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The nightlife in the Underworld wasn't nearly as vibrant as that of the human world.
After dinner, Venelana decisively suggested that everyone head up to the castle's balcony to "enjoy the moonlight."
Though termed "moon viewing," frankly speaking, it was simply an excuse—much like Tsukimi Festival in the human world. It wasn't as if the moon on August 15th was truly so dazzling as to leave everyone spellbound.
After all, it wasn't the Infinite Tsukuyomi triggered by gathering all nine tailed beasts to summon the Ten-Tails.
Essentially, moon viewing was just an excuse for family members to gather, enjoying snacks, drinks, and conversation together.
Thus, the scene shifted to the castle's balcony.
When Bokue and the others arrived, the maids had already prepared tables, chairs, and refreshments.
A gentle breeze, a luminous moon, and the faint aroma of flower tea in the air.
"Alright, feel free to sit wherever you'd like. No need to be formal," Venelana, as hostess, spoke casually and motioned lightly, randomly picking a seat herself. All seats were identical anyway; there were no distinctions in height or status here.
However, somewhat intriguingly, even though Venelana explicitly said "sit anywhere," everyone else remained perfectly still.
Particularly Rias and Akeno. After a discreet glance at each other, they seemed to understand their mutual intentions instantly and simultaneously turned their attention toward the one and only male present.
Then, Bokue decisively chose his own seat.
Holding Kuroka in his arms, he pulled out a chair at the tea table, seating himself with exactly one seat separating him from Venelana.
Immediately following this, practically at the same instant, Rias and Akeno sprang into action.
Rias quickly took the spot to Bokue's left, placing herself right next to her mother.
Akeno naturally slipped into position on his right side, smoothly securing the remaining spot beside Bokue.
The speed of their movements resembled professional racewalkers after the starting pistol fired—so swift that Irina could only gape dumbfoundedly from the side, completely outmaneuvered before she even realized the competition had begun.
Ah…
Irina, the twin-tailed former Church swordswoman with adorable fangs, opened her mouth slightly, silently withdrawing her mental outstretched hand. Inwardly, she turned into a teary-eyed kitten emoji.
If they were really ranking seniority or familiarity, logically, she should've been first in line. So why had it turned out like this?
Already seated comfortably, Venelana lifted her flower tea cup and cast a glance toward Irina. Seeing the girl's quietly dejected expression, the elegant woman was about to speak up to offer comfort when a sudden voice from beside her stole her attention away.
On the other side, the tension between the two girls who had successfully seized the best positions hadn't calmed—instead, their competition had escalated. Each had taken one of Bokue's arms, their gazes meeting midair, silently sparking a fierce rivalry.
Rias slightly furrowed her brows, her displeased gaze directed across Bokue toward her friend.
"Akeno, what exactly do you think you're doing?"
"Hmm? Whatever do you mean…?" Akeno tilted her head innocently, feigning confusion. "I'm simply holding onto Bokue's arm. Is there some issue with that?"
Unlike the spacious moon-viewing terrace of Caria Manor in Elden Ring, the Gremory Castle's balcony, while roomy, featured a normal-sized tea table. Overall, the seating arrangement was fairly tight and close-knit.
Consequently, from her position to Bokue's right, Akeno needed only to lean slightly to press herself against him. Especially aided by her considerable "advantage," she barely needed to shift before Bokue's arm was fully engulfed in her soft embrace.
Moreover, before coming to the terrace, Akeno had specifically returned to her room to change into a traditional yukata she'd brought along, discarding any restrictive undergarments.
With the robe's relaxed neckline, even the slightest pressure separated the majestic peaks, deeply enveloping Bokue's arm—truly a gentle yet overwhelmingly effective technique, full of visual impact.
In comparison, Rias's Western-style formal dress lacked such accommodating flexibility; all she could manage was pressing against him slightly.
In short, she'd clearly lost.
"This isn't a question of simply holding his arm…" Rias was about to emphasize her official girlfriend status again, but recalling Akeno's earlier teasing in the dining hall, she was momentarily forced to pause and rethink her wording. "If you keep clinging to him like that, how is Bokue supposed to drink his tea?"
"Oh?" As if seeing through her friend's thoughts entirely, Akeno curled her lips into a teasing smile. "Drinking tea, you say…? I don't really see that as an issue at all~"
Saying so, she brazenly lifted her own cup, and right in front of Rias's eyes, she held it expectantly to Bokue's lips.
"Come on, Bokue, please drink up~ How is it? Does it taste better this way?"
"Akeno, you…!"
The crimson-haired girl widened her eyes, shocked beyond belief.
This wasn't even irritation; it was pure astonishment.
Such an advanced, unimaginable maneuver existed!?
She suddenly felt as though she was a complete novice, falling behind in every respect—be it tactics, creativity, or comprehension.
Admittedly, the most daring thing she'd done thus far was letting Bokue openly do as he pleased with her in front of Grayfia—and even that time, she'd merely followed along passively. She certainly had never conceived of such advanced techniques.
But… but… This wasn't fair!
No matter how you sliced it, she was supposed to be the official girlfriend here!
"Perhaps… Would Buchou like to try it herself?"
Akeno gently lowered the teacup, refilled it elegantly, and pushed the cup and saucer toward Rias with a sweet smile.
"Who knows? Maybe tea served by Buchou herself might taste even better to Bokue~"
"I…"
Rias was immediately stuck.
To accept or not accept?
If she rejected the offer now, it'd be like admitting defeat outright. But if she accepted… wouldn't she lose even more thoroughly?
Essentially, Akeno was indirectly saying, "Want to learn? I'd be happy to teach you~."
Her smug taunting had reached peak levels.
Just as the atmosphere threatened to freeze over completely, Bokue felt a subtle nudge against his leg under the table.
Hmm?
Following the direction of the subtle kick, he glanced over, catching Venelana quietly sipping her tea, eyes peacefully closed, acting as if nothing had happened.
Ah, a mother's love after all—naturally siding with her daughter.
After a moment's consideration, Bokue tactfully changed the topic.
"By the way, what happened to Student Council President Sona and the others who returned with you?"
"Sona? Well…" Rias answered instinctively, relieved for the change of topic. "The day we returned, Leviathan-sama visited almost immediately and snatched Sona and the others away."
Ah, that siscon Satan again.
Bokue nodded, immediately understanding the situation.
But, unfortunately, this brief topic change offered only momentary relief, and soon after, an awkward silence descended upon the group once more.
After a few quiet seconds, Venelana gently placed her teacup down on the table.
"Learning to mediate internal family conflicts is also essential training to become a qualified future family head. So, after this gathering ends, Rias and Akeno, both of you come to my room. There are some important matters we need to discuss."
Venelana's calm, dignified voice left no room for refusal, effectively settling the brewing tension and quietly but firmly asserting maternal dominance.
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