"Otou-Sama!" No one expected the mighty previous generation family lord to be defeated so easily and the practitioners of the Himejima Family were filled with shock, and Himejima Suzaku disregarded all obstacles as she flew into the battlefield.
"Cough, cough…"
"Young man, I have lost. If you want my old life, take it, but please refrain from targeting the Himejima Family any further."
With a gruesome bloodstain slashed across his chest, Akeno's Uncle was helped up by Himejima Suzaku and spoke while wearing a weak smile on his face.
Although he had expected his defeat from the start, he never imagined it would be so simple and thorough.
Just how strong had this young man become?
"If you want to kill Otou-Sama, you'll have to step over my dead body first!"
As Tenraku approached him step by step, Himejima Suzaku firmly protected her father behind her.
"Nonsense!"
"Suzaku, have you forgotten my command? Step aside quickly!"
With a drastic change in expression, Akeno's Uncle sternly shouted. Losing his own life wouldn't matter, but as the family lord of the Himejima Family, Suzaku mustn't come to harm.
"Otou-Sama, I won't!" Clamping her lips tightly together, Himejima Suzaku stubbornly turned her head away, defying her father's orders for the first time in her life.
"You… you…" Feeling panicked and infuriated, Akeno's Uncle coughed up several mouthfuls of blood, startling Himejima Suzaku.
"Otou-Sama! Otou-Sama!"
Observing the deep bond between father and daughter, Tenraku had a vein throbbing on his forehead. He thought, "Akeno's Uncle and the others, do you have to make it so melodramatic, it feels like I'm the villain here?"
Well, from their perspective, he probably did look like the villain!
"Akeno, how do you want to deal with him?"
"He was the one who ordered the assassination of your mother and relentlessly pursued you, wanting to erase you from this world. If Akeno wishes, I can kill him now."
Tenraku turned to Akeno, who stood to the side. He had pushed her Uncle to this point of humiliation, and honestly, he couldn't muster much interest in such a "weak" opponent. So he decided to leave Akeno's Uncle's fate in the hands of Akeno, the true victim.
"Akeno, please don't let him harm Otou-Sama. I beg you…"
With a complex expression on her face, Akeno walked forward, while Himejima Suzaku hurriedly pleaded.
"Tenraku, let it end here. Spare him." Letting out a light sigh, Akeno made her decision.
"You won't have any regrets?" A faint smile curved Tenraku's lips as he confirmed.
"I am no longer bound by the past and hatred. Okaa-Sama wouldn't want me to seek revenge, right?"
"Besides, the pain of losing an important loved one is something I can bear alone. I don't want Suzaku to end up like me."
Shaking her head, Akeno expressed her newfound peace and let go of her hatred at that moment.
Rather than being consumed by hatred and making others suffer as she did, her mother surely wanted 0her to live a good life. Akeno finally understood that.
"Akeno, thank you. Thank you…" Tears rolled down Himejima Suzaku's face as she expressed her gratitude.
Shouldering the weight of Akeno in her arms, Tenraku dissipated the Demonic Sword in his hand.
"Since this is Akeno's choice, let it be."
If Akeno still desires revenge, Tenraku would not hesitate to help her kill Uncle, but Tenraku was also happy that Akeno was able to let go of her hatred.
"Uncle, our grievances with the Himejima Family are now settled. I won't seek revenge against you anymore, but please do not disturb my life again." Akeno's expression was cold as she addressed her Uncle while getting out of Tenraku's embrace, who nodded in dismay. He had truly been thoroughly defeated this time.
"Suzaku, I apologize for what happened today." Akeno's gaze fell on Himejima Suzaku, her face filled with remorse.
"No, it is we who should apologize, Akeno." Shaking her head continuously, Himejima Suzaku wore an expression of guilt on her face. As the current family lord, she was well aware of Akeno's situation. It was their own family members who had done such terrible things to Akeno and her mother, yet Akeno chose to forgive them in the end…
"Tenraku, let's go back." Not wanting to stay here any longer, Akeno leaned into Tenraku's embrace once again, appearing visibly exhausted.
"Hai Hai…"
Tenderly brushing the girl's forehead before he threw a bottle of Tears of the Phoenix to Himejima Suzaku before unfurling a pair of Scarlet Dragon Wings behind him. Holding Akeno, they soared into the sky and quickly disappeared from sight.
"This is…"
Recognizing the item thrown at her, Himejima Suzaku's expression lit up with joy. She quickly used the Tears of the Phoenix on her father, and the severe injuries on his body began to visibly heal at a rapid pace.
"Cough… Suzaku, for the glory and position of the family, I ordered those terrible things to be done to Akeno and her mother. I have regretted and blamed myself for it my entire life."
"I am not worthy of begging for that child's forgiveness, but you are different. Your hands are still clean, and that child does not hold any hatred towards you, so… so…"
"I understand, Otou-Sama…"
…
Night, Kamiya Family, Tenraku's room—
"Ah… Ah…"
The room echoed with the sound of the girl's embarrassed cries.
"Rias, will you still get jealous in the future?" Caressing the girl's face beneath him, Tenraku asked with a mischievous smile on his face.
"You… you…" Watching Tenraku and Akeno restraining her, Rias struggled incessantly, overwhelmed with shame and anger.
"Ara ara, Rias, children who don't confess the truth will be punished, you know." Wearing that wicked smile on her face, Akeno lowered her head and sealed Rias' lips with her own.
"Wu wu wu…"
With wide eyes, Rias struggled desperately, but her efforts were in vain. Instead, the two Devils became even more audacious in their torment.
Asia's face turned crimson and she quickly covered her eyes to avoid witnessing those filthy scenes.
Irina and Xenovia exchanged a glance and considered rescuing poor Rias, but they immediately dismissed the thought. They didn't want to become victims themselves!
Apart from them, Yubelluna, Tosca, Mihae, Ni, Li, and several Fallen Angels were all powerless, either covering their eyes, burying their heads, feeling shy, or expressing sympathy— each with their own reactions.
On the other hand, Raynare's eyes gleamed as she watched Akeno, who was tormenting Rias together with Tenraku, her face filled with excitement. Truly, she was their kindred spirit— Himejima Akeno— and Tenraku was becoming more and more fond of her!
With an evil smile, Raynare supported herself and joined in the act.
Poor Rias, this night was destined to be a nightmare for her…
To be continued…
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