Chapter [45]

Sona, upon hearing the news of Kokabiel's death, felt a mixture of relief and concern. "Riser, we need to talk to Serafall. This situation could have significant repercussions."

Riser, with a calm look, agreed. "You're right, Sona. I'll accompany you. Also, I killed one of the leaders of the Grigori, so it's good for Serafall to be aware."

Rias and Akeno approached Sona and Riser, expressing a mix of relief and curiosity after the intense battle.

"I'd like to thank you, Riser. You really saved my Peerage back there," thanked Rias, with a sincere look.

Riser, with a calm look at Rias, said, "No need to thank me, Rias. I just wanted to fight against Kokabiel. It was a coincidence that I ended up helping."

"Still, you saved my Peerage. I'm sincerely grateful."

Issei, observing the interaction between Rias and Riser, couldn't help but feel jealous. His eyes reflected a hint of discomfort in the face of Rias's expressed gratitude.

Ddraig, sensing Issei's feelings, whispered mentally to calm him. "Calm down, Issei. Your moment to shine will come. Just be patient."

Issei sighed, trying to contain his emotions in the situation. His desire to impress Rias and show his worth grew with each passing moment.

Riser, in his mind, heard the system's voice announcing the penalty of -200 luck for the protagonist due to mental instability caused by him. A smile crossed Riser's face, savoring the small victory behind the scenes.

"If you want to thank me so much, Rias, I accept your thanks," said Riser, maintaining a relaxed tone while responding to Rias's sincere expression.

Sona, observing the interaction between Riser and Rias, commented with a touch of humor, "It's good to see my friend and my husband getting along."

Rias listened attentively to Sona's words and sighed, expressing her concern. "Sona, did you hear if there were any casualties during the attack?"

Sona replied with relief, "Fortunately not, Rias. The attack was concentrated on the occult research club."

Rias, somewhat disheartened, murmured to herself, "Don't tell me. I'll have to rebuild everything again."

Riser, observing Rias's expression, thought to himself, "This Rias is really lazy with magic. She can do this in minutes or have someone else do it."

Sona, noticing Riser's expression, questioned curiously, "Is something wrong, Riser?"

Riser replied evasively, "Nothing. Just thinking it's time for me to head back home."

Sona nodded, understanding Riser's need. "I get it, Riser. I'll talk to Serafall and handle things here. Feel free to return."

Riser, after hearing Sona's words, looked at Nana, Shizuku, and Yubelluna. "The three of you can help Sona with matters here. Sona, if you need anything else, I'll be available."

Nana, Shizuku, and Yubelluna prepared to assist, but Sona intervened. "Don't worry, Riser. You can go back with your Peerage and rest."

Riser, accepting Sona's decision, nodded. "As you prefer, Sona. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."

Riser, accompanied by his Peerage, teleported away from the wreckage of the club.

Sona looked at Rias and suggested, "Rias, you should also talk to your brother. He needs to be informed about what happened."

Rias nodded, agreeing with Sona's suggestion. As she prepared to speak with Sirzechs, a magic circle appeared on the ground, revealing the arrival of Grayfia.

Grayfia gracefully stepped out of the magic circle, her imposing presence filling the air. With a serious tone, she declared, "There is no need to speak with Sirzechs-sama. He is already aware of everything, as is Lady Leviathan-sama."

Sona sighed, understanding that the information had already spread among the highest ranks. "Well, it was obvious that she already knew."

Sona told Rias, "We'll talk later. I'll take care of some matters in the student council."

Rias replied, "See you later, Sona."

With Sona's exit, Rias turned to Grayfia and asked, "Did my brother already know? Why didn't he help?"

Grayfia explained, "He wanted to see how his sister would handle the situation. It was a surprise to see Riser interfering."

Rias, with a thoughtful look, inquired, "In terms of strength, who is stronger, you or Riser?"

Grayfia calmly responded, "I think I only surpass him in terms of battle experience."

Grayfia, addressing the wreckage, began using her magical abilities to restore the damaged area.

