Although the Student Council office at Kuoh Academy was not huge, it wasn't small either.
When Leon's party of five arrived, they found about ten people gathered inside, either sitting or standing. Even so, the room did not feel overly crowded, comfortably accommodating everyone.
"Leon."
Sona Sitri came forward to greet him, a faint smile gracing her cold, elegant face.
"Sona."
Leon looked toward her first and stepped out of the magic circle with a smile.
"Welcome to Kuoh Academy, Eligos Peerage."
Tsubaki Shinra also walked over, welcoming Leon and the others on behalf of Sona.
"Hello, Shinra-senpai."
"It's been a long time, Shinra-senpai."
Yukino Yukinoshita and Asuna Yuuki, the two girls who had met Tsubaki before, spoke up to greet her. Utaha Kasumigaoka and Mahiru Shiina remained silent, observing quietly from the side.
"These must be your new subordinates, right?"
After exchanging pleasantries with Leon, Sona's gaze immediately fell upon Utaha and Mahiru, her glasses reflecting the light slightly.
"Exactly. My 'Rook' Utaha Kasumigaoka and my new 'Bishop' Mahiru Shiina."
Leon introduced the two to Sona.
"I am the Eligos Peerage's 'Rook'—Utaha Kasumigaoka."
"I am the Eligos Peerage's 'Bishop,' Mahiru Shiina."
The two seemed to have prepared their introductions in advance. They bowed to Sona without a hint of stage fright. Even their etiquette had been practiced; it was the formal way a low-class devil bows to an upper-class devil.
"Hello. I am the successor to the house of Sitri, Sona Sitri. You may also call me Sōna Shitorī."
Sona nodded to the two, then called over the people who had been surrounding her.
"Let me introduce my Peerage to you as well."
Sona had a few more subordinates than Leon, six in total.
First was the "Queen," Tsubaki Shinra, who needed no further introduction.
Then there was the "Rook," Tsubame Yura, a tall girl with shoulder-length short hair. She looked quite heroic and was said to be very skilled in martial arts.
Next were the two "Bishops," Reya Kusaka and Momo Hanakai. The former had a gentle temperament, while the latter had the image of a silver-haired "big sister."
Following them was the "Knight," Tomoe Meguri, a slender woman carrying a Japanese sword. Like Tsubaki, she supposedly came from a family of exorcists.
Finally, there was the "Pawn," Ruruko Nimura, a cute girl with twin tails. her large, round eyes were very striking.
This was Sona's current Peerage. Like Leon's, they were all female.
"Hello, Eligos-senpai."
"H-hello, Mr. Eligos."
The girls bowed to Leon one after another. Some were open and gracious, some were serious and calm, and others were clearly a bit nervous.
"Hello, everyone."
Leon didn't put on any airs. He waved to the girls with the air of a bright, cheerful young man, causing the cheeks of several underclassmen to flush slightly.
They looked at Leon with a mix of curiosity and a strange glimmer in their eyes, as if they were finally seeing someone they had wanted to meet for a long time. If the setting had been different, it felt as though they might have squealed on the spot and started whispering excitedly to each other.
In truth, it was much the same. These girls belonging to the Sitri Peerage had long heard of Leon from Sona and Tsubaki. They knew their master had a close relationship with a male of the opposite sex, and their frequent interactions had kept these girls very curious.
Sona Sitri was a famous "Ice Queen." Whether at school or in private, she was known for being indifferent toward men. Although she was highly popular, boys held her in both awe and respect, only daring to express their admiration from afar; no one dared to approach Sona directly.
In the past, Sona had no close male acquaintances at all. Even her fiancé, the only person with a relatively close connection, had been crushed in a duel by Sona when she refused to fulfill the engagement. He had been too ashamed to show his face before her ever since. Therefore, when Tsubaki mentioned that Sona had a male friend she got along with very well, the members of the Sitri Peerage were incredibly curious. They wanted to know what kind of man could be held in such high regard by their master.
Unfortunately, the two were not at the same school, or even in the same city. Even their areas of activity were different, so there were rarely opportunities to meet.
Sona frequently met Leon in private, but she wasn't about to travel with five or six subordinates just to have tea with him. Thus, until now, only Tsubaki Shinra, the "Queen," had met Leon. The others had never had the chance.
This was also the standard etiquette for upper-class devils traveling. Usually, they would bring at most one "Queen" to attend to them, while the other subordinates remained on standby. Otherwise, if they had to bring their entire Peerage every time they went out, those upper-class devils with full sets would have to travel with over a dozen people every single time.
