Even if Riser couldn't read a mind, from Asia's expression, he could tell that she must have heard what he had been doing with Xenovia. Unlike Rossweisse and Irina, who slept like a pig, Asia must be a light sleeper, but somehow, with what had happened to her life, he also didn't feel surprised, considering how precious the existence of Issei was within her heart.
Frankly, Asia's best impression of Issei was when she arrived in Japan for the first time. When she had just been thrown out of the church and lost a place called home, like fate, she happened to meet with Issei.
Issei, who was lustful toward a beautiful girl, didn't let go of his chance to befriend this cute nun, who knew nothing about society.
"Sorry."
"No, no. It's my fault that I can't sleep..."
Asia's voice became lower and lower as she apologized, but then, she couldn't face Riser as Xenovia's scream was so loud!
Yet, even her scream was loud; it was sexy, lewd, and rousing.
While Asia might have watched 18+ videos as they existed in Issei's room, causing her to be curious, it was her first time seeing and hearing in reality. Nevertheless, this act of hers might seem unbelievable, especially when she was a nun who dedicated herself fully to the Lord just a few months ago. Yet now, she had become a naughty girl who was curious about the act between a man and a woman.
Still, this feeling also made her feel guilty, especially when she felt this way toward Riser, a man who was supposed to be Issei's enemy.
As someone who was living in the same house as Issei, Asia knew how much Issei hated Riser and how much Issei wished to defeat Riser. While she didn't think that it was possible, her kind heart didn't dare to break Issei's small, petty heart, especially when she cared about him.
As for her feelings toward Issei?
While it wasn't love, Asia cared about him much as Issei was the first person she met in this foreign country.
Yet, it was also due to this reason that Asia couldn't help but imagine how it would become when Riser was the first person to meet her.
"Are you thinking about him?"
Riser slowly moved to Asia's side. The distance wasn't so close or far. It was just right, so Asia didn't feel uncomfortable with him by her side.
"...yes."
When Asia thought about Issei, she couldn't help but sigh, feeling guilty once again as she thought she was the one who caused the death of Issei. Leaning weakly on the veranda, she looked at the distance Tokyo Bay. Watching how deep and dark the sea was during the night, she wondered whether that was how Issei felt when he died. Dark and quiet. Alone without anyone. The more she thought so, the more she wanted to cry, but then a gentle and warm presence was felt on her head.
"...Riser-sama?"
"Do you think Hyoudou will be happy to see you like this?"
"That's..."
"If he sees you like this, I am sure that he will be sad, but..." Riser paused his words for a moment and said, "It must be thoughtless for me to say that."
"No, no! I know that you want to comfort me, Riser-sama."
"No, that's not what I mean." Riser shook his head and said, "I think that it is irresponsible of me to tell you something like that, especially when I don't know your feelings, but I know that ever since that day, you have been living your life, trying to become stronger."
Ah...
How did he know?
Ever since Issei passed away, she has been trying to make herself stronger, wishing to be even stronger, as she didn't wish the same thing to happen again in her life. Yet, at the same time, she knew that Riser might appear like a playboy, but she thought this must be his guise as he tried to hide many things inside him so no one would notice and worry about him.
This made her think that they were the same type of people and made her closer as she lost her reserve and closed the gap between them.
"...did something happen, Riser-sama?"
Riser only chuckled and said, "What has happened to me isn't something special, and I am sure that many people also have the same experience as me."
"That's true, but it must be something painful, right?" Asia sighed and knew that what had happened to her wasn't something uncommon and that many people even experienced something even harder than her, but even so—
"I wonder whether we can return to the past." If they could return to the past, then there was no need for them to make the same mistake again.
That way, there was no need for her to feel something like this again, but—
"It would be nice if we could, but unfortunately, we can't, so you should just try not to repeat the same mistakes, shouldn't you? I think that's what it means to regret."
His voice was calm and low, yet the words that came out of his mouth touched her heart. Instead of punishing herself due to regret, she should try not to make the same mistake. It was just something simple, but she forgot.
"I am sure that Hyoudo will think the same if he sees your current situation," Riser said with a gentle smile.
"Um..."
Asia nodded quietly as she showed Riser a soft smile. At the same time, she thought that Riser was really gentle as she could see that he had forgiven Issei.
Yes, that was true; Riser had forgiven Issei. After all, this guy was dead. Why should he think about Issei all the time?
Still, Riser wondered whether Asia's feelings toward Issei were so fickle.
According to his knowledge, Riser knew that if someone loved Issei the most, it would be Asia.
For Asia, Issei was her everything.
However, with a few words in his mouth, all the worries of Asia disappeared.
Staring into her cute, beautiful face, Riser somehow had an impulse.
Asia somehow noticed Riser's gaze change and caused her to blush, but somehow, she didn't lower her head and just continued to stare at his eyes, seemingly accepting his desire.
Watching his reaction, Riser also didn't hesitate. It would be too sad if Asia continued to dwell on the past and regretted everything. That is why he was going to make her happy, and he was sure Issei and Diodora would be happy when they knew what he did to Asia, right?
"....." System
Slowly and unhurriedly, Riser made sure that this was what Asia wished to do.
Asia was nervous, and her heart was beating so fast, turning her face into deep crimson, yet she didn't move away, waiting before she closed her eyes, accepting his kiss.
As their lips touched, the blazing flame quickly spread all over her body. It was hot and unbearable, yet she didn't hate this feeling. Her heat, worry, and everything melted by the fire, causing her to forget everything and just enjoy the pleasure that was given by him.