"Red Dragon Emperor, what do you have to say for yourself?!"
Serafall glared daggers at Tenra, cheeks puffed in outrage.
Tenra sighed, hands raised in surrender. "Serafall-sama, Sona and I care for each other—and I won the match, fair and square. Why are you so determined to stop us?"
"Hmph! 'Care for each other'? As if! Sona-chan was definitely tricked by you, you shameless, womanizing Oppai Dragon!"
She jabbed a finger at his chest, voice rising. "You already have Rias-chan and the others, but you're still not satisfied! I will never hand Sona-chan over to you!"
Just imagining her precious Sona-chan being defiled by some filthy man—especially this two-timing, perverted Red Dragon Emperor—made Serafall's heart ache.
She would never let that happen. Not in a million years.
Tenra kept his tone calm, though a hint of ice crept in. "Serafall-sama, that's a bit much. Do you really think you're the only smart one in the world, and everyone else is a fool? If I were deceiving Sona, don't you think she'd see through it?"
He straightened, voice measured. "Besides, you're a Maou. You should be careful with your words. My engagement to Sona was approved by both our families—it's a matter of reputation for the Phoenix and Sitri clans. Are you really going to risk all that just for your own stubbornness?"
Serafall crossed her arms, chin jutting out. "I don't care! I don't care! Either way, I'm not handing Sona-chan over to you!"
Tenra could only shake his head. Normally, Serafall was cheerful, easygoing—even as a Maou, she never threw her weight around, and was quick to admit her mistakes. But when it came to her little sister, all bets were off. She was stubborn, domineering, and utterly unreasonable.
A sly idea sparked in Tenra's mind. He let a smile curl at the edge of his lips.
"Serafall-sama, since neither of us is backing down, how about we make a deal?"
She narrowed her eyes. "What kind of deal?"
"One month from now, just you and me—a duel. Not a Rating Game, just a fight between us. If you win, I'll break off my engagement with Sona and never chase after her again. But if I win—"
"I accept!"
She cut him off before he could finish.
Tenra blinked. "I haven't even said what I get if I win."
Serafall waved him off. "For Sona-chan's sake, I won't lose!"
He grinned. "And if you do?"
"If I actually lose, you can do whatever you want!"
Tenra's smile sharpened. "Deal. Just don't chicken out when the time comes."
"You're the one who should worry! Better wash your neck and wait—I'm going to wipe the floor with you and take Sona-chan back!"
Serafall's fists clenched, her confidence blazing. For Sona-chan, she'd do anything. Some lecherous Oppai Dragon wasn't going to scare her.
"Oh, and before our duel, you're not allowed to do any H things with Sona-chan!"
She glared, voice deadly serious.
Tenra stifled a laugh. "Fine, fine. But I have one condition too—this stays between us. Promise you won't tell anyone."
He thought to himself: If Serafall ever found out how many times Sona had already bitten him… Well, the Maou would probably go nuclear.
Serafall snorted. "I'm not going to blab. You just wait, Red Dragon Emperor!"
Truth be told, Serafall didn't actually hate Tenra. But since he was trying to steal her precious Sona-chan, he'd become her number one nemesis.
As she stormed out, Tenra watched her go, a thoughtful smile lingering on his lips.
For her sister's sake, even the clever Maou could turn a little foolish. Would he have made this bet without absolute confidence?
Let's see, he thought. When Serafall finally loses to me, then I'll—
"Tenra-sama, Sona-sama is coming out."
In the grand hall, Tenra stood ready, nerves taut. Yubelluna leaned close, whispering in his ear.
A stir ran through the crowd. Tenra looked up and saw her—Sona Sitri, stepping forward like the moon among stars.
She wore a pure white ceremonial gown, elegant and regal. Flanked by Lady Phoenix, Lady Sitri, Rias, Ravel, and the other girls, she walked toward Tenra, each step measured and graceful.
It was the first time Tenra had seen Sona so breathtaking. Even he felt a jolt of awe.
If Rias was a fiery rose, then Sona was a cool, noble white lotus.
Different flowers, but both equally captivating.
"Sona, you're beautiful today."
His words were sincere, and Sona's cheeks flushed pink as she lowered her gaze.
"Tenra Kamiyo, I'm entrusting my most precious daughter to you. Don't ever let Sona down."
Lady Sitri placed her daughter's hand in Tenra's.
He squeezed Sona's hand gently, voice solemn. "Don't worry, Auntie. I'll never let Sona down. I promise."
Whether Rias or Sona, Tenra cherished them both. He'd never betray that trust.
On the raised platform, Duke Sitri addressed the guests. "Thank you all for attending my daughter Sona's engagement ceremony with Tenra Kamiyo of the Phoenix family."
Representatives from every major family in the Underworld were present. Even many who'd watched the battle earlier had stayed for the ceremony.
Plenty of male devils cursed Tenra in their hearts—how could that bastard snatch away another unattainable flower? But at times like this, even they managed polite applause and forced smiles.
Under the gaze of all, Tenra and Sona ascended the stage, hand in hand. With everyone as witness, their engagement was formally sealed.
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