The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the ORC room, casting warm light across the polished floor. I'd been thinking about this conversation since last night, weighing how to explain the Phenex situation properly.
The texting with Rias had been brief, just letting her know Lady Phenex and Ravel were staying at my place. She'd been surprised but hadn't pressed for details, saying we'd talk in the morning.
Now was that morning.
Rias sat behind her desk, going through paperwork with that focused expression. Akeno was arranging tea by the window. Koneko occupied her usual spot on the couch with chocolate. Asia sat beside her, hands folded, now fully getting used to the peerage gatherings.
"Buchou" I said "About last night"
She looked up immediately, setting down the papers. Her eyes brimmed with curiosity "Yes. You said Lady Phenex and Ravel were staying at your apartment. I've been wondering about that all night" She leaned forward slightly "What exactly happened?"
I moved closer to the desk "Lady Phenex came to negotiate Ravel's release from the servant wager"
"That makes sense" Rias nodded "A mother protecting her daughter. What did she offer?"
"Lifetime Phoenix Tears. For Free, as long as I live"
The room went completely still.
Akeno's hand paused mid-pour, violet eyes widening slightly as she looked over. Koneko stopped chewing entirely, golden eyes fixed on me. Even Asia seemed to sense the weight of what I'd just said, though she probably didn't fully understand why.
Rias stared at me for a long moment, processing "Lifetime Phoenix Tears" She repeated slowly "That's... that's an incredible offer, Yuuto. Most High-Class Devils would kill for that"
"I know"
"And?" Her voice held genuine curiosity now.
"I rejected it"
Akeno actually set down the teapot with a soft clink. Koneko's chocolate bar lowered slightly, her usual stoic mask cracking with surprise.
Rias blinked once, then again, like she was making sure she'd heard correctly "You... rejected lifetime offer of Phoenix Tears"
"Yes"
Her expression shifted from shock to confusion to something else entirely.
"But Why?" she asked simply.
"Because Ravel herself is more valuable to me than phoenix tears" I said plainly "She's tactical, intelligent, and self-aware despite her noble background. With proper development, she'll be an exceptional Bishop. Phoenix Tears will be easily accessible. Though, I don't chose her for that reason, but that is pretty much why I refused Lady Phenex's generous offer"
Understanding dawned across Rias's face. Then something else—that knowing look, like pieces of a puzzle were clicking into place.
She stood slowly, moving around the desk with measured grace. Her crimson hair caught the sunlight, and when she stopped in front of me, her expression held both amusement and something warmer—genuine pride mixed with realization.
"Yuuto, You want to apply for High-Class Devil rank?" She asked crossing her arms.
I nodded.
"Eventually, I'll need my own Evil Pieces. And Ravel is just the first member for it. With my current strength, I have full belief in myself that I will be promoted to the rank of High Class Devil, and probably to Ultimate Class Devil, but I'd rather not go that far too soon as it might get me into unnecessary tasks which I don't feel like doing"
The room went quiet again, but different this time. Akeno watched with clear interest now, that knowing smile playing on her lips. Koneko had stopped eating entirely, giving me her full attention. Asia looked confused but attentive.
Rias crossed her arms, studying me with a knowing look"I wondered when you'd bring this up. After the Rating Game, after everything you've accomplished..." She tilted her head "You've been planning this for a while, haven't you?"
"Since before the match with Riser, Buchou"
"Honest as always" A soft laugh escaped her "And Lady Phenex? Why is she staying at your apartment?"
