Diodora was walking through the castle accompanied by the queen of his Peerage, Lara, with a gentle but bored smile. He greeted the other heirs he encountered along the way, exchanging brief words of courtesy while his gaze wandered the hall.
As they walked, Lara noticed the bored expression on Diodora's face and leaned in to whisper in his ear.
"You seem bored, Diodora-sama. Is everything alright?" she asked, her soft voice showing genuine concern.
Diodora sighed softly, his shoulders relaxing slightly at Lara's sincere concern.
"It's just that these parties can be a bit monotonous sometimes," he admitted, his eyes wandering the hall. "It's always the same: greeting people we barely know and engaging in superficial conversations."
Lara nodded understandingly, her expression reflecting empathy for Diodora's dilemma.
"You could have declined Riser Phenex's invitation, Diodora-sama," she gently suggested. "Since it's just a party meant for displaying wealth with no real purpose."
Diodora considered Lara's suggestion for a moment, reflecting on his own expectations for the event.
"Actually, I was hoping this party would help me distract myself from a particular matter," he revealed, sharing a bit of his vulnerability with Lara. "But it seems it's not fulfilling that purpose."
Diodora continued to stroll through the castle, exchanging brief greetings with the other heirs. Something caught his attention and made him stop abruptly.
Lara, noticing the change in Diodora's posture, leaned toward him with concern. "You seem worried, Diodora-sama. What happened?"
Diodora sighed, his eyes fixed on a peculiar scene across the hall. "Can it be what she's doing here?" he murmured to himself, more to Lara than anyone else.
Curious, Lara followed Diodora's gaze and spotted Asia, dressed as a nun, conversing and eating sweets with Ravel.
Already familiar with her master's particular tastes, Lara understood the commotion.
"Diodora-sama, I don't know who the Nun is, but the other girl is Ravel Phenex," Lara informed, trying to bring some clarity to the situation.
Diodora nodded, looking perturbed by Asia's unexpected presence. "Remember, we're at a Riser's event," Lara reminded, aware of the importance of maintaining appearances.
Diodora took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.
"Asia Argento is the girl's name, she's someone I was looking for," he said, making an impulsive decision. "Let's go to her."
Determined, Diodora began to make his way toward Asia and Ravel, with Lara following by his side, prepared for whatever might come.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Ravel and Asia were conversing animatedly. Ravel watched with amusement as Asia enjoyed the sweets from the table.
"You said you were nervous, but you can't stop eating," teased Ravel, with a mischievous smile. "Soon you won't fit in that nun's dress anymore."
Asia blushed slightly, embarrassed by Ravel's observation, but soon laughed along with her, relaxing a bit under her friend's humor.
Diodora approached with Lara by his side, maintaining a serene expression as he observed the interaction between the two girls.
"Good evening, Ravel," greeted Diodora, his voice calm and controlled.
Ravel raised an eyebrow, surprised by Diodora's approach.
"Good evening, Diodora Astaroth?"
"Exactly, I see Miss Phenex has a good memory," Diodora responded with a slight smile, appreciating the recognition.
Ravel smiled back, curious to see what Diodora had to say.
"May I know the name of this lovely lady by your side?" Diodora asked, directing his attention to Asia.
Asia was not comfortable with Diodora's gaze on her, her shyness beginning to show.
"A-Asia Argento," she replied timidly, avoiding Diodora's gaze.
Diodora nodded, his expression serious as he studied Asia for a moment.
"Pleasure to meet you, Asia Argento," he said, his voice soft trying to convey a sense of calm.
Merlin watched the scene with interest, her keen eyes capturing every movement in the castle's hall. She immediately noticed when Diodora approached Asia and Ravel. Quickly, she made mental contact with Riser, her master, to update him on the situation.
"Riser-sama, we have an unexpected development here at the party," Merlin communicated telepathically. "Diodora Astaroth has approached Asia and Ravel."
Riser, on the other side of the hall, received Merlin's message and nodded.
"I'll come down to keep an eye on things," Riser affirmed.
"Okay, Riser-sama," Merlin replied, remaining vigilant as she watched the interaction between Ravel, Asia, and Diodora.
Curious, Diodora decided to inquire a bit more about the relationship between Ravel and Asia.
"Is Asia the queen of your Peerage, Ravel?" he asked, intrigued by the possibility.
Ravel furrowed her brow, amused by Diodora's confusion. She immediately turned to Asia, holding her hand in a protective gesture.
"No, Asia is my Bishop," Ravel replied with a playful smile. "I don't have a Queen yet."
Diodora nodded, filing the information away in his mind as he continued to observe Asia with interest.
"I see," he responded, his expression serious as his eyes remained fixed on Asia.
Merlin remained watchful of the conversation between Diodora, Ravel, and Asia with great attention.
Lara observed Merlin with interest, remembering having seen her before during a Rating Game with Riser.
"How about a beneficial deal, Ravel?" he proposed, his eyes fixed on her. "I offer you someone capable of being a good Queen for your Peerage, and you give me Asia."
Ravel frowned, surprised by Diodora's suggestion. She immediately turned to Asia, holding her hand in a protective gesture.
"Of course not. Asia is not just my Bishop, she's my friend," Ravel replied firmly, determined to protect her friendship with Asia.
Diodora visibly became irritated by Ravel's refusal, his expression growing darker.
"Think about it, it's a great deal," Diodora insisted, trying to convince Ravel to reconsider. "You can..."
"I already said no," Ravel interrupted, pulling Asia's hand. "Let's go closer to my brother."
Diodora tried to grab Ravel's arm, his expression becoming more desperate as he tried to persuade her to reconsider her refusal. However, before he could reach her, Riser suddenly appeared next to Diodora, firmly holding his arm.
Diodora turned to face Riser, surprised by his unexpected intervention. Before he could say anything, Merlin snapped her fingers, and in an instant, Asia and Ravel disappeared from the hall, teleported to another location.
Noticing Ravel and Asia's sudden absence, Diodora turned his attention back to Riser.
"May I know what the vermin of the Astaroth family wanted with my sister?" Riser asked, his Haoshoku Haki radiating a dominant aura.
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