"Sona, from this moment on, you're officially my fiancée."
The ceremony was over, but Tenra still held Sona's hand, a warm smile lighting his face.
Her beauty was undeniable, but what caught Tenra's eye was the persistent blush coloring her cheeks—shyness and nerves swirling together, impossible to hide.
Even the ever-composed Student Council President couldn't help reacting like any other girl when faced with something this momentous.
"Congratulations, Sona-sama! We're so happy for you!"
"Sona-sama, you're absolutely stunning today!"
"Sona-sama, you have to be happy!"
Tsubaki, Ruruko, Momo, and the rest of Sona's peerage crowded around, voices bright with sincerity. A few of the girls even blinked away tears.
"Tsubaki, Ruruko, Momo, everyone…"
Surrounded by her loyal followers, Sona felt a surge of emotion—gratitude, joy, and the bittersweet ache of growing up.
"Sister-in-law, I wish you and Onii-sama happiness forever. Please take care of me from now on!"
Ravel, smoothing her ceremonial dress, offered her blessing with practiced sweetness. Clever as ever, she'd always been close to Rias at home, and now, with another official sister-in-law, she wasted no time cozying up.
Sona smiled at her. "Of course, Princess Ravel. I'll take care of you."
"Just call me Ravel, Sister-in-law. No need to be so formal!"
"Alright, Ravel."
The two exchanged shy grins.
After Ravel, Rias stepped forward.
"Sona, Tenra—congratulations."
"May you find joy together and live in harmony for a hundred years."
Rias's voice was earnest, but Tenra could see the mischief glinting in her eyes. Akeno and the other girls behind her struggled not to laugh.
If anyone else had said those words, it would have been touching. But coming from Rias—who was also Tenra's fiancée—any outsider would swear a palace drama was about to erupt.
"Rias, I was just joking with you before. Must you hold a grudge and get your revenge now?"
Sona shot her a mortified, wounded look.
Rias just giggled. "Didn't you say this kind of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime? I couldn't resist trying it myself."
"Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing."
She softened, her tone sincere. "Sona, you really are beautiful today. Congratulations—and welcome to our family."
Sona's heart warmed again. She and Rias had been best friends, rivals, and confidantes since childhood. Now, fate had made them sisters in the truest sense. Life was strange—and wonderful.
"Haha, only you, Tenra Kamiyo, could win over Princess Sona!"
"Congratulations, Tenra Kamiyo. Congratulations, Sona Sitri."
Sairaorg and Seekvaira arrived, their peerages in tow, offering hearty congratulations.
"Thanks, Sairaorg. Thanks, Seekvaira."
Tenra and Sona bowed in return.
Tenra grinned at Sairaorg. "You're not getting any younger yourself. No one caught your eye yet?"
Sairaorg shrugged. "I'm not on your level. That sort of thing can wait—no rush."
He shot a mischievous look at Seekvaira. "But you've managed to claim both of our generation's queens. Since Seekvaira's still unattached, why not add her to your collection too?"
Among friends, Sairaorg didn't bother with filters—but sometimes, his mouth ran faster than his brain.
A muscle-brained idiot with zero emotional intelligence.
Instantly, icy glares sliced across the room. Sairaorg's instincts screamed danger; his skin prickled and his heart pounded.
Rias and Sona's looks were cold, but at least they managed polite smiles. Seekvaira, however, was crimson with fury, teeth clenched.
"Sairaorg, do you have a death wish?!"
"I—I was wrong…"
Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He'd faced countless enemies in life-or-death battles, but nothing matched the terror of a woman's wrath. Hands raised in surrender, he wilted.
Women—truly terrifying creatures. Sairaorg finally understood.
Seeing his genuine apology, the girls let him off after a brief lecture.
Tenra clapped Sairaorg's shoulder. "Looks like you're not ready for all this. Give it a few hundred years."
Sairaorg managed a bitter smile. "You must be something else, Tenra Kamiyo. Only now do I realize how formidable you really are."
Tenra just chuckled to himself. If you don't know how to handle women, you'll never experience their wonders.
After Sairaorg and Seekvaira, more guests stepped forward to offer congratulations—until even Serafall and Sirzechs appeared.
"Uuu… Sona-chan, just wait! Your big sister will rescue you from that detestable Oppai Dragon!"
"Sister…"
Sona blushed, embarrassed and exasperated as Serafall clung to her like a lifeline.
She'd only gotten engaged, nothing more—she didn't need rescuing!
"Tenra-kun, congratulations on your engagement to Sona Sitri."
Sirzechs smiled, then glanced at Rias, a teasing glint in his eyes. "But even with a new fiancée, don't neglect Rias. Otherwise, as her brother, I'll have to pay you a visit."
Rias pouted. "Onii-sama, honestly…"
Tenra replied solemnly, "Don't worry, Sirzechs-sama. I'll never let Rias down."
Sirzechs nodded. "I trust you, Tenra-kun. There are matters to attend to in the Maou territory, so Grayfia and I won't stay until the end. If anything comes up, you can always reach out."
"Yes, Sirzechs-sama."
After exchanging farewells, Sirzechs and Grayfia prepared to leave for Lucifaad, the Maou's domain.
Just as she turned, Grayfia's lips moved ever so slightly. No one noticed, but Tenra's eyes flashed briefly before returning to normal.
The rest of the evening blurred by in a haze of greetings and blessings. By the end, Tenra's face ached from smiling, and Sona was thoroughly exhausted.
"Sona, now you understand what I went through last time?"
Rias grinned, watching Sona finally experience the pain of endless socializing.
"Ah, I understand all too well now."
Sona sank into her seat, supported by her peerage, shooting Tenra a look of pure, playful resentment.
All his fault—every bit of it.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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