"Master Tenraku, the barrier is in place."
"Understood."
Tosca's voice echoed from outside the baptism chamber, and Tenraku dispersed the Time Domain. Then he put on his clothes.
The whole baptism chamber had become a mess. Ichinosuke and the others lay powerless on the floor while traces of evil remained on the girls as if they were telling the story of what had just happened.
"Did you feel pleasure?" Tenraku asked and lifted Hirose Jiya's chin.
Like Ichinosuke and the others, the goddess' elder sister was now lying on the ground, her former cold demeanor gone.
"I felt it... I felt..." Hirose Jiya's voice was hoarse.
It was inevitable. Her throat had been hoarse for a long time.
"In the future, worship me well. I will give you more and more pleasure, more and more happiness."
"Yes, my master..." Tenraku's lips curled into a wicked smile while Hirose Jiya's eyes were filled with boundless ecstasy.
This man had brought her joy. From now on, he would be her god!
After a moment of indulgence, Tenraku had to move on. He had already left a trace of the power to create demonic beasts in Ichinosuke. With Tosca, he left the church of the demons.
Over the next half month, Tenraku and Rias' group set up barriers in tens of thousands of churches belonging to the Saints and Demons religion.
They also negotiated with the leaders of various mythological powers in the human world, urging them to move their citizens to cities with churches or strongholds of major powers.
The return of 666 (Trihexa) was imminent. Once it appeared in the human world, it would bring tremendous disaster.
Although the churches of the Saints and Demons Religion and other mythological powers couldn't protect everyone in the human world, they could at least protect the majority and minimize the damage.
After dealing with the affairs of the Saints and Demons Religion, Tenraku and Rias' group had nothing else to do. They spent their days at home, doing basic training and cultivation.
One day, Tenraku sat on the couch and yawned.
Ile and Nel sat on top of him, snacking, while Ni and Li, the two Nekomata girls, curled up on either side of him, dozing off like real cats.
"Master Tenraku, there is a visitor."
Marion, dressed in a tight maid's outfit, approached Tenraku.
Despite the ongoing preparations for the battle against 666 (Trihexa), Kuoh Town had ceased all activities. Tenraku was somewhat surprised that someone would visit them at this time.
"Let them in," Tenraku said after a moment's thought.
"Yes."
With a bow, Marion led a figure from outside in.
It was a beautiful woman who looked to be in her early twenties, with long, flowing black hair and a striking resemblance to Akeno.
It was none other than Akeno's cousin, Himejima Suzaku!
"Suzaku Nee San, what brings you here?" Akeno, who was enjoying tea with Rias and the others, stood up in surprise when she saw her cousin Suzaku.
"Long time no see, Akeno."
"What is this? Aren't you happy to see me?"
Himejima Suzaku gently stroked Akeno's forehead with a warm and slightly playful smile.
"Of course, Suzaku Nee San, I'm very happy to see you here."
Akeno shook her head, genuinely expressing her happiness.
Although Akeno had harbored hatred towards the Himejima family because of her mother, her relationship with her cousin, Himejima Suzaku, had always been good.
Moreover, now that she had resolved her internal conflicts and had no more entanglements with the Himejima family, she was naturally happy to see her cousin Suzaku.
"Are you Princess Rias and Princess Sona?" Suzaku asked as she walked up to Rias and Sona.
"I am Himejima Suzaku, the current head of the Himejima family and Akeno's cousin. Please take care of me."
Seeing Rias and Sona, Suzaku greeted them politely.
"Please take care of us, Suzaku San. We have heard a lot about you from Akeno," Rias and Sona replied respectfully.
"Your Highness, the Red Dragon Emperor, it's been a long time. I apologize for the sudden visit," Suzaku said and turned her gaze to Tenraku.
"Suzaku San, you are too polite. Please, have a seat," Tenraku said, keeping a smile on his face despite the awkwardness he felt during his last visit to the Himejima family.
While everyone invited Suzaku to sit down, Valerie and Asia served refreshments. After some small talk, Tenraku brought up the main topic:
"I wonder what brings Suzaku San to visit us?"
Although Akeno's relationship with her cousin was close, Tenraku couldn't believe that Suzaku had just come to visit, especially at such a time.
"Actually, I am here on behalf of the Himejima family, hoping to form an alliance with the Red Dragon Emperor and the Kamiya family," Suzaku said, his expression turning serious.
"An alliance with us?" Tenraku and Rias' group exchanged surprised looks.
"Yes, the world is facing a great crisis. To protect this country, the power of our few great families alone is not enough. That is why the Himejima family hopes to form an alliance with you," Suzaku explained and nodded.
Although Tenraku found Suzaku's visit unexpected, he was curious about their intentions.
"You are right that we are aware of each other's situation," Tenraku said with a touch of playfulness. "My religion of Saints and Demons has indeed interfered with some of your interests. Shinra, Doumon, Kushihashi, and Hyakki, among other great families, have no intention of allying with us. Why would the Himejima family want to ally with us?"
"Actually, we do not have a good relationship with your family. Moreover, due to Akeno and your previous conflicts, there are probably many in the Himejima Family who still hold grudges against me," Tenraku continued, speaking frankly.
Akeno hesitated while Suzaku couldn't help but smile wryly.
"You're right," Suzaku admitted. "That's why we want to change."
"Oh... I'd like to hear more about that," Tenraku said, showing a hint of interest.
"Although your religion of Saints and Demons has interfered with some of our interests, it's undeniable that it has also protected the people. With the upcoming war, both our family and this country need your strength and that of the Saints and Demons Religion," Suzaku explained earnestly.
"Besides, the Himejima family has made many mistakes in the past. Although some of our people still have difficulty acknowledging our mistakes, many others hope for change. That's why we, the Himejima Family, have decided to ally ourselves with the Kamiya Family."
"For this world and for ourselves," Suzaku added solemnly, looking directly at Tenraku.
"Suzaku Nee San..." Akeno looked at her cousin with a complex expression, while Tenraku was somewhat surprised.
Admitting one's mistakes... It seemed that the Himejima family had indeed changed from the past.
"I think I understand what Suzaku San means," Tenraku said. "Akeno, Rias, Sona, what do you think?"
"We could use some relief by forming an alliance with the Himejima family," Akeno replied.
"Indeed, it would be beneficial to gather more strength in the current situation," Rias agreed.
"I also hope to fight alongside Suzaku's elder sister," Sona added.
After hearing everyone's opinion, Tenraku nodded.
"Then it's decided. Let's form an alliance, Suzaku San!"
To be continued...
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