Chapter 46: Reality for Princess Gremory!

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Issei could sense Akeno trying to free her hand from his grip, but he held it firmly, making it impossible for her to break free. The tension between them was evident as the black-haired devil girl stared back at him seriously, attempting to use her devil strength to escape, to no avail.

After making his point, Issei released her wrist, allowing her to retreat her hand. He then sniffed the air, his keen senses picking up something unusual.

"You smell like a bird, devil girl," Issei commented, his curiosity piqued.

Akeno's eyes widened with surprise, clearly taken aback by his observation. Issei shook his head, "I know that smell."

Turning his attention back to Rias, he questioned her presence once again, "What do you want? Why are you at my house again?"

Rias hesitated for a moment before responding, "So, you did sense me that last time…"

"You're not exactly subtle," he retorted.

Apologizing for her previous intrusion, Rias admitted her curiosity about Issei, having noticed him around Kuoh Academy quite often. Issei glanced at her more carefully this time, realizing just how stunningly beautiful she was. Her crimson hair was particularly captivating to him, even though he wasn't fond of the devil princess herself.

Rias, taken aback by Issei's compliment, stuttered, "W-what? What are you staring at?"

"Your hair… It's beautiful. Red, especially crimson, is my favorite color," Issei replied matter-of-factly.

"O-oh," Rias replied, a hint of surprise in her voice. She certainly hadn't expected such a compliment from someone with Issei's reputation.

Rias hesitated for a moment before continuing, "There was something I wanted to ask you."

Issei remained skeptical, "I'm not interested in joining your peerage… I already told Sitri that I'm not interested in being her servant or yours."

Rias appeared slightly taken aback by Issei's blunt response, but she looked down for a moment before gathering her thoughts, "I understand that… I am aware of your dislike for devils as well. But… this is about something else."

"Alright, what?" Issei asked, still not entirely sure where this conversation was heading.

"I'm… engaged," Rias began, her tone slightly uneasy.

Issei blinked, processing her words, and then scratched his head, "Umm… good for you? Why does that matter to me? Am I invited to the wedding or something? Am I the DJ? Is this a bachelorette party?"

Rias sighed, "No, it's not about that. The truth is, I don't want to marry him…"

Issei looked at her with a puzzled expression, "How is that my problem? Why are you telling me?"

Taking a deep breath, Rias continued, "I recently challenged my fiancé, Riser Phenix, to a Rating Game in an attempt to cancel the arranged marriage. In case you're unaware, a Rating Game is a battle between two devil peerages. Unfortunately, I don't have a full peerage, and as a result, I'm at a huge disadvantage. On top of that, Riser has a high win ratio in these games… I was hoping to find someone to help me, and Sona suggested you might be willing to assist."

Issei's expression shifted from confusion to surprise, "You want me to help you in a Rating Game? Are you serious?"

Rias nodded, "Yes, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important to me."

He mulled over her request for a moment before a sly grin spread across his face, "Alright, I'll help you out, but there's something you need to do for me in return."

Issei's expression remained playful as he prodded Rias, "How would I be any help to you?"

Rias took a moment to compose herself before answering, "You're a dragon…and dragons are highly immune to fire. Riser's peerage specializes in fire. You're also a neutral party, and Sona believes you're more powerful than you seem."

Issei shook his head, not convinced, "Sitri must think really highly of me if she assumed I would help you. I have way better things to do than assist some devil princess in a runaway bride situation. I already told you, I'm not joining your peerage."

Rias persisted, "You wouldn't be joining. In the event of a Rating Game where one member does not possess a full peerage, that devil is allowed to recruit temporary allies as long as it's approved by both sides. I've been given permission to recruit anyone who will fight for me."

"Not a chance. I gain nothing out of helping you," Issei reiterated, crossing his arms.

Rias, feeling desperate, pressed on, "I don't expect you to do it for free. I'm willing to give you whatever you want for it…"

Issei chuckled, seemingly amused by her offer, "Whatever I want, huh? You shouldn't make promises like that to people like me."

The devil princess blushed, looking away, "I'm desperate here. What do you want? If it's something I can give you, I will."

"Is that right? Tell me, Princess Rias Gremory, what do you think a guy like me wants from a girl like you?" Issei teased, testing her reaction.

Rias looked at him with a mix of concern and curiosity, "Money… political support… favors. Is there something you want from me?"

"You're being awfully vague there… tell me honestly, Rias Gremory, what do you think a guy like me desires from a girl like you?" Issei prodded further, enjoying the flustered expression on her face.

Akeno couldn't hide her disbelief, "Rias, you don't have to do this…not with a jerk like him."

Rias averted her gaze from Issei, "Is it sex you want?"

Issei burst into laughter, amused by her assumption, "Oh my god…you're seriously that desperate? I didn't think some haughty devil like you would ever stoop to my level just to get out of an arranged marriage."

Akeno scolded him, "Don't laugh at her, Hyoudou-san. You should feel ashamed of trying to sexually exploit Rias."

"I'm not exploiting her at all. I never said that's what I wanted… I'm just laughing because you assumed you were doing some amazing favor for me by lowering yourself to my level," Issei retorted.

Rias looked hurt by his words, "Do you really think so poorly of me? Offending your status was not my intention."

Issei crossed his arms, "Then answer me seriously. Why are you so determined not to marry this guy? Is this not just some game where you're playing hard to get with him?"

Rias shook her head, "He's a complete asshole and a selfish prick… He's arrogant, condescending, and bigoted. He's the complete stereotype of devil nobility. I can't be with someone like that. I would sooner be with someone who wasn't even a devil."

"Someone like me, you mean?" Issei asked, causing Rias to look down in shame.

She nodded, "I have nothing against you. I don't know why you hate me so much."

"I don't hate you, Gremory. Trust me, you would know if I did. I'm just pointing out that you act like you're too good for everyone, and I find that annoying. This guy you're marrying sounds like a normal pure-blooded devil to me. How is he different from any other asshole you'd end up with?" Issei questioned firmly.

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