Chapter 25: As Long as I Can Stay with Mr. Fukuki

Still in the church.

Rias, Akeno, and Koneko were gathered in a circle, each wearing a particularly serious expression.

Rias was the first to speak.

"There's still an issue we need to resolve—where Asia will stay tonight."

It was indeed a pressing matter.

Even though the Fallen Angels and the deranged priest hiding in the church had been dealt with, the holy light barrier surrounding the church had also been destroyed. Leaving a defenseless healing nun to stay here was clearly unsafe.

Although setting up a new barrier wasn't difficult, living here wouldn't exactly be comfortable...

After all, the barrier was primarily meant to ward off evil and protect the people inside. It didn't have the functionality to magically create beds or blankets for everyday use.

As for why this church had been occupied by the Fallen Angels led by Raynare in the first place—it was because it had long since been abandoned. The holy light barrier left by the Church had merely been operating out of inertia. All the supplies and necessities had been cleared out ages ago.

If we let Asia stay in such a place, she'd end up spending the night on the cold marble floor. That would be far too cruel.

"I think it's best to ask her opinion on this matter," the petite white-haired girl said softly, her expression as neutral as ever.

"Hmm, asking for her opinion does make sense…" Rias touched her chin thoughtfully, then turned toward the golden-haired girl nearby, who was tilting her head curiously while glancing in their direction.

"Asia, since you came to Japan from Northern Europe to become a nun, do you happen to own property here?"

"P-Property? No, I don't have anything like that," Asia quickly shook her head in denial.

Truthfully, she was nothing more than a poor saintess. How could she possibly afford a house or anything of the sort? While she had once held a relatively high position within the church, that didn't translate to a high income.

After all, being allowed to bask in the Lord's radiance should be reward enough. Why would you need money?

Were you joining the church for faith or for material wealth?

That was the logic behind it.

As a result, not only saintesses but even battle knights were often not particularly well-off.

"Hmm… If not property, do you at least rent a place?"

"I… I don't."

"Well, that makes things a bit more troublesome."

Rias nodded slightly and began pondering their next move.

Before she could come up with a solution, Asia cautiously spoke up from the side.

"Well, um, I don't really mind… As long as I can stay with Mr. Fukuki, it doesn't matter where…"

"No!"

"That's absolutely not allowed~"

Rias and Akeno spoke in unison before Asia could finish her sentence.

Koneko, who had been about to chime in, hesitated when the others beat her to it. She silently closed her mouth again, as they had already expressed what she was going to say.

"Uh…"

The sudden outburst startled Asia, making her shrink back slightly. Her emerald-green eyes blinked in confusion, filled with innocence and puzzlement.

She had only suggested staying with Mr. Fukuki, so why was everyone reacting so strongly?

While Asia remained baffled, the two girls who had just voiced their objections glanced at each other, realizing they shared the same thought.

Rias narrowed her eyes at her close friend, while Akeno responded with a playful smile, her hand covering her mouth. For a brief moment, it felt like sparks crackled in the air.

Sensing the conversation might grind to a halt, Fukuki, standing beside Asia, gave it some thought before offering a suggestion.

"It's not entirely impossible. My house is fairly large, and I do have a spare room—"

"No."

This time, it was Koneko who interrupted. She walked over to Fukuki and lightly kicked the back of his calf, not hard but as if to warn him.

Fukuki raised his hands innocently. "I said there's a spare room. It's not like she'd be staying in the same bedroom."

"That's still not allowed."

Another kick.

"…Why?"

Fukuki was genuinely confused now.

It's just letting her stay for a couple of days. Sure, Kuroka might have some complaints, but as long as they stayed in separate rooms and he kept her well-fed each night, it should be fine.

Renting a place in Japan wasn't particularly difficult either, and Asia barely had any belongings. Once they found a place, moving her in would be quick and effortless.

Given how convenient it was, why not?

Rias and Akeno stopped their silent standoff and turned to look at the petite white-haired girl.

Koneko's gaze briefly shifted, and after a moment of pause, she provided an irrefutable reason.

"Because if that happened, President Rias and Akeno-senpai would be upset."

Oh, that's why? Never mind, then.

The two girls simultaneously withdrew their gazes.

"But now that I think about it, I might have a good idea."

As if inspired, Rias turned to the nun not far away and smiled gently.

"Asia, you just said that as long as you can stay with Fukuki-kun, nothing else matters, right?"

"Ah, yes..."

"In that case, I have a suggestion that will not only provide you with a suitable place to live for free but also let you see Fukuki every day. Would you like that?"

"R-really? That would be wonderful!"

Without hesitation, Asia accepted enthusiastically.

On the side, Akeno Himejima had already guessed her president's intentions.

"Rias, are you planning to..."

"Well, it's as simple as that."

Rias gave a knowing wink and continued, "Fukuki is a member of Kuoh Academy's Occult Research Club. If Asia joins our school and becomes a member of the Occult Research Club, she'll not only get free housing but also have somewhere to stay right away. Our club operates out of the old school building, and there are plenty of empty rooms upstairs."

"Ah, yes!"

Asia's eyes sparkled with delight. For her, nothing else mattered as long as she could see Fukuki every day.

With the nun's agreement, the red-haired girl clapped her hands in satisfaction.

"Great! It's decided. Let's call it a day and head home!"

"Okay!"

-----

The scene shifted to outside the church, where the group was saying their goodbyes at the crossroads. Asia reluctantly waved at the boy.

"See you tomorrow, Fukuki-san~"

"See you tomorrow."

Fukuki nodded slightly as the traffic light above the intersection turned green.

He watched the girls' backs fade into the distance toward the school. After a moment of thought, he pulled out his phone and checked his notifications.

—Messages from Kuroka (35 unread).

Emmm, he had only been late for about half an hour, and she was already sending a message every minute?

Sigh, better head home quickly.

With that thought, the boy put away his phone and stepped forward, his figure vanishing from the crossroads.