Leon often acted alone because he didn't have a "Queen" yet, or he would occasionally bring Yukino and Asuna. As for the newly joined Utaha and Mahiru, he hadn't brought them out for a public appearance until now.
With this meeting, the Sitri Peerage finally saw the person they had been "longing" to see. Moreover, he was exceptionally handsome and had a sunny personality—the complete opposite of their own master. This caused the girls, who were full of anticipation, to feel a small surge of excitement.
Of course, they were also observing Yukino and her group. Looking at the four beautiful girls, each with a different style, they couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"What beautiful girls."
Being women themselves, they couldn't help but be attracted by the outstanding appearance of Yukino and the others. It was clear that Leon's previous feeling was correct; bringing these four girls out would certainly not lose him any face; on the contrary, it brought him great prestige.
It wasn't just them; even the other group of devils who had been watching from the side couldn't help but feel impressed, silently admiring the beauty of Yukino and the others.
They even thought that if these four girls appeared at Kuoh Academy as students, perhaps the idol popularity rankings—which rarely changed—would have to be reshuffled.
At the very least, Sona's third-place position would be in danger, and Tsubaki's fourth-place spot was even more precarious. Even the second-place spot might not be safe.
However, the first-place spot would likely be defended.
Among the many women present, there was someone whose charm could indeed overshadow Yukino and the others.
"Rias, Leon is already here. Aren't you coming over?"
Sona addressed the only girl present who remained seated.
"I was just waiting for the right moment."
The other party smiled and stood up. She walked forward with graceful strides, coming all the way to stand before Leon.
Seeing this person, Yukino and the others, who had maintained their composure and calm since arriving, couldn't help but show a trace of awe.
This was because the woman before them was simply too beautiful; her presence was far too strong.
She had distinct foreign features, looking like a stunning exotic beauty. In terms of facial features alone, she was no less beautiful than Yukino and the others. Her figure was so exquisite that it eclipsed every other woman in the room—only the Yamato Nadeshiko-type woman following behind her with a constant smile could even hope to compare.
Most importantly, she had a head of strikingly brilliant crimson-red hair. Every gesture she made exuded elegance, upbringing, and poise. Her noble aura was unparalleled, ensuring that no matter where she was, she would be the center of attention—the most radiant person in the crowd.
Looking at her, Yukino and the others felt a sense of self-inferiority for the first time.
In terms of looks alone, they weren't necessarily inferior, but her figure, temperament, and sheer presence were too powerful. Combined with her outstanding appearance, she was a flawless beauty—like a work of art created by a god specifically to show off their skill. One couldn't find a single flaw.
Perhaps there were people in this world more beautiful than her, but they might not have her figure.
Perhaps there were people with better figures, but they might not have her ethereal temperament.
Those with a better temperament weren't as beautiful; those more beautiful lacked her breeding, etiquette, and the nobility that seemed to be in her very marrow.
The combination of all these factors made even proud girls like Yukino and the others feel a sense of inadequacy.
"Rias Gremory, the successor of the House of Gremory. I am also Sona's childhood friend and the President of the Occult Research Club at Kuoh Academy."
Rias extended a hand to Leon, smiling while she sized him up.
"Leon Eligos, successor of the House of Eligos, Sona's friend, and the President of the Occult Affairs Department at Sobu High."
Leon was also admiring Rias's beauty. This kind of aggressive beauty didn't exist among those around him, yet it didn't feel off-putting. Instead, it felt as though this girl was meant to be this sharp and radiant. He reached out and shook her hand.
The smooth softness of her palm made it hard to believe she was a high-charm "big sister" type; she felt more like a well-pampered young girl.
In the past, Leon might have lost himself for a moment, but he now had several top-tier beauties under his command living under the same roof. He had developed some immunity—or rather, his threshold for beauty had been raised. Thus, he calmly took the initiative to let go of Rias's hand.
This caused Rias to arch an eyebrow, a deeply hidden look of appreciation appearing in her eyes.
As expected of the man her cold childhood friend held in high regard; he was indeed interesting.
"I had long heard that a successor had appeared for the severed House of Eligos. I finally get to meet you today, Mr. Eligos."
Rias spoke with great poise and beauty.
"I have also long wanted to meet the Princess of the House of Gremory. Today, my wish is finally granted." Leon returned the sentiment with a smile as refreshing as a spring breeze, saying, "You can just call me Leon. Since you're Sona's childhood friend, that's practically the same as being my childhood friend."
"Then you should just call me Rias." Rias gave a radiant smile and said, "There is no reason for me not to acknowledge someone Sona acknowledges."
The two of them suddenly closed the distance between them, fully demonstrating the good impression this meeting had created for both sides.
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