Rias, upon seeing her Peerage, felt somewhat disappointed, especially with Issei, as she had high expectations for him. However, his magic was almost nonexistent, and even the Boosted Gear failed to be used in the fight against Cerberus.

Akeno, noticing Rias's disappointed look towards Issei, subtly approached. "Rias, be careful with your expression. Issei is trying, and your disappointment can affect his morale."

Rias, recognizing Akeno's observation, sighed. "You're right, Akeno. I just expected more from him in the battle against Cerberus."

Rias, upon analyzing the situation, realized that the strength of her Peerage was directly linked to her own ability as a King. "If my Peerage isn't reaching its potential, it may be because I myself haven't reached all of my power as a King."

Akeno, agreeing with Rias's assessment, added, "You're right, Rias. A strong leader boosts the performance of the Peerage. Perhaps it's time to seek advice from another more experienced King."

Rias, even with training from Grayfia, lamented not having achieved a higher level of power. "Even with Grayfia training me, I don't feel like I've gotten significantly stronger."

Akeno suggested, "Maybe it would be helpful to seek guidance from a strong King. Someone who has already overcome these challenges and can offer valuable insights."

Rias, thinking of possible candidates, inquired, "Who do you suggest, Akeno? My brother might be an option."

Akeno, contemplating the matter, replied, "While your brother is powerful, it might be more beneficial to seek advice from a strong King here in Kuoh. Someone who understands our circumstances better."

Rias, furrowing her brow, considered the suggestion and then looked seriously at Akeno. "Are you suggesting Riser, aren't you?"

Akeno, maintaining a neutral tone, responded, "He is a King with experience and strength. It might be worth exploring that option."

Rias, realizing Akeno's suggestion, frowned with doubt about seeking advice from someone who, until recently, was her rival. Her thoughts focused on the implications of seeking counsel from someone like Riser.

Rias, with a thoughtful look, pondered the idea. However, her attention turned back to Akeno when she posed an unexpected question.

"Akeno, do you like Riser?" Rias asked, surprising Akeno with the frankness of the question.

Akeno, noticing Rias's serious expression, added with a slight smile, "Regarding your question... here is not the appropriate place for us to discuss that."

Rias, perceiving Akeno's casual tone, smiled back. "Understood, Akeno. We'll save that topic for later."

Grayfia expertly concluded the restoration of the club, dissipating the remnants of the battle's aftermath. Her eyes displayed a serious expression, satisfied with having completed the assigned task.

Rias, observing Grayfia's work, acknowledged the effectiveness of the intervention. "Thank you, Grayfia. As always, you're amazing at restoration magic."

Grayfia, with a nod of her head, responded formally. "It is my duty. If you need anything else, I will be at your disposal."

As Grayfia elegantly withdrew, Rias turned to Issei and Kiba. "Issei, Kiba, thank you for today, but I think it's better if you go now. I need to address some issues here."

Issei, with a disappointed look, questioned, "Can't we stay?"

Rias scolded Issei firmly, "Issei, you need to learn when it's time to leave. Go home now. We'll have much to discuss later."

Kiba, understanding the situation, nodded. "Understood, Kaichou. If you need anything, we're at your disposal."

Issei and Kiba left the club, leaving Rias alone with Akeno and Koneko. Akeno, with a gentle look, approached Koneko and picked her up delicately.

"Akeno, what are you doing?" Rias asked, surprised.

Akeno, smiling, explained, "Koneko seemed exhausted. I'll take her to a more comfortable place in the club. I hope you don't mind."

Rias, accepting Akeno's explanation, agreed. "That's fine, Akeno. Take good care of her."

Issei, seeing Akeno taking care of Koneko, couldn't help expressing his desire to stay. "Rias, I wanted to help. Can I stay a bit longer?"

Rias, looking at Issei, scolded him firmly. "Issei, you need to understand when it's time to go. Go home now. I need to have a serious talk with Akeno."

Issei, feeling a bit disheartened, nodded and left. Rias then turned to the club, where Akeno had already placed Koneko on a sofa.

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