"Ara, it seems the shorty has arrived early us. " Aura smirked as her gaze landed on Shalltear.
"Why? Is it that surprising." Shalltear asked.
Serefall and Grayfia, who came with Aura, sat down on one the chair. The rest of them also put down their cup on the table and watch Shalltear and Aura.
While Tatsumaki was ready to get revenge for what Shalltear Previously said.
Aura's smirk deepened as she faced Shalltear. "Why, of course, it's surprising. I figured your short little legs would take twice as long to get here."
Shalltear's crimson eyes narrowed in irritation, "Is that so, Aura? At least I don't rely on giant accessories to get attention. I wonder how much of that confidence is just padding."
Aura crossed her arms, her eyes were glinting with amusement. "Padding? Oh no, Shalltear. Unlike some people, I don't need to use my 'cuteness' to manipulate others into liking me."
Shalltear took a step forward, "Manipulate? Don't confuse your delusions with reality, Aura. Everyone knows I'm naturally charming. And let's not even mention your inability to act like a proper lady."
Before Aura could snap back, Tatsumaki, who had been waiting for the perfect opportunity, entered the fray. "Oh, this is rich! Shalltear, talking about being a proper lady? You, who wears lingerie out in public, want to lecture someone on class?"
Shalltear's gaze darted toward Tatsumaki, already brimming with frustration. "You shouldn't be talking! Last time I checked, you're still wearing the same outfit you've had for centuries. Ever heard of a wardrobe change, dear?"
Tatsumaki scoffed, hovering off the ground slightly with a telekinetic push. "At least my outfit isn't a walking scandal. You practically scream 'desperate' every time you step into a room."
Rory, who had been quietly sipping her tea, chuckled softly from the corner. "Oh dear, this is escalating quickly."
"Shouldn't you stop them before a fight occurs." Serafall said but voice didn't contain any emergency.
Rory glanced over at Serafall, her smile widening as she set her teacup down. "Oh, I could step in, but where's the fun in that? Besides, they're just letting off steam."
Serafall sighed dramatically, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, if they end up blowing the place apart, don't say I didn't warn you."
Aura, meanwhile, wasn't letting up. "Desperate? Please, Shalltear, at least I'm not stuck living in a child's body for eternity. Some of us have, you know… *grown* in more ways than one."
Shalltear's face flushed with anger, her voice sharp as she snapped back. "Grown? If by grown you mean you've bulked up like some kind of barbarian, then sure, you've 'grown.' But elegance? Sophistication? Those are things you clearly know *nothing* about."
Tatsumaki chimed in again, crossing her arms with a smirk. "You two really don't get tired of this, do you? Shalltear, if your so-called elegance is parading around in lace and fangs, then Aura's got you beat just by showing up in something practical."
Shalltear shot Tatsumaki a venomous glare. "Says the woman who couldn't even reach my level of elegance if she tried. You're practically one step away from wearing a potato sack."
Aura chuckled, her grin widening. "Better than looking like a rejected cosplayer, Shalltear."
Before the argument could spiral further, Albedo stood up, raising her hands in mock exasperation. "Alright, alright, I think we've had enough for now. Can we focus on why we're all here before the coffee shop turns into a pile of rubble?"
"Yes, Rory, why did you called us," Grayfia also said.
Rory smirked, sitting back in her chair. "Finally, some focus. Now, as I was saying earlier—"
But before she could finish, Aura couldn't resist one last dig. "Yeah, let's focus—before Shalltear decides to drag us all into some over-the-top drama. Again."
Shalltear crossed her arms, lips tight, but said nothing further. The tension eased, and everyone settled down once more. Rory, the instigator, winked at Serafall. "See? No need to worry. They're all bark and no bite."
Albedo, however, wasn't one to let things rest. She narrowed her eyes at Rory and asked, "Now, Rory, tell us—who exactly is this new bitch Ancient-sama's supposedly interested in? Considering Serefall and Grayfia are here, I assume she must be from the Underworld?"
Grayfia, who had been quietly observing, blinked in surprise. "Wait, what? What are you talking about?"
Serafall looked equally confused, glancing between the others. "New girl? What's this about?"
Rory grinned mischievously and turned to Aura. "Aura, didn't you fill them in?"
Aura shrugged, clearly unconcerned. "Oops. My bad."
"There she goes again," Evileye murmured. Then continue with her coffee.
"Wait, wait," Grayfia interrupted, her brows furrowing. "What exactly are we talking about here?"
Serafall crossed her arms, looking slightly annoyed. "Yeah, someone explains. Is Arthur really chasing after some other woman?"
"I just told the others that our dear Ancient One has fallen for someone and is serious about her."
"And we are asking who the hell is she?" Esdeath asked.
The temperature of the room suddenly dropped. "And Rory, don't play with us." She continues.
"Oh, that's so cold," Rory quipped, unbothered by the sudden frost forming around her. She raised her cup to her lips, taking a sip before answering. "The girl he's interested in is Rias. Rias Gremory."
Before either Serafall or Grayfia could react, Angrboda, who had been silent, abruptly stood up, her surprise evident. "Rias? Venelana's daughter?" Her voice carried a weight that made everyone turn toward her.
Esdeath furrowed her brow, trying to recall the name. It sounded familiar, but the image was blurry in her mind. "Who is she?"
Aurora spoke up, her calm tone contrasting the tension in the room. "Rias is Chysis' daughter-in-law."
Esdeath blinked in recognition as the name connected in her mind. "Ah, now I remember. So, this girl is part of the Gremory family?"
"I can't believe Ancient-sama be serious about someone like Rias Gremory. She's powerful for her age, yes, but still a mortal-born Devil." Aura said.
"Rory-san, did he say anything about my So-tan." Serefall asked.
"No. Why?" Rory said.
Hearing that Serefall pouted.
"If that's true, then we need to find out just how serious Arthur is about her." Angrboda said.
Albedo's voice cut through the murmurs, her possessiveness crystal clear. "I won't let anyone take him from us. Rias Gremory or not."
❌❌❌
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