"She needed time away from her husband" I said "He refused to negotiate Ravel's release. Said it would dishonor the Phenex name. Lady Phenex came anyway, prepared to offer everything to protect her daughter"
Rias's expression softened "And you rejected the Phoenix Tears but accepted Ravel as your possible peerage member"
"Seemed like the right thing to do"
She smiled then genuinely "Alright. I'll submit the application. The review process will take time—they'll scrutinize your combat record, contracts, and conduct as well, aside from their examination"
"I expected that"
"And Yuuto?" Her hand rested briefly on my shoulder "You'll always be my Knight, regardless of rank or peerage. Don't forget that"
"I won't, Buchou"
She stepped back, expression shifting to something more businesslike "That said, you're taking today off"
I raised an eyebrow "Buchou—"
"You've been training non-stop. And now, hosting Lady Phenex and Ravel" She held up a hand before I could protest "I'm not asking. Take Asia and Koneko out. Show Asia around town and Relax for once"
Asia brightened immediately "Oh! I'd love that, Yuuto-san!"
Koneko gave a small nod of approval.
I knew better than to argue when Rias used that tone "Understood, Buchou"
"Good" She smiled "And enjoy yourself"
Before we could leave, Akeno set down the tea tray and walked over, that gentle smile playing on her lips "Oh, Yuuto-kun" Her voice carried warmth "Don't forget about Sunday. I'm looking forward to it"
I nodded.
"Mmm~" Her smile widened just slightly, as she gave a side glance at Rias.
Rias glanced at Akeno, then at me, something flickering across her face before she turned back to her paperwork. Asia's expression was still jovial but Koneko's eyes narrowed fractionally, before returning back to her stoic persona.
"We should go" I said, heading for the door before anything escalated.
Asia and Koneko followed quietly.
---
The karaoke place Asia had spotted was small but clean, tucked between a convenience store and a ramen shop. She'd seemed genuinely excited about it, apparently she'd never been to karaoke before.
"They have private rooms" Asia said, eyes bright as we entered "So we won't disturb anyone!"
The attendant led us to a room on the second floor—modest size, two couches facing a TV screen, tambourines and maracas scattered on the table. The typical setup.
Koneko immediately claimed one couch, pulling out her phone to browse the song list. Asia sat beside her, leaning in to look.
I took the other couch, feeling the tension from earlier slowly drain away. This was... nice. Simple. No politics, no training, no complex strategies.
Just karaoke.
"Yuuto-san should pick a song too!" Asia said enthusiastically.
"You two go first" I said "I'll need to warm up"
I just wanted to see what they'd pick.
Asia scrolled through the list with Koneko's help, finally settling on something upbeat—a J-pop song I vaguely recognized. When the music started, her voice came out gentle and surprisingly melodic. She swayed slightly with the rhythm, genuine joy on her face.
Koneko watched with that slight upturn at the corner of her mouth that passed for a smile.
When Asia finished, she sat down breathlessly, cheeks flushed "That was fun!"
"...My turn" Koneko stood, selecting her song quickly.
Hers was quieter, more reserved, fitting her personality. Her voice stayed steady, almost monotone, but somehow it worked. She wasn't trying to impress anyone, just... existing in the moment.
When she finished, she sat back down without fanfare, picking up her chocolate bar.
Both of them looked at me expectantly.
"Alright" I stood, moving to the screen.
"Fair warning, I'm quite terrible at this"
"I'm sure you're being modest, Yuuto-san!" Asia said encouragingly.
I wasn't.
I picked something at random—a rock song that seemed safe enough. The music started, and I began singing.
Or attempting to sing.
My voice came out rough, off-key in places, completely missing the rhythm on the chorus. I powered through anyway, committing to the disaster.
Koneko's expression shifted from neutral to mildly horrified. Asia tried to keep smiling encouragingly but her eyes widened with each progressively worse note.
When I finally finished, silence filled the room.
"Well, how was that" I said, sitting back down.
"That was..." Asia searched for words "...very goood, Yuuto-san"
"Terrible" Koneko said flatly.
"Honest as always, Koneko"
Asia giggled, then Koneko's lips twitched, and suddenly they both smiled not cruelly, just... genuinely amused. The kind of laughter that came from shared experience, from being comfortable enough to find humor in the moment.
I found myself smiling too. This was good. This was what Rias had meant about relaxing.
We spent another hour there—Asia and Koneko taking turns, me occasionally attempting another song and failing spectacularly each time. The earlier tension from the ORC room faded completely, replaced with easy comfort.
