The ride down the mountain was quiet and serene. The roar of the Ducati's engine was replaced by a low, rhythmic purr as Alexander navigated the winding roads. He felt Sona's grip loosen slightly and her head loll against his shoulder.
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: She's out. The mana transfer must have drained her more than I anticipated. Ciel, stabilize the wind resistance around us. I don't want a single gust of cold air to wake her up. She looks so peaceful like this... like she finally dropped the weight of the Sitri name for a moment.]
The Princess Carry and the Baby Doll
Upon reaching the Sitri estate, Alex dismounted with supernatural smoothness, keeping Sona balanced in his arms. He didn't wake her. Instead, he carried her in a perfect princess carry to the front door and gave a soft, rhythmic knock.
The door creaked open to reveal Tsubaki Shinra. She wasn't in her usual stiff school uniform, but a soft, silken nightgown that flowed around her frame.
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: Whoa... Tsubaki? She looks completely different without the glasses and the blazer. In that nightgown, she actually looks quite cute... almost like a fragile baby doll. It's a dangerous look for someone who's usually so stoic.]
Tsubaki's heart did a frantic somersault. She could hear his thoughts as clearly as a bell, and being called a "baby doll" by the man she admired made her face flush a deep, lovely pink.
"Alex... let me take her," Tsubaki whispered, reaching out. "I can carry her to her room."
Alex shook his head, his gaze softening as he looked down at the sleeping Sona. "I don't want to disturb her by shifting her around too much. Just show me the way, Tsubaki. I'll tuck her in."
Defeated by his gentleness, Tsubaki nodded and led him through the quiet, opulent halls. Alex placed Sona on her bed with the delicacy of someone handling fine crystal, pulling a thick black blanket over her.
A New Promise in the Hallway
As Alex turned to leave the room, he felt a small, hesitant tug on his shirt. He stopped and turned to find Tsubaki looking down at her feet, her fingers trembling as they held the fabric of his sleeve.
"What is it, Tsubaki?" he asked softly.
"Are you... are you free this week?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Yeah, I should be. Why?"
Tsubaki took a deep breath, finally looking up at him with eyes full of resolve. "Will you go on a date with me? Just... like you did with Kaichou?"
Alex didn't hesitate. He reached out and gently patted her head, a small, charming smile playing on his lips. "Gladly, my dear princess. Just let me know when."
Tsubaki Shinra: (Her heart practically singing) 'He called me his princess! Me!'
The Global Eavesdroppers:
Serafall: (Biting a pillow) "First the sister, now the Queen! Alex-chan is collecting the whole Sitri council! I'm next, I'm definitely next!"Rias Gremory:"Tsubaki too? The competition is getting out of hand. I need to move faster than Monday morning."
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: I think I just made her entire year. She's glowing. It's nice to see Tsubaki smile like that; she's usually too serious for her own good. Anyway, Ciel, let's head back. I need to prepare for Monday. If my instincts are right, the school is going to be a battlefield of jealous devils and a very desperate 'Protagonist.']
Alex vanished into the night on his Ducati, leaving a very happy Tsubaki leaning against the doorframe, watching his taillights disappear.