Rias Gremory awoke just as Raza and Tsubaki were entering the school campus—though she had no way of knowing that. She stretched, then set about her morning routine, slipping into her uniform before heading upstairs to join her peerage for breakfast in the ORC room.
At the table, Akeno smiled over her cup of tea. "Another day of school, President," she remarked, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
Rias nodded with a smile, picking up her own coffee and taking a sip. Her gaze drifted to the open window, her thoughts wandering far beyond the room.
Asia, noticing the look on her face, leaned forward with concern. "President Rias? Is everything alright?"
Rias blinked, snapping out of her reverie. "Hm? Oh. Yes, all is good, Asia," she answered with a small smile. "I was just thinking of something."
Akeno grinned, her voice laced with teasing. "Or someone?"
Rias shot her a look. "It's not like that, Akeno."
Akeno giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "Fufu. If you say so, Rias. Although... can't say I can blame you."
Rias' tone became warning. "Akenoooo."
Akeno just laughed. "I'm just kidding, of course, President."
Rias decided to let the banter go, though she knew Akeno could see right through her. Still, it was odd—Akeno herself never seemed interested in anyone before. Was she actually interested in that person too? The thought unsettled Rias, and she found herself spiraling.
Romantic interest? Why had her mind gone there? Why did it bother her so much all of a sudden?
No, no, it's not like she cared if Akeno was interested in someone, even if that someone was... him. No, not again. It wasn't like that, she insisted to herself. She was simply grateful for what he had done—giving her her freedom.
She was grateful. Of course. Naturally. Who wouldn't be? Nothing beyond that.
Right?
Then her mind wandered: What had that person been up to since the engagement party? Had he rested properly? Was he eating well?
Did he think about her too? Maybe.
Wait... what if he had a secret lover? The idea made her uncomfortable. After all, in devil society, strong men sometimes had multiple partners. Maybe she had a chance—wait, no! What was she thinking?
She tried to reason with herself: she was just worried he wasn't in a toxic relationship. That was it... right? Maybe. Friends did worry about each other, after all. She latched onto the word—friend—and rolled it around in her mind.
Decided she didn’t like it. But it wasn’t because disliked him.
Koneko's voice cut through her thoughts. "President."
Rias jolted. "Huh?"
Koneko looked at her with a deadpan stare. "You’re doing it again. You zoned out."
Rias let out a nervous laugh. "Ahhh, sorry. It's just... well, I guess I’m still wrapping my head around reality. After all this time, I truly am free. Here with you all, here in Kuoh. Sometimes I think I’ll wake up and this will all have been a dream."
Akeno grinned. "Well, you better believe this is real."
Asia piped up, her enthusiasm infectious. "Yes! Hihi. We all are here and well."
Rias smiled, warmed by the support of her friends.
Akeno nudged her gently. "And all thanks to a certain someone."
Rias looked surprised, but then her lips curled upward. "Yes... all thanks to Raza."
Koneko chewed on her food and made a muffled "Mhm" sound.
After breakfast, they gathered their things and left the old school building. Outside, Kiba was already waiting in the courtyard, waving as they approached. He had his own apartment nearby, but always made it a point to meet them in the mornings.
Rias and her peerage made their way to the main school building, drawing attention from the human students as they walked. The two great onee-samas—Rias and Akeno—captured all eyes. The student body in Kuoh was a lively bunch, after all.
At the entrance, Rias separated from the group, heading to her classroom with Akeno. Asia and Kiba, as second years, took a different path, while Koneko, being a first year, went her own way.
Rias entered the classroom alongside Akeno, greeting her classmates with a practiced, flawless smile. Both young women made their way to the back of the room—Rias took her usual seat by the window, and Akeno sat behind her.
Shortly after, Sona and Tsubaki entered. Sona slid into the seat next to Rias, while Tsubaki took the spot beside Akeno.
Sona offered a polite nod. "Good morning, Rias."
"Good morning, Sona," Rias replied, returning the gesture.
Both Queens also greeted each other, their voices courteous.
Sona eyed Rias thoughtfully. "You seem to be doing well."
Rias nodded. "Yes, honestly. Thank you for asking."
Sona waved off the thanks. "It's nothing. By the way, after school, my peerage and I will be checking on the wards around campus."
Rias tilted her head. "Do you need help?"
Sona shook her head. "No, it's just maintenance. I wanted to let you know so you wouldn't be surprised if you noticed some of them going off."
Rias smiled appreciatively. "I see. Thanks for telling me ahead."
At that moment, the classroom door opened and the teacher strode in. "Good morning, everyone. We will be welcoming a new transfer student from abroad. Make sure they feel welcome."
Immediately, whispers rippled through the room.
Rias, caught off guard, leaned toward Sona. "I didn’t know we were getting a transfer student."
Sona raised an eyebrow, equally surprised. "Wait... so you didn’t know?"
Rias blinked. "Huh?"
The teacher called out to the open door, voice booming. "Alright, you can come in and introduce yourself!"
The classroom door swung open. A young man walked inside, drawing every eye in the room. The students fell silent—especially the girls, who seemed to hang on every movement.
Rias's jaw dropped. "B-but that's—"
From behind her, Akeno glowed with delight. "Ara ara. What a pleasant surprise. Fufufu."
The young man stood in front of the board, facing the class with a calm confidence.
"Nice to meet you, everybody. My name is Raza Phenex. I hope we get along."