Phenex-Sitri Mansion – Kuoh
The morning sun zily filtered through the curtains of Riser and Sona’s master suite. The cozy silence of their bedroom was broken by lively voices and the ctter of kitchen utensils.
Riser opened his eyes slowly, and Sona, already awake, rose from the bed with curiosity.
Descending the stairs together, they were greeted by an unexpected scene.
The Peerages of both families were gathered in the kitchen, ughing and preparing a communal meal. The aroma of fresh bread, roasted fruits, and fragrant tea filled the air.
“Good morning, Kaichou! Riser-sama!” Momo greeted energetically.
“We made a special breakfast to brighten the day!”
Erza turned with a proud smile.
“I hope you’re hungry.”
Sona and Riser sat, observing the cheerful atmosphere among the members with satisfaction. Nana and Erza exchanged combat tips, while Momo and Tsubaki giggled quietly about trivial matters.
‘This is what I wanted,’ Sona thought. ‘A true united cn.’
After breakfast, Sona bid farewell, gathering her Peerage for another day at school. Riser, however, stayed at the mansion, calling Erza, Yubelluna, Nana, and Shizuku for a strategic meeting.
---
Strategy Room – Mansion
“Only four days until the Rating Game against Hisoka,” Riser began, his eyes fixed on the magical map of the arena. “We need to pick up the pace.”
Yubelluna took the floor.
“Hisoka possesses a Sacred Gear called Bungee Gum. It can replicate properties of magical materials—like viscosity and esticity. He can stretch, stick, reflect attacks, and even trap targets like a living snare.”
She turned to Shizuku:
“You’ll face eight pawns simultaneously. Focus on evasion and quick counterattacks. Your style needs to be unpredictable.”
“Understood,” Shizuku replied seriously.
“Erza. Nana. Each of you will face two opponents. They’re well-trained, but I trust in your strength.”
“We’ll do what’s necessary,” Erza assured.
“We won’t lose,” Nana added with unshakable confidence.
Riser then thought:
“System, how much to know when Xenovia and Irina arrive?”
[Vilin System]
? Cost: 300 luck points
? Current bance: 800 points
“Approved.”
Response: Xenovia and Irina will arrive in 7 days.
Riser frowned.
“Four days until the Rating Game. Seven until Xenovia and Irina. The timing will be tight… but enough. And if Kokabiel acts, Vali might show up too. I need to be ready to cut down any threat before it interferes.”
“Riser-sama?” Yubelluna interrupted.
“Let’s train. Everyone to the underground chamber.”
---
Occult Research Club – Kuoh Academy
Rias stared out the window, restless.
“Issei, we need to talk.”
“About what?”
“Your behavior with Riser.”
Issei huffed.
“Why should I care about that guy?”
“Because he’s my best friend’s husband. And a powerful noble. Your attitude could affect my retionship with Sona.”
“He’s your ex-fiancé! Why should I respect him?”
“Because politics matter, Issei. And appearances too. I don’t want more conflicts. Sona is important to me. Be diplomatic.”
“So you want me to smile at him?”
“I want you to think before you act. This isn’t just about you. It’s about all of us.”
“Fine… I get it,” he grumbled.
Rias stepped closer.
“And more: I want you to focus on contracts. As part of my Peerage, it’s your responsibility to grow.”
Issei nodded, but his eyes said otherwise. He left the room silently.
But in his heart, his resentment toward Riser only grew.
Rias sighed.
“Akeno, was I too harsh?”
Akeno served tea calmly.
“You were firm. And it was necessary.”
“I hope I’m not losing control.”
“You’re leading, Rias. That’s different. Not everyone learns with words.”
“Maybe I need to be stricter.”
“Make him work. And above all… talk to Sona.”
Rias nodded.
“It’s time to settle things with her. I won’t let Riser destroy my friendship with Sona. That… I won’t allow.”
---
Couple’s Bedroom – Mansion
At the end of the day, Sona returned. Riser awaited her with a warm smile, pulling her into the bedroom before the others noticed.
She gave him a light hug.
“Are you really taking care of yourself, Riser?”
“Of course. Physically and magically. I want to give my all in the next game.”
She kissed him slowly, studying his expression.
“Rias wants to talk to me tomorrow.”
“Go. If it’s good for you, you have my support.”
“Thank you… for being reasonable.”
“You’re my priority, Sona. You always will be.”
They sat on the bed together. Sona remarked:
“Thinking about it, we barely know each other’s Peerages well. We should organize something… a bonding moment.”
“Agreed. I’d like to get to know Tsubaki better, for example.”
Sona shot him a mock-irritated look.
“I hope when we’re together, your attention is only on me.”
Riser smiled.
“The queen by my side is all I need. The others? Amusing distractions… nothing more.”
She kissed him quickly, ughing.
“I bet all the girls in my Peerage are interested in you.”
He pulled her close.
“And I’m interested in all of them.”
“Riser!” she scolded pyfully, before being silenced by another kiss.
