Chapter 42 – Arrangements for Asia!
Asia Argento stood frozen, unsure of what to do, as three Devils stood before her.
"Lord… is this another trial from You for me?"
That was the only thought running through her mind.
Raised in the Church since childhood, Asia had been thoroughly taught that Devils were evil beings. Even after being excommunicated and cast out, she never once harbored anger or hatred.
To her, even healing a Devil was a grave sin. She knew that—yet, when she saw an injured Devil lying helpless before her, she couldn't turn away. Even if it was wrong… she still stepped forward without hesitation.
And now, she was standing inside the base of the Devils themselves. Of course, she felt overwhelmed… and more than a little afraid.
Instinctively, her eyes drifted to the one person she felt she could rely on right now—Akira.
"Shin-san, you…"
"I'm not a Devil. I'm human."
"Then…"
Her gaze shifted to Rias Gremory, Himejima Akeno, and Koneko Toujou. She looked hesitant, as if she wanted to ask something but didn't know where to begin.
"They're my friends. My close friends," Akira said firmly.
Asia gave a small nod. "If they're friends of Shin-san, then I feel relieved."
Her sincerity made both Akira and the three Devil girls exchange stunned glances.
This girl… she's too pure. The fact that she managed to cross continents—from Europe all the way to the Far East—without encountering any serious trouble already felt like a miracle in itself.
Rias gave Asia a gentle smile. "Asia-san, what do you think?"
Asia lowered her head slightly. "But… I don't want to become a Devil. If I do, I won't be able to pray to God anymore… or embrace the faith I believe in…"
Rias tried to persuade her. "Asia, you've already been cast out by the Church. The God you worship has forsaken you. Why hold on so tightly to that faith?"
Asia shook her head slowly. "No… this is just another trial from the Lord. Oh Lord, please forgive their sins…"
Unwavering, even now.
Asia remained true to herself. Her faith might not be the strongest in the world, but among humankind, it was one of the purest. She was a genuine believer, her heart unstained by malice, and the light of her faith—the God she worshipped—was the only beacon she clung to.
"Ugh…"
"Ow…"
"Mmmgh…"
Suddenly, Rias, Akeno, and Koneko all winced at the same time. Their bodies trembled slightly.
To Devils, even a blessing from a pure-hearted believer could be a form of pain.
This was one of their greatest weaknesses—Devils had little to no resistance against holy power. Whether it be holy water, divine light, or sacred objects like crosses—even High-Class or Ultimate-Class Devils remained vulnerable to such forces.
In the original story, Rias once lost a Rating Game to Riser Phenex, which forced her into an unwanted engagement. At that time, Issei Hyoudou attempted to stop the wedding, and it was only with holy water that he managed to wound Riser, a High-Class Devil.
It had nothing to do with personal strength. Even a regular human could harm Riser just by dousing him with holy water.
Asia gasped. "Ah! I'm so sorry! I forgot you're Devils!"
She quickly bowed, clearly distressed by their pained expressions.
"It's alright. It's not your fault, Asia," Rias replied gently.
Rias wasn't the type to blame others without reason. As a former nun, it was only natural for Asia to offer prayers and blessings—it was practically a reflex. She had no ill intent.
Still, Rias felt disappointed. She'd hoped to bring Asia into her peerage.
Watching from the side, Akira let out a soft sigh. "Rias, you weren't being a little too hasty, were you?"
Rias raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"
"You just met her, and now you're already asking her to join your peerage. Anyone would hesitate—unless they were some guy easily swayed by your looks."
"…Ugh."
Rias fell silent for a moment, then quietly admitted he had a point. She really had rushed it.
But it wasn't entirely her fault. This girl possessed the 'Smile of the Holy Mother.' No matter where she went, someone would definitely try to recruit or exploit her. If she didn't act quickly, others might.
"Anyway, about Asia's school enrollment—leave that to me."
"Enrollment…? School?"
"Yeah. What else could a girl her age do if not attend school? We can place her in the same class as Koneko, that way Koneko can keep an eye on her too."
As he spoke, Akira glanced over at Koneko. The petite girl gave a small nod in agreement.
"If you want her to eventually join your peerage, then start by building a real relationship with her."
"…Fine. I get it. I'll take care of everything concerning Asia," Rias said with a nod, accepting the responsibility.
"Shin-san, Rias-san… about school… I…"
"At your age, school's the best place to be. Make friends, enjoy youth, live your days the way you deserve. Not locked away somewhere praying to God all day and night," Akira told her.
Asia looked at him, slightly miffed. "Shin-san… even if you don't believe in God, that doesn't mean you should talk like that…"
"I don't believe in God," Akira said casually.
"…Hmm."
Asia pouted, cheeks puffing out adorably. She looked like a small hamster sulking.
"Don't mind him, Asia-chan. He's a stubborn guy who always wants to be in control," Akeno said with a soft smile.
"Akeno-san…"
"Just call me 'Onee-san.'"
"Akeno… Onee-san…"
"Good girl~" Akeno's smile grew even warmer, her maternal instincts overflowing as she gazed at Asia's innocent face.
Meanwhile, Akira simply smiled at the sight.
To him, having Asia join Rias's peerage wasn't a bad outcome.
Becoming part of Rias's peerage meant full protection. Rias came from a noble Devil household—one of the highest-ranking at that. She was the younger sister of the current Lucifer, one of the Four Great Satans. By joining Rias's peerage, Asia would gain a place of safety.
Night fell, and dinner that evening was lively. Asia sat at the table with them, one more pair of chopsticks added to the group.
After dinner, both Rias and Akeno returned to their homes—after all, school awaited them the next day.
Koneko, however, stayed behind. That was Akira's request. Since Asia had just arrived, she needed someone familiar nearby—and there was no one more fitting than Koneko.
And so, night slowly swallowed the city in its silence.
Time passed, and the hour grew late.
In his room, Akira suddenly opened his eyes wide.
A strong premonition surged through him—intense, indescribable. Something was coming. He didn't know what, but he could feel it clearly.
Without hesitation, he got up, put on his clothes, and stepped outside.
He walked. Then stopped. Then walked again… until he reached the edge of the city.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at the place before him—his expression calm, yet alert.
This place… he knew it well.
It was the site of his previous clash with Azazel. The fight had been cut short when Rias intervened. Had Azazel continued, it would have drawn too much attention and trouble, so he chose to withdraw.
Suddenly, a sharp voice pierced through the silence of the night.
"So you finally showed up!"
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