After the brief tension from introductions had faded, and tea had been poured for everyone, the atmosphere in the Occult Research Club room began to settle into a more comfortable tone.
Sona Sitri, composed as ever, set her teacup down gently with a quiet clink against the saucer. Her gaze moved from Rias to the rest of us, then back again.
"Rias," she began, her voice calm and refined, "I came here today not just to formally introduce our peerages… but also to offer you my congratulations."
Rias blinked. "Oh?"
"For your victory in the Rating Game," Sona clarified, offering a rare and sincere smile. "You defeated Riser Phoenix and successfully broke off that arranged engagement. I heard about the match in detail afterward. It was… impressive."
There was something genuine in her tone—clear admiration that, coming from someone like Sona, carried weight.
Rias smiled softly. "Thank you, Sona. That means a lot coming from you."
"I would have congratulated you personally sooner," Sona continued, "but I was unfortunately unable to attend the celebration Sirzechs-sama hosted. My hands were quite full with the student council's duties. There was a disciplinary incident with the first-years and a curriculum audit from the board."
Rias chuckled gently. "Sounds like your usual overbooked schedule."
Sona sighed, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "It's not that I didn't want to attend. I simply couldn't find the time. But I've felt it was important to recognize your accomplishment in person, even if belated."
Rias nodded appreciatively. "It's fine. I understand how much responsibility you shoulder, Sona."
With that said, Sona's expression shifted slightly—more thoughtful, slightly more casual, as if shedding her student council persona for a moment.
"In fact," she said, "I was wondering… Why don't we hold a small celebration of our own?"
"A celebration?" Rias repeated.
"Yes. Something more personal. Informal. Just our peerages. No political pressure, no nobles or elders watching… Just two high-class devils and their servants spending time together," Sona suggested with a calm smile.
"A bonding opportunity?" Rias mused aloud.
Sona nodded. "Exactly. Our peerages are based in the same school. We're allies. If they're familiar with each other, it will only benefit us in the long run. And now seems like the perfect moment to celebrate and build rapport."
"I think that's a great idea," Rias said, her eyes sparkling with interest. "We didn't really get a chance to unwind after the Rating Game. This could be good for everyone. Right, Ise?"
I nodded reflexively. "Sounds fun."
Asia smiled gently beside me. "I think it would be nice. Everyone could relax together."
Sona's eyes flicked to me for a moment—calculating, curious—before returning to Rias.
"I'll take care of the arrangements," Sona offered. "Once preparations are done, l contact you."
"Perfect," Rias said. "We'll be ready."
"Good." Sona stood, smoothing her skirt with practiced grace. "I'll make sure it's nothing extravagant—just food, drinks, and a comfortable setting."
She turned to me again, briefly. "And Hyoudou-kun… you truly did well. I hope your recovery from the Rating Game has been going smoothly."
I gave a faint smile. "Yeah. I've been resting... more or less."
Sona looked like she wanted to say something else but held back. "Then I'll be going for now. Thank you for the hospitality."
"See you later, Idiot." Saji said to me.
With that, Sona Sitri turned on her heel, Saji falling in step beside her as she left the clubroom with her usual composed elegance.
As the door closed, Rias sighed with a small smile. "She really doesn't change."
"She's so cool," Asia said with admiration.
"Yeah," I murmured, rubbing the back of my neck. "But she gives off major 'Don't mess with me' vibes."
"Well," Akeno said with a playful smile, "that's part of her charm."
Rias chuckled. "Time to get ready, then. Looks like we've got another party coming up."
"Oh, by the way, where is Kiba?" I asked; I haven't seen him today.
"I haven't seen him either," Akeno said.
"I asked him to come to the club room early this morning." Rias said. "Where could he be?"
*Rumble*Rumble*
I looked outside the window and saw that black cloud covering the sky.
"What's with the sudden change in background?" I murmur to myself.
"What did you say, Ise?" Rias asked.
"Oh, nothing, I just said it's going to rain."
For some reason, I have a bad feeling about this.
~~~
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