Chapter 24
Trapped Between Family and Feelings...¡
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Footsteps broke the night's silence as Gabriel stood before Ryuma's door. Ryuma himself was already inside. She stood motionless, staring at the wooden door, but her eyes suddenly sharpened.
"So... someone's trying to get in?" She murmured softly, her hand moving from right to left. "I can feel it—a demonic aura."
She turned her head to the side, her gaze dropping to the cold floor.
"A high-class devil, huh?" Gabriel frowned, then crossed her arms. "What would such high-class devil want in this place?"
A sudden gust of wind swept through, whipping her long, golden-blonde hair. From within her eyes, a brilliant, golden-white light erupted.
"I don't care who you are," Her voice turned icy, and the floor beneath her feet cracked instantly. "If you so much as touch Azrallik-san, I'll kill you!"
As she spoke, the cracks in the floor spread rapidly, even fracturing the street in front of the house. Her threat was real, and she wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who dared disturb Ryuma's peace, let alone harm him.
Leaves began to fall slowly, adorning the once-smooth road with their descent. Gabriel's breath grew heavy, her hands clenched into fists, her eyes never leaving the spot on the ground where she sensed the demonic aura.
"I won't let them," Gabriel murmured, slowly turning her head to glance back at the door. For a moment, her gaze softened. "To take you away from me again, Azrallik-san."
Her white gown swirled as she turned and began walking into the house. Her steps were slow, but each footfall still carried a sense of weight.
"Azrallik-san," She called out. "I want you to be more careful from now on."
Ryuma turned, wincing in pain, and looked at her. "Is something wrong, Gabriel?"
Gabriel didn't answer immediately. She walked closer to him and rested her head against his chest. "All of the devil's eyes are now focused on you."
Ryuma's eyes widened slightly. "Devil?"
"Yes," Gabriel nodded, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. "I've placed protective seals around the house. And there's a trace of demonic aura at the door. Whoever that devil is, it wants to get inside."
Ryuma fell silent, his eyes unconsciously darting to the side, toward the window.
"But I will always be by your side, Azrallik-san," Gabriel declared firmly, wrapping her arms around Ryuma's back. "Anyone who touches you will be destroyed."
Hearing this, Ryuma chuckled softly. He gently stroked Gabriel's blonde hair. "You're truly so protective, Gabriel."
"Indeed," Gabriel said firmly, her lips pursing slightly. "I won't let the same mistake take you from me again."
For a moment, Ryuma watched Gabriel's expression shift. Her gaze lowered, her eyes growing slightly misty. He could clearly see she was trying to hide it from him.
"I'm sorry, Azrallik-san," Gabriel whispered, pressing her face against Ryuma's chest. "For everything. I truly hope your heart can forgive me."
Ryuma's brow furrowed, a large question mark forming in his mind. "Gabriel..."
Before he could finish speaking, Gabriel interrupted him, her soft hand gripping his tightly.
"Azrallik-san," She said, slowly lifting her face, revealing a sweet smile despite the tears streaming down her cheeks. "I want to sleep with you tonight. Please?"
Seeing Gabriel's pleading expression, especially her wide, teary eyes that resembled those of a puppy, Ryuma could only sigh deeply and nod gently.
"Yes, then let's go inside," Ryuma said with a soft smile.
Gabriel bounced slightly with excitement and immediately grabbed Ryuma's hand, pulling him into the room.
"Hey, slow down. I'm not going anywhere." Ryuma chuckled.
"Heheheh... I just want to fall asleep with you right away," Gabriel said, her steps quickening as the bedroom door came into view. "And in your warmth."
The door swung open, and Gabriel gently closed it behind her. Ryuma sat on the edge of the bed, carefully lifting his wings.
"Let me help you, Azrallik-san." Gabriel said.
She climbed onto the bed and began assisting Ryuma, lifting his wings and carefully placing them on the soft mattress.
"Thank you, Gabriel." Ryuma said, smiling again as he gently stroked her head.
Gabriel slowly took Ryuma's hand again and brought it to her cheek, gently squeezing it.
"I won't let you go again," Gabriel said, her eyes never leaving Ryuma's face.
Click!
