Akeno: I...Lost?

Chapter 122 - Akeno: I... Lost?

"Now, can you explain clearly what happened between the two of you?"

A gentle smile appeared on Akeno's face, her eyes narrowing into crescents as she tilted her head slightly in a cute and charming gesture, like a curious child. However, the dangerous aura in her words couldn't be hidden.

"We've been confused since this morning," Akeno continued with a smile. 

"First, there was a surprise visit from Riser, then Rias's engagement, and finally the showdown between Mahiro-kun and Riser. It was all so strange."

Akeno, being perceptive, understood priorities. Throughout the day, she had focused on the rating game, refraining from bringing up her concerns with Mahiro or Rias. 

But now that everything was settled, there was no longer a reason to hold back.

"So, can you tell us why Riser was so intent on killing Mahiro-kun? Simply breaking off the engagement shouldn't have escalated to this point."

Akeno's sharp gaze shifted between Mahiro and Rias as she voiced the doubts lingering in her mind.

As Rias's childhood friend, Akeno knew how much effort Rias had put into ending the engagement. 

She suspected that Rias had used Mahiro to help break off the engagement with Riser. After everything that had happened today, Akeno's guess seemed spot on.

However, one thing puzzled her. Riser's murderous intent toward Mahiro had been blatant. 

His determination to kill Mahiro was clear, to the point that he even abandoned his noble demeanor to force Mahiro into a Rating Game. That kind of behavior was unreasonable.

If Rias had only used Mahiro as a means to an end, Riser wouldn't have gone to such extremes. There had to be more to the story.

"Well, I'd like to know too."

Koneko, who had been quietly standing off to the side, suddenly spoke up.

"Koneko-chan is curious too!" Akeno, feeling encouraged, turned her gaze to Asia. "Asia, don't you want to know as well?"

"Eh?" Asia looked a bit confused, but then said naturally, "Now that Mahiro-kun has dissolved the engagement that troubled Rias-san, everything should be fine, right?"

"Asia wants to know too?" Akeno smiled, pressing gently.

"Ah... Umu!" Feeling the subtle pressure from Akeno, Asia nodded weakly.

"See, Mahiro-kun? Everyone wants to know. So, why don't you explain it to us?" Akeno's previous sharpness faded, and she spoke softly, almost like a gentle wife asking her husband a favor.

Mahiro hesitated. 

What could he possibly say? That Rias had sex with him, making Riser explode with rage? No matter how he phrased it, it wouldn't sound good.

"Let me explain," Rias interjected, sweeping her long hair back with a calm and confident smile.

In just a minute, Rias recounted the whole situation, hiding nothing.

"So... it's all true?" 

Akeno looked at Mahiro, her expression one of reluctant disbelief. It was as if she had hoped for him to deny it, to offer some other explanation.

"Uh..." Mahiro let out a dry laugh, nodding.

"Rias, don't you think your approach was a bit... cunning?" Akeno's frustration was palpable as she stared at Rias with clear dissatisfaction. She had been taking her time, planning to get closer to Mahiro gradually. But Rias had beaten her to it.

"It's not about being cunning, Akeno," Rias replied coolly.

"Before this, you didn't seem interested in Mahiro-kun at all. Why suddenly take such a bold step?"

"Who said I wasn't interested? I've been curious about Mahiro-kun ever since he confessed to me. I even told you during the training camp that I had a good impression of him."

Rias's confident tone left Akeno at a loss for words. She had thought Rias was only teasing her before. 

Who would have guessed she was serious? Besides, Rias hadn't shown any affection toward Mahiro before. 

How had things escalated so quickly?

"And Mahiro-kun, couldn't you resist temptation even a little? You've been so cold to me!" Akeno looked at Mahiro with mock indignation. 

She had been nothing but open toward him. If Mahiro had made a move, she wouldn't have turned him down. But now, Rias had beaten her to it.

Mahiro wisely decided to stay silent. At this point, anything he said would only make things worse.

"It just means you weren't attractive enough, Akeno." Rias smiled lightly, her words a playful jab. "It's better to strike first. Isn't that something you taught me, Akeno?"

Rias, now confident in her position with Mahiro, wasn't about to back down.

"Rias, are you picking a fight?" 

Akeno narrowed her eyes, her voice holding a challenge.

"Bring it on." Rias stood her ground, undaunted.

"Let's settle this on the back mountain." Without hesitation, Akeno activated a magic circle, with Rias following suit.

"What... is even happening right now?" Mahiro sighed. 

He had planned to celebrate with Rias tonight, but it seemed there was no chance of that now.

"Excuse me, a high school boy who can't even resist a little temptation." As Koneko walked past Mahiro, heading toward the sofa, she paused briefly. 

With her usual blank expression, she added, "How shameful."

Mahiro was left speechless. What was with all these biting remarks?

"Mahiro-san, it must be tough." Yuuto smiled, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

"Go away." Mahiro snapped irritably.

"Let's go, Asia. It's time to head home." Now that the commotion had died down, Mahiro was ready to take Asia home.

"Asia, are you coming?" He was about to leave but noticed Asia hadn't moved.

"Mahiro-kun, if you ever need anything, you can always come to me," Asia said with teary eyes, looking up at him like a sad, abandoned puppy.

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