章 28: Chapter 28

-Rias POV-

As the first rays of light filtered through my window, I woke, hoping everything from yesterday wasn't just a dream. 'Am I really free from that marriage?'

I sat up and, as if on cue, the maids outside my door entered to help me dress. Being a noble had its perks.

Just as I was readying myself for the day. I felt it, an aura rising in the distance. It was Grayfia's. But then, another aura flared up, almost like it was challenging hers. It was Ryou-kun's.

I had only felt his power once before, during the engagement ceremony, but it was distinct. Unforgettable.

Suddenly, Ryou-kun's aura exploded. 'What is going on?!'

Without wasting another moment, I rushed outside. Issei and the others joined me along the way, their faces equally filled with concern.

-Ryou POV-

I woke up to the sound of knocking at my door. Still dressed from last night, I figured there was no need to change. Opening the door, I found Grayfia Lucifuge standing there, her expression unreadable. 'What did I do this time?'

"Good morning, Lady Grayfia," I greeted her, leaning against the doorframe. "Is there something you needed?"

She took a few seconds before speaking curtly. "Follow me, Sasaki-san."

Curious about what this was all about, I followed her silently. As we walked she finally spoke again, her tone sharp but composed. "While I commend your strength, considering you're human, I do not approve of you being around Lady Rias."

We arrived at an open area, she stopped. I could sense where this was going.

"I shall give you a warning," she said, turning to face me. "After all of this is over, and you return, leave Kuoh."

I summoned Muramasa, unsheathing it without hesitation. "Who are you to decide that? I'm going to surpass human limitations. And if people become my friends along the way, who am I to deny them?"

She sighed, her aura rising sharply in response. A biting coldness filled the air. "You've grown arrogant, child."

Before I could reply, I unleashed a "Cursed Slash" at her, charging forward. But in a blink, she raised an ice wall blocking both my attack and my view. I felt the air shift behind me, a warning too late.

Grayfia was already in my guard, her hand lightly pressed against my chest. "You've lost, Sasaki-san."

I surged cursed magic through my body in an attempt to counter her, but in seconds, my body was encased in ice. "I'll say it again, you've lost."

I unsummoned Muramasa as she shattered the ice around me, her cold authority still lingering.

"What are you going to do when you return, Sasaki-san?" she asked, her gaze unwavering.

I met her eyes. "I'll get stronger than you. Then I'll challenge you again."

She widened her eyes slightly, then offered a small, approving smile. "I see. I look forward to that day, Ryou-san."

"Ryou-kun!" Rias's voice interrupted the moment. She and the others had arrived, concern written on their faces. Sirzechs, looking like he hadn't slept much approached us, a bit of curiosity in his eyes.

"Grayfia-san was just... having a talk with me," I said, still catching my breath. "She seems quite protective of Rias-chan."

Rias flushed at the mention, and the others chuckled. Grayfia shot me a small glare.

Sirzechs laughed. "Yes, Grayfia can be quite protective of family. But I think it's best we head back inside now. Breakfast should be ready."

As we made our way back, passing the garden, I noticed the same withering flower I'd seen last night. It looked healthier now, almost as if it was regaining life.

'Seems like my luck really has turned around.'

I was finally back home and had told everyone I needed to head out for some shopping. Yuuto decided to join me, mentioning that he had some things to pick up as well.

So here we were, two guys grocery shopping together.

"Why are people staring so hard at us, Yuuto-san?" I asked, noticing the glances we were getting.

He chuckled. "They're staring at you. You look older than your age suggests, Ryou-san."

I glanced around again, taking a closer look at the people nearby. He was right, some of them were giving me disgusted looks. What's their problem?

"They probably think we're dating, or that you're paying me to accompany you," Yuuto added casually.

I froze, staring at him in shock. "What? I'm not into guys!"

He just chuckled again, clearly amused.

"Hey, I'm serious!" I protested.

But all he did was smile.

After that ordeal, we finished shopping and parted ways. Now, I was walking along the footpath heading home, when a soft but strong voice caught my attention.

"Excuse me, good sir."

I turned to see a young woman standing about 5'10" with grey hair and bright blue eyes. Most notably, she was dressed in a nun's outfit.

[Pic]

"Everything okay?" I asked, I didn't recognize her.

"We're looking for a church that's supposed to be around here," she replied.

'We?' I thought, glancing behind her to spot two figures who I assumed were Xenovia Quarta and Irina Shido hiding under their hoods.

I turned back to the grey-haired woman. "I was actually heading there myself. Why don't we all go together, Sister?"

She gave me a kind smile. "I'm Sister Griselda. These are my nuns in training." She gestured towards the others as they stepped closer. "And you are?"

While I could lie, I didn't want to be bothered. "I'm Ryou Sasaki, but please call me Ryou."

She nodded, and I gestured for her to follow me.

It took us about half an hour to walk there, and the silence between us felt heavy.

When we arrived, their expressions shifted to sadness as they took in the church's condition, especially the younger girls. Inside it looked as if a rampage had occurred.

I sat on one of the pews while they approached the front to pray on their knees. Once they stood up, I seized the moment to ask "You're the ones sent to retrieve the stolen pieces, aren't you?"

The younger girls tensed up taking a defensive stance, while Griselda's kind smile vanished. She regarded me with a serious expression that reminded me of Grayfia. "You aren't a devil. Are you working for Valper Galilei and Kokabiel?"

I looked at them, hoping my next words would sink in. "No. I'm your new babysitter, trespassers."