As the lights went out, Ryuma slowly lay down. He groaned softly in pain, feeling the ache in both of his wings. But Gabriel's hand immediately caressed his cheek, and she began to hum a beautiful melody.
"I'll hold you close," Gabriel sang softly, her sweet smile returning. "No matter what."
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Morning arrived, granting humanity another chance to begin anew. Ryuma and Gabriel were no exception.
"I'm going out for a bit, Gabriel." Ryuma said, standing near the door as he fastened his robe.
"Where are you going?" Gabriel asked, watching him from the living room. "I'll come with you."
Ryuma chuckled softly. "That's very kind of you, but I don't think it's necessary, Gabriel."
He slipped on his shoes and glanced back, making sure his wings were now fully concealed. "I already owe you so much. If I keep accumulating debts, when will I ever be able to repay them?"
"You don't need to pay me back," Gabriel said, rising from her seat and shaking her head gently with a smile. "It's nothing."
"But if you still want to go out alone," She added, glancing at the wall clock hanging in the corner of the room. "Make sure you're back before nightfall."
"Yes, ma'am!" Ryuma said firmly, saluting Gabriel.
Gabriel and Ryuma chuckled softly because of that.
"See you later, Gabriel." Ryuma said, waving as he turned to leave.
Click!
Outside, Ryuma was greeted by a bright, cloudless day. The air was cool, with a gentle breeze that seemed to come from all directions.
He began to walk, ignoring the strange looks people were giving him.
Then...
Bughh!
"Ah, sorry!"
He bumped into someone, causing Ryuma to instinctively apologize and bow his head slightly.
But there was no response. Only when he looked up did he see two figures in strange attire standing right in front of him.
They were both wearing white robes, typical of church attire. However, Ryuma couldn't see their faces clearly because they also wore hoods.
"Excuse me," One of them said.
That single word was all they uttered before resuming their steps, leaving him frozen in place.
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharpening. He continued to stare at their retreating figures until they vanished completely into the distance.
"Holy Aura," He murmured softly. "Especially that thing on their back."
His eyebrows rose as he noticed a large object wrapped in white bandages on the mysterious person's back.
For a moment, he stood in silence before finally letting out a long sigh. Then he turned and resumed walking.
Navigating the slightly bustling streets of Kuoh City, Ryuma finally arrived at the city park—the same park he had visited with Gabriel the previous day.
His steps halted once more as he spotted two familiar figures practicing: a young man with brown hair and a blonde-haired girl.
"Issei, Asia?"
He continued to watch them from a distance, observing Issei struggling through push-ups while Asia cheered him on from the side.
He chuckled and turned to leave, but his steps faltered again. He recognized the familiar voice calling his name.
"Oi!!! Ryuma!" Issei shouted.
Ryuma slowly turned back, now facing Issei, who was waving at him. While Asia simply smiled.
"Come here!" Issei called out, gesturing for Ryuma to approach with his hand.
With a long sigh, Ryuma reluctantly complied. Crossing his arms behind his back, he walked closer.
"Yo, what's up?" Ryuma asked.
"Hey, buddy." Issei looked Ryuma up and down. "Wearing a robe like that in broad daylight? Are you feeling okay?"
Ryuma shook his head slightly. "I haven't been feeling well for the past few days."
"If you want, I can help you, Ryuma-san." Asia offered kindly.
"Thank you, Asia. But it's not a wound." Ryuma replied with a faint smile.
"The Club President has been looking for you lately, Ryuma," Issei said, wiping the sweat that dripping from his face.
"Miss Gremory?" Ryuma narrowed his eyes.
"Yeah, the Club President said she wanted to meet with you. But you didn't come in yesterday," Issei continued, then turned to Asia with a grin. "Right, Asia?"
"Yes," Asia murmured softly, nodding slightly. "Club President would probably be happy if you joined us, Ryuma-san."
"Mmmm..." Ryuma pondered for a moment, his eyes glancing upward.
So, when Gabriel mentioned about devil yesterday, she meant Rias Gremory? He wondered inwardly.
Before he could answer his own question, Issei suddenly wrapped an arm around Ryuma's shoulder and pulled him close. "What are you thinking about? Come on, join us!"
Beside him, Asia smiled gently, her cheeks flushing slightly. The moment she saw Issei move, she immediately followed, now standing right beside him.
