That night, Qin Xiao experienced what could only be described as pure torment.
Because of his injuries, Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima brought him back to their apartment.
And for some reason—whether intentional or not—
Akeno was assigned to take care of him for the entire night.
Perhaps Rias wanted to use this opportunity for Akeno to completely win Qin Xiao over.
Or perhaps there was another reason.
Either way—
Akeno never left his side that night.
She stayed beside him the whole time.
Even when sleeping, she slept right next to him.
For Qin Xiao, this was torture.
Guarding such a beautiful woman—with a perfect figure and stunning appearance—
Anyone would suffer.
Especially in the middle of the night.
The faint fragrance coming from her body made his blood boil even more.
And so Qin Xiao spent the entire night in a strange state of torment and excitement.
Only near dawn did he finally fall asleep.
The night passed quietly.
Early the next morning, Akeno woke up first.
Looking at Qin Xiao sleeping beside her, she couldn't help but stare.
His long emerald-green hair spread across the pillow.
Combined with his handsome face, he perfectly resembled a sleeping beauty.
Because of his temperament—
And perhaps because love makes everything look more beautiful—
Qin Xiao had an irresistible charm to Akeno.
Knock. Knock.
"Akeno, are you two awake?"
Rias' voice came from outside the door.
Akeno hurried to the door and opened it slightly, stopping Rias from knocking again.
After confirming Qin Xiao was still asleep, she carefully closed the door.
Seeing this, Rias looked completely confused.
What was she doing so early in the morning?
"What's wrong? He's still asleep?"
"Yes."
"You look nervous."
"What exactly were you doing just now?"
"What could I possibly be doing?"
"Oh please."
"With the way you acted, it looked like you were about to get caught doing something suspicious."
"Don't slander me, Rias."
"Alright, alright. I'll stop."
Rias laughed.
In all the years she had known Akeno, this was the first time she had seen her care about someone so much.
And that person was a man.
Thinking about how Akeno lost emotional control last night—
It suddenly made sense.
The two walked into the living room.
Akeno boiled water skillfully and brewed a pot of black tea.
She also prepared a few sandwiches.
At home, most household chores were handled by Akeno.
After all, Rias was a noble young lady who didn't know how to do such things.
And she refused to bring servants into the human world.
So naturally, everything fell to Akeno.
After taking a sip of tea, Rias spoke calmly.
"Akeno… you've really fallen for him, haven't you?"
Akeno smiled slightly.
"Feelings aren't something we can control."
"I never expected I'd fall for a junior like him."
"You're not even trying to hide it anymore?"
"Do I need to hide anything from you?"
"Of course not."
"We're the closest sisters."
"That will never change."
"Yes."
"We will always be sisters."
The two smiled at each other.
This was the bond unique to them.
Rias had never treated Akeno as a servant.
She saw her as family.
And Akeno felt the same.
Ever since Rias saved her years ago—
Akeno had decided to stay by her side forever.
After a moment, Akeno spoke again.
"Rias… actually, I think Qin Xiao might be a good choice."
Rias raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"Your engagement is getting closer."
"The Riser Phenex family has been developing rapidly these past few years."
"They're pushing harder for your marriage."
Rias frowned.
"I will never marry Riser."
"Even if it's an engagement."
Akeno sighed.
"But Rias…"
"If you want to oppose your family's decision…"
"You need absolute strength."
Rias paused.
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
Akeno looked at her seriously.
"Why have you always focused on recruiting Qin Xiao as your servant?"
"Because that would increase our power."
"In the Rating Game…"
Rias suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
She realized what Akeno meant.
Why did Qin Xiao have to become her servant?
Setting aside whether Qin Xiao would even agree—
His strength alone made that idea questionable.
He possessed two Sacred Gears.
Countless abilities.
He even fought the Fallen Angel Governor and survived.
Even if Azazel had spared him—
That alone proved Qin Xiao's strength.
There was another problem.
The Devil Chess Piece reincarnation system had limitations.
The person being reincarnated couldn't be too much stronger than the King.
Otherwise the reincarnation ritual would fail.
And now—
Even Rias wasn't sure if she was stronger than Qin Xiao anymore.
That was why she had been so anxious.
She even asked Akeno to get closer to Qin Xiao.
Though she hadn't expected to almost lose her Queen to him.
But Akeno had a different idea.
"There's more than one way to break your engagement."
"If you and Qin Xiao became lovers…"
"Then he would have the right to challenge Riser."
Rias blinked.
"You mean…"
Akeno nodded.
"Yes."
"And with the title of Red Dragon Emperor, that alone would be enough."
Rias suddenly realized something.
"Wait."
"Akeno… don't you like him?"
Akeno smiled softly.
"Rias."
"Didn't we promise to be sisters forever?"
Rias looked at her suspiciously.
"This feels like you're helping your crush get another girlfriend."
Akeno laughed.
But when Rias thought about it carefully—
It wasn't such a bad idea.
Qin Xiao's strength was obvious.
His appearance was also exceptional.
Among all the men she knew—
He was easily one of the most handsome.
And most importantly—
He had no family and little wealth.
If they married—
He would effectively join the Gremory family.
When Rias eventually inherited the Gremory household—
He could help manage it with her.
Thinking about this future—
A faint smile appeared on Rias' face.
"Alright."
"We will remain sisters forever."
Akeno smiled brightly.
"That's wonderful, Rias."
Both women were smiling happily.
But they had forgotten one important detail.
The most important person in this situation—
Qin Xiao himself
Had never expressed any opinion at all.