When we finally left, the sun had started its descent, painting the sky in orange and pink.
"Thank you for today, Yuuto-san and Koneko san!!!" Asia said as we walked "I really enjoyed myself"
"Me too" I said honestly.
"Hm" Koneko added quietly.
We walked Asia home first, closer to Rias. She waved goodbye at the door, smiling genuine and warm.
Then it was just Koneko and me, walking back through the quiet streets.
The shortest route took us through the shrine grounds—old stone path winding through trees, traditional lanterns lighting the way as dusk settled in.
Peaceful.
Koneko walked beside me, closer than usual, the distance from earlier completely gone. She seemed... content. Relaxed in a way she rarely was.
Then she stopped.
Her entire body went rigid, golden eyes widening.
A black cat emerged from the shadows ahead, sleek and graceful, watching us with intelligent eyes. It sat in the middle of the path, tail swishing slowly.
Koneko's breathing changed—faster, shallower. Her hands clenched into fists, trembling slightly.
The cat tilted its head, then bolted up the shrine stairs.
"No—" Koneko's voice cracked "It can't be—"
She ran after it without another word.
"Koneko!" I called, already following with a sure guess where it was leading to.
It was the first time I saw her in actual fear, breaking through her usual stoic mask.
We ran up the stone steps, through the main shrine grounds, deeper into the forest behind it. Trees grew thicker here, blocking out the fading light. The temperature dropped noticeably, and my breath came out in small clouds.
The cat vanished ahead with a flash of purple light—a magic circle.
Koneko stumbled to a stop in a small clearing, staring at where it had disappeared. Her shoulders shook, her usual composure completely shattered.
I approached carefully, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder "Koneko, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
"She's here..." Her voice was barely a whisper, distressed, shaking in a way I'd never heard before "It can't be... why now... why..."
My Observation Haki flared outward, scanning the area.
There.
On a thick branch to my right, about fifteen feet up. A presence—powerful, controlled, radiating confidence and clear intent. Watching us.
Watching Koneko specifically.
I opened my eyes, turning to face the tree directly.
"You can come out" I said evenly "No point hiding when you're making your presence this obvious"
Silence stretched for a moment.
Then with a, graceful movement, A figure dropped from the branch, landing without a sound in the clearing. She straightened slowly, and even in the dim forest light, the resemblance to Koneko was unmistakable.
Black hair, longer and wilder than Koneko's neat cut. Golden eyes gleaming with catlike intensity. Two black cat ears emerged from her hair, twitching slightly. Two tails swished behind her lazily. She wore a black kimono with gold trim, loosely tied, revealing considerable skin underneath.
Her lips curved into a playful smile as she looked at Koneko, then at me.
"My my" Her voice was smooth, teasing, with a distinctive tone that made her sound playful "Nya~ Look how much my little Shirone has grown"
The name hit Koneko like a physical blow. She stiffened even more, if that was possible.
"Kuroka" The word came out from her strained, barely controlled.
My mind processed the name instantly, as I knew who this was. Kuroka. SS-Class Stray Devil. One of the Underworld's most wanted criminals. Listed in the Bingo Book as extremely dangerous.
Koneko's older sister.
A system notification flashed in my awareness, something about surviving an ambush, but I pushed it aside, focusing entirely on the situation unfolding before me.
Kuroka's golden eyes slid from Koneko to me, smiling with clear amusement. She tilted her head, studying me with open curiosity.
"And you must be the handsome devil knight playing protector for my precious little sister, nya~?" Her tails swished playfully as her eyes swept to Koneko "You've made quite the interesting friend, Shirone"
Koneko said nothing, every muscle in her body coiled tight like a spring ready to snap any moment.
I kept my hand on her shoulder, steady and grounding, while meeting Kuroka's gaze directly.
What does she want?
. . . .
Quest : Survive the Ambush of Kuroka Toujou
Reward : 1 Character Card
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