"Hey... I haven't even answered yet."
"Forget about that, Ryuma. Come on... Besides, don't you want to see the Club President? Heheh..." Issei grinned widely, and Ryuma instantly knew what was on his mind.
"Don't compare me to you." Ryuma snorted irritably.
"Don't play coy, buddy! I know what's on your mind!" Issei sighed roughly, his hands gesturing wildly in the air as if imagining something... massive? "You know what I mean, right?"
Ryuma shook his head and rolled his eyes. Meanwhile, Asia chuckled softly at Issei's antics.
"Alright, let's get this over with."
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During the journey, Issei kept rambling about his wild fantasies with Rias. Asia remained mostly silent, but her eyes frequently met Ryuma's. Whenever that happened, she would immediately lower her gaze, her ears flushing crimson.
What's with everyone here? He muttered to himself.
Tepp!!!
Ryuma's steps halted abruptly, and Issei stopped beside him. Ryuma's gaze immediately locked onto the ORC building in the distance. He sensed something foreign... Something powerful...
"This aura?" He murmured, his eyes widening slightly. "Another high-class devil?"
"What is this feeling?" Issei asked, his voice trembling. "I can feel it vibrating through my body."
"Something's happening," Ryuma said, turning to Issei before shifting his gaze to Asia.
"What do you mean?" Issei asked, clutching his chest, his heart pounding.
"You have a guest," Ryuma continued, his sharp eyes fixed on the distant ORC building. "A very powerful guest."
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Krieett!!!
When the door opened, Ryuma finally understood what was happening. Inside the room were Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and Rias herself. But it wasn't just Rias's family; other devil families were also present.
Issei's eyes widened in shock as he saw a young man sitting right next to Rias, openly touching her thigh.
"Damn it! Who the hell are you?!" Issei roared, immediately summoning his Boosted Gear on his left arm.
"So this is what you meant, Rias? This pathetic kid is the host of the Sekiryuutei?"
Beside Rias sat a blond-haired young man, his face radiating arrogance. He brazenly gripped Rias's private parts in front of her entire family.
"Damn it!"
Issei was about to leap forward and punch the young man, but Rias's sharp voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Enough, Issei!" Rias commanded, her voice cold and firm. "Sit down."
"Buchou?"
Rias closed her eyes for a few seconds before reopening them. Her gaze now fixed on Ryuma. As she looked at him, her eyes suddenly softened for some reason.
"You lowly and rotten devils! Kneel before me!" The young man shouted, his left hand suddenly engulfed in flames.
"I am Riser Phenex! Rias's fiancé!" He declared, leaving Issei stunned and immediately rising to his feet.
But Akeno restrained him, shaking her head gently as if telling him to stay silent.
"Stop it, Riser! How dare you insult my family!" Rias snapped, slapping away his hand and instantly standing up, striding away from him.
"Oh, Rias." Riser burst into laughter, casually drinking the tea Akeno had prepared before carelessly tossing the cup to the floor, shattering it. "You still haven't realized it? How long are you going to keep playing hard to get?"
Rias glared at Riser but remained silent. She stood by the window, arms crossed.
"Stop acting like you can order me around," Rias spat, her voice icy and venomous. "Don't forget this is my family's plan, and my heart will never belong to you! I'll find my own husband!"
When Rias said the word "husband", her eyes shifted to Ryuma. They locked gazes for a moment before Rias finally looked away.
"You're just a loser hiding behind the Phenex family name! You should be ashamed!"
Hearing Rias's insults, Riser grinned widely, but the flames burning in his hands intensified.
"You don't understand at all, Rias," He said. "After the Great War of the Three Factions, pure-blooded devils are now on the brink of extinction. Our only hope lies in preserving the survival of pure-blooded devils."
"The Phenex family..." Ryuma murmured inwardly, recognizing Riser's noble Devil lineage. "The immortal firebird born from arrogance."
Riser pointed at Issei. "You there, wielder of one of the heavenly dragons. What's your name?"
"My name is Issei, you bastard! Hyodou Issei!" Issei shouted, now standing tall and proudly raising his left arm to display the Boosted Gear. "The Club President deserves to stand by my side alone! I'll create my own harem!"
