Gremory Mansion
At the Gremory mansion, the atmosphere was tense. Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko were still processing what had happened with Kaito. The aura he had emitted before leaving and his transformation into something beyond a Devil were worrying and mysterious.
Rias, sitting on the sofa in the living room, had her head bowed, her thoughts turbulent. Akeno sat beside her, trying to comfort her, while Kiba and Koneko watched the scene, still in shock.
Akeno, usually serene, was visibly concerned. She looked at Rias, seeing the conflict and pain in her eyes. With a sigh, she decided to break the silence.
"Rias," Akeno began, her voice soft and comforting. "What do you plan to do about Kaito? We need a plan."
Rias slowly raised her head, her eyes still showing confusion and pain. "Akeno, I... I don't know. I need to find him first. Kaito needs to come back to us."
Kiba, who had been observing in silence, stepped forward, bowing slightly in respect. "Rias-sama, if I may, I think we should inform Sirzechs-sama about what happened. He might help us find Kaito and deal with this situation."
Rias frowned, shaking her head. "No, Kiba. I can't do that. If I tell Sirzechs, it could complicate things even more. He might not understand what's happening with Kaito and could make decisions we can't control."
As Rias spoke, her thoughts were in turmoil. She knew that informing Sirzechs could mean losing the only chance to break the marriage contract. Additionally, she believed that if Kaito returned to her Peerage, everything could be resolved. She didn't want to risk losing that opportunity.
Akeno looked deeply at Rias, noticing the agitation and indecision in her expression. She knew the situation was delicate and that Rias was under enormous pressure, both emotionally and strategically. With a sigh, Akeno decided to suggest a more practical and immediate approach.
"Rias," Akeno began again, this time with a more determined tone, "maybe we don't need to involve Sirzechs-sama immediately. We can try to resolve this ourselves first."
Rias raised her eyes to meet Akeno's, curiosity mixed with doubt. "What are you suggesting, Akeno?"
Akeno paused, ensuring she had Rias's full attention before continuing. "Rias, I think we should go to the abandoned church where Kaito rescued Asia. We might find some clue about where he went or what exactly happened there."
Rias frowned, thoughtful. "The abandoned church... yes, that makes sense. Maybe we can find something useful there. Do you think it could work, Akeno?"
Akeno nodded, a gentle smile appearing on her face. "Yes, Rias. And with that, we can resolve this situation without needing to involve Sirzechs-sama for now."
Seeing Rias's acceptance, Akeno felt immediate relief. "Let's prepare and go as soon as possible," said Akeno, her voice comforting and assured. "With you calmer, we can think clearly and act more effectively."
Rias sighed, feeling the tension ease slightly. "Thank you, Akeno. You always know what to say to calm me."
Akeno smiled, happy to see Rias a bit more at ease. "We're all in this together, Rias. We'll bring Kaito back."
Rias nodded affirmatively, her face still determined. "Yes, our goal is to bring him back to my Peerage. He belongs with us, and I won't let him be lost."
Akeno looked seriously at Rias. "Rias, we shouldn't overlook Asia. She seems important to Kaito. It might be that the key to bringing him back is recognizing her importance to him."
Rias pondered for a moment, reflecting on Akeno's words. "You're right, Akeno. Asia is important to Kaito. We need to consider that when planning our approach."
Akeno looked at Rias, her worry deepening. "Rias, there's something we need to consider seriously. Kaito... he removed the Evil Pieces from his body. And he did it with ease. None of us have the strength to do that."
Rias frowned, the weight of Akeno's words sinking in. "I know," said Rias, her voice low and filled with concern. "To do that, Kaito would have to be many times stronger than me. That's... terrifying."
Akeno nodded slowly, her expression grave. "Yes, Rias. He showed a power we never imagined he had. And that means... he might not want to return to the Peerage."
Those words hit Rias like a direct blow. She felt a wave of sadness and despair wash over her heart. The idea that Kaito might not want to return, to no longer be part of her Peerage, was devastating.
Rias lowered her head, her shoulders sagging under the weight of emotion. "I... I don't know what to do, Akeno," she said, her voice trembling. "The thought of losing Kaito... it's unbearable. I can't imagine my Peerage without him."
Akeno felt Rias's pain and gently placed her hand on Rias's shoulder. "Rias, I understand how you feel. But we need to be strong. We need to find Kaito and talk to him. Maybe we can understand what he's thinking and what he really wants."
Rias looked at Akeno, her eyes filled with sadness. "But what if he truly doesn't want to come back? What if he decides he's better off without us?"
Akeno, seeing the depth of Rias's anguish, took a deep breath and decided it was time to express her determination and loyalty clearly. She knew that to help Rias, she needed to be willing to make any sacrifice.
"Rias," Akeno began, her voice soft but filled with firmness. "I'm willing to offer everything I have to bring Kaito back to our Peerage. If that means you can have what you desire – the end of the marriage contract – then I'll do whatever it takes."
Rias blinked, surprised by Akeno's words. "Akeno, would you do that? Are you really willing to sacrifice everything?"
Akeno nodded, her eyes full of determination. "Yes, Rias. If it means you can live free from the marriage contract and Kaito will return to us, I'll do anything. You deserve to be happy, and our Peerage needs him. We can't lose hope."
Rias felt a wave of gratitude and emotion fill her heart. Akeno's words, full of sacrifice and devotion, touched her deeply.
"Akeno," said Rias, her voice trembling with emotion. "You have no idea how much that means to me. Having you by my side, willing to make these sacrifices... I am truly blessed to have a queen and a friend like you."
Akeno smiled softly, squeezing Rias's shoulder reassuringly. "We're a family, Rias. And we'll do whatever it takes to protect and support each other. We'll bring Kaito back, and we'll make sure you have the future you desire."
Rias held Akeno's hand, feeling the strength and comfort her friend conveyed. "Thank you, Akeno. With you by my side, I feel we can overcome any challenge. We'll bring Kaito back, together."
The scene at the Gremory mansion became a bit lighter, with Rias and Akeno's determination and hope renewed.
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