The Gremory mansion's living room was bathed in soft candlelight, the crystal chandelier scattering fragments of glow that reflected off the delicate tea set on the table.
The air was filled with the fragrance of black tea and the faint sweetness of desserts.
Rias Gremory sat on the sofa, her elegant loungewear unable to hide her graceful curves. Her long crimson hair cascaded like a waterfall, radiating the composure and allure of a devil noble.
Her sapphire eyes gleamed elegantly in the candlelight, tinged with curiosity as they rested on Zeroy across from her.
After the banquet, it was only natural that Zeroy and Rias would have matters to discuss, so they hadn't left immediately.
Regardless, there were no high-backed chairs or formal reception hall—everyone was simply gathered in the ordinary living room.
That, too, was the attitude Rias wanted to convey.
It wasn't about neglect, but about wishing their relationship to be closer, more relaxed.
High-backed chairs and reception halls were certainly formal; that said, they gave the impression of a negotiation.
And opposite Rias, Zeroy was once again entangled by Kuroka and Shirone.
"..."
Rias's gaze swept over the two catgirls, her lips twitching slightly as a flicker of complex emotion passed through her eyes.
Even Shirone had never been this affectionate with her…
She coughed lightly to cover a trace of subtle jealousy in her heart, her tone still carrying a noble's elegance. "It seems little Koneko really does like you, Miss Zeroy. She's rarely this clingy."
And now, with familiarity setting in, both cats' expressions and movements had grown more natural, more content.
"Is that so? Maybe it's because our compatibility is good?"
Zeroy chuckled softly, her emerald eyes curving like crescent moons as her fingertips gently scratched Shirone's cat ears, making the latter narrow her eyes in bliss.
"As long as you don't mind her being clingy."
Rias could see they were about to get to the main topic, yet Koneko still showed no intention of moving. She could only sigh helplessly.
Fortunately, Zeroy didn't seem to mind, so… let it be.
Rias lifted her teacup and took a gentle sip, using the motion to steady her thoughts.
Then she spoke in a soft voice. "Allow me once again to thank you, Miss Zeroy. Without your intervention, we might not have been able to deal with the threat of that former Red Dragon Emperor. Gremory owes you a favor."
"If you have any need, the Gremory will extend aid to the best of our ability."
"Gremory, huh…"
Zeroy raised her brows slightly.
Though Rias was the Gremory family's sole heir, she was still not the current head. And even if she were—the Gremory were the Gremory, and Rias was Rias. The two could be considered separately.
Rias owing a favor and the Gremory family owing a favor were not the same.
Honestly, Zeroy felt that even though the Red Dragon Emperor had threatened Rias, and she had stepped in to kill him, that help should only count toward Rias herself, not toward the Gremory family.
After all, for a clan that possessed a Transcendent like Sirzechs, that Red Dragon Emperor wasn't such a big problem.
So, for Rias to phrase it this way, there had to be other considerations.
Trying to win her favor, perhaps?
"Yes, the Gremory."
Rias affirmed the distinction between herself and the family.
"Hmm…"
Zeroy thought for a moment before an idea came to her.
"The Gremory should have a library, right? I'd like for myself and my friend to access the knowledge within."
She had no intention of leaving the favor for some unknown future.
Use it now!
Go straight for the Gremory family library! That could never be a loss.
Long ago, the Underworld's devils had seventy-two noble houses, each leading dozens of legions.
But most of those houses were wiped out in wars, and only about half survived to the present.
Of those, many had fallen into decline.
That was the state of the devil race.
So much so that high-class devils like Rias, who lived in the human world, bore the responsibility of protecting stray pureblood devils they found.
One reason devils sought to protect humans was also because humans could be reincarnated into devils, helping replenish their waning strength.
In any case, the noble houses that survived with their lineage intact all had immense heritage.
And among them, the Gremory were outstanding, even producing Sirzechs, a Transcendent.
The Gremory family library was certainly a treasure trove—for Zeroy, and for any powerful being in this world.
And besides… Patchouli would love it!
She remembered clearly: Patchouli had come to the Main God Space seeking more knowledge.
Patchouli rarely had requests that Zeroy could help with, but at least in this, she could.
"The library, huh…"
Rias pondered for a moment, then quickly gave her answer.
"Of course. I'm sure the family library won't disappoint you both."
Rias smiled confidently, then tempered it with an apologetic look. "Anyway, this isn't a trivial matter. I'll need to inform the family and request permission. I hope you can understand."
"Please rest assured, if I make the request sincerely, they shouldn't refuse."
"No problem. I'll look forward to your good news, then."
As she spoke, Zeroy glanced at Patchouli and winked at the witch.
"..."
Patchouli silently reached out and pinched Zeroy's soft, springy cheek.
"…?"
Zeroy blinked in confusion, clearly not expecting Patchouli's sudden action.
However, then she just laughed it off.
Naturally, she didn't mind such affection from Patchouli.
And Patchouli's lips curved faintly, a small smile in her eyes.
"…."
Rias blinked as well, a trace of curiosity and subtlety rising as she watched.
Was there something… unusual about these two's interaction?
Especially that unguarded, foolish grin on Zeroy's face, and the warmth glowing in the witch's eyes.
…It didn't quite look like a simple friendship, did it?
Were they perhaps… a little too close?
It almost felt like being forced to watch their affection.
And right here, surrounded by outsiders—couldn't they tone it down?
"Ahem… Miss Zeroy, besides thanking you tonight, I'm also curious to know more about you."
...
If you want to support, please consider Patreon, and read advanced chapters! Your support keeps this series going!
[Patreon.com/RedZTL]