Chapter 61

"Is this the place?" Akeno inquired, gazing at the imposing gate of Kiba's mansion.

"Yeah, according to Issei's memory, this is the right spot. And I might have an idea why Issei's uneasy around Yuuto," Rias stated, her knuckles rapping against the gate.

"What could have caused his fear?" Koneko inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Kiba caught him red-handed, sneaking a peek," Rias explained with a soft chuckle.

"No wonder," Akeno chimed in, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Moreover, Kiba emitted an intense wave of killing intent right at Issei. It's no wonder he's haunted by the memory," Rias continued, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

The grand gate swung open, revealing Kalawarna bowing before them, her expression as blank as a clean slate.

But her appearance caused them to swiftly shift into battle-ready positions, alert to the presence of a Fallen Angel in this unexpected location.

"Who are you?" Rias demanded, her voice laced with caution. "And what brings you here?"

Akeno clenched her teeth, readying herself to unleash a bolt of lightning at Kalawarna.

'Why is there a Fallen Angel here?' Akeno wondered, her mind racing.

"I am Kalawarna, servant to Kiba-sama. He extends an invitation for you all to enter his abode. Kindly follow me," Kalawarna spoke, her tone devoid of malice as she guided them into the mansion.

They trailed after her, and Akeno decided to press for answers.

"Why are you obeying the orders of a Devil?" Akeno questioned, her voice sharp.

"Calm your tits, honey. I'm here thanks to your buddy or kin, whichever you prefer. He decided to enslave me for his own convenience, to have a personal maid at his beck and call," Kalawarna revealed with a hint of sardonic amusement.

Akeno's veins throbbed with irritation, ready to retort. Before she could unleash her own insult, Kalawarna slid open a door on their right.

Rias, Akeno, and Koneko exchanged glances, taken aback by the notion that Kiba had made a Fallen Angel his servant.

"Please make yourselves comfortable here and await my master's arrival. Another servant will attend to your refreshments, so kindly wait," Kalawarna declared, her smile appearing somewhat strained.

Rias, Akeno, and Koneko entered the room, settling onto the tatami mats near the kotatsu. As Kalawarna closed the sliding door, she departed to attend to other matters.

"What's with that Fallen Angel's attitude?" Akeno grumbled, frustration evident in her voice.

"Looks like she's been forced to play host," Koneko offered her take.

Then another person entered through the sliding door – it was Viser. She was also dressed as a maid, carrying a tray with tea items. She placed the tray on the low table and poured tea into cups for everyone.

"Are you a slave too?" Koneko asked Viser.

'Another cute girl. Does he like them this way? But the other girls here have bigger chests than me. Well, I should be nice to them. I want him to like me more,' Viser thought to herself.

"Yes, I am. I'm his first slave," Viser said with a genuine smile at Koneko.

"I hope this isn't rude, but can you tell me how you ended up being Kiba-senpai's slave?" Koneko asked, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"I ambushed him, and that's how it happened. You all just wait here, he's still down in the basement training," Viser explained. "So, enjoy the tea."

Viser left the room with a smile, going about her business.

Rias let out a sigh and rubbed her nose. "So, they became his slaves by attacking him. One is a Fallen Angel, and the other is a Stray Devil."

They waited for a few minutes, and then Kiba entered the room, looking quite tired. He greeted them with an apologetic smile.

"Sorry for being late, I got really caught up in my training," Kiba said, rubbing the back of his head as he took a seat. "So, what brings you all here?"

"Is there any reason?!" Rias's voice rose in frustration. "You've been so secretive lately, and we had no idea where you were. If Issei hadn't seen you, we wouldn't even know about this place."

'I should have made him fear me more,' Kiba thought to himself, glancing at Rias. "So, what's the plan now that you've found my house?"

"Nothing specific, but we need some answers," Rias responded.

"Why do you have a Fallen Angel and a Stray Devil as your slaves? That's the main question," Akeno inquired, barely concealing her distaste for Fallen Angels.

"Why not? They pose no threat to me. They serve me much like you're our master, Rias," Kiba replied calmly. "Besides, they've been taking care of things when I was occupied with training. Is all of this fuss because I haven't cooked for you all?"

"Um," Rias glanced down, her companions doing the same.

"Alright, that's one question down. Do you have any more?" Kiba inquired.

Koneko tugged at Kiba's clothes and asked, "Kiba-senpai, are you moving out?"

Kiba studied the girl's expression and nodded, "Yeah."

"Why?" Rias pressed for an explanation.

"I just want to live independently and not rely on your family's wealth," Kiba responded, even though he was well aware that the funds he had came from affluent sources.

"But that still doesn't clarify why you have two slaves serving you," Rias challenged.

"Fair enough. But consider this, you don't actually need us as your servants either," Kiba retorted.

"But I do need you all. Without you, I can't-" Rias began, but Kiba cut her off.

"Can't what? Have workers? You possess Demonic Power. Strength? You can train and attain that just like your brother. Money or fame? You can achieve those too. Family? You have your own blood relatives, unlike us. I don't even know who my mother is. Akeno and Koneko are in similar situations. We lack a family," Kiba explained, his words hitting Rias like a revelation. "Yes, we might consider this motley group our 'family,' but there are still chains binding us. We're still in a form of servitude."

Rias was taken aback by Kiba's candid admission, and even those eavesdropping outside, including Akeno and Koneko, were stunned by his words.

"Yuuto, I..." Rias was at a loss for words.

"It's alright, no need to respond," Kiba rose from his seat and kissed Rias's forehead. "But always remember, you're still my savior. If you hadn't been there, I might not be alive today. Thank you so much for saving me."

With those parting words, Kiba left the room, sliding the door closed behind him as he encountered Viser, Kalawarna, and Asia waiting outside.

"Viser, bring my drinks to the basement," Kiba instructed as he walked away. "And if you guys plan to eavesdrop, at least be a bit more discreet next time."

Viser, Kalawarna, and Asia avoided eye contact, trying to act innocent.

"Sure thing, Master," Viser replied, making her way towards the kitchen.