"Although I know my request is rather willful, I still don't think there's anything wrong with it. My wish to establish a school where all devils can learn fairly will not waver."
The atmosphere in the hall, which had just eased, became awkward again after Sona's words.
While the high-ranking devils exchanged confused glances, unsure of how to respond, Sirzechs's voice slowly broke the silence.
"Let's decide it with a Rating Game. Miss Sona, you've reached the age to participate in one, haven't you? Rias is the same."
Hearing this, the high-ranking devils in attendance nodded in agreement. Serafall also spoke up with excitement.
"Yes, yes! Since they don't believe in my dear Sona, let's do it this way! If my Sona wins in the match, no one will have any complaints, right?! After all, if you achieve good results in a Rating Game, you can accomplish a lot more!"
The Maou Leviathan, utterly lacking in dignity at the moment, protested with teary eyes, leaving the high-ranking devils looking extremely uncomfortable.
"Heh… then let's hold a match. A battle between the young." Sirzechs chuckled lightly, surprising everyone in the room.
"Rias, Sona—how about a match between the two of you?"
At his words, the two princesses of the Underworld looked at each other in shock, blinking their eyes.
"Originally, I had planned to hold Rias's Rating Game soon. Let's have Azazel gather Rating Game enthusiasts from all factions to watch under the banner of a pre-debut young devils' match. This is a perfect opportunity. How about Rias versus Sona?"
"But…"
Inwardly, Rias cursed her brother for being an idiot. Wouldn't this just expose Yoru again? When the match began, what was Yoru supposed to do? Which side should he be on?
Sirzechs, understanding what his sister was thinking, looked a bit helpless. But there was no helping it—Sona had to have her Rating Game eventually, and when the time came, Yoru's inability to participate would still be revealed.
For now, Yoru could only be counted among Rias's servants. It was about time for Rias and Sona's other servants to learn this secret too—as long as they kept it to themselves.
"Don't worry. For fairness's sake, I won't be participating. I think your brother is of the same mind."
Yoru said this while squeezing Rias's hand, then Sona's, as he stood between them.
"Then it's settled. Rias and Sona's match will be on August 20th in the human world. Until then, you can spend your time as you wish. The details will be given to you soon."
And so, the duel was decided. With a little over half a month left, preparations from both sides were necessary.
The serious meeting finally ended, and it was time for the real banquet. The young devils mingled and chatted, with the main topic of conversation being Yoru.
As the subject of all the talk, Yoru didn't seem to notice. He sat quietly in a corner of the banquet, sipping red wine.
The princess of the Agares family had initially considered inviting him to dance, but seeing Rias and Sona sitting on either side of him, she wisely abandoned the thought.
Meanwhile, at some point, Azazel had slipped into the hall. Right now, he was lecturing Kiba, Akeno, and Koneko.
"I've already heard everything from Sirzechs. So, it's turned into a showdown with the Sitri family, huh? By human time, today is July 28th. That leaves about twenty days until the match."
Azazel did a quick calculation.
"Are we going to train?" Kiba asked.
"Of course! I'm your teacher, after all. If you lose, it'll be my reputation on the line. Training starts tomorrow. I've already planned a training program for each of you."
As Azazel said this, his expression darkened, and he gave a smile that sent chills down their spines.
"Prepare yourselves… for death! My training is no game."
"It can't be that bad, right?" Irina said with a wry smile.
"Anyway, it's decided. Tomorrow morning, meet in the courtyard. I'll explain your individual training methods then. Be ready."
"Yes!"
Although somewhat reluctant, the servants still replied with determination.
"And you too, Rias—you're not getting out of this. You're joining the training as well!"
"Eh? Me too?"
Seeing Azazel suddenly point at her, Rias gave an involuntary bitter smile.
The banquet came to a smooth close.
The next day, in the courtyard of the Gremory estate, all of Rias's servants except Yoru had gathered. Of course, their teacher Azazel was present, neither late nor absent.
"Alright, everyone's here. Let's begin."
As he spoke, he flipped open a notebook that looked like a diary.
"First, let me make this clear. The training I'm about to assign is for long-term growth. Some of you might see results quickly, but for others, results won't come without extended practice. You're all still young and developing. As long as you don't stray from the right path, you should see good progress. Now, first—Rias."
"You are a devil with talent, physical ability, and magic power above the norm. Even if you live normally, you'll still grow stronger. By the time you reach adulthood, you'd probably already be a candidate for Ultimate-class Devil. But… you want to be even stronger than that, don't you?"
At Azazel's question, Rias nodded firmly.
"That's right. I absolutely can't lose this match." Rias said with determination.
"In that case, follow the instructions on this paper until the day before the match."
Rias tilted her head as she looked at the paper Azazel handed her.
"This doesn't seem like a very difficult training regimen."
"Of course it isn't. It's very basic. For you, that's enough. Since you're already strong overall, basic training will still enhance your power. The main concern is your role as the 'King.' For a King, the mind is even more important than strength. What a King needs most is the ability to break through any situation—quick thinking, wit, and sound judgment. Your job is to draw out your servants' power to the fullest. But remember this—anything can happen in an actual match. The battlefield is the same."
It had to be said, Azazel's experience was a priceless asset. Rias listened seriously and nodded in agreement.
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