Akeno was afflicted with an ever incrinsing anxiety as time passed. She could feel bursts of power coming and going away. It was really bad for her heart.

Rias also had a concerned expression, but deciding that simply worrying wouldn't change anything she did her best to continue to distract Akeno.

Finally, after what felt like hours of waiting, the group finally came back. Just as she was about to ask what happened, her granduncle suddenly began to talk

"...Promise me two things. I will swear to you that we won't lay our hands on you if you keep those promises. First, you must not step foot into

the territory that is under our surveillance. Second, to stay besides that boy. As long as you keep these two promises, we will swear to you that we won't lay our hands on you ever

again."

Akeno breath caught in her chest.

'Did I hear well. I am really allowed to live?'

It was something she simply couldn't wrap her head around.

The mountain ascetics began to leave silently without caring about her answer. After all, if she didn't respect the deal they will have all the excuse they needed.

Seeing them leave like that, Akeno hurriedly asked,

"...May I introduce myself as "Himejima" from now on?"

Her granduncle answered without turning back.

"...There are many others that carry that surname. Do as you like."

Saying that, her granduncle and the others left the place.

-----

Suou was walking quietly with the other as they descended the mountain. Suddenly, he stopped and turned toward it. A serious expression on his face. It was normal after all he just received a message from Azrael,

"This isn't the end. I was attacked by a member of the five clans a few months ago, and those four with you also attacked me. Before the end of this month, I plan to make a visit to the five clans."

----

After the Himejima clan members left. Rias began to talk,

"Was it okay, Agrippa?"

Agrippa gave out a bitter laugh before saying,

"I am sorry Rias-sama. But this time I was of no use. The situation was clearly resolved by Sir Azrael."

Azrael shook his head,

"Before you came, I was seriously about to attack them for real, which would have made the negotiations break down. I am thankful for your timely arrival."

"Oh oh oh. What a polite young man. I cannot help but remark that despite your origin, you don't seem repulsed to be in ours. Why would an angel such as you, try to help a little girl from the fallen so hard?"

Azrael tilted his head in wonder before offering a bright and large smile.

"It's simple really. Akeno accepted me as her big brother. It's my duty to protect her. As simple as that."

Rias tries to confirm with him. Yes, I purified the human who has a pact with this person on my own. However, Sir Agrippa smiles gently.

"By the way, it seems like my little sister offended you?"

A sincere smile formed on Agrippa's face,

"I do not have a hobby to pass on judgment on small ladies. However, it was fortunate. I will be leaving this area next month and it was planned for me to work in a different country. If the Devil from a different household that will be taking this territory were to meet with this

lady...that Devil wouldn't have been merciful. Of course, with you close to her it would have changed nothing."

Akeno shuddered at those words. But, a pat on her head managed to calm her down. When she looked up, what greeted her was the smiling face of the one she now saw as her big brother.

"It's alright Akeno. No one will hurt you now."

"Nn~!"

Her eyes watered, as such, she gave a wordless nod before lowering her head.

Right now, she was simply feeling so happy.

It didn't matter that she had to erase her identity. After all, even if the Himejima-clan were to forget her, just her existence will be the biggest proof that her mother, Himejima Shuuri, existed.

Rias looked at this scene with a large smile on her face. She was sad to not be able to get a new friend, but she was happy that Akeno could now live without fearing for her life. Still, she wanted to make sure before going

She stretched her hand toward Azrael,

"Hello, I will present myself once again. I am Rias Gremory, a devil. What about you?"

Azrael smiled as he did the same movement and had a handshake with Rias,

"My name Azrael Geminis. A half-angel."

"Oh!!"

Rias' eyes immediately began to shine. She had always been curious about all kinds of things. For her, seeing a half-angel was like winning the lottery. Still, she gathered back her composure,

"*Ahem* *Ahem* I hope you'll never hurt Akeno, otherwise…"

"Hahaha!!"

"Moooo~! Don't laugh. I am being serious."

Azrael had all the reasons to laugh. Seeing her act like that was like looking at a squirrel trying to scare a wolf.

He pinched her cheek and said,

"I will take you seriously once you get the level necessary for me to do so. You should train harder."

After saying that, he simply took Akeno in a princess carry and flew summon three pairs of stunning white wings

"Goodbye, Agrippa, Rias."

"Goodbye Rias. Thanks for your help."

Azrael didn't wait for their answer and simply went away in the sky.

What he didn't know was that his words lit a flame in the heart of a very young girl.

---

Rias looked thoughtfully as Azrael flew away.

'Even though he isn't that much older than me he is respected by Agrippa and those bad guys.'

Then what about her. All she did was crying to her father for his help. Help that in the end, proved unnecessary.

Fire or competition spirit began to burn in her eyes.

"Agrippa, could you call big brother and ask if he is free?"

"Oh!? May I know why?"

Rias simply smiled as she said,

"It's time for me to train more seriously."