Defeat her sister?!
To Koneko, such a thing was unimaginable. She knew all too well how powerful her sister was—how overwhelming the power of a Nekomata could be. Even now, just recalling it made her tremble slightly.
"Yes. If you, her little sister, defeat her, maybe she'll regain the self she's lost. And the best way to do that is to use the same power—your Nekomata power—to show her what that strength is truly meant for!"
"C-can I… really do it? Can I really control that power?"
"Believe in yourself. It's your power—born from your own bloodline. Who else but you could wield it?"
Yoru smiled as he spoke. Looking at Koneko, he couldn't help but think of himself—of the bone-chilling frost running through his own veins.
He was the same… Someday, he too would fully grasp that power, even the Sin of This World.
In the blink of an eye, twenty days of training had passed. The day had come for Demon Lord Lucifer, Sirzechs, to host a banquet. Much like the previous Young Devil Gathering, but this time it was more of a high-level social event.
Unlike the gathering, for this banquet, everyone was required to wear formal attire.
The crimson-haired princess Rias needed no introduction—her red hair done up and paired with a beautiful princess gown, enough to make anyone marvel at her beauty. Beside her was the black-haired Akeno, her ponytail styled up; unlike her usual Japanese-style elegance, in a Western gown she appeared even more stunning—her beauty a striking force in itself.
Asia seemed shy in her slightly off-shoulder dress, nervously adjusting it as her flushed cheeks made her look even more pure and charming.
Xenovia and Irina looked a bit uncomfortable in their outfits, but both suited the dresses well.
Koneko wore a small-sized gown with a cute crystal hairpiece, sitting quietly by herself. Since Yoru had helped her resolve her inner conflict, Azazel said her progress had been remarkable.
Meanwhile, in another room, Yoru was being fussed over by Grayfia, who had him sitting in a chair as she worked.
"Is this really necessary?"
"This isn't an ordinary gathering. The attendees are all high-ranking figures, so proper preparation is essential."
Grayfia spoke with unwavering seriousness, holding up various outfits against him as if she were a devoted wife picking clothes for her husband.
Just then, from the courtyard came the sound of something heavy landing, followed by a faint tremor. Moments later, the butler entered.
"Lord Tanin and his retainers have arrived."
"Greetings, Demon Lord. As promised, I've come to escort you, Lady Rias." The dragon first respectfully greeted Sirzechs, then turned to greet Rias and the others—after all, Tanin was also a devil.
"While you're on my back, I'll set up a special barrier. That way, your hair and clothes won't be disturbed by the wind during flight. I know that's important to ladies."
"Thank you, Tanin. We'll be counting on you for the trip to the venue. The Sitri family will be with us too—is that alright?" Rias asked as she led everyone toward the dragon's back.
"No problem—leave it to me," Tanin replied cheerfully.
Clearly familiar with Sona and her peerage, Tanin took everyone on his back, and they flew toward the venue—a top-class hotel within Gremory territory. While the elders and high-ranking devils had already begun their own meeting in the VIP section, Yoru and the others headed for the banquet hall on the top floor.
After bidding farewell to Tanin, they took the elevator up. The golden, glittering hall was already filled with people. Tables overflowed with food, and waiters carried trays of drinks. The moment Yoru's group entered, nearly every gaze in the hall turned toward them.
"Princess Rias, you've grown even more beautiful…"
"Lord Sirzechs must be proud."
"Princess Sona is just as captivating."
"I hear the two princesses will be facing each other in a match soon. I can't wait to see it."
As the two most prominent young ladies of the Underworld entered, such whispers filled the room.
"So… what now? Do we have to greet all the higher-ups?" Yoru asked with mild exasperation. He still wasn't used to such formal occasions.
"No helping it—it's proper etiquette. Yoru, you can't keep seeing yourself as just an ordinary soldier anymore. You're gradually becoming part of the Underworld's upper ranks."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it…"
He sighed and followed behind Rias and Sona toward the section where the high-ranking guests were.
Just then, a small white figure hurried toward him.
"Onii-chan, come quick… my sister—she's here…"
Koneko's face was filled with urgency as she grabbed Yoru's arm and pointed toward a black cat not far away.
"Your sister? Let's go!" Without hesitation, Yoru got up and chased after the black cat with Koneko.
Their sudden movement caught the attention of many, and both Rias and Sona looked over in surprise.
"Koneko, Yoru, what happened?" Rias asked first.
"Koneko's sister has appeared. This could be a signal—the Khaos Brigade might be making a move."
"What—?!"
The news was no small shock. Koneko's sister wasn't just any stray devil—she was one of the highest-level Stray devils, and a member of the Khaos Brigade. For her to appear here, of all places, during such an important banquet… could this mean the Brigade was about to act?
"Rias, notify your brother. Sona, you too—tell your sister. I'll go with Koneko to check it out."
Yoru made the decision instantly and left the hall with Koneko, while Rias and Sona nodded.
"Got it. Be careful, you two."
With that, the two princesses moved quickly to alert the others.
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