The train carriage was all velvet and gold, sunlight flickering off polished brass as Tenra lounged by the window, Yubelluna and the girls beside him. Ile and Nel, restless as ever, had darted off to explore, their laughter echoing down the corridor.
Tsubaki approached, cheeks tinged pink, and set a steaming cup of tea on the table. "Tenra-sama, please have some tea. Sona-sama will join you shortly."
Tenra caught her blush and couldn't resist teasing. "What's wrong, Tsubaki? Thinking about my harem declaration again?"
"Ah—no, I wasn't—I…" Tsubaki's composure unraveled, her face flushing a deep crimson.
Yubelluna and Xuelan exchanged knowing glances, stifling their giggles. Tenra's mischievous streak flared up.
"Tsubaki, I've always liked you. Won't you be my girlfriend? Join my harem!" he declared, taking her hand with mock sincerity.
Yubelluna and the others rolled their eyes, recognizing Tenra's antics for what they were. But Tsubaki froze, mind blank, lips trembling as she tried to respond.
"Tenra-sama, I… I…" For once, the ice queen of Kuoh Academy was reduced to stammering, utterly lost.
Tenra was about to press his luck further when the compartment door slid open. Sona entered, flanked by Yura-Tsubasa and the rest of her peerage.
"Tenra Kamiyo, is teasing my Queen really that entertaining?" Sona's tone was dry as winter.
Tenra let go of Tsubaki's hands, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry, sorry. She's just too cute—I couldn't help myself."
Sona motioned for her peerage to comfort the flustered Tsubaki, then fixed Tenra with a cold glare. "Tsubaki belongs to me. Don't even think about making a move."
Tenra raised his brows, feigning surprise. "She belongs to you?"
Sona realized her slip instantly, her cheeks coloring. "As partners and friends! Not whatever you're imagining."
"Right, right. My bad. Overthinking things," Tenra replied, nodding innocently—though his smirk said otherwise.
Sona huffed and sat, determined not to revisit the topic. She composed herself, regal and cool once more.
Tenra leaned in, lowering his voice. "So, Sona—what do your parents like? Any tips for a guest?"
Sona eyed him warily. "Why do you want to know?"
"Well, it's my first visit. I'd rather not step on any toes."
She snorted. "Just don't mention your 'great dream' in front of Father and Mother."
Tenra grimaced. "Noted."
The hours passed in easy conversation—some playful, some formal—until the train pulled into Sitri territory.
Sitri's domain was vast and green, its castle rising like a monument to prosperity. As one of the seventy-two pillars and the house of Maou Leviathan, grandeur was expected—and delivered.
Hundreds of servants and maids lined the entrance as Tenra and Sona's group arrived. Inside, they were greeted by Duke Sitri, a stern, imposing figure who welcomed Tenra with a curt nod and little else. Lady Sitri, on the other hand, was all warmth and chatter, peppering Tenra and Sona with questions: How far had their relationship progressed? Was Sona bringing a boy home for the first time because she wanted parental approval? Had Tenra met Venelana's daughter yet?
Tenra and Sona could only blush and stumble through answers, mortified. The contrast between the Sitri sisters—the vivacious magical girl and the icy council president—suddenly made perfect sense. One took after their mother, the other their father.
"Sona, as hostess, make sure you properly entertain the Phoenix boy these next few days," Duke Sitri intoned.
"Yes, Father."
Lady Sitri chimed in, winking at her daughter. "Do your best, Sona! Steal Tenra away from Venelana's girl!"
"…Mother!" Sona's voice was strangled with embarrassment.
Finally, the ordeal ended and Tenra and Sona escaped the hall, both exhaling in relief.
"Don't mind Mother's words," Sona said, her composure restored, cool as ever.
Tenra coughed, a nervous smile on his lips. "No worries. Your mother's… certainly memorable."
He hesitated, then asked, "By the way, Lady Sitri seems close to Venelana?"
Sona nodded. "They were rivals and friends in their youth. That rivalry passed down to Rias and me."
"I see…"
The next few days blurred into a pleasant routine. Sona played tour guide, showing Tenra the best sights and flavors of Sitri territory. Wherever they went, a small crowd of beautiful women followed, laughter and sunlight trailing in their wake.
Tenra had worried Serafall might return unexpectedly, but Sona assured him her sister was tied up with an upcoming summit—a gathering of devils, angels, fallen angels, Eastern gods, and Norse pantheon leaders. Serafall wouldn't be home for a while, leaving Tenra free to enjoy his stay.
If the infamous sister-obsessed Maou ever learned how much time Sona-chan was spending with him, she'd probably lose her mind.
Several days later, in the Sitri gardens—
Ile, Nel, and the younger girls raced across the lush lawns, shrieking with laughter. Xuelan and Kalawarna sparred with Yura-Tsubasa and Kusaka Reya, blades flashing in the sun.
At the heart of the garden stood a jade pavilion, its stone table and chairs gleaming. Tenra and Sona sat opposite each other, sipping black tea, while Yubelluna and Tsubaki stood respectfully at their sides.
"Sona, thank you for everything these past few days," Tenra said, setting his cup down.
"You're my guest. I'm simply doing my duty as host," Sona replied, voice cool but not unfriendly.
"Even so, you've got a match with Rias coming up, don't you? She's putting her team through special training. Aren't you worried about preparation?"
Tenra realized that, for all the sightseeing, Sona and her peerage hadn't trained once.
Sona's lips quirked. "We'll begin our own special training once you leave."
"So I've been hogging your time?"
"Indeed. But you needn't worry. I invited you, after all."
Tenra laughed. "That's just like you, Sona—always direct."
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