The grand hall was awash in tension. At the head table, Duke Phenex and Sirzechs sat in stately silence, flanked by Grayfia, Rias, and Akeno. Tenra stood alone at the center, the newly contracted Yubelluna and her peerage arrayed respectfully behind him.
Sirzechs's gaze settled on Tenra, voice measured but unmistakably authoritative.
"Tenra-kun, forgive the interruption. There are matters we need to clarify with you."
Duke Phenex's tone was cool, almost dismissive.
"Whatever the Maou asks, you answer."
Tenra nodded, eyes flickering. He'd seen this coming and accepted it with calm resolve.
"Yes."
Sirzechs continued, "During the duel, aside from swordsmanship, you relied on Sacred Gear abilities, didn't you?"
Every eye in the room turned to Tenra, waiting for his reply.
"Yes. [Sword Birth], [Hermes Boots], and [Intrinsic Barrier]—all Sacred Gears."
He didn't bother to deny it. The aura of Sacred Gears was unmistakable, and Tenra knew full well that his activities hadn't gone unnoticed by the supernatural world's major powers. There was no point in evasion—not anymore.
Sirzechs, as Maou, was already fully informed. This was just a formality, a chance for Tenra to confirm the truth in his own words.
Only Duke Phenex, Sirzechs, Grayfia, and Tosca looked unfazed. Rias and Yubelluna's group, on the other hand, were visibly stunned.
Everyone knew that a person was typically granted a single Sacred Gear by the gods. No one had ever heard of someone born with several. So how did Tenra possess so many?
Sirzechs's voice cut through the silence.
"How did you do it?"
The question hung heavy in the air. Every gaze sharpened, waiting for Tenra's answer.
Lying to a Maou would be idiotic. Tenra sighed inwardly—he'd always known he wouldn't be able to hide this forever.
But he no longer needed to hide.
"I possess a Sacred Gear. One that allows me to plunder other Sacred Gears."
His voice was quiet, but the words detonated in the hall like a bomb.
A Sacred Gear that could steal other Sacred Gears? The implications were staggering.
Sirzechs pressed on, "The power you used at the end—was that also a Sacred Gear?"
"Yes. That was the holy sword, Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi."
"No wonder it radiated a holy aura. But wasn't that sword destroyed ages ago?"
"If I collect the fragments, I can plunder it—and restore its original power."
"Even that's possible?"
The exchange was rapid, almost clinical. Tenra laid out the facts, knowing that anyone with half a brain could deduce the rest. He kept the deeper secrets to himself—the unique mastery and hidden abilities his [Sacred Gear Plunder] granted him would remain his alone.
By the time Sirzechs finished, his expression was one of awe. Duke Phenex's fists were clenched tight. Even Grayfia, usually the picture of composure, looked moved.
Behind Tenra, Yubelluna and her group stared at him with a new, blazing intensity. If they'd admired him before, now their devotion bordered on worship.
A Sacred Gear that could steal and restore any other, even those destroyed? That was Longinus-level power—and maybe beyond. If Tenra spoke true, even a God-Slaying Gear could be taken.
Unthinkable. It was like something out of legend—a Supreme Sacred Gear.
The irony wasn't lost on the girls. The man who'd spent years branded as "worthless" possessed a power that could shake the world. What a cosmic joke.
Sirzechs managed a wry smile.
"Tenra-kun, you truly are…"
He trailed off, at a rare loss for words. "Monster" didn't even begin to cover it.
Tenra's face remained composed, as if he'd just discussed the weather.
"Sirzechs-sama, do you have any further questions?"
Sirzechs shook his head.
"No. But Tenra-kun, you've plundered many Sacred Gears. The Church and the Fallen Angels are already displeased. Be careful in the future. Don't steal them so casually."
If Tenra kept going unchecked, chaos was inevitable. But forbidding him outright was impossible. Sirzechs could only offer a helpless warning.
Tenra nodded.
"Yes, Sirzechs-sama."
Whether he truly intended to follow the advice, only Tenra himself knew.
Sirzechs's gaze slid to Rias, who was still frozen in shock. His lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile.
"In fact, we came here for more than just Riser's coming-of-age ceremony. There's another matter."
He paused, letting the tension build.
"The Gremory and Phenex families made a pact long ago. One day, our descendants would marry—form a formal engagement."
"Our family's candidate is Rias, the next heir. Tenra-kun, would you represent House Phenex in forming a marriage contract with Rias?"
The words landed like thunder. Rias, Akeno, and Yubelluna's group all reacted, but Rias shot to her feet.
"Onii-sama!"
She was practically vibrating with frustration. How had the conversation veered into marriage politics? She glanced at Akeno, who returned a wounded look.
Rias suddenly felt like a cheating cat—utterly innocent, but still on trial.
Sirzechs stroked his chin, feigning concern.
"What's wrong, Rias? Don't you like Tenra-kun?"
He let the question hang, enjoying her embarrassment.
"This is difficult. The eldest and second sons of House Phenex already have fiancées. So Rias's marriage partner can only be Tenra-kun or Riser-kun."
"I always favored Tenra-kun, and Father agrees. But if you dislike him, we'll choose Riser-kun instead."
Rias's panic spiked.
"No!"
She'd never wanted to be forced into marriage so soon, always dreaming of finding her own prince. If she had to choose now—Tenra was at least tolerable, but Riser was out of the question.
"Rias, which is unacceptable? Make your choice."
Sirzechs's smile deepened. His sister's flustered look was a rare treat.
Even Grayfia, watching Rias's shy, frantic struggle, allowed herself a mischievous smile.
Under the weight of every gaze in the hall, Rias knew she couldn't refuse. For herself, for her family, for the alliance—this was her moment.
At last, biting her lip, Rias made her decision:
"I… I choose… T-Tenra."
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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