Despite a few surprises, Tenra and Rias's engagement ceremony ended in perfect harmony.
Guests and hosts alike were satisfied. As the festivities wound down, the last of the family representatives took their leave.
"Tenra Kamiyo, I look forward to the day we clash for real."
"Same here."
"Hahahaha!"
Battle spirit thrumming, Tenra and Sairaorg shared a hearty laugh.
"You truly are the Phoenix family's miracle, Tenra Kamiyo. The Agares estate is open to you anytime—stop by if you're ever free."
"Count on it."
They shook hands. Seekvaira made no effort to hide her admiration.
With the hour growing late, Sairaorg and Seekvaira bid their farewells, leading their peerages into the teleportation circles.
"Sona, I don't think we need to say much. See you at school."
Tenra turned to the last group remaining—Sona and her servants—and smiled.
Sona's lips curled in a secretive smile. She glanced at Tenra and Rias, standing so close it was almost intimate, then nodded her goodbyes and left with her peerage.
At last, the guests were gone. Tenra and Rias exchanged a glance, both letting out a long, exhausted breath. Entertaining this crowd was somehow more draining than an actual fight.
"Rias, from now on, you're truly my fiancée. My wife."
Tenra cupped her cheeks, smiling mischievously.
Rias rolled her eyes, cheeks tinged pink, but sweetness bloomed in her heart.
Life really is unpredictable, full of twists. They'd once made a simple promise, and now—here they were, together.
And maybe… that's not so bad.
"Minami, how are you feeling?"
Tenra stepped into the room where Minami lay, surrounded by Yubelluna and the other girls tending to her.
"I'm fine now, Lord Tenra. Sorry for worrying you."
Her face was still pale, but she quickly stood and bowed.
Her wounds had healed, but her magic was depleted—she swayed, and Tenra caught her in his arms.
"You did worry me."
"Running off into danger without my say-so… that's not what a good servant does."
"Lord Tenra, Minami—"
Yubelluna and Tosca started to plead for Minami, but Tenra's cold glance silenced them.
"Lord Tenra, I… I…"
Minami bit her lip, guilt written all over her face as she pressed into his embrace.
The room grew tense. Yubelluna and the others braced themselves for punishment—but then Tenra's expression softened into a smile.
"But you saved Yubelluna and Tosca. That was brave."
He stroked her hair, voice gentle.
Minami could have escaped when Diodora attacked, but she'd chosen to save her sisters instead. Tenra was angry she'd risked herself, but to truly blame a girl who put her family first? That would be a failure as their king.
"Lord Tenra…"
The sudden shift left Minami stunned—and then deeply moved, tears sparkling in her eyes.
Yubelluna and Tosca breathed sighs of relief, realizing their panic had been for nothing.
"Minami, what do you want as a reward?"
Tenra was never stingy with his servants. Minami had earned something special. But she shook her head, insisting she needed nothing.
"That won't do. If you won't choose, I'll pick for you…"
Tenra's lips curled in a playful, commanding smile. He leaned down and kissed her.
Minami's eyes shimmered, her cheeks flushed. Tenra's reward was embarrassing, but the sweetness in her heart drowned out any protest—and she responded instinctively.
Yubelluna and the others exchanged knowing smiles and quietly slipped out, leaving the room to the two of them.
"Minami, when we return to the human world, you'll join Yubelluna and the others in my bedchamber."
After a long, lingering kiss, Tenra whispered softly in her ear.
Dazed, Minami gazed up at her domineering master.
"Yes, Lord Tenra…"
"How about that, Venelana? Isn't our little Tenra something?"
Lady Phoenix sipped her tea with elegant poise, pride flickering across her beautiful features as she mentioned Tenra.
"He's a fine young man. Barely worthy of our Rias, I suppose."
Lady Gremory's eyes sparkled with mischief as she nodded.
"I can't just let that slide. Our Tenra is only barely worthy of Gremory's little princess?"
"Of course. Rias is the most exceptional."
"Oh? I beg to differ. Tenra is."
"Rias is."
"Tenra is."
"Rias is."
"Tenra is."
Back and forth they went, two noble duchesses bickering like children, neither willing to concede. Their smiles were polite, but the air crackled with competitive energy. The maids nearby broke out in cold sweats, terrified the two ladies might actually come to blows.
Their gazes sharpened, and the room fell into a heavy silence—until, at last, both ladies relaxed and broke into laughter.
"Hehehehehe…"
"Still the 'Extinction Lady,' Venelana. Always so fierce."
"And you're no different. Tenra isn't even your biological child, yet you protect him as if he were."
"Tamako entrusted Tenra to me. He's as good as my own."
"Tamako… I do miss her sometimes…"
"But speaking of which, your little princess and Tenra still have that old promise, don't they?"
"Ah, rebellious kids. The promise isn't even fulfilled, and they've already captured each other's hearts. I'll have to tease Rias about it later—her reaction should be priceless."
"My, my. Teasing your own daughter, Venelana—you're getting wicked."
"Every daughter owes her mother a little mischief now and then, don't you think?"
"Oh… now you've got me wanting to try it too…"
"Hehehehehe…"
Tenra and Rias thought their little secret was perfectly hidden. In truth, their mothers had known all along—and now, bored and mischievous, they were plotting exactly how to mess with their beloved children.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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