"By the way, Sona, didn't you say you wanted intel on Rias from me? You've never actually asked."
Tenra's lips curled into a sly grin as he recalled her earlier words.
Sona took a slow sip of her tea, her composure unshaken. "That was just to tease Rias. I intend to win on my own terms—I don't need cheap tricks."
Tenra nodded, quietly impressed. Pride ran deep in both girls.
"Confidence is good, but you do realize you don't stand a chance in this match, right?" His gaze sharpened, voice gentle but firm.
Harsh as it sounded, it was the truth. Ever since Tenra had shared the Red Dragon Emperor's power, Rias had shot up to Ultimate-Class Devil. Her mastery of Sacred Gear grew daily, and even against Maou-level opponents like Kokabiel, she could hold her own—leaving Sona far behind.
And it wasn't just the Kings—their teams told the same story.
Rias's roster: Akeno, Xenovia, Irina, Koneko, Asia, Gasper. Sona's: Tsubaki, Yura-Tsubasa, Kusaka Reya, Momo Hanakai, Ruruko Nimura, Saji Genshirou. Six on each side, but Rias's lineup was in a different league.
Akeno and Koneko alone were formidable, but with Xenovia and Irina wielding Holy Swords, Sona's team—save for Tsubaki—would be overwhelmed.
Sona smiled wryly. "You're right. Whether it's me or my servants, Rias's side is leagues ahead. And with her brains matching mine, there's just no way I win this."
Tenra could see she understood perfectly—Sona was nobody's fool.
"But even knowing you'll lose, you haven't given up, have you?" Tenra asked, eyes warm.
Sona's answer was instant. "Give up? Don't be ridiculous. That word isn't in my vocabulary."
She straightened, voice ringing with conviction. "Miracles are about making the impossible possible. Surrendering before you begin is for cowards—not Sona Sitri."
Her words echoed through the garden, drawing admiring smiles from Tenra and Yubelluna. Tsubaki's eyes shone with pure devotion—this was the Sona-sama she'd follow anywhere.
Tenra's smile turned mysterious. "Actually, you're not entirely out of options."
Sona shot him a skeptical look. "If you're about to spill Rias's secrets, save it. I'd lose all respect for you."
Tenra rolled his eyes. "Hey, Sona, don't flatter yourself."
She stiffened, mouth twitching in annoyance.
"You think I'd betray Rias for you? She's my fiancée. No matter how close we are, she comes first. There's no way I'd sell her out to you. So yeah, you're just being presumptuous."
Sona's glare could have frozen lava. "Tenra Kamiyo!"
Tenra wore his most infuriatingly smug expression, and Sona knew—he was doing this just to get a rise out of her.
The air, so harmonious moments ago, now crackled with tension. Yubelluna and Tsubaki exchanged helpless glances, heads bowed in practiced avoidance.
This wasn't the first time their masters had gone at it. Best to pretend not to hear.
Tenra relented, laughter bubbling up. "Alright, alright, I'm just messing with you. Honestly, even your angry face is cuter than that icy mask."
Sona snorted, still bristling. "Well, this is just how I am. Sorry to disappoint."
Tenra sensed he'd pushed her far enough and shifted gears. "Ahem… Let's get back on track."
"Actually, I have a gift for you, Sona."
Her brows lifted, curiosity piqued. "A gift? Didn't you already give me one?"
He'd already handed over Phoenix Tears as a guest, but Tenra shook his head. "Those were just a token of courtesy. This one's for you, personally. I've been planning it for a while—figured now's the perfect time."
Sona, who lacked for nothing, found herself genuinely intrigued.
"It's a bit cramped here. Let's step outside."
Tenra rose from the pavilion and led the way. Sona followed, Tsubaki and Yubelluna in tow.
They'd barely entered the garden when Ile and Nel barreled into Tenra, sweat-soaked and grinning, faces as rosy as ripe apples.
"Tenra-sama, come play with us!" they pleaded.
He tapped their heads fondly. "All you two do is play. I'll join you later."
"Okay…" The girls obediently took their places at his side, while Xuelan, Momo Hanakai, and the others drifted over, curiosity written on every face.
Sona eyed Tenra expectantly. "You can bring it out now."
Tenra's lips twitched in anticipation. Under the crowd's gaze, he spread his fingers. Light shimmered, and a silver-white gem materialized in his palm.
Inside the jewel, a spectral silver dragon soared, wings spread wide. Faint roars echoed from within—this was no ordinary treasure.
Sona and the others gasped, eyes wide with shock. "Is that… Could it be…"
Tenra grinned. "Exactly what you're thinking."
"This is my gift to you, Sona—a Sacred Gear, sealed with the power of one of the legendary Heavenly Dragons."
"Divine Dividing!"
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