Chapter 43 - Akeno: Roy-kun, don't refuse this!
Rias's smile froze as Roy's rejection landed, her composure wavering before she forced an elegant smile.
"That… direct, huh?"
She was caught off guard.
She'd anticipated pushback, but Roy's flat refusal stung.
'Did I not explain the stakes clearly?'
she wondered, a flicker of resentment in her eyes—not at the rejection, but at Roy's earlier tease that had her hoping he'd agree.
"Why?" she asked, her tone calm but probing.
"Yeah, Roy-kun, rejecting Rias so bluntly? All her effort, wasted," Akeno was curious too.
Roy sighed.
"Everything about supernatural and devils comes from your side alone."
"I've got no way to verify what's true or not."
"I swear on the Gremory name," Rias said, her voice grave, "I, Rias Gremory, am not deceiving you. Everything I said is true."
Roy's skepticism didn't faze her—it was a natural human reaction, one she'd anticipated.
Swearing on her clan's honor underscored her sincerity.
"Thing is, I don't know this Gremory name," Roy gave out a helpless sigh.
"Your oath doesn't mean much to me."
"One-sided words, huh?" Rias said, nodding with a wry smile.
"Don't get me wrong, Rias-senpai," Roy said, earnest.
"I want to believe you."
"If you had bad intentions, a mythical devil could crush a human like me easily."
"Yet you've spent all this time explaining. I feel your goodwill."
"Roy-kun, so you're not completely clueless about charm!" Akeno chimmed in.
Koneko's expression softened slightly, while Kiba exhaled, relieved his new friend wasn't alienated by their identities.
"So, in Himejima-senpai's eyes, how dense am I?" Roy said, rolling his eyes.
"Dense enough to need… further testing," Akeno said, chuckling.
"Want to find out now, Roy-kun?"
She leaned closer, her breath warm, her voice dripping with allure.
"Nope."
Akeno clicked her tongue, her eyes glinting playfully.
"Enough, Akeno."
"I'm glad you feel our sincerity. You're right—we've had too little time to build trust."
"Rejecting my offer makes sense."
Rias gave a confident grin.
"If you're okay with it, I'd like you to learn about our world over time, to prove I'm not lying."
"And if we prove it, Roy-kun, will you still say no?" Akeno asked.
"Can't predict the future," Roy said, shaking his head.
"But right now? I'd probably still pass."
"Why?" Rias asked, puzzled.
"I'm happy as a human."
"Don't really want to switch races."
Devils had power, but also glaring weaknesses.
Humans often held unique advantages in anime worlds—edges that could spark massive growth.
He wasn't tossing that away.
"Attached to humanity, huh?" Rias looked unfazed though her smile deepening.
"Got it."
"I'll show you my sincerity," she added.
"When the time comes, I hope you'll consider joining my peerage."
Roy's human loyalty didn't discourage her.
They often faced humans clinging to their identity, yet many eventually joined.
Rias was confident she could sway Roy.
"Sure, I'll think about it," Roy said, nodding.
'Think about it, my foot,' he thought.
'No way I want to be a servant.'
If push came to shove, he'd use Boosted Gear.
The Heavenly Dragons' rep would make Rias back off.
Their prestige awed devils and beyond.
"Great," Rias gave out an excited look.
"Joining the Occult Research Club shouldn't be an issue, right? It's the best way to get to know us."
"Roy-kun, don't refuse this," Akeno's tone was low.
"You took my and Koneko's first wing-touches."
"Gonna be a jerk who bails after causing trouble?"
"Don't phrase it like that," Roy looked deadpan, though he smirked inwardly.
'First touches, huh? I'll aim for more later.'
"You're in, then?"
Akeno asked, eyes sparkling.
"It's just a club," Roy said.
"Kiba and I get along, and other clubs—besides the student council—don't interest me much."
Rias's ears pricked. "The student council?"
She strode to her desk, pulled out an application form, and handed it to Roy.
"Here, fill this out to join the club."
Sona had her eye on Roy, and Rias wasn't about to let her steal the lead.
Roy filled it out and handed it back.
"Welcome, Roy-kun, official Occult Research Club member!" Akeno said, beaming.
"Welcome," Koneko said, monotone.
"Looking forward to more spars, Roy," Kiba said, grinning.
"Teach me a thing or two."
Roy smiled back.
After more talk, Rias let Roy leave, mindful that the day's revelations might overwhelm a human.
He needed time to process.
As Roy exited the old schoolhouse, he ran into a group entering—led by Sona with Tsubaki, who'd visited his classroom earlier, in tow.
"You're Roy Flott?" Sona asked, surprised but composed.
"I'm Souna Shitori, student council president."
"Hello, President Shitori," Roy said, nodding.
"I'm Roy Flott."
"No need for formalities—call me Souna," she said.
"I sent Tsubaki to invite you earlier. Have you considered joining the student council?"
"I've joined the Occult Research Club," Roy said.
"Kuoh's rules allow multiple clubs," Sona said smoothly.
"If you have time, visit the student council. Learn about our work. It'll make joining easier later."
"Sure," Roy said, nodding.
"I've got club duties to handle."
Roy shrugged and left Kuoh Academy.
"Joined the Occult Research Club but still human?"
Tsubaki said, sensing Roy's pure human aura.
"An exception," Sona said, a faint smile curving her lips.
Knowing Rias, Sona expected Roy to be a reincarnated devil by now.
His human status meant his potential was so high Rias made a rare concession.
Back in the Occult Research Club, Akeno spoke up after Roy left.
"Rough start, Rias."
"Not really," Rias said, shaking her head.
"The main goal was getting Roy in the club. The peerage pitch can wait."
A knock sounded.
"Come in," Rias already guessed the visitor.
In the old schoolhouse, only the student council rivaled their presence.
"Rias, good evening," Sona greeted with a smile.
"Sona, visiting now? About Roy Flott?" Rias asked, cutting to the chase.
Sona's noon meeting with Tsubaki and this after-school visit weren't social calls.
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