The girl who strode in was Rias Gremory, her crimson hair catching the last light of evening. At her side, as always, was Agrippa—elegant, composed, and radiating the quiet menace of a true devil's butler.
"So, the little Gremory herself," the Himejima patriarch sneered, his voice tight with irritation. "I believe I've made myself clear before. Are you here to meddle in Himejima affairs?"
Rias met his glare with a calm smile, her posture regal despite her youth. The Gremory were legends in the Underworld, but the Himejima clan had guarded this land for centuries. Neither side was inclined to back down.
"Not at all," Rias replied, her tone polite but unyielding. "I may lack experience, but I'm not so arrogant as to interfere in the Himejima family's business."
She let the words settle, then shifted her stance.
"However—if this matter concerns more than just your clan, that's a different story."
The patriarch's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
He'd investigated thoroughly. As far as he knew, Akeno had no connection to the Gremory house—until now.
Rias ignored his question, turning to Akeno with solemn eyes.
"Akeno, will you become my servant? Will you join the Gremory family?"
"I will!"
Akeno, quick as lightning, seized the lifeline without hesitation.
The patriarch's jaw tightened as Rias smiled, triumphant.
"You heard her, Himejima family head. Akeno is now my servant—a member of House Gremory."
Rias's heart soared. Her first servant—her first peerage member. She could barely contain her excitement.
The patriarch's face darkened, rage simmering beneath the surface. The Himejima monks bristled, voices rising:
"Damn devils! This is Himejima business!"
"Don't think we fear you, Gremory!"
"Family head, let's fight!"
Tension crackled. Rias's smile faded, her eyes sharpening to icy points.
Just then, Agrippa stepped forward, his voice mild but edged with steel.
"To insult the Gremory name so openly—I can't pretend I didn't hear."
He swept a cold gaze over the furious monks. Those who'd shouted fell silent, faces draining of color as they instinctively shrank back.
"We were out of line," the patriarch conceded, stepping protectively in front of his kin. "And you are…?"
Agrippa offered a courteous nod.
"I am Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, Bishop of the Gremory house, and steward of this region. Since it's a first offense, I'll let it pass."
He continued, "As for the fallen angel girl—now that this is a matter between our families, it's best we settle it as adults. Shall we discuss this privately?"
He gestured toward the woods beyond the temple.
The patriarch hesitated, wary of Agrippa's power and position. To speak so candidly in front of Rias showed deep trust from the Gremory. After a moment, he nodded.
"Very well."
The two men disappeared into the trees for their negotiations. The Himejima monks glared daggers at Rias, Tenra, and Akeno before following, leaving the temple quiet—just the three of them and the fading light.
"Miss Rias, thank you. Truly," Tenra said, leaning on Akeno for support.
Rias shook her head. "Akeno's talent is exceptional. Taking her as my servant might be the best thing that's happened to me."
Tenra managed a wry smile. "If only you'd arrived a bit earlier, Miss Rias. Your timing is almost suspiciously perfect."
Akeno shot him a glare, and Rias blushed, flustered by the teasing.
—
After some time, the patriarch and Agrippa returned, faces grave.
"First—never set foot in our territory. Second—Akeno must remain with the Gremory girl at all times. Abide by these two rules, and we will not pursue you again."
No one knew what was said in the woods, but the conditions were clear.
Akeno bit her lip, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Can I… still keep the Himejima name?"
The patriarch's answer was curt. "Do as you please."
He turned, unwilling to say more, and led his clan away.
It seemed everything was settled—the Himejima would no longer hunt Akeno.
But just as they reached the temple gate, Tenra's voice stopped them.
"Wait!"
He stepped forward, broken sword in hand, pointing it at the patriarch.
"This is between us alone. The shame of a broken blade—I'll reclaim it someday."
His words were calm, almost serene, belying the challenge within.
The patriarch regarded him for a long moment. "I'll be waiting, boy."
With that, the Himejima disappeared into the dusk.
—
The Gremory crest glowed softly in the magic circle as Rias prepared to take Akeno home.
"Tenra, I don't want to leave you…"
Decision couldn't dull the pain of parting. Akeno clung to Tenra, tears streaming down her face.
He stroked her hair, voice gentle. "Silly girl. If you stayed with me, you'd just be a wild child with no future. Go with Rias, learn all you can. Become strong and beautiful like your mother—and wait for me to come back."
Letting Rias take Akeno was Tenra's choice, made after long thought. He lacked magic, couldn't train her. Keeping her close would waste her gifts—and he wasn't strong enough to protect her yet.
"Lord Tenra, Akeno is my servant now. Even if you return someday, I won't give her back," Rias said, her tone playfully sour.
Tenra chuckled. "Miss Rias, just call me by my name. I'm entrusting Akeno to you."
Rias huffed. "Akeno is my servant. I'll take good care of her."
Akeno, cheeks flushed, added shyly, "Rias, you can call me by my name too."
Rias tried to hide her smile, but a faint blush betrayed her. For the Gremory heiress, this was likely the first time she'd spoken so candidly with a boy outside her family.
Tenra watched, amused. Who would have guessed the future Crimson-Haired Princess had such a tsundere side?
"Tenra, I'll wait for you…"
"Take care, Tenra."
Light flared, and the moment of farewell arrived. Tenra watched as Akeno, Rias, and Agrippa vanished into the magic circle.
He stood alone in the empty temple, feeling hollow and lost.
Confusion and sorrow lingered—but in the end, they hardened into resolve.
No matter the cost, no matter the struggle, he would become stronger than anyone. He would reach the summit of this world.
And never again would he let those he loved be taken from him.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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