Everything is Anime!

"And because of that, I have a proposal. I think you might find it interesting."

"Let's hear it."

Hikaru replied.

"It's like this—you remember when I had Koneko invite you before? Though you refused, I later reflected on it and realized that not everyone needs to become a devil. So, I decided to let it go..."

Rias spoke in a serious tone.

Though she didn't show it outright, Hikaru's pride was palpable. A person with his level of skill and talent wouldn't just join her ranks without reason.

"A smart choice. If this is still about that same matter today, then I don't think we need to meet again in the future."

Hikaru's tone was calm but firm.

"Uh..."

Rias felt a slight tightness in her chest.

She had initially intended to ask again, but after catching the undertone of Hikaru's words, she decisively abandoned that idea.

Hikaru was different from her current servants. Koneko, Akeno, Kiba, and even Gasper had all been homeless or carried deep-seated grudges—reasons that made them willing to accept her invitation.

Hikaru, though alone, was powerful, lived comfortably, and even owned a large house. Without any external pressure or desire, how could she possibly recruit him?

Akeno and Koneko remained silent. They already understood Hikaru's personality well and knew he meant no offense.

"Here's the deal—we'd like to collaborate with you."

Rias cleared her throat before continuing.

"As the ruler of Kuoh Town, I'm sure you're aware that ever since about two and a half years ago, crime in this city has been escalating. Ghouls, cursed spirits, ghosts, rogue exorcists, and stray devils—reports of their activity surface every few days."

"But as you can see, my available personnel are limited to Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno. Just keeping an eye on the Angels and Fallen Angels already takes all our effort. Even if we split up, we're still stretched thin. That's why I hope you can assist us."

"What are the details?"

Hikaru asked.

This was actually quite in line with what he had been thinking.

He then saw Rias take out an obsidian badge engraved with the Gremory family crest.

"This is a communication tool. If an emergency occurs, a familiar will contact you. You're free to choose whether to respond. If you complete a request, we'll compensate you. And if you prefer a different form of reward, that can be arranged as well."

Hearing this, Hikaru nodded.

"Alright, I'll hold onto this, then."

Seeing him accept the badge, Rias was visibly relieved.

After all, this truly solved a major issue for her. Hikaru's assistance wasn't about recruitment—it was purely a business arrangement.

"If that's all, I'll be heading out."

Hikaru said.

"Mm. Oh, right, we also prepared a gift for Est-chan. Please accept it."

Just as Hikaru was aware of their secrets, he had never hidden Est's existence from them either. Rias and Sona Sitri both knew that Hikaru had a sword familiar—and that she could take human form and was quite adorable.

"Then I'll thank you on Est's behalf."

Hikaru didn't stand on ceremony.

After that, he got up and left. Seeing this, Koneko gave Rias a look before following him out.

As the door closed behind them, Akeno narrowed her eyes, glancing at the now visibly relaxed Rias before chuckling.

"Rias, have you really given up?"

"What else could I do? No matter what terms I offer, Hikaru will never accept. If I were in his position, I'd do the same."

Rias leaned back against the sofa, sighing wearily. The movement caused her ample chest to rise and fall in a way that was undeniably eye-catching.

"You've grown, Rias. You're not the same girl as before."

Akeno said approvingly.

"If this were the old you, you would've tried every possible method to make him join you."

"This is called 'retreating to advance.' Blocking him won't work, so I'm choosing a softer approach. If I pushed him too hard and ended up making him an enemy, I'd regret it."

Rias sighed.

"Besides, he truly is exceptional—even without his combat abilities."

"Actually, I have an idea. If you were the one to bring it up, he might actually say yes."

Akeno said with a mysterious smile.

"What is it?"

"Simple—why not just marry Hikaru? Pillow talk is the most effective persuasion, after all. You wouldn't even need to form a servant contract. As the son-in-law of the Gremory family, he'd naturally stand by your side, wouldn't he?"

"That joke isn't funny, Akeno."

Rias shot her a glare.

But—if she were to be completely honest, the suggestion did have some merit.

The only problem? It would cost her quite a lot... specifically, herself.

~~~

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