"Rias..."
Sona watched Rias, who begged in shock, never expecting the proud woman who would simply die to apologize, bowing her head at her.
In some cases, the devils were sinful beings, and naturally, each of them had their own sins that they just couldn't control.
In Rias' case, it would be pride, and for her pride, sometimes, she would do many crazy things, yet even so, it was all fine since she had powerful backing.
As for Sona, it was a stubbornness, as she often held her own beliefs that were impossible to shake and would do anything to prove what she believed was correct, yet it was also fine, as she had powerful backing, too.
Regardless, the reason why the two were like this was because they came from a noble family that was even worshipped by many.
With such a mighty background, how could they not be prideful?
Yet, Sato, who had just arrived quite late, sighed in relief inwardly as Sona wouldn't punish him.
"I will punish you later as you are late, Sato-kun."
"...." Sato
He could only shut his mouth as he looked at Sona, who pushed the frame of her glasses as she looked at him calmly.
Nevertheless, he couldn't help but look at Rias, who brought all of her group with her.
Naturally, it was impossible for the two to tell what had happened last night, yet when their eyes met, Rias' cheeks flushed shyly.
"...." Sato.
This succubus!
Was this real?
Was this deliberate?
Yet, no matter what, even if it was a lie, Sato knew that many people would throw their lives for Rias.
Still, why did he seek him?
"If it's for your Rating Game, do you want my other members to help you? With them in your group, you should be able to have a complete group, Rias."
Sona's words weren't wrong since, unlike Riser, who had a complete member of the group, Rias' group was still missing a lot, as she only had Issei, Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno.
Along with Rias, as the captain, if she went on the Rating Game with Riser, who had a complete team, she would be at a disadvantage.
Yes, Riser's Peerage members might not have as much potential as Rias', but even so, all of them had an experience in the official Rating Game, fighting for their lives, and won.
Meanwhile, Rias' group was just a bunch of amateurs who were given a week to prepare!
What could they possibly do with that time?
Still, even so, while Rias was at a disadvantage, she would increase her chances of victory to fill the empty spots in her group, which were the Rook, the Knight, and the two Bishops.
Fortunately, Sona just happened to have all of those members that Rias needed, and naturally, if Rias wanted to borrow them, then she would lend them, but—
"No, I just want Sato."
Rias' answer was clear; she wanted nothing else except for Sato.
"..." Everyone.
Sato didn't say anything, but it was clear that Sona didn't want to let Rias have him. "Your Evil Pieces aren't enough for him. To make him part of your Peerage members, you need at least a single piece of Queen, or eight pieces of Pawns."
As for the double pieces of Rooks, Knights, or Bishops, they weren't enough, as their value was similar to that of six pieces of Pawns.
More importantly, Sona didn't want to!
Yet, it was impossible for her to reject Rias clearly, as she knew well the trouble that Rias was facing.
Previously, they were rivals, but now they were best friends, so Sona couldn't remain indifferent to Rias' problem.
Nevertheless, aside from Sato, Sona was fine with Rias borrowing anyone from her Peerage members, including Tsubaki.
No, Sato was impossible!
Yet, even if Rias wanted to borrow Sato, it was also impossible, yet—
"I-I will replace him as a member of your Peerage, Sona-sama!"
While Issei was nervous, he lifted his hand high to show his determination.
"..."
Yet, Sona didn't say anything and just stared at Rias in a daze.
"I-I might not be as good as Sensei now, but I am still the owner of the Boosted Gear! I have a lot of potential to grow! I will definitely grow stronger than I am now!"
However, now?
Issei knew that he was weak, and with how he was, could he realistically grow stronger in just a week to defeat Riser Phenex?!
The answer was obvious, right?
No!
Unless Issei sacrificed something within himself and became like a monster, would he do that?
If Rias gave her everything to Issei, naked on him, Issei would give his everything right away, but she didn't do that, and just treated her normally.
Still, even so, deep inside, Issei wished for Rias to grow a concern more towards him, believe in him, as with the Boosted Gear, he should be able to grow into the strongest!
Yet, Sona ignored Issei as she looked at Rias. "Are you serious?"
"I beg you, Sona. Only this time. Only after this Rating Game ends, and by then, I will return him to you."
"You promise?"
"I promise!"
"What if you don't?"
"If I don't... just ask me what you want to do."
Sona felt exhausted somehow, feeling all of her energy was drained to take this decision, and to say the words that she should say, yet—
"If you don't want me to go, then there is no need to say it, Sona-sama."
"Sato..."
"You are my Master, not her, so if you don't wish me to part from you, then I won't go."
Yup, compared to Rias, Sato had to say Sona was better as a master.
Still, as Sona heard his words, she looked at him deeply, then shook her head. "No, go and help her. Be her Peerage member till the end of her match."
"...."
Yet, while Sato had expected Sona's answer, he couldn't help but ask, "Do you have such confidence in me?"
"I do." 2x
Sona wasn't the only one who gave the answer, as Rias also gave a similar response.
"I believe that you can bring me to victory, and give me freedom, Sato-kun, so please... help me."
Sato looked at Rias, who begged, then nodded. "Okay."
With those words, Sato and Issei exchanged their positions, and he became part of Rias' Peerage members.
"Then, I will leave first. Take care—"
Sato stopped when Sona held his arm tightly. "Sona-sama?"
"Please go back, okay?"
Unlike her usual strong and calm expression, Sona appeared weak and uneasy, holding his arm tightly as if she didn't want to let him go.
Sato didn't break away, but held her hands in his firmly. "I will."
"I will be waiting, then..."
Those meek words came out from her lips as their gazes aligned, yet somehow a strange atmosphere was born as she appeared shy, but—
"Ahem! Let's go, Sato-kun! We will be late if we don't go now! We will start the training right away!"
Before something was about to happen, Sato was grabbed by Rias.
"....." Sona.
"Then, see you in a week, Sona. I will definitely return it to you."
Rias showed a bright smile, then quickly left with the teleportation with Sato and everyone.
Yet, without a doubt, Sona felt an intense regret, but as Rias thought that she had a chance to do many things, considering she would start her special practice in the secret place—
"Huh?! Why are you here?!"
In front of them was someone that they were all familiar with, yet even so, Grayfia ignored Rias' exaggerated reaction and said, "I will watch over you all, so nothing strange will go on in a week, okay?"
As the week-long training arc was about to begin in the presence of Grayfia, everyone showed various reactions, but Sato could only remain silent as he looked up, hoping for his body to grow stronger.