[178] Not Treating as Not Means It Isn't!
The Occult Research Club was quite a spacious activity room, furnished with tables, sofas, and a desk in the center, accompanied by a chair. Glancing around, although it seemed small, the place was surprisingly roomy.
Moreover, it was well-stocked with various supplies, including a tea set, a wardrobe, and August even noticed several doors that seemed to connect to other classrooms around, all integrated into one.
A lavish setup, truly befitting a wealthy family.
"Nice to see you again, August-san."
On the sofa, Akeno was brewing tea and handed a cup to August.
On the opposite side, Koneko sat on the sofa, munching on snacks. She glanced at August, then turned her head away, unwilling to acknowledge him.
"Akeno and Koneko, nice to see you again."
"Don't talk to me, you pervert-senpai."
Before Akeno could say anything, Koneko's sarcastic voice reached August.
Hearing this, August raised an eyebrow, then promptly sat beside Koneko, placing a big hand on her head, continuously teasing her.
"Let go of me, you pervert-senpai."
"You've already called me a pervert-senpai, not doing something perverted makes me feel like I'm missing out."
"Disgusting, pervert, H..."
"Continue, I don't mind."
Feeling August's 'paws' constantly rubbing her head, Koneko's face turned green. "You're not minding? You're clearly retaliating."
"Ara~, what a good atmosphere. In just two days, Koneko and August-san have become so familiar with each other."
"Just average."
"Nothing special."
Both of them said simultaneously, causing Akeno to burst into laughter.
Bang!
At that moment, a door opened, and Rias, wearing a bath towel, entered, towel-drying her hair.
One couldn't deny the charm of a beauty fresh out of the bath, and August reluctantly admitted that Rias looked very pretty at this moment, with continued appeal to men.
However, at the same time, Rias's image in August's heart plummeted.
In the original story, when Issei Hyoudou arrived, Rias had also come out of the bath, nearly making Issei Hyoudou lose his eyeballs.
This indicated that it wasn't a coincidence, she intentionally met August like this.
Moreover, she asked Yuuto Kiba to find August for her. When someone has business with another, do they first take a bath and then greet the person with a post-bath appearance?
Besides, after making Issei Hyoudou her peerage, on the first night, she directly undressed and ran into his bed.
Any woman with a bit of modesty and shame wouldn't engage in such behavior.
Certainly, this is a story created for fanservice and attention, but now, it has turned into reality, and that's a problem.
"Rias, I wonder what business you have with me? Classes are about to start, and you had Yuuto Kiba come all this way to find me, so it must be something urgent, right?"
With a single sentence, Rias's expression slightly stiffened. Despite her current appearance, August seemed unfazed.
But, after all, she was an experienced person, and Rias quickly composed herself.
"I asked you to come, August-san, because there's something important."
"But, go ahead."
August's impression of Rias took another hit.
Knowing how close he was to Sona from Koneko, she couldn't hold back?
They've only met for a short time, and she can't resist already?
"August-san, become a part of my family."
"Family? Rias, are you confessing to me? You're a good girl, but sorry, I don't want to date anyone for now."
This immediately resolved Rias's intentions and also earned her a 'good guy card.'
Rias was left somewhat speechless by this response, as she hadn't finished speaking.
"August-san, I didn't mean that. What I meant is, I want to invite you to become my peerage."
"Peerage?"
"Yes, because everyone present here, including me, is not human."
The next moment, wings of devils sprouted behind Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba.
"We are all devils."
After saying this, Rias looked victorious, expecting August to be astonished.
"Devil, and then?"
"Aren't you surprised?"
"Why should I be surprised? I've even encountered stray devils. So what if you're a devil?"
"This... "
Now it was Rias's turn to be at a loss for words.
"Besides, why should I become your peerage?"
"Become my peerage, and you can become a devil, possessing powers beyond humans, a long and almost eternal life. In a few years, when you reach the level of a high-ranking devil, you can also acquire peerages."
Painting a grand picture, this was something all those in higher positions liked to do.
August didn't want to say anything more. A long and almost eternal life? Are you serious? Even the few ancient devils in the Underworld can be counted on one hand, and those over a thousand years are extremely rare. And eternal?
Moreover, a high-ranking devil? Could a Reincarnated devil achieve that?
In the original story, Issei Hyoudou only ascended two levels and reached the rank of a Special-Class Devil during the final battle.
Is that it? A super level being is given the title of a Special-Class devil?
You must know that Issei Hyoudou is a super level being and has connections with major factions worldwide, fallen angels, angels, Norse, all of whom are his wives.
So, judging by the peerages, it's extremely difficult for a Reincarnated Devilto become a high-ranking devil.
"A Reincarnated Devil? Become your peerage? Rias, are you asking me to be your servant?"
"I have never treated my peerages as servants, we are family."
"You don't treat us as servants, which means, fundamentally, we are servants."
A 'not treating as not' already exposed the problem.
Whenever such words are used, it means that it is the truth.
At this moment, whether it was Akeno, Konenko, or Kiba, their bodies all trembled slightly.
Yes, if you don't treat it as such, it doesn't mean it isn't.
Many times, they also called Rias 'master.'
August looked at Rias, his lips slightly curling up.
It was immensely satisfying for August to say 'no' to those women who felt self-important.
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