Unlike Rias, who relied on destructive power over brains, Sona - skilled in water magic - was the rational, tactical type.
Thus, she quickly discerned the implications behind this potential alliance.
'If that's the case, then my sister suddenly finding a lover and hastily arranging this alliance between the Underworld and the Hidden Management Department must be due to insufficient combat strength...'
This realisation made Sona glance at Luo Shu, barely concealing her astonishment.
Because if things were truly as she imagined, then in the eyes of the Four Great Satans, the combined forces of the Underworld and Luo Shu's faction would likely be on par with Ophis and Lilin.
Essentially, a powerful alliance against external threats?
Which meant her sister's romantic involvement carried heavy political undertones?
Realising this, Sona couldn't help but glance at Serafall, who was sitting beside her and desperately trying to lean closer. After a moment's hesitation, she allowed her to cling to her arm.
"Ara?"
Serafall, who had suddenly succeeded in embracing her little sister, blinked in surprise before happily snuggling up, even pressing her face against Sona's ear and taking a deep breath:
"Ah, long overdue replenishment of little sister essence."
"That's enough already..." Sona sighed helplessly at Serafall's antics.
In response, Serafall merely giggled foolishly before turning to Luo Shu:
"Luo Shu, Luo Shu, doesn't Sona look absolutely adorable right now~"
Hearing this, Rias and Akeno Himejima struggled to suppress their laughter.
Despite this being an alliance meeting, Serafall's behaviour completely shattered any semblance of seriousness - especially when paired with Sona's utterly done expression, which made it even harder for them to contain their amusement.
"Enough!!"
Any trace of pity Sona had felt for her sister vanished instantly as she forcefully pushed Serafall away, hurriedly straightening her clothes. She shot her sister a glare before awkwardly glancing at Luo Shu and Utaha Kasumigaoka.
The reason she looked at them specifically was that Rias and the others had long witnessed her embarrassing moments caused by her sister, and Sona had already given up on maintaining dignity around them.
But Utaha Kasumigaoka and Luo Shu were different, especially the latter, who might genuinely become her brother-in-law someday.
The mere thought of being paraded before Luo Shu daily like some prized possession by her sister filled Sona with suicidal despair.
Reading Sona's current thoughts, Utaha couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy:
"Truly pitiful in a certain sense."
Utaha could guess Serafall's intentions.
No doubt, after using the Divine Pantheon's reconnaissance abilities to confirm her sister was also a Familia candidate, Serafall was heavily hinting for Luo Shu to recruit her. At this rate, she might even try to push her Demigod Class onto Sona too.
Under such circumstances, Serafall would naturally go all out in her hints to Luo Shu about recruiting her sister.
Among those present, only fellow Familia member Utaha and Luo Shu himself, as the Familia's Chief God, could fully grasp this subtext.
In response to Serafall's enthusiastic recommendation, Luo Shu simply smiled and offered a compliment:
"Sona is indeed quite adorable. No wonder you're so fond of her, Serafall."
Serafall's eyes sparkled at this, recognising Luo Shu's implicit agreement, and immediately doubled down on her hints:
"If you feel that way too, Luo Shu, why don't you marry Sona as well!"
"Sister!!"
Sona immediately panicked upon hearing this. Why were they bringing up that nonsense again?
"If you called me here for something this pointless, I'm leaving."
Unlike the flustered Sona, Luo Shu remained completely unfazed as he said, "Let's forget about marriage proposals, but joining the Hidden Management Department is certainly possible."
"As for the Demon Class and corresponding cultivation resources, they can be allocated according to standard member privileges."
Hearing this, Serafall immediately changed her tune:
"In that case, it's fine if Luo Shu doesn't marry Sona~"
"Though it's such a pity my dear Sona wasn't chosen by Luo Shu-kun~ Waaahh~~"
At these words, Sona froze completely.
Although Serafall's latter half was just her usual playful antics, Sona couldn't ignore the implications of the first part.
Demon Class and cultivation resources... Anyone with half a brain would understand what those terms represented.
So, was her sister actually promoting her and securing benefits for her?
In the aristocratic society of Underworld demons, mutual recommendations among nobles were standard practice, so Sona immediately grasped Serafall's intentions.
Though deeply touched, Sona couldn't help thinking: Sister, couldn't you have recommended me in a more proper manner?!
As Sona stood there speechless, Rias and Akeno Himejima exchanged glances, while Koneko Toujou subtly tugged at Rias's sleeve.
Though the three didn't understand what Luo Shu meant by "Demon Class" and "cultivation resources," if even a Satan like Serafall was fighting for them, they must be incredibly valuable.
Perhaps Sirzechs had intentionally sent Rias to discuss the alliance precisely for these resources.
Realising this, Akeno calmly gave Rias a meaningful look.
Rias immediately understood, nodding slightly while patting Koneko's hand to indicate she'd try to uncover the truth about this "Demon Class."
Just as Rias began considering how to extract information from Luo Shu or Hidden Management Department members, Luo Shu suddenly spoke:
"Speaking of which, didn't Sirzechs send you here precisely to obtain more information about the Classes?"
Hearing this, Rias stiffened, shocked at being exposed while frantically trying to formulate a proper response.
Before she could devise a strategy, Luo Shu continued smiling:
"Since he's interested, let's settle this matter along with the alliance negotiations."
"Eh?" Rias blinked in confusion.
Seizing the moment, Serafall chimed in:
"Perfect! Rias and Sona can form a duo~"
"Oh! Let's include Rias's servants too for a four-person team! With me added, we'd have the classic Magical Girl quintet!!"
'No, please... not Magical Girls...'
Rias's expression nearly cracked at Serafall's suggestion.
Completely ignoring Rias's resistance, Serafall cheerfully added:
"Look how excited Rias is! She must be really looking forward to it~"
'No, I'm not looking forward to it at all! Stop making things up!'
Just as Rias tried to protest, she found herself suddenly unable to speak.
At that moment, Serafall—having magically silenced Rias—happily proposed: "To avoid long nights and many dreams—no, I mean to respond to Rias's expectations, let's just go ahead and sign the Familia contract now!!"
'You definitely said 'long nights and many dreams' just now, didn't you? That was absolutely a slip of the tongue, right?'
Rias, forcibly silenced, instantly froze.
'Elder brother far away in the Underworld, what kind of fiery pit have you pushed me into?!'
'Forced sales should have their limits!!'
Under Rias's numb gaze, Serafall produced the pre-prepared Familia contract and, with a mischievous grin, made the controlled girls press their fingerprints one by one.
As for Luo Shu, the biggest beneficiary behind the scenes, he remained silent and found the whole thing highly amusing.
He had thought persuading Rias would take some effort, but now it seemed Serafall had handled everything without him needing to lift a finger.
Thinking this, Luo Shu secretly gave Serafall a thumbs-up.
This kind of effortless victory—remember to bring me along next time!
I wholeheartedly approve!