"I now declare the final victor of this Rating Game—Tenra Kamiyo!"
Grayfia's voice rang out, and the hall burst into applause and cheers.
Victory claims everything. The defeated are forgotten. That's the law that never changes.
Tenra stepped out of the dimensional space, his armor fading away. He tossed Diodora's limp, unconscious body to the floor.
Whether in the servant battles or the king's duel, Diodora had lost—completely, utterly, without hope of redemption.
Under Tenra's merciless onslaught, Diodora was barely recognizable. Bones shattered, organs mangled, life hanging by a thread only thanks to a devil's unnatural vitality.
"Onii-sama!"
"Lord Tenra!"
Ravel flung herself into Tenra's arms. Asia, Gasper, Yubelluna, and the other girls rushed over, eyes shining with joy and awe.
Except for Minami, who was still recovering, all of Tenra's servants were present. He nodded to them, voice gentle but resolute.
"You all did well this time. Keep working hard—offer your strength to me."
"Yes, Lord Tenra!"
The girls knelt, pride and reverence in every movement.
"Yubelluna, heal him."
Tenra tossed a bottle of Phoenix Tears to Yubelluna, glancing coldly at Diodora's barely-breathing form.
He didn't care if Diodora lived or died. But now wasn't the time for him to die. As a loser, he still had to pay his debt.
Suppressing her disgust, Yubelluna dripped Phoenix Tears onto Diodora's wounds. While his body slowly mended, Tenra patted Ravel's head, signaling her to wait. Then he strode over to Rias.
She watched him approach, a flicker of panic crossing her face before she forced herself calm.
"Rias, will you become my fiancée? My wife?"
"Will you walk beside me, through every storm, for all our lives?"
He took her hand, his voice solemn.
Rias's heart skipped. So sudden—was he really confessing, here, now, in front of everyone?
But Tenra's eyes were steady, sincere. He wasn't joking.
"Are you serious?"
She drew a deep breath, forcing herself to meet his gaze, her own expression grave.
"I am. Not for family, not for politics. Only for you—Rias Gremory."
"Rias, I'll ask again. Will you become my fiancée? My wife?"
Tenra held her gaze, unwavering.
They stood in silence, locked together. Akeno and the others watched anxiously. After a long moment, Rias's bravado melted away—she surrendered first.
"Do I even have the right to refuse?"
Blushing fiercely, she shot him a mock glare.
"No, you don't…"
Tenra smiled, stepped closer, and kissed her—right there, in front of everyone.
She didn't resist. She let him claim her, let him show the world what she'd already accepted in her heart.
Tenra had broken into her soul. There was no room left for anyone else.
If that was the truth, then she would acknowledge him—completely.
They lingered in each other's arms, only separating when Akeno and the girls started teasing. Tenra licked his lips with satisfaction; Rias glared, but her eyes sparkled.
"Rias, congratulations. You've found your destined one at last."
Sona came over with her servants, not with her usual teasing, but genuine warmth.
"Thank you, Sona. You'll find yours too."
Rias was bold and straightforward—once she'd chosen Tenra, there was no room for regret. She answered graciously.
They shared a smile, rivals and friends who understood each other perfectly.
"Cough… cough…"
Diodora's voice rasped from the floor. Phoenix Tears had healed his body, but he was still weak, barely conscious.
"Let's go, Rias. Someone still owes you an apology."
"Mm…"
With a hint of playful mockery, Tenra and Rias, trailed by the girls, approached Diodora.
He was healed, but magic exhausted—still a wreck. Seeing Tenra and Rias, Diodora's face twisted in hate.
"Tenra Kamiyo!"
He'd lost. Again. Hatred and humiliation burned in his chest.
But what did it matter? He was nothing but a defeated dog.
"Diodora, as we agreed, it's time to apologize to my fiancée, Rias."
Tenra wrapped his arm around Rias's waist, smiling. Akeno and Sona watched with open amusement.
Diodora's humiliation was palpable. He glared at Tenra, but said nothing.
Tenra's eyes narrowed. The girls' expressions darkened.
But before the tension could break—
"Diodora, I've already informed Ajuka and Duke Astaroth of what happened today. You lost the Rating Game. Don't tarnish the Astaroth name any further."
"Now, as agreed, apologize to my sister—Rias Gremory."
Sirzechs appeared, Grayfia at his side.
Diodora tried to protest, but one look into Sirzechs' eyes and his blood froze. The pressure was overwhelming. If Sirzechs wanted, he could crush Diodora with a thought.
"S-sorry…"
The words slipped out, trembling, almost involuntary.
When he realized what he'd done, Diodora's face went gray. They'd stripped him of his last shred of dignity.
He lowered his head, eyes burning with cold, venomous light.
Sirzechs. Tenra Kamiyo. Just you wait. Today's humiliation—I'll repay it a thousandfold!
"No need."
Rias glanced at Diodora, unmoved by his hollow apology.
Tenra shrugged, turning away with Rias, the girls, and Sirzechs. The engagement ceremony wasn't over—and Diodora wasn't worth another second of their time.
Left behind like a stray dog, Diodora glared at their backs, then coughed up blood and collapsed, unconscious once more.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...🤔 Want to know what happens next to the characters? 🤫 Eager to explore the untold secrets of this world? ✍ Ready to read more of my wildest stories?✨patreon.com/GoldenLong