunette boy's direction, every so often.
"Well, if you want some advice from me." Leona said, still in that same casual tone.
Hearing that, Asia looked into Leona's eyes with curiosity. Seeing that she had gained Asia's attention, Leona continued with what she wanted to say.
"I'd suggest that you join one of the peerages present." Leona said after taking a sip from a soda can. "Although you would not be able to pray verbally, you would never have to worry about being left alone again."
A few moments later, Asia came out of the contemplation Leona's suggestion brought. Eventually, she asked a question of her own.
"Does that mean I would no longer be human?" Asia asked apprehensively.
"That's right." Leona said casually. "It's not as bad as you think, though. You can ask me or several of the people present if you want opinions from those who have experienced it."
Hearing that, Asia looked around the yard. As she made eye contact with the devils who reincarnated from humans, she received gentle smiles and nods. And she could tell that each nod was telling her that she could talk to them if she wanted their opinion. However, the smile and nod that caught her attention the most was Issei's, of course. When she saw that, Asia made her choice instantly. And seeing the determination in her eyes, Leona could tell that Asia's mind was made up as well.
"It looks like you've already made your decision." Leona said with a smile. "I would suggest joining my son's peerage, unfortunately, I don't think you would fit his final [Piece]."
"[Piece]?" Asia asked in confusion.
Then, Leona explained the [Evil Piece] system, peerages, and the [Rating Game] system to Asia. After hearing Leona's explanation, Asia made her decision.
"Is it possible to be in the same peerage as Issei?" Asia asked with a blush on her face.
Hearing the question, everyone present, apart from Dante who was not really paying attention, thought the girl was cute. At the same time, Rias made her way over to Asia and spoke with a smile.
"Of course, it's possible, I have two roles that would fit you well." Rias said with a smile.
Then, Rias extended a hand toward Asia and three [Evil Pieces] appeared over her palm.
"My last [Bishop] and my last two [Pawns]." rias said as she saw which pieces showed up.
'Judging by her personality, I don't think I can expect much from her in terms of offense.' Rias thought as her eyes shifted from the [Bishop] to the [Pawns] repeatedly. 'That makes the decision easy for me.'
After thinking to herself for a bit, Rias reached for the two [Pawn Pieces]. At the same time, James thought to himself.
'So, my initial thoughts were correct.' James thought while he continued to cook. 'The [Pieces] show the [King] not only which role is suitable for the person in question, but also how much is necessary to reincarnate them.'
While James was verifying his earlier conjecture, Rias had already pushed the two [Pawn Pieces] into Asia's chest. And a few moments later, like all those who reincarnate into devils, a pair of black bat-like wings sprouted from Asia's lower back. Noticing that her changes had ended, Asia looked over her own body. Then, when she noticed the wings on her back, she exhaled a sigh filled with mixed emotions.
She was both happy and sad because of her change. Happy because she now had a place to belong and people who would care for her. Sad because she knew she could no longer pray to the Lord like she always did when she needed peace of mind. However, her inner thoughts were interrupted by the cries of the others.
"Congratulations, Asia." Everyone shouted in unison.
"Welcome to the family." Shouted the members of Rias' peerage.
"Now, you don't have to worry anymore." Leona said as she enveloped Asia in a hug. "You've just gained a large family to depend on."
With those words, the dam blocking Asia's tears broke. In Leona's arms, she cried like a child. The isolation after the church found out about her ability to heal, the excommunication, being tricked by the fallen angels, the life she had led for the past ten years or so was so stressful. And at that moment, she was able to let it all go.
Seeing that, Rias and her peerage stood and drew near the crying girl. Then, Leona separated from her, and she was quickly enveloped in a group hug by all the members of Rias peerage.
Seeing the happy atmosphere surrounding Rias and her peerage, everyone smiled, even Dante. Then, James, having finished preparing the food and taking it off the grill, approached his mother. Throwing an arm around her, he spoke quietly.
"I guess I've still got a long way to go if I wanna be able to help people like that." James said with a smile while he hugged his mother.
"I think you're making good progress, though." Leona said as she looked around and saw the progress some of the people present had made regarding their own traumas. "Trust me, Sweetheart, you'll get there eventually."
Eventually, the mood returned to normal. Then, with a mischievous smile, Rias asked Asia a question.
"So, would you rather live with me and the rest of the peerage, or would you rather live with Issei, who live separately with his parents."
That led to the blush Asia was already wearing getting even brighter. Then, in a small voice, she replied.
"If... If it's not a problem, I would like to live with Issei."
Seeing and hearing that, most people were wearing a knowing smile. Issei, oblivious to Asia's meaning thumped his fist on his chest.
"It shouldn't be a problem." Issei said proudly. "I'm sure my parents would love to have you. Plus, I'll be there doing whatever I can to take care of you."
"Damn..." James said dejectedly. "It shouldn't surprise me, but it did."
"What do you mean?" Leona asked curiously.
"He's the prototypical dense protagonist." James said frustratedly. "If he doesn't figure out that she likes him by the end of the school year, I'm gonna put him through one of Master's hell mode training sessions."
Although James was speaking quiet enough that Issei would not be able to hear him, Issei still shuddered as he felt a chill running along his spine.
"Issei, are you alright?" Asia asked, having noticed Issei's change in expression.
"Everything is fine, Asia-Chan." Issei said with a forced smile. "But for some reason I just felt like my life may be in danger soon."
Hearing that, Asia began to panic. Meanwhile, everyone else enjoyed the food. Eventually, Issei forgot about the chill he felt earlier. And for the rest of the afternoon, they all simply enjoyed the day off from both school and training.
Eventually, the sun began to set, and the celebration party began to wind down. As Rias, Sona, and their peerages were preparing to return home for the evening, a teleportation magic circle appeared near the back door of the Alaverus mansion. Recognizing that the magic circle belonged to Grayfia, everyone halted. Though some of the newer members were confused.
"Good evening, everyone." Grayfia said immediately after the teleportation circle vanished.
"Grayfia, are there new orders for us?" Rias asked calmly.
"No, lady Rias." Grayfia answered politely. "I have come for another reason this time. Unfortunately, I cannot say that the matter is any more pleasant."
"What is it?" Rias said in a tired tone.
"Lord Riser Phenex has requested to meet his fiancée." Grayfia said without changing her expression.
"*Sigh* Someone seems impatient." Rias said with a sigh. Then, she smiled like a predator would while hunting his prey. "Finally, I can put an end to this with my own hands. Grayfia set the meeting for the first day after Golden Week ends in the ORC club room after school."
Seeing Rias' expression, Akeno, Koneko, and Yuuto wore smiles like the one Rias had on her face. At the same time, even Gasper had a serious expression on his face. None of them would allow anyone to force their [King] into a marriage she was unwilling to participate in. Meanwhile, Issei and Asia were thoroughly flabbergasted.
"She has a fiancé!?" Issei and Asia shouted in confusion, simultaneously.
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