[Sir, Rias Gremory's peerage have made contact with Freed Zelzan and Asia.] Friday said.
"Any deviation from the original course of events?" Arthur asked as he walked through the streets of Kouh.
Since there is nothing for him to do other than have sex with Evileye and Renner in his current home stay, Arthur has developed a habit of waking at night. As even if he didn't need rest, they need it. After all, they are his lovers, not sex slaves.
[No, sir. Everything proceeded as expected. They fought, but Rias retreated before things escalated.
"Good," Arthur murmured. His gaze flickered toward the distant church, where the events had undoubtedly taken place. He recalled Asia's innocent smile from earlier that day, her grateful expression as he had guided her to the church's entrance
Then, as if remembering something, he smirked. "Didn't Demiurge mention needing specimens for his research?"
[Yes, sir.] Friday replied in her usual monotone.
Arthur's smirk widened. "Then how about I gift Freed to him? He'd make a perfect subject, don't you think?"
[That would be a fitting contribution to Demiurge's studies,] Friday confirmed.
Arthur hummed in thought before pausing. "What kind of research was he conducting again?"
[Breeding experiments] Friday stated plainly. [He has not abandoned his ambition to create an army using the genes of the Eight Great Kings and the Great Gods—one that will grow stronger the more they fight and kill.]
Arthur nodded. He had to admit, the concept was intriguing. An army that functioned like a game mechanic, leveling up as they fought? If successful, it would give Nazarick an unparalleled force, capable of adapting and evolving with each battle.
"For now, Freed will have to suffice."
[And the Fallen Angels?]
Arthur's steps slowed slightly as he considered it. "I'll evaluate them first. If they prove useful, I'll decide what to do with them."
[So you are giving them leniency because they are female.]
Arthur sighed dramatically. "Friday, please. You make me sound so shallow."
[You are shallow, sir.]
Arthur chuckled at her blunt response, shaking his head in amusement. Just then, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Glancing at the screen, he raised an eyebrow. It was Rias.
"Well, speak of the devil," he mused before answering. "To what do I owe this pleasure, Rias?"
There was a brief pause on the other end before Rias spoke. "Arthur, do you know a girl named Asia?"
"Yes, I helped her find the church earlier. Why do you ask?" Arthur said, pretending he didn't know the current situation.
Another pause. This time, there was an edge to her voice. "Arthur, do you know who she is?"
"Asia Argento. A former Holy Maiden, betrayed by the Church for healing a devil. Currently under the protection of fallen angels."
Seeing that, Arthur knows about Asia too much. Rias didn't wait around the bushes.
"Did you expect this to happen?" Rias asked.
"Not particularly, but I wasn't surprised either. The Church is notorious for discarding those who don't fit their mold." Arthur said.
Rias sighed. "Issei is dead set on saving her. He thinks of her as a friend and believes she doesn't belong with the Fallen. When he told me you knew her, I wanted to understand how involved you are in this."
"Are you asking whether I am her friend or not?"
"Yes." Rias replied.
"I met her only today, Rias. I don't think that qualifies as friendship just yet."
"Maybe not, but you don't seem like the type to leave things alone."
Arthur chuckled. She wasn't wrong. "That depends on the situation."
Rias exhaled, as if trying to steady her thoughts. "Asia is a kind girl, that much I could tell. But Issei doesn't understand how dangerous the Fallen are. If we interfere, it could provoke them. At the same time... I don't want to leave her in their hands."
Arthur's smirk widened slightly. "Then you should be prepared to make her your next bishop."
Silence.
Then Rias spoke, slower this time. "My next bishop?"
"Asia is going to be a powerful healer," Arthur said simply. "That is, if you can convince her to become a devil."
He could almost hear Rias's frown through the phone. "You're saying she has potential?"
"More than potential," Arthur corrected. "She has an ability that would make her invaluable to your peerage. But turning her into a devil isn't as simple as offering her a contract."
"What do you mean?"
Arthur's tone became more serious. "This choice has to be hers, Rias. If she refuses, then you will not turn her. I won't allow it."
In the original, Rias only turned Asia into the devil after Asia was dead, after Raynare extracted her twilight healing, but since Arthur was here, he won't allow that to happen; heck, he won't even allow the fallen angels to touch Asia's sacred gear, much less extract it.
Rias was caught off guard by his words. "You won't allow it? Arthur, this isn't your decision to make."
"No, it's hers," Arthur said firmly. "Asia is a kind soul—too kind for the world she's been thrown into. And kindness should be repaid with kindness. She deserves the freedom to choose which path she wants to take. If you can't convince her to become a devil willingly, then she won't be one."
There was a long silence. Rias was processing his words, weighing them against her own thoughts.
"You really believe in returning kindness with kindness," Rias finally said.
Arthur smiled. "Is that so surprising?"
Rias let out a small laugh, though it was more thoughtful than amusing. "Maybe a little. Nazarick, after all, has a reputation, Arthur."
Arthur chuckled. "Reputations can be deceiving."
Rias hummed in agreement. "Fine. If Asia is as special as you say, then I'll talk to her myself. But if she refuses... I won't force her."
"Good," Arthur said simply. "Then we have an understanding."
"Looks like we do," Rias replied. "Thank you, Arthur."
Arthur smirked. "Don't mention it. But remember, Rias—when it comes to kindness, the moment you take advantage of it, it turns into something else entirely."
With that, he ended the call. He looked up at the night sky, his smirk fading slightly.
[Sir, do you really intend to let Asia choose freely?] Friday asked.
Arthur exhaled slowly. "Of course. Kindness is a rare thing in this world, Friday. If we don't protect it, who will?"
❌❌❌
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