Phenex Manor, Lord's Study
The grand dining hall had emptied, leaving only the echoes of wine glasses and hushed murmurs of servants. In the quiet of his study, Lord Phenex sat opposite his eldest son, Ruval, the air heavy with unspoken thoughts.
The patriarch swirled his glass of firewine, amber eyes sharp. "So… he's truly cut ties with the Gremorys. And not in whispers, but publicly, decisively."
Ruval, calm and composed as always, adjusted his posture. "Yes, Father. And he has chosen Lady Sona Sitri instead. He could not have been more clear in his declaration. The world will not mistake his intent."
A faint smile tugged at Lord Phenex's lips, though it was weary. "That reckless boy… but perhaps, for once, his recklessness has direction. Still, to insult Rias Gremory so openly, and by extension the Lucifer's household…"
Ruval's tone softened, thoughtful. "It is dangerous, yes. But did you not see him today? He wasn't the arrogant, spoiled son we once worried over. He was… resolute. He looked at Lady Sona not as a trophy, but as an equal."
The older devil raised a brow. "And you approve?"
"I do," Ruval admitted. "Lady Sona Sitri is intelligent, disciplined, and ambitious. If anyone can temper Riser's fire, it's her. And in turn, his fire might give her heart what her cold logic lacks."
For a long moment, silence filled the room, broken only by the crackle of the hearth. Finally, Lord Phenex sighed, setting down his glass.
"Then perhaps it is time we stop treating him like a wayward child. If he's truly chosen his partner, we must prepare to shield him from the political storm he's unleashed."
Ruval nodded. "Agreed. The Sitri alliance may very well become our family's greatest strength."
Sitri Territory, Evening
When Sona returned to the Sitri estate, she had barely stepped into her chambers before the whirlwind that was Serafall Leviathan burst through the door.
"So-tan!!" Serafall practically flew across the room, her magical girl outfit glittering unnecessarily as always. "I heard everything! EVERYTHING!"
Sona adjusted her glasses nervously, already feeling her cheeks heat. "O-Onee-sama—"
Her sister grabbed her hands dramatically, stars in her eyes. "You stood in front of the Phenex parents and said you'd stand with him?! KYAAA~ So cool! So romantic! So un-So-tan-like!!"
Sona tugged her hands free, trying to restore some dignity. "…I only said what was necessary. It wasn't—"
Serafall gasped, cutting her off. "And then he put you on his lap! In front of his baby sister! And then kissed you! And you let him!" She spun in circles like a child on too much sugar. "My baby So-tan is in loooove!"
Sona's composure cracked, her face crimson. "T-That was completely improper of him, and I told him so! Don't twist it into—"
"But you didn't push him away, did you?" Serafall sing-songed, leaning in close. "You blushed. You melted. You practically snuggled into him. Don't deny it, I have sources."
Sona turned away, pressing a hand against her burning face. "He… is reckless. Always reckless. But…" Her voice softened to almost a whisper. "When he says those things, I… can't help but…"
Serafall froze for once, her wide eyes glimmering with a mixture of shock and joy. "…Oh my Maou. You really do love him."
Sona bit her lip, refusing to answer directly—but her silence was answer enough.
Serafall squealed, hugging her tightly until Sona's glasses almost flew off. "My So-tan's all grown up! Falling in love, letting a boy sweep her off her feet—literally!—I'm so proud!!"
Sona, red from both embarrassment and lack of oxygen, muttered weakly, "Onee-sama, let me go before I suffocate…"