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"Cough, cough—how did we suddenly skip straight to marriage?"
Takumi's serious expression shattered instantly. His brows furrowed as he looked at Sona. Had his lecherous reputation spread through the Underworld that fast?
Sona's face flushed crimson as she waved her hands. "N-no, not a real marriage—it's just for appearances."
After a brief clarification, she revealed the Sitri Family's plan. Upon learning from Rias that Takumi possessed the power of a High-Class Devil, the Sitri elders conceived this idea.
In the vast Underworld divided by countless devil factions, High-Class Devils were the backbone of power. A High-Class Devil with no faction—like Takumi—was a highly coveted ally. Marriage was the most effective way to secure such an alliance while preserving mutual interests.
Sona continued, her golden eyes meeting his directly. "The Sitri Family hopes to use this union not only to strengthen our relationship with you but also to enact a plan. We'll use your strength and status to gather devils from defunct noble houses under the banner of the Peace Faction."
There were seventy-two devil houses with titles, many now extinct. But "extinct" only meant the main bloodline had vanished—it didn't mean their former armies and vassals were gone.
If someone claimed to be a descendant of one of those houses, they could rally remnants of its forces. This strategy would allow the Peace Faction to expand its power base rapidly.
"So basically, the same trick as the War Faction—using bloodline legitimacy as leverage," Takumi muttered. "But the problem is, I don't even know what bloodline I'm from."
"That's fine—we can fabricate one," Sona said without hesitation, smiling softly.
The Sitri Family intended to select one of the stronger extinct houses to attach his name to. They needed a symbolic lord to boost their own standing, and Takumi needed manpower. As long as both sides benefited, truth could be rewritten—legitimacy was a matter of agreement, not heritage.
Takumi finally saw the intricate political game at work. But the truth was, this proposal also aligned with his own interests.
If he accepted this engagement, the Sitri Family would effectively become part of his influence. And if their plan succeeded, he'd gain his own devil army. The benefits were obvious—it was only a matter of whether he'd take them.
Of course, there were risks. Choosing a side meant declaring war against the War Faction. They would stop at nothing to eliminate him.
Tock, tock, tock.
Takumi tapped his fingers against the table, studying Sona's composed face.
After a moment of thought, he nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll agree to it."
Given Mio's situation, he was already destined to oppose the War Faction. Switching sides was never an option—nor would he ever hand Mio over. Neutrality was an illusion. Even if he wanted to stay out of it, his enemies wouldn't.
If they dared step on his head, he'd drag them down and crush them.
And if he could use this as an opportunity to build his own power, even better. No matter how strong he became, no one conquers alone—every king needs his subordinates.
Even the Yakuza bosses had their soldiers.
Seeing Takumi finally agree, Sona's eyes brightened with relief—and a faint blush of embarrassment. Even if this engagement was only for show, the formalities still had to be done.
"Please sign here, Takumi," she said softly, producing a rolled parchment. "This is the engagement contract drafted jointly by my sister Serafall Leviathan and Ajuka Beelzebub—a formal document."
Takumi raised an eyebrow, eyeing her suspiciously. "Why do I feel like I'm being tricked into something? What if you fall for my charm and refuse to annul it later?"
"You—! You…!" Sona nearly choked on her own breath. That was her line! Why did he sound like he was the victim here?!
Was she really that unappealing?! Her face puffed with indignation, but Takumi chuckled awkwardly and raised a hand.
"Okay, okay, calm down. I was just teasing." He picked up the pen and signed his name.
Sona glared daggers at him, her usual elegance shattered by frustration. With a huff, she stood up and prepared to return to the Underworld to report back to her family.
Rias smirked, raising her thumb in mock admiration. "Takumi, you're amazing—you managed to completely break Sona's composure in one sentence."
Takumi responded with mock seriousness. "I only spoke the truth. Anyone would be cautious after suddenly gaining a fiancée out of nowhere. I'm not the kind of guy who lets the little head do all the thinking."
At least he still knew when to use which head.
Rias wanted to laugh—but her second thought was one of sympathy.
"Yeah… anyone would be resistant at first."
Her gaze lingered on Takumi's handsome face, ripples of emotion stirring in her heart.
Ever since she'd returned home, she'd learned something unpleasant—her family had arranged a marriage for her too. Her fiancé was the third son of the Phoenix Family, a noble house famous for producing Phoenix Tears, elixirs capable of healing any wound instantly.
It was a politically motivated match between the Gremory and Phoenix families. Unlike Takumi, she hadn't even been given a choice.
The thought made her heart sink. She didn't want to be treated like a commodity in a transaction—but there was nothing she could do.
Sensing her mood, Takumi offered a faint smile. "If you're feeling down, I also happen to be good at therapy. You can call me anytime, Rias-senpai."
He left her his phone number and walked away without pressing further. Pushing too much would only make her retreat. Slow and steady—connection and trust built over time.
He wasn't sure about the psychology, but he knew how to make people open up—body first, then heart.
Rias stared blankly at the digits on the paper for a moment before a charming smile curved her lips.
"Takumi~ my cute kouhai~ if it's him… I wouldn't really mind."
Her soft murmur carried a faint blush, leaving Koneko and Akeno utterly confused beside her.
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