Several days slipped by, and at last, the day of Tenra and Rias's much-anticipated match arrived.
The venue was deep in Sitri territory, coordinates personally sent over by Sirzechs. Ruffy, Ophis, and Renare stayed behind to watch the house, while Tenra, Rias, and the rest of their crew stepped into the magic circle and vanished.
They reappeared in a sprawling, opulent hall—a banquet in full swing. Crystal chandeliers, laughter, the clinking of glasses. The perfect setting for a showdown.
"Lord Tenra! President Rias! Everyone!"
Gasper dashed over, already there with Azazel from Grigori. As Rias's Bishop, Gasper was set to participate in the match too.
The hall was packed with familiar faces: Sirzechs, Grayfia, Serafall, Duke Sitri, Lady Sitri, President Sona, Sairaorg, Seekvaira, and their peerages. The air buzzed with anticipation.
But what caught Tenra off guard—
"Father! Mother! You came too?"
Spotting Duke Phoenix and Lady Phoenix in the crowd, Ravel squealed and leapt into her mother's arms. Tenra blinked, genuinely surprised.
"Business with Duke Sitri," his father replied, as curt as ever, stone-faced and unreadable.
"Today's your big match, little Tenra. Of course we wouldn't miss it."
Lady Phoenix stroked Ravel's hair, then turned to Rias with a gentle smile.
"Rias, I know this can't be easy for you. But you'll always be the daughter-in-law our Phoenix family recognizes."
"N-no, really, it's not…" Rias's cheeks flushed, but her eyes sparkled—she was clearly thrilled by Lady Phoenix's approval.
"Little Tenra, you absolutely cannot lose today."
"I'll take Ravel for a walk. You all go greet your friends."
Lady Phoenix winked at Tenra, then swept Ravel away.
Tenra stared after them, bewildered. His mother seemed… off. Normally, she'd be warning him not to bully Rias. Why the sudden insistence that he mustn't lose? And that exchange with Rias just now—there was something he wasn't being told.
"Rias, are you hiding something from me?"
Tenra turned to her, suspicion in his eyes.
"N-no…" Rias avoided his gaze, suddenly fascinated by the distant wall.
That guilty look said everything.
"Hah… whatever. Let's go say hi to Lord Sirzechs and Lady Serafall."
Tenra sighed, black lines forming in his mind. It was obvious Rias and the others were keeping secrets, but he trusted them not to do him harm.
They made the rounds, greeting Sirzechs, Serafall, and the Sitri hosts. Tenra wasn't a stranger here—he'd visited before—but today, Duke and Lady Sitri's glances lingered on him, strange and appraising. Almost as if…
"Tenra Kamiyo. Rias."
Sairaorg strode over, flanked by Seekvaira and President Sona, each with their peerages in tow.
"Sairaorg, Seekvaira! Don't you have your own territories to manage? You've got time to watch me and Rias go at it?"
Tenra bumped fists with Sairaorg, grinning.
"Just wrapped up a war—plenty of territory issues to handle. But I can spare time for your match." Sairaorg's answer was as hearty as ever.
Seekvaira chimed in, "Tenra Kamiyo, Rias, I'm looking forward to your match."
"Both sides, give it your best! But, from a woman's perspective…"
She turned to Rias, eyes twinkling. "Rias, show Tenra what you're made of!"
Blatant favoritism. Tenra could only sigh, but Rias looked positively fired up.
"I will, Seekvaira!"
With old friends, no need for formalities. They chatted about recent events, the aftermath of the war, the mood light and easy.
"Sona, you alright? You seem awfully quiet today."
Tenra noticed President Sona had barely spoken and asked with concern.
"I'm conserving energy," she replied, cool and matter-of-fact.
"Conserving energy… to cheer for me later?" Tenra chuckled.
"I think you misunderstand, Tenra Kamiyo. I won't be cheering for you today."
Tenra stared, wounded. What was going on with Sona today?
Why is everyone acting so strange?
"Tenra-kun, Rias—the match is about to start. Time to get ready," Sirzechs called, striding over.
Checking the time, Tenra and Rias bid their friends farewell and followed the attendants to their respective lounges, prepping for battle.
But—
"Red Dragon Emperor!"
Serafall's voice rang out, stopping Tenra and Yubelluna's group in the corridor. Hand on hip, magical staff pointed, her peerage of magical girls clustered behind her.
"What is it, Lady Serafall?" Tenra tried not to flinch at her sudden, dramatic entrance.
"You're not allowed to win today. Got it?" Serafall jabbed her staff at him, eyes blazing.
"Why not?" Tenra's mouth twitched. Was he hearing this right?
"No reason! You just can't win! That's an order—from me, the Maou!"
"Uh, Lady Serafall, isn't that a little… problematic? If word gets out, your reputation—"
"And this is my match with Rias! What does it have to do with you?"
"Who says it doesn't? It's all because you—" Serafall cut herself off, huffing. "Anyway, you absolutely cannot win! Or I'll never forgive you!"
With a final glare, Serafall swept her peerage away, leaving Tenra and his group baffled.
"Lord Tenra, we…" Yubelluna looked pale, clearly rattled by Serafall's outburst.
Rating Games were supposed to be fair—yet here was a Maou threatening them before the match even started. Tyrannical much?
"That Maou must've eaten something weird today. Ignore her," Tenra said, rolling his eyes. He wasn't about to let Serafall's theatrics get under his skin.
Strange things happened every year, but today was off the charts. Tenra was almost used to it.
"Come on, let's get ready. We absolutely can't lose today."
"Yes, Lord Tenra."
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