"A harem?!" Riser burst into laughter again, making Issei raise an eyebrow. "With power like yours?! You're dreaming too big! See for yourself what your dreams truly mean!"
Riser snapped his fingers, and flames erupted to fill the room. The raging fire instantly dimmed, revealing a sight that immediately made Issei fall to his knees. His peerages are coming out from the fading flames, all of them were beautiful girls.
"Impossible...?" He murmured, his eyes wide and his mouth agape. "The true Harem...? Someone like you?!"
"Issei-kun...?" Asia immediately rushed to his side and gripped his arm.
With a smirk, Riser pulled his Queen, Yubelluna, onto his lap. In front of everyone, he began kissing her lips and squeezing her ample breasts.
"Ahhh... Riser-sama..." Yubelluna moaned and sighed, her voice filling the entire room.
Ryuma's gaze was sharp and unwavering. He didn't blink once as he stared at the lewd scene unfolding before him, his fists clenching tightly.
"Disgusting...!" Rias spat, now beginning to unleash her Power of Destruction.
Following Rias's lead, Akeno immediately stood up. She grinned, but this time it was different—a sadistic grin.
Meanwhile, Kiba and Koneko also prepared for battle. Kiba drew his sword, while Koneko clenched her fists in front of her chest.
"Oh, you want to fight me?" Riser asked, tilting his head slightly. His entire peerages now stood directly before him.
"Damn it! I won't accept this!" Issei roared, charging forward.
Leaping over the table, he swung his fist directly at Riser. But before his punch could land, a girl intercepted him.
She effortlessly parried the Boosted Gear, seized Issei by the neck, and slammed him to the floor, causing the room to tremble slightly.
"Arghh!!!"
Kiba charged forward immediately after Issei was easily defeated, followed by Koneko. Meanwhile, Akeno began gathering magic in her right hand, preparing to strike.
But Yubelluna intercepted her first. With her staff, she aimed a blow at Akeno's face. However...
Deggg!!
Yubelluna's body suddenly froze like a statue. Akeno's eyes widened as she observed the air around Yubelluna's body, noticing a subtle distortion and a thin, pitch-black mist emanating from it.
"Ryuma?" Rias's eyes widened as she saw Ryuma extending his right hand forward, pointing directly at Yubelluna.
"Ara... Ara... Ryuma-kun..." Akeno turned to Ryuma, her cheeks flushed as she sensually licked her lips. "Thank you for taking care of me. Fufufu..."
Ryuma didn't say a word. He immediately withdrew his hand, sending Yubelluna flying backward to slam into the wall, shaking the room once more.
"I'm glad you're on our side, Yatomichi-kun." Kiba said, glancing at Ryuma with a smile.
"I didn't expect you to have such a strong member, Rias." Seeing Yubelluna being thrown with ease, Riser slowly stood up, his body now completely enveloped in Phenex flames. "Did you pick him up from the trash like the others? Or from somewhere else?"
Ryuma's gaze sharpened as he slowly lowered his right hand, placing both behind his back.
"Oh..." Ryuma murmured, then grinned. "Trash, you say? If Miss Gremory picked me up from the trash, yet I can toss your Queen around like a shoe, then where did you scavenge your family from?"
Riser's flames intensified, making the room feel like it was burning from within.
"Ah..." Ryuma nodded slowly, then chuckled. "Must be from the waste."
"Lowly devil! I'll incinerate you!" Riser roared, charging toward Ryuma with flames blazing even brighter in his hands.
"Ryuma!" Rias cried out in alarm.
Kiba and Koneko immediately rushed toward Ryuma, while Akeno unfurled her devil wings. On the other side, Rias raised both hands, her body enveloped in crimson light, ready to unleash her Power of Destruction.
But suddenly, a silvery-white light erupted in the center of the room, blinding Riser.
Swoshh!!!
Standing there was a maid. Her hair was silvery-white, her eyes blue, and her face cold and dignified. Seeing her, Riser immediately took several steps back, but his grin remained wide.
"I come as a direct envoy of Sirzechs-sama," The maid announced, her gaze fixed on Rias and Riser. "Sirzechs-sama predicted that this engagement would not proceed smoothly."
"Grayfia...?" Rias murmured softly, her eyes widening for a moment before narrowing again.
