46 Chapter [46]

Occult Research Club

Rias, upon entering the club, found Akeno caring tenderly for Koneko. The expression of concern in Rias's eyes persisted as she approached Akeno.

"Akeno, we need to talk about something important," Rias said, with a serious tone.

Akeno, while delicately adjusting Koneko's position on the couch, nodded. "I'm listening, Rias. What do you want to discuss?"

Choosing her words carefully, Rias decided to address a matter that had been intriguing her. "Akeno, I've noticed there's something between you and Riser. What is the nature of your feelings for him?"

Akeno, surprised by Rias's straightforwardness, fell silent for a moment. Her usual smile gave way to a more thoughtful expression.

"Rias, I...," Akeno began, hesitating. "Well, it's true that I have some romantic feelings towards Riser."

Rias, upon hearing Akeno's confession, felt a mix of surprise and curiosity. She watched Akeno closely, seeking to better understand her friend's feelings.

"I didn't expect this, Akeno. How did it start?" Rias inquired, wanting to grasp the origin of these feelings.

"Rias, this started before the Rating Game that would determine the marriage contract," confessed Akeno, averting her gaze for a moment before meeting Rias's eyes again.

Intrigued, Rias approached, wanting to learn more about the situation. "Before the Rating Game? What happened to trigger these feelings, Akeno?"

Akeno, with a sigh, decided to open her heart to Rias. "Rias, the truth is that before the Rating Game, there was a moment when Riser kissed me and... well, he slapped my butt."

Rias, surprised by the revelation, widened her eyes. "What? He did what? And you didn't tell me this before?"

Akeno, remaining calm, explained, "It was an impulsive gesture from him, and I didn't want to make a big fuss about it at the time. Also, I didn't want to cause unnecessary concerns."

Rias, incredulous, questioned, "And just because of that, you like him? For a kiss and a slap on the butt?"

Looking into Rias's eyes, Akeno replied sincerely, "It's not just that, Rias. Those moments sparked feelings I didn't know I had. He showed a bolder and more unpredictable side, and that intrigued me."

Rias spoke firmly, "Riser was my unwanted fiancé and my enemy at that time, and you hid this from me. Before being your friend, I am your King, or have you forgotten?"

Akeno, feeling guilty, lowered her gaze and apologized, "Rias, I'm sorry. It never seemed like the right time to tell you. I didn't want to cause more worries, especially in that complicated situation."

Rias, despite the frustration, sensed the sincerity in Akeno's words. She sighed, seeking a better understanding of the situation. "Akeno, I understand that you wanted to protect my emotional state at that time. However, trust and communication are essential between a King and her Peerage."

Akeno, relieved by Rias's understanding, nodded. "You're right, Rias. I should have been more transparent. I'll strive to be more open in the future."

Rias, concerned, questioned, "But, Akeno, Riser is Sona's husband and has several other women. Even if he accepts you, you'll just be another on the list. Have you thought about that?"

Akeno, reflecting on Rias's concern, lowered her eyes for a moment before responding, "It's true, Rias. I know the situation is complicated, but I can't ignore my feelings. I just want to figure out where this will lead me."

Rias, understanding Akeno's conflicting emotions, sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Akeno, I understand that the heart has reasons that reason does not know. I just want to make sure you're aware of the possible consequences."

Akeno, with a sincere expression, looked into Rias's eyes and asked, "Rias, do you have any issue with the fact that I like Riser?"

Rias sighed, contemplating the complexities of the relationships in her life. "Well, Riser is my ex-fiancé, married to my best friend, and now it seems another friend also likes him. Honestly, I have an issue with it."

Akeno, hearing Rias's honesty, responded with understanding, "I see, Rias. It's a complicated situation, but I don't want this to affect our friendship."

Rias reflected on Akeno's words and decided to express her feelings more openly. "Akeno, I can't deny that I feel uncomfortable with the idea, but it would be very hypocritical of me to prevent you from pursuing someone you like. After all, I was willing to do anything to be able to choose whom I want to marry, and after today, where Riser defeated Kokabiel and saved you all, honestly, I don't harbor any ill feelings toward him."

Akeno, appreciating Rias's honesty, smiled reassuringly. "Rias, I value our friendship a lot. If things ever get difficult because of this, I promise to talk to you before making any decisions."

Rias, feeling relieved by Akeno's understanding, agreed. "Thank you for understanding, Akeno. I think it would be better if Sona knew about this, after all, she is Riser's wife and also my friend."

Akeno agreed, but her expression became more serious. "I know, Rias, but I'm ashamed to talk to Sona about this. What if she doesn't understand? What if she gets upset?"

Rias, teasing Akeno, called her a coward. "Akeno, you've always been so provocative, but when it comes to your feelings, it seems like you get shy. Now is not the time to be a coward."

Akeno, defending herself, replied firmly, "It's not cowardice, Rias. It's just concern about Sona's reaction. You know how she is about these things."

Akeno, defending herself, replied firmly, "It's not cowardice, Rias. It's just concern about Sona's reaction. You know how she is about these things."

Rias, pondering about Sona, said, "I know, Sona is serious, but I think telling her that you won't try to harm Riser, she won't mind."

Akeno, still hesitant, admitted, "I know, but it doesn't have to be now."

Rias reassured, "That's okay, when you're ready, tell me, and I'll go with you."

Akeno expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Rias, for being my friend."

Rias, smiling, replied, "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't help you pursue the man you like?"

Akeno, more serious, stated, "It's not just about Riser; it's about everything."

Rias, understanding the depth of what Akeno meant, hugged her, and the two remained in silence, enjoying the atmosphere of camaraderie between them.

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