The Gremory estate was more lively than Arthur had ever seen it.
Every corridor was illuminated by crystal chandeliers, their golden light reflecting off polished marble floors and expensive decorations that practically screamed old-devil nobility. Long banquet tables stretched across the grand hall, covered with food so extravagant that even kings would hesitate before calling it excessive.
Roasted meats, exotic fruits, handmade desserts, crystal glasses filled with vintage wine—everything had been prepared with only one purpose.
To celebrate Rias Gremory's first Rating Game victory.
And not just a victory.
A crushing victory.
The kind of victory people would be talking about across the Underworld for years. A rookie king defeating a veteran opponent, personally stepping onto the battlefield, crushing her opponent head-on, and emerging victorious—it wasn't just impressive. It was historic.
Naturally…
Arthur had been invited.
Or, more accurately, personally dragged here by Rias.
At the moment, Arthur sat at one of the central tables… and currently found himself in a rather troublesome situation.
He was being squashed.
On his right sat Rias, dressed in an elegant crimson evening gown that perfectly accentuated her figure and noble beauty. Ever since moving into Celestial Brews, she had become noticeably bolder around him. Whether it was sitting closer than necessary, touching him casually during conversations, or simply claiming space near him whenever possible—she had become surprisingly aggressive.
On his left…
Asia.
The sweet former nun was blushing so hard Arthur was half-convinced steam might rise from her head.
The moment Asia found out that Rias was now staying at Celestial Brews as well…
Something inside her changed.
She hadn't become aggressive like Rias.
No…
She had become clingy.
Very clingy.
She would quietly scoot closer, hold onto Arthur's sleeve, lean against him whenever she thought nobody was looking—and then become completely red the second someone actually noticed.
Like right now.
Asia was lightly holding Arthur's arm with both hands while trying very hard to pretend she wasn't.
Her face was completely red.
Arthur looked down at her trembling fingers.
Cute. Dangerously cute. Arthur wants to squeeze those cheeks right now.
He had to suppress a smile.
Across from him sat Akeno, elegantly sipping her tea while observing the entire scene with sparkling violet eyes. Her lips slowly curved upward into her trademark smile.
"Ara ara…"
That alone was enough to make Arthur suspicious.
Akeno placed her cup down gently, crossing her legs as she leaned forward slightly.
"Arthur-san," she said sweetly, "since I also worked very hard for our victory…"
Her smile deepened.
"Shouldn't I also receive some kind of reward?"
Arthur couldn't help laughing.
"Fair enough," he said, raising his glass slightly. "And what exactly does Himejima-san want?"
Akeno's smile somehow became even more dangerous.
Instead of answering directly, she slowly brushed a strand of black hair behind her ear and leaned forward just enough to make certain people at the table choke on their drinks.
"I'll tell you…"
She paused deliberately.
"When it's just the two of us."
Arthur blinked. Then laughed again.
"What a provocative answer. You know people might misunderstand your intention."
"Ara~ Do you get any misunderstandings?
At the side of the table…
A certain brown-haired pervert looked ready to explode.
"This is unfair!" Issei practically slammed both hands onto the table. "Why is it always Arthur getting all the chicks?! First Buchou, then Asia, now Akeno-san too?! What kind of cheat code is this?!"
Arthur took a sip of wine.
"Skill issue."
"THAT MAKES IT WORSE!"
Beside him, Yuuto Kiba sighed with the patience of a saint and gently tapped Issei on the back.
"Calm down, Issei," Kiba said with his usual charming smile. "Your blood pressure is rising."
"My blood pressure should rise!" Issei shouted dramatically. "I'm surrounded by romance, and I'm still single!"
Not far from them, Koneko didn't say a single word.
She simply continued eating sweets.
Cake. Cookies. Macarons. Completely unbothered by the chaos around her.
Arthur glanced at her. Honestly…
She might have been the smartest one here.
The banquet continued with laughter, teasing, and the occasional death glare from jealous males around the hall.
Then—
A powerful yet warm voice suddenly echoed across the table.
"Looks like everyone's enjoying themselves."
Arthur's group instinctively turned toward the source.
Walking toward them with natural charisma, dressed in formal crimson attire that practically radiated authority, was Sirzechs Lucifer.
The Crimson Satan.
Rias's older brother.
And judging by the smile on his face…
Arthur wants to punch him in the face. Yeah, that bastard is plotting something.
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