After putting Issei to sleep on his home, without his mother and father seeing both Arthur and Rias, he was walking back to Rias's place.
On the way, Rias seems like she has something to ask, but she was hesitating. From Rias personality, Arthur had an idea what she was about to ask.
Finally, as if she made her mind, Rias asked.
"Hey, Arthur, did you know Issei was about to get attacked back there? Is that why you asked me to meet him after the school is over?"
Arthur slowed his pace slightly, then glanced sideways at her with a smile. "Yes, I know."
"Then why didn't you prevent it?" Rias asked.
"Why do I need to prevent it?" Arthur asked.
"Because he would have died if not," Rias said.
"Yes, he could have died," Arthur replied evenly, the casual tone in his voice contrasting the weight of the situation.
Rias's steps faltered, her frustration evident. "Then why didn't you stop it? You knew he would be attacked, and you still let him walk into danger."
Arthur sighed softly, stopping in his tracks to face her fully. "Rias, Issei is THE Red Dragon Emperor. His life is not going to be Rainbow and Sunshine."
"Even if I have the ability to see bits of the future, that doesn't mean I will prevent something that is useful to you. This attack and near-death experience is essential for him." Arthur said.
"But he just became a devil yesterday. Even if I don't like his perverted behavior, he is still a member of my peerage, and I can't just subject him to something like this." Rias said.
Hearing that reply, Arthur smiled because, even as a devil, she is good and kind but still spoiled.
Now that I think about it, most women from Bael families have this trait. Arthur thought, then continued with his serious face.
"Rias, the reason why you wanted to become strong and have a strong peerage is because you wanted to break off your engagement, right?" Arthur said as he came close to her.
Rias's eyes flickered with surprise, but she didn't hesitate in her response. "Yes," she said firmly, looking up at him. The determination in her eyes was unmistakable. The engagement to Riser Phoenix was more than just an obligation for her—it was a chain, binding her to a fate she didn't want.
"Then if you're ready to face hardship—true hardship—then I'll help you. I'll give you the power to defeat not only Riser Phoenix, but to become strong enough to make even the gods tremble." Arthur didn't stop there. "You didn't want to be known as Rias GREMORY instead as Rias, right? Take my hand. I will make all your dreams come true."
Because of the darkness of the night and the atmosphere, Rias suddenly got a sharp chill down her spine. She just looked at Arthur's extended hand and suddenly got a flashback.
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"Rias, my daughter, no matter how desperate you are, do not make any form of deal—formal or verbal—with beings from Nazarick." Rias's father, Zeoticus Gremory, said to young Rias.
"Why?" Young Rias asked, "Do they not honour their words?"
"That's not the reason, Rias. In fact, everything they say is true, or they will make it true. But the price they ask is something you can never give them. So stay away from them."
🔹🔹🔹
Sorry, Father. Rias thought, then she faced Arthur.
"What is the price I need to pay to achieve that?" Rias asked Arthur.
She knows. She is taking a step that she can't take back.
Arthur's eyes glinted with an almost mischievous light as he stepped closer; his presence suddenly became overwhelming. He came close—too close—enough for their breaths to mingle in the air between them.
"Price, huh?" he whispered, his voice low and teasing.
Because of Arthur's incubus form, which releases natural pheromones to attract the opposite sex, Rias started to feel a little wet on her crotch.
He raised a finger to her lips, brushing it gently, almost teasingly. A strange shiver ran down her spine, her thoughts momentarily clouded by the sensation.
[Stop harassing her, sir.]
Snapped back to reality by Friday's words, Arthur quickly withdrew his hand, realizing the effect he was having.
"You always have to ruin the mood, don't you?" Arthur muttered under his breath.
Rias, regaining her composure, blinked, her face slightly flushed. She wasn't entirely sure what had just happened but remained focused on the question she had asked.
Arthur cleared his throat and spoke, "I am sure you'll know what the price is in due time."
"Are you going to ask my soul or something?" Rias asked.
"Of course not. What do you think of me? I am sure when I ask for the price you will give me a chuckle and laugh." Arthur said with a smile.
From his behavior earlier, Rias had an idea of what he was going to ask, which was a relief as she doesn't have to fear anything. And since Arthur has told her, he doesn't need her soul, which was a big relief.
If it was anyone else, she wouldn't trust a single word about making her strong or anything. But Arthur was not anyone. He is from THE Nazarick. The house of the oldest being in the world.
Even though Ancient One was not famous for his strength, one thing he was famous for was his promise, which was more valuable than any precious materials. And all his subordinates also follow Ancient One example, well, except for Sir Demiurge, who is a true example of what a biblically accurate devil is and even more.
Nazarick is the strongest fortress, which can take defense against anything and anyone. Rias doesn't know what position Arthur leads in Nazarick, but from how casually he uses the Nazarick potion, he is not some low-level member.
Speaking of potion, Rias looked at Arthur.
"Hey, about the potion you used on issei..
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