"The strongest Queen in the Underworld..." Riser muttered, cold sweat beading on his face without him realizing it.
"Milady, Sirzechs-sama has granted you one final resort to alter the arrangement established between the Gremory and Phenex families," Grayfia stated flatly, her gaze fixed on Rias as she offered a slight bow.
"A final resort...?" Rias asked.
"Through a Rating Game," Grayfia explained. "It is the only path remaining if you still wish to annul this engagement."
"Hah?! A Rating Game?" Riser laughed, settling back into his chair, surrounded by his peerages. "I have fifteen pieces, all of whom have won every Rating Game under my leadership."
"Let me guess, Rias," Riser smirked. "This is your first time, isn't it? You only have five pieces available. Forget this nonsense and marry me. At least your honor won't be stained by defeat."
"Stained?" Rias asked, clenching her fists tightly.
"I'd rather fight than accept defeat willingly. Listen carefully, Riser!" Rias declared firmly, pointing directly at his face. "I challenge you to a Rating Game. If I win, this engagement will be annulled."
Riser immediately stood up, pulled Yubelluna into his arms, and kissed her lips again before finally answering. "And if I do win, you will be my obedient wife forever."
Instead of fear, Rias's grin widened. "That's only if I lose, Riser. But mark my words: you're the one who will fall in the end."
Riser laughed again, then pointed at each of Rias's peerages one by one. "Ten days! That's all the time you have to prepare yourselves for your inevitable defeat."
"And one more thing." His finger now pointed directly at Ryuma. "I'm looking forward to facing you. In the Rating Game, I will kill you. You're not part of the Evil Pieces, so the prohibition against killing only applies to Evil Pieces."
In that instant, Riser and his family were engulfed in flames once more, vanishing from sight and leaving only Rias and her family behind. With Ryuma, of course.
Slowly, Grayfia turned to face Ryuma. Their eyes met, her gaze never wavering from his.
"Lucifuge..." Ryuma murmured softly, memories flooding his mind—memories of the devil he had once encountered in his past.
"I will discuss with Sirzechs-sama whether members outside of Evil Pieces can participate in the match," Grayfia said flatly, turning her gaze back to Rias. "Good luck, Rias-ojousama."
In that instant, Grayfia vanished.
"Ryuma," Rias murmured, her eyes darting around as if unfocused. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess."
Slowly, she approached him.
"I never intended for you to witness any of this. But it's already happened," She continued with a long sigh. "I'm sorry for involving you in my life's problems."
Tess...!
A single tear fell from Rias's beautiful eyes. Akeno, noticing this, immediately led the other members out, giving Rias and Ryuma some private time together.
"Miss Gremory," Ryuma said gently, wiping away the tears streaming down her cheeks. "You've done nothing wrong, and there's no need for you to apologize. What I did earlier, I did because I wanted to. Not because I was forced. Nor because I was ordered."
Rias's eyes widened as she saw Ryuma smiling gently at her. "You've looked so stressed lately. I noticed it right away. Something's been off, but I didn't want to bring it up until you did. This isn't what you wanted, is it?"
Rias shook her head slightly, no words escaping her lips. But that was enough for him to understand.
"Then, with that in mind, I want to help you."
"Ryuma...?" Rias's voice caught in her throat. She never expected Ryuma to offer his help, not after everything she had done to him.
"Even though I didn't trust you before. Even though I was suspicious of you, you still want to help me?" Rias asked, her voice trembling. "Why?"
"Because you were the first devil who managed to change my perspective on devils. Perhaps I won't be able to help much this time," Ryuma said, glancing back at his wings, which were concealed beneath his robe. "You didn't make a mistake, nor did you become evil just by being wary of me. On the contrary, you did all that to protect your family. To safeguard the peace of this world."
"Therefore," Ryuma continued, "allow me to assist you now, Miss Gremory. As a token of my gratitude. And also... for you."
Rias's eyes widened, as if the world had frozen around her. Everything seemed to lose its meaning, except for the person standing before her. Her feelings. Her heart. The way she looked at him. Everything had changed. And one thing was certain: Rias would fight for this newfound feelings she had never ever felt toward anyone before. To Ryuma. Only for him.
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