Chapter 31: Summoning Koneko

Blake walked home alone, the quiet of the house pressing in around him. He set his Frost Whisper Sword aside before heading into the kitchen, starting dinner and setting water to boil.

"Man, after getting used to Airi and Marina taking care of everything, spending a night alone feels... weird," he muttered, settling at the dining table after finishing his tasks.

His gaze landed on a piece of paper resting atop the TV, a faint magical energy pulsing from it. He narrowed his eyes.

"Grant my wish, huh..."

Picking up the slip, he studied the intricate magic circle drawn on it. A small smirk tugged at his lips.

He knew exactly what this was—a Devil's summoning contract. He'd received it ages ago and tossed it on the TV, never giving it much thought.

Tonight, though, he was feeling a little reckless.

With a shrug, he activated the summoning circle.

A flash of crimson light erupted, and intricate patterns illuminated the floor. The air thrummed with energy, and then—

A girl appeared.

Petite, barely reaching his chest, with a slender frame and silver shoulder-length hair. A small black cat-shaped hairpin nestled near her temple, adding to her almost doll-like appearance. But what stood out the most were her golden eyes, striking against her delicate features.

Emotionless, unreadable—yet oddly captivating.

"Koneko, huh?" Blake murmured, raising an eyebrow. "Honestly, I thought it'd be Rias."

The girl blinked, her blank expression barely shifting as she studied him.

"Blake-senpai…?"

Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.

Blake leaned back, crossing his arms. "Yeah, I found this thing lying around and figured, why not?" He chuckled, the casual tone surprising her.

To most, Blake was cold, distant. Someone with a past too heavy to carry lightly. Seeing him laugh so naturally was… unexpected.

Koneko tilted her head slightly before speaking.

"Do you have a wish you'd like granted, senpai?"

"A wish, huh?" He tapped his chin. "Yeah. How about keeping me company? Have dinner, play some games. It's kinda boring being alone."

Koneko blinked again. That was… not what she had expected.

"...Alright."

Her voice remained flat, but there was something in the way she stepped closer—just a hint of curiosity, maybe even anticipation.

Two Hours Later

Blake leaned back, stretching his arms after delivering another KO in the fighting game. Across from him, Koneko sat frozen, her controller gripped tightly in her small hands.

"Again," she said, her tone dead serious.

Blake smirked. "You sure? That's, what, the fifth match in a row?"

Koneko's golden eyes narrowed. "I'll win eventually."

He chuckled, shaking his head. Who would've thought the usually stoic Koneko had such a competitive streak?

They had spent the past two hours eating and gaming, and despite her usual unreadable expression, Blake could tell she was enjoying herself.

"By the way," he said, setting his controller down, "can you pass a message to Rias for me? Tell her I've decided to join the Occult Research Club."

Koneko blinked, tilting her head. "...Really?"

"Yeah. Figured it's about time," he said with a shrug.

A brief silence. Then Koneko nodded.

"I understand, senpai."

Blake raised an eyebrow. "That easy? No questions?"

She simply looked at him.

Fair enough.

"Now that my 'wish' is fulfilled, do I owe you anything?" he asked, smirking.

Koneko set her controller down, her small hands tightening into fists. "No need. Dinner and games were compensation enough. But I have a request—"

Her golden eyes locked onto his, filled with something close to determination.

"Summon me again. I will defeat you."

Blake blinked before letting out a soft laugh. "You're serious, huh?"

"Very."

Shaking his head, he leaned back with a grin. "Alright, deal."

Satisfied, Koneko activated her magic circle and disappeared in a flash of crimson light.

Occult Research Club

The moment Koneko reappeared in the clubroom, Rias looked up with a warm smile.

"Koneko, good work."

Koneko hesitated for a brief moment before speaking.

"President, Blake-senpai was the one who summoned me." She paused, then added, "He said he's joining the Occult Research Club."

Rias's eyes widened slightly before a slow, delighted smile spread across her face.

"Oh? He agreed?"

Koneko nodded.

Then, as if replaying the past two hours in her mind, she spoke again.

"Buchou, I don't think Blake-senpai is as cold as he seems. He's… surprisingly gentle."

Rias's expression softened.

"Is that so?"

She leaned back in her chair, emerald eyes thoughtful.

Blake Silva. A man shrouded in mystery. Strong, confident, unreadable. Yet here was Koneko, someone not easily impressed, calling him gentle.

Rias smiled, fingers tapping lightly against the table.

Blake… what are you hiding beneath that façade?

"Buchou?" Koneko's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

Rias shook her head. "Nothing. Let's call it a night."

Koneko nodded, following her out.

As they walked, Rias glanced at the night sky, her smile turning wistful.

Lia… if you knew what kind of person your brother has become, I think you'd be proud.