Diodora Astaroth approached the group, a look of excitement on his face. Bypassing Haru, he stopped before Asia, his voice filled with surprise.
"Asia! I've finally found you!"
Rias and the others exchanged confused glances. Only Haru's eyes narrowed. "Diodora Astaroth, the next head of the Astaroth clan, one of the Devils of the new generation… knows Asia? How?"
Asia stared at Diodora, her face blank.
"Excuse me… do I know you?"
She had no memory of him, but judging by his expression, he seemed to know her quite well. Strange…
"You… don't remember me?" Diodora's face fell, a look of hurt in his eyes.
Then, as if remembering something, he pulled open his shirt, revealing a deep scar on his chest.
"Perhaps… this will jog your memory?"
Asia's eyes widened as she recognized the scar.
"That injury… could it be…"
"I'm so glad you remember," Diodora said, his face beaming.
"To meet my savior here… what incredible luck!"
As he spoke, Rias and the others who knew about Asia's past finally understood.
Savior?
Asia had only saved one Devil…
Back when she was still a nun, Asia had used her Twilight Healing to save a Devil, an act that branded her a witch.
That act of kindness had led to her excommunication from the Church, forcing her to seek the Fallen Angels' protection. Then, while at the abandoned church in Kuoh Town, she had encountered Haru, who tricked her into becoming a Devil.
"I've thought about you every day since then, Asia," Diodora continued, his voice filled with emotion, "even after hearing you were excommunicated, even after you disappeared. I never stopped searching for you. And today… I've finally found you."
Then, to everyone's astonishment, Diodora knelt before Asia.
"It must be fate that brought us together. Asia, I want you to be my wife. Marry me. I love you."
The room fell silent.
Diodora Astaroth was proposing to Asia Argento.
"Huh?" Asia stared at him, dumbfounded.
Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas, watching the scene unfold, scoffed, though a hint of admiration flickered in his eyes. "*Proposing to a Low-Class Devil just because she saved his life…"
Seekvaira Agares, standing opposite Zephyrdor, adjusted her glasses, her face filled with respect. "I'd heard the next head of the Astaroth clan was a terrible person."
Sairaorg Bael looked at Diodora with a serious expression. "Diodora… what an unusual Devil."
Someone in the crowd shouted, "Say yes!" And then, except for Rias's peerage, everyone joined in, chanting, "Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!"
Haru watched Asia's confused reaction, his eyes narrowing slightly, then snapping open.
Everyone froze. The Devils, their bodies rigid, slowly turned to look at Haru.
A terrifying killing intent radiated from him. They saw visions of their own deaths, their bodies broken and lifeless.
Then, just as quickly, the killing intent vanished.
The Devils collapsed to the ground, trembling, their eyes fixed on Haru with uncontainable fear.
Haru turned his gaze towards Diodora, his voice cold and emotionless. "Kid, you want to make a move on my girl?"
Diodora stared at Haru's impassive face, his hand reaching into his pocket, grasping an object within. Feeling its presence, he calmed down slightly.
Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. "You… are Bael-sama, correct?"
Haru raised an eyebrow, silently prompting him to continue.
Diodora swallowed, the object in his pocket giving him a surge of confidence. His voice, though still trembling, was filled with conviction.
"Asia-sama is not your girl! I know, ancient Devils like you value strength above all else. You're all violent thugs. But this is a new era! Brute force doesn't work anymore."
"I challenge you! A Rating Game! The prize—Asia Argento's ownership."
Gasps of shock and disbelief filled the hall. The Devils around Diodora tried to dissuade him.
"Are you crazy, Diodora? That's Bael-sama! You can't win!"
"A Rating Game's outcome depends on the King's strength!"
Diodora raised his hands, silencing the crowd. He looked at Haru, his voice firm. "Since Bael-sama's power far surpasses my own, I request that there be no limit to the number of Evil Pieces I can use."
"This is getting interesting…."
A new voice echoed through the hall as two figures, followed by a retinue of high-ranking Devils, entered the room.
One was Sirzechs Lucifer. The other was a man with short, light green hair and a rather effeminate appearance. He was the one who had just spoken.
The young Devils in the hall gasped, bowing their heads respectfully. "Sirzechs-sama! Ajuka-sama!"
The Maou Sirzechs Lucifer and Ajuka Beelzebub had arrived.
Diodora quickly knelt, addressing the two Maou. "Sirzechs-sama, Ajuka-sama! I request your permission to challenge Bael-sama under these conditions."
Ajuka, his face etched with a wry smile, looked at Diodora. "Numbers are meaningless against Bael-sama."
"For Asia-sama," Diodora replied, his voice filled with determination, "I'm willing to try."
Ajuka turned his gaze towards Haru.
<><><><>
Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters. Ahead of the rest!
https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
There is 9 Exciting Fanfics already available on my Patreon!