The student council room was a portrait of order: Sona Sitri sat poised behind her desk, fingers steepled, her expression unreadable. Behind her, Tsubaki Shinra, Tomoe Meguri, and the rest of her peerage stood in a neat line, silent sentinels.
"Tea for you, Lord Tenra."
Momo Hanakai's voice was gentle as she set a steaming cup before him.
"Thank you, Momo."
Tenra offered a warm smile, earning a faint blush from the girl before she retreated to her place behind Sona.
Sona watched the exchange with practiced patience. "Now, Tenra Kamiyo, let's get to the point."
Tenra took a sip, savoring the rich aroma. He'd been summoned alone—clearly, this was more than a routine council matter.
"You saw those two second-years at the gate, didn't you? They disrupted the school's reputation. The police have taken them for 're-education,' and even if they're released, they won't be returning to Kuoh Academy."
Her tone was measured, almost clinical.
Tenra nodded, feigning surprise. "Who would've guessed Motohama and Matsuda had such… unusual tastes? You really can't judge by appearances."
He paused, then added, "But honestly, you can't blame them for chasing their true love."
A ripple of barely-suppressed laughter ran through the girls behind Sona. Even Sona's lips twitched upward.
"Not entirely their fault," Sona replied, eyes sharp behind her glasses. "They were cursed. That's what drove them to act so out of character."
She fixed Tenra with a pointed stare. "Would you care to explain?"
Tenra stiffened, caught off guard. So she'd already traced the source.
He raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, I confess. I asked Raynare to curse them."
"Why target ordinary humans?"
"They were peeping on my club members. I figured a little punishment was in order." He coughed, a sheepish grin breaking through. "And, well, I might've enjoyed the mischief a bit too much…"
Tomoe and the others burst out laughing. Even Sona shook her head, exasperated but amused.
"If you think it's inappropriate, I'll have Raynare lift the curse and bring them back," Tenra offered.
Sona waved the suggestion away. "No need. Those two have always been a nuisance. Expelling them is no loss."
She leaned forward, her demeanor cooling. "That matter's settled. There's something more important I want to discuss."
Tenra's curiosity piqued. "Go ahead."
"This touches on your privacy. You're free not to answer."
Sona tapped a rune, and a magical projection shimmered to life—a vision of Rias, clad in the crimson armor of the Red Dragon Emperor, annihilating stray devils.
Even Sona had been shocked by this footage. The Longinus was supposed to be Tenra's—so why was Rias wielding its power?
"I have to ask: Why does Rias have the Red Dragon Emperor's power?"
Tenra didn't hesitate. "It's one of my Sacred Gear's abilities. I can share any gear I've claimed with another host. As you saw, I shared the Red Dragon Emperor's power with Rias."
A stunned silence fell. The girls behind Sona stared, wide-eyed. Not only could Tenra steal Sacred Gears without limit—he could share them. Was this even a Sacred Gear anymore, or something beyond?
Sona recovered first, her gaze complicated. "Tenra Kamiyo, you shouldn't have told me that."
She'd only asked out of curiosity, but now regret flickered in her eyes. She didn't like probing into others' secrets.
Tenra shrugged. "It's fine. Sooner or later, someone would figure it out. Besides, you're Rias's friend—and someone I trust."
He glanced at Tsubaki and Ruruko Nimura, adding, "And I trust all of you as well."
The girls blushed, eyes dropping to the floor.
Sona composed herself, her usual poise returning. A faint, enigmatic smile played on her lips. "No wonder so many girls admire you, Tenra Kamiyo."
"If you were trying to win our favor, congratulations. You've succeeded."
Tenra blinked, then grinned. "I'll take the compliment. But honestly, I do trust you all."
"Since you're so honest, let me ask the question we're all dying to know."
Sona's glasses glinted with a hint of mischief.
"Ask away."
"How's your cohabitation with Rias going?"
The question hung in the air, and every girl in the room stared at Tenra, eyes alight with curiosity.
Tenra's mouth twitched. He hadn't expected Sona, of all people, to go there.
"Cough, President Sona, maybe we shouldn't get into such personal territory…"
He tried to change the subject. "Actually, I have important news about the fallen angels—"
Sona cut him off. "If you mean the holy sword theft and their infiltration, Rias already briefed us. We've increased security."
Her eyes were cold, her tone brooking no refusal. "Now, answer my question. As Rias's friend—and someone you trust—I need to know."
Tenra felt a wave of self-inflicted regret. He'd brought this on himself. But under Sona's unyielding gaze, resistance was futile.
"Alright, President Sona. Ask whatever you want…"
He surrendered, and for the next hour, the student council room became a den of relentless gossip. By the time Tenra escaped, wiping sweat from his brow, Sona and her peerage looked utterly satisfied.
Tenra had learned the true terror of a room full of curious women.
After he left, Sona's smile faded. She tapped her desk, thoughtful.
"Tsubaki… do you think I'm getting a little too interested in him?"
The room fell silent. No one dared answer.
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