Under Roy's guidance, Koneko, Asia, Raynare, and Mittelt coexisted peacefully—a rare sight given their affiliations.
Representing devils, a former church saint, and fallen angels, they hailed from factions of biblical mythology with millennia of enmity.
Devils, angels, and fallen angels—had waged war for so long that their main forces were depleted, forcing a truce not from victory but from exhaustion.
High-ranking members of these factions might maintain civility, but mid-class and low-class members often clashed on sight. Living together was unthinkable.
Yet, this unusual harmony unfolded in Roy's home.
"Alright, devil, your room's ready," Raynare announced, emerging from a second-floor room with Mittelt.
Her tone carried a sharp edge.
If not for Roy's orders, they'd never have prepared a room for a devil.
"Thanks," Koneko replied, her expression blank.
"My name's Koneko Toujou."
Raynare paused, eyeing Koneko for a few seconds. "I'm Raynare. Call me that."
"I'm Mittelt," Mittelt added, following Raynare's lead.
"I'll take my things upstairs," Koneko said, hefting her schoolbag and suitcase.
Before ascending, she glanced at Roy. "I'll report the fallen angels to President."
It wasn't a secret, and Rias would learn of it eventually.
Upstairs, guided by Raynare, Koneko settled her belongings and called Rias to report the situation.
"Understood, Koneko," Rias said calmly, a faint smile in her voice.
"Since Roy wants you to get along, follow his lead. The fallen angels shouldn't pose a major issue."
"Still, keep an eye on them," she added.
"Roy's only recently awakened his Sacred Gear and is new to our world. He might miss things we need to watch for."
"Got it," Koneko replied evenly, then ended the call.
"Rias, fallen angels at Roy's place?" Akeno asked.
"Two of them, likely companions of the fallen angels Roy killed," Rias replied.
"Probably sought revenge but, learning he's the red dragon emperor, chose to follow him instead."
"Talk about opportunists," Akeno said, a mocking curve to her lips.
"Roy's something else, though. Letting go of their grudge so easily doesn't speak well of their character, yet he took them in."
"He's new to our world of devils and fallen angels," Rias said with a dismissive smile.
"Curiosity about them is natural. Per Koneko, they're likely mid-class or low-class. Even if they've got ulterior motives, they can't cause much trouble."
"Fallen angels are cunning, Rias," Akeno teased.
"Sure you can be so lax?"
"It's Roy's business. I don't want to meddle too much," Rias replied, shaking her head.
"Should've moved on Roy sooner," Akeno said playfully.
"If you were his girlfriend, you'd have a say in his affairs. If those fallen angels sway him, that'd be a problem."
Roy, as the Red Dragon Emperor, would be prized by any faction.
Akeno doubted Raynare and Mittelt were merely followers; they likely aimed to pull Roy to the fallen angels' side.
"Roy's not easily swayed," Rias looked confident, her faith in his resolve unshaken by her own failed attempts to recruit him.
"Koneko's in a tough spot, though," Akeno sighed.
"Should I help her out?"
"No need," Rias said.
"I'm heading to the Underworld tomorrow for a few days. I'll need you to manage things here."
"About the Phenex matter?"
Rias nodded. "I've followed my clan's arrangements before, but they made a decision without my consent. I'm done accepting that."
Sona's recent prodding had solidified Rias's resolve to assert her will.
"Hope it goes well," Akeno said.
"I hope so," Rias replied, a determined glint in her eyes.
At Roy's villa, Koneko's first night passed without incident.
Over the weekend, Roy, Asia, Koneko, Raynare, and Mittelt spent a day shopping on the commercial street.
Asia's belongings, left at the church, had been retrieved by Raynare and Mittelt, and the stray exorcists led by Freed had been dealt with.
Asia, having lived in the church, owned mostly nun's attire.
The night Roy took her in, he'd bought her only two sets of casual clothes.
Thus, much of the day was spent trying on and purchasing new outfits.
They also toured Kuoh Academy to familiarize Asia with the campus.
In two days, Asia and Koneko grew close.
With Asia's warmth and Roy's mediation, Koneko's tension with Raynare and Mittelt eased.
While not friendly, their interactions lost their initial hostility, resembling normal conversation on the surface.
Asia was thrilled, making friends and preparing for school.
Her excitement about Kuoh Academy kept her awake Sunday night, causing her to oversleep and skip breakfast.
"Koneko, Asia's in your hands," Roy said as they reached the school building, parting ways.
"Anyone who tries to bully her will answer to my fists," Koneko said, brandishing a clenched hand with quiet menace.
Roy smiled, nodded, and headed to his class.
Stepping into his second-year classroom, Roy drew envious and jealous stares, mostly from boys.
Their glares suggested he'd stolen their dream girl.
"What's your deal with Koneko Toujou? Why'd you arrive with her?" one demanded.
"Who's that cute blonde? She was with you!" another chimed in.
"She's a transfer student, right? Never seen her before."
"Definitely a transfer. Heard she was spotted in the first-year class last Friday."
"First year? Koneko's there, but why not our class?"
The room buzzed with excited questions from boys and girls alike.
"They're clubmates," Roy explained with a casual smile.
"The blonde is Asia Argento, a transfer student and new member of the Occult Research Club."
His answer quelled the chatter temporarily.
"Showing off again, dear?" Kiryu teased as he sat.
"But I bet your relationship with those two isn't so simple."
"We live together," Roy admitted.
Kiryu's eyes flicked downward mischievously.
"What, Murayama, Katase, and I haven't worn you out, so you're already drained elsewhere?"
Her suggestive tone was immediate.
"Plenty of ammo left," Roy shot back, rolling his eyes.
"Oh?" Kiryu turned to Katase and Murayama.
"Hear that, girls? Dear's still in play. If we work hard to tire him out, he won't have energy to flirt with other classes."
"Shut up!" Katase and Murayama retorted, flustered.
Roy grinned and prepared for class.
That afternoon, the group gathered at the Occult Research Club.
"Asia, how was your first day?" Akeno asked with a warm smile.
"Really good! Everyone in class was so kind and welcoming," Asia said, her face glowing with joy.
Attending a normal school was a fresh experience, surrounded by classmates unlike the nuns and priests of her past.
Though she didn't grasp all their topics, she found their chatter fascinating.
"They seem to get along well," Akeno observed, smiling.
"Some boys with bad intentions approached Asia, but I drove them off," Koneko added.
"Thanks, Koneko," Roy said, appreciating her protective instincts.
"Where's Rias? She's not back yet?" Roy asked, noticing her absence.
"Underworld matters are complicated. It might take a while," Akeno said with a sigh.
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