"Sona, thanks for hosting me these past few days. I really had a great time."
The Underworld train to Gremory territory waited on the platform, steam curling in the chill air. Tenra and his entourage stood with Sona Sitri and her peerage, exchanging final farewells.
"Ensuring my guests are comfortable is my duty as host. If anything, it's I who should be grateful."
Sona's voice was as cool and composed as ever.
Tenra grinned. "Let's not get stuck on formalities."
He glanced at her, eyes sharp. "Your match with Rias is in ten days. Red Dragon versus White Dragon—the gap between Kings is gone, but your servants could use a boost."
"Tsubaki and Nimura are talented, but you know as well as I do—they're outmatched against Irina and Xenovia, especially with those Holy Swords."
Sona nodded, unflinching. "I know."
"Ordinary training won't cut it on such short notice. You might want to talk to Azazel. He's got a whole arsenal of artificial Sacred Gears—not as good as the real thing, but still impressive. Maybe you'll find something for Tsubaki and the others."
Sona's eyes lit up at the suggestion, but her gaze turned sly. "Tenra Kamiyo, you're helping us this much—isn't Rias going to get jealous? She may be generous, but she's got a jealous streak."
Tenra chuckled. "I just want the match to be interesting. Rias will pout, sure, but she'll approve in the end."
He smirked inwardly. Rias's jealousy was legendary, but he had plenty of ways to handle her—tried and true.
"I see. I'll give it a try."
She held his gaze a moment longer, then let the matter drop.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye. See you on match day."
Tenra raised a hand, ready to leave with Yubelluna and the rest. But Sona's voice stopped him.
"Wait."
He paused, turning back. "Something else, Sona?"
Her expression flickered with hesitation, but resolve quickly settled in her eyes.
"Tsubaki, you all head back first."
"Yes, Sona-sama."
Though confused, her peerage bowed and made their way off the platform.
Tenra caught Sona's glance and understood immediately. "Yubelluna, you all get on the train. I'll be right behind."
"Yes, Tenra-sama."
With knowing smiles, Yubelluna and the others boarded, leaving Tenra and Sona alone.
Sona stepped closer, exhaled softly. "Tenra Kamiyo—"
Before he could react, she leaned in and kissed him.
It was a surprise—soft, tentative, and over almost before it began. Clearly Sona's first kiss. But Tenra wasn't about to let such a gift slip away. He pulled her into his arms, deepening the kiss, refusing to let her retreat.
The world exploded in Sona's mind. Just taking this step had already stretched her limits; Tenra's sudden assertiveness sent her thoughts scattering. Instinctively, she struggled, cheeks aflame, but Tenra—no stranger to intimacy—held her fast, savoring her sweetness.
"So this is what a kiss feels like…"
Her resistance faded, eyes growing dreamy, body melting into his. She began to respond, clumsy but sincere, lost in sensation.
Who knew how long they lingered. When at last they parted, Sona collapsed against Tenra, breathless and dazed, taking long moments to recover.
"Sona, thanks for the treat. Best surprise I've ever gotten."
Tenra whispered wickedly in her ear.
Mortified, Sona shoved him away. "Don't get ideas, Tenra Kamiyo. I just wanted to see what a kiss felt like—and pay back your favor."
She forced herself to sound cold, but her voice trembled.
"Heh… After that, you expect me not to get ideas? No chance."
Tenra's grin was infuriating.
"That's your problem, not mine!"
With a flash of blue wings, Sona vanished in a streak of light, fleeing in embarrassment.
Tenra watched her go, stroking his chin, smile lingering. "What a stubborn president…"
But beneath the humor, a possessive longing stirred.
Sona Sitri—someday, you'll be mine.
He glanced once more at the empty platform, then turned and boarded the train.
The journey to Gremory territory passed quickly. Using the coordinates Rias had left, Tenra and his group teleported deep into the mountains, where Rias and her peerage were in the middle of rigorous training.
After days at the Sitri estate, Tenra had no plans to travel elsewhere. Until the match between Rias and Sona, he'd keep his own servants here for joint training.
—
"Ahh…"
In the villa's bedroom, Rias collapsed onto Tenra, breathless, eyes flashing with stubborn defeat.
No matter how many times she tried, she never managed to best Tenra in this.
"Tell me—besides sharing the White Dragon's power with Sona, what else did you two do?!"
Rias pinched Tenra's waist, voice sharp with suspicion.
"Alright, alright! I'll talk, just go easy on me!"
Grimacing, Tenra recounted everything that had happened with Sona—including the kiss.
Rias had braced herself, but hearing that Sona had initiated a kiss left her stunned.
"So even Sona's fallen…"
She muttered, a storm of emotions flickering across her face.
"Not quite fallen. She told me not to get any ideas."
Tenra's tone was half annoyed, half wistful.
"Hmph. Don't get cocky. Sona's pride is legendary—if she kissed you, she's already accepted you."
Rias shot him a glare, clearly annoyed by his smugness.
"Heh. Maybe you're right."
Tenra blinked, then laughed.
"Rias, what are you doing?"
He watched as she struggled to sit up, exhaustion etched on her face.
"I'm going to drain you dry!"
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