Issei gulped. "That's so cool... Wait a minute, does that mean using your charm magic you can become a harem king?"

Arthur looked at Issei for a minute, then said,. "Yes, I can if I want."

"Man, that's even cooler. Do you think I can learn it somehow?" Issei said excited.

"Why do you need to learn it?" Arthur asked Issei. Even though he already knows the answer to that question.

"Oh, come on, don't act like you don't know; I can become harem king using that. Don't tell me you didn't think of that." Issei said with a perverted laugh.

Rias and others didn't say anything, but they were, especially the girls, looking at Arthur. They know that charm magic can't be taught to others as it is an inherited magic, but they were looking forward to hearing Arthur reply.

Especially Rias, as she still remembers that the kiss she shared with Arthur that night was unusual and unexpected.

But Rias truly hoped that Arthur didn't use Charm Magic on her.

But unlike what they expected, Arthur gave a punch to Issei's head.

Issei clutched his head, groaning. "Oww! What the hell, man?!" He rubbed the sore spot where Arthur had hit him, his eyes watering slightly.

Arthur crossed his arms, staring down at Issei with an expression of pure disappointment. "Because you're pathetic."

Issei blinked, taken aback. "Huh?! What do you mean, pathetic?!"

Arthur sighed, shaking his head. "Is that really all you can think about? Power is like charm magic, and all you care about is making a harem?" He scoffed. "How small-minded can you get?"

Issei's face turned red with embarrassment and frustration. "What's wrong with that?! I have a dream, okay?! Being a harem king is my ambition! What's wrong with using charm magic to achieve it?!"

Arthur looked at Issei like he is failure "Because it wouldn't be real."

Issei flinched. "W-What?"

Arthur continued, "You want a harem, right? Women who love and adore you. But if you used charm magic to force them into loving you, it wouldn't be love. It'd be an illusion. A fake, forced fantasy." He took a step closer, staring directly into Issei's eyes. "Is that really what you want? A harem full of puppets, instead of people who love you for who you are?"

[Sir, Issei is not going to get a polygamy relationship; you do know that, right.]

"Well, yeah, but you know how I feel about mind control romance." Arthur said.

Issei opened his mouth but found that he had no response. He looked away, shifting uncomfortably. "I... I mean... when you put it like that…"

"Of course, you never even thought that far ahead." Arthur said.

The air grew tense. Even Rias and the others, who had been watching in silence, seemed affected by Arthur's words.

Rias, in particular, was studying Arthur intently, her fingers subtly tightening at her sides.

That night… That kiss…

Had he used charm magic on her?

The possibility had crept into her mind ever since he revealed his ability. The way she had melted into his embrace, how she hadn't resisted him—it wasn't like her. She prided herself on being strong-willed, on controlling her own choices.

If he had used charm magic on her, then…

She bit her lip, trying to push the thought away.

No. She had to hear it from him.

"Arthur."

Arthur turned to her, his violet eyes meeting her crimson ones.

Rias hesitated for a second before finally asking, "Did you use charm magic on me?"

The question made the entire group freeze.

Even Issei, who was still rubbing his head, went silent.

Koneko's sharp golden eyes narrowed. Akeno, who was always composed, had a curious yet unreadable smile. Kiba, while silent, seemed attentive.

Arthur raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused by the question.

"Why do you ask?" he countered.

Rias's nails dug slightly into her palm. "Because… the night we kissed… I… I don't usually act like that. I accepted your kiss without hesitation. And now, knowing you have charm magic… I need to know. Was it real? Or did you make me accept it?"

"Ara~~" Akeno seemed surprised as she heard Rias kiss Arthur.

A heavy silence fell between them.

Arthur tilted his head, then let out a chuckle. "And what if I say yes? What would you do?"

Rias's breath hitched.

Akeno's expression sharpened. Koneko's gaze darkened. Even Kiba, who normally remained neutral, tensed slightly.

Rias clenched her fists. "Then… I would never forgive you."

Arthur studied her; his eyes seemed unreadable.

Then, he smiled.

"Relax," he said, shaking his head. "I didn't use charm magic on you."

Rias's eyes widened. "You… didn't?"

Arthur sighed. "If I had, you wouldn't be questioning it. Charm magic leaves no doubt. If I had used it, you'd be completely devoted to me without question, without resistance." He smirked. "That night, you accepted my kiss of your own free will."

Rias swallowed hard, her heart pounding.

"So tell me, Rias…" Arthur took a step closer to her, closing the distance between them. His voice dropped into a softer, almost teasing tone. "Did you want me to kiss you to prove that I didn't use charm on you?"

Rias's cheeks turned red. "I—!"

She couldn't answer.

Because deep down… she had wanted it.

Arthur's smirk widened knowingly before he pulled back. "Well, that's for you to figure out."

Issei, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly pointed at Arthur. "You bastard! You were totally flirting with her just now!"

Arthur gave him a lazy look. "And?"

"And?!" Issei's face turned red with anger. "That's not fair, man!"

Arthur smirked. "Life isn't fair, Issei."

Rias, still flustered, turned away. "Let's just go. We've wasted enough time here. Asia needs rest."

As she walked ahead, Akeno followed, her amused smile lingering. "Ara~ Ara~ Arthur-kun, you really are dangerous."

Arthur chuckled. "What interested in me?"

"Who knows? I like Mysterious Man." Akeno said before following Rias.

As they left the clearing, Arthur glanced at Raynare, still charmed and following him obediently.

Now then, he thought to himself. What should I do with you?

